VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

Suspension

Suspension is defined as a temporary separation from the institution that is involuntary and is initiated by the Campus Dean for academic or behavioral reasons. The duration and terms of the suspension will be determined by the Campus Dean and may include requirements and/or recommendations set forth either by the Promotion Board, Honor Code Council, or the Professional and Ethical Standards Board. Once suspended, the student is no longer eligible to participate in the curriculum, including clinical activity. A student may not receive any additional financial aid during a suspension and must return and complete that aid term before receiving financial aid for the subsequent aid term. Academic Suspension Terms for academic suspensions are set forth by the Promotion Board and/or the Dean, generally as recommended by the Promotion Board or as a modification of those recommendations. Academic suspensions that exceed 180 days within a 12-month period will result in dismissal. The 12-month period begins on the first day of the student’s suspension. The dismissal may be temporary or permanent as determined by the Campus Dean. Academic suspensions that interrupt the medical curriculum require that curriculum be made up within an academic year or the student may be temporarily withdrawn or dismissed. The ability to return to the curriculum and the terms of that return are made by the Promotion Board and/or the Campus Dean. Disciplinary Suspension Terms for suspensions due to behavioral infractions are set forth from the recommendations made by the Professional and Ethical Standards Board, Honor Code Council, and/or the Campus Dean. Suspensions due to behavioral infractions that exceed 180 days within a 12-month period will result in dismissal. The 12-month period begins on the first day of the student’s suspension. The dismissal may be temporary or permanent as determined by the Campus Dean. With certain behavioral suspensions, additional conditions including ongoing medical or psychiatric treatment, or other requirements may be necessary in an attempt to remedy the misconduct and prevent its recurrence. If the terms set out under the suspension are not fulfilled, the student will be dismissed from VCOM without the ability to apply for re-admission. Emergency Mandatory Suspension The Campus Dean (or designee) has the authority to initiate mandatory temporary suspension for VCOM students. The reason for such suspensions includes, but is not limited to: (1) if the Campus Dean (or designee) determines that a student may constitute a threat to the welfare of fellow students and employees, or to the health of patients; (2) if the Campus Dean (or designee) determines that a student’s presence constitutes substantial disruption of the academic program for fellow students; and (3) if the Campus Dean (or designee) determines that a student is seen as a threat or disruption to employees performing their duties or to the workplace, or as a possible threat in Title IX accusation. Possible situations where such action may be necessary include, but are not limited to, the following: • Substance abuse (alcohol & other drugs); • Suspected or alleged illegal behavior (until evidence resolves or substantiates allegations);

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