Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide Central Wyoming College (College) with the authority and outline the procedures with respect to both (1) self-initiated administrative withdrawal by a student in the event of certain extenuating circumstances, and (2) involuntary administrative withdrawal of a student from the College, initiated by the College, in certain extraordinary situations involving a student’s physical or mental health that may result in harm to the student or others.
Policy
Administrative Withdrawal Initiated by the Student
A student may request to be administratively withdrawn from the College for a specific term (all classes) or multiple terms in the event of a death of an immediate family member, severe illness, a call to active military duty, documented mental health reasons, or other documented extenuating circumstance(s). Such request must be submitted to the Registrar and reviewed and approved by the Vice President for Student Affairs. To initiate the approval process, a student must complete an Administrative Withdrawal Petition form. A student may petition for the current academic term or file a petition to retroactively withdraw from the College. With the petition, the student must present supporting documentation that demonstrates serious and compelling reasons justifying the withdrawal and describing the extenuating circumstances justifying its retroactive nature (if applicable). Poor academic performance alone, if that poor academic performance is not attributed to non-academic extenuating circumstances, is not a consideration for a retroactive administrative withdrawal. A student need not be currently enrolled at the College at the time the petition is submitted.
The Registrar will initially review the petition and will then forward the petition, along with the Registrar’s recommendation, to the Vice President for Student Affairs for a determination.
If administrative withdrawal is denied by the Vice President for Student Affairs, the student may appeal the decision to the President. Such decision shall be final.
Involuntary Administrative Withdrawal of a Student
As a general rule, the policies and procedures articulated in the Student Handbook are the preferred method for addressing student behavior. However, in certain instances, the College may administratively withdraw a student from a course or courses against a student’s wishes if such administrative withdrawal is in the best interest of the College and/or the student.
Such action may be taken by the College if it is determined, by credible and persuasive information, that the student is experiencing a physical or mental health disorder and as a result of the physical or mental health disorder the student behaves, or threatens to behave, in a manner which would:
- Pose a danger of causing harm to self or others; or
- Cause significant disruption to the academic or College-related activities of others; or
- Render the student unable to live independently in College owned housing or unable to provide for their own health and welfare; or
- Render the student unable to perform the essential functions of an educational program without requiring unreasonable modification of the program.
The Students of Concern Team will make a recommendation to the Vice President for Student Affairs regarding any involuntary withdrawal. The Vice President for Student Affairs will make the determination.
A student who is administratively withdrawn against his or her wishes may appeal the decision to the President. Such decision shall be final.
Other Provisions
When a student is administratively withdrawn from the College, either involuntarily or voluntarily, the student may receive a withdrawal without academic penalty (no failing grades will be assigned) from the current semester. A notation of “AW” (Administrative Withdrawal) will be assigned to the student’s class(es) and will not be computed in the student’s grade point average or completion rate.
When a student is administratively withdrawn from the College, either voluntarily or involuntarily, the student will not be entitled to a refund of tuition and fees. Additionally, if the student received financial assistance for the applicable class or term, those funds may need to be returned to the appropriate program based on the terms and conditions of the financial assistance award(s).
When a student is administratively withdrawn from the College, either voluntarily or involuntarily, the withdrawal will remain in effect until such time as the student formally requests to be reinstated to the College, and presents evidence that the issues that prompted the administrative withdrawal have been treated and will no longer jeopardize the health and safety of the student or the College community.
In considering an application for reinstatement following such withdrawal, the Vice President for Student Affairs or his or her designee may require the student applying for reinstatement to request documentation from his or her appropriate medical or mental health personnel in order to substantiate the student’s readiness to return to active study at the College. Upon reinstatement, as appropriate, the Vice President for Student Affairs or his or her designee may require the student to adhere to specific written conditions (e.g., compliance with medical/mental health treatment recommendations) that must be met for continued attendance at the College.
Interpretation of the Policy
Any questions regarding interpretations of this policy shall rest within the authority of the Vice President for Academic Affairs for final determination. Any reasonable deviation from these procedures as determined by the Vice President for Academic Affairs will not invalidate a decision unless significant prejudice to a student may result.