1720-05-01-.11
Involuntary Medical Withdrawal Or Suspension
Cite as Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1720-05-01-.11
(1)
When a student is unable to effectively pursue his/her academic work, or when his/her
behavior is disruptive to the normal educational processes of the University, or constitutes a
threat to members of the University community, due to, among other things, alcohol use, drug
use, or a physical or mental incapacitating condition, he/she may be withdrawn or temporarily
suspended from the University as hereinafter provided.
(2)
Withdrawal. A student may be withdrawn from the University only after an evaluation of
his/her mental and physical condition by a panel of at least three (3) persons appointed by
the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. The student shall be notified of the reasons for the
evaluation and given an opportunity to present evidence to the committee. The committee’s
findings and recommendations shall be forwarded to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs,
who will notify the student in writing of his/her decision.
(3)
Temporary Suspension. Whenever a student, because of his/her mental or physical condition
constitutes a danger to persons or property, or when his/her behavior is disruptive to the
normal educational processes of the University, he/she may be suspended from the
University, for a reasonable period of time, by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. If the
University does not withdraw the student in accordance with procedures outlined above,
he/she may return to the University at the end of the suspension period.
(4)
Grades. When a student is withdrawn or temporarily suspended from the University, he/she
may be assigned a grade of “W” or “I,” whichever is deemed appropriate by the faculty
member involved.
(5)
Readmission.
(a)
A student who is involuntarily withdrawn under this rule may not be readmitted to the
University before the start of the next semester or without the approval of the Vice
Chancellor for Student Affairs. The student shall also meet all of the admission
requirements of the University and of the school or college in which he/she wishes to
be readmitted.
(b)
A student shall submit a written request for permission to reapply to the University with
the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs by October 1 for Spring enrollment, by February
1 for Summer enrollment, and by May 1 for Fall enrollment. The student’s written
request shall include an explanation of why the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
should allow the student to reapply and an explanation of the student’s plan to
transition successfully back into the academic community.
(c)
The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs may require the student to provide the panel of
individuals who recommended that the student be involuntarily withdrawn with proof
that the condition that caused the withdrawal is no longer present or that the condition
is under control through treatment such that the student does not present a direct
threat to the health or safety of him/herself or others and will not disrupt the normal
educational processes of the University. Proof may consist of a current medical or
mental health evaluation, demonstration of ongoing medical or mental health treatment,
and a plan for treatment upon readmission. The panel may request any other
information or documentation that it deems necessary. In exceptional circumstances,
the panel may request a second, independent opinion of a qualified medical or mental
health professional paid for by the University. In cases where the Vice Chancellor for
Student Affairs has imposed other conditions for readmission, it is the responsibility of
the student to provide documentation of compliance with those conditions.
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
CHAPTER 1720-05-01
(d)
The panel’s recommendation concerning reenrollment or readmission shall be provided
to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, who will notify the student in writing of his/her
decision. The decision of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs is final and may not be
appealed.