Campus Safety‘s article titled, “You’ve Suspended a Potential Aggressor . . . Now What?” covers a plethora of information on how to address at-risk individuals who have been suspended from campus.
Sometimes, it can be difficult for campus administrators and threat assessment teams to determine whether or not a student should be removed from an institution. It is important for staff and faculty to understand that students cannot be removed from class or barred from campus just because their behavior is “weird,” “concerning” or “alarming.” However, if the student poses a direct threat to others, the college should and can take immediate action.
Listed below are a few questions that campus administrators should consider when making such a weighty decision:
1. Is the student a possible threat to the health, safety and welfare of himself and/or others on campus?
2. Could the student benefit from psychological, physical and emotional health services?
3. Does the student have a history of disciplinary problems?
4. Does the allegation/report include a physical or verbal altercation with another student or a member of the college faculty or staff?
5. Has the student taken responsibility for their conduct?
6. Has the student participated in or is currently seeking outside help/counseling?
7. Given the situation, is there adequate time for a thorough assessment/review by the team?
Katie Johnson manages marketing and client support for Awareity. For more information, visit www.awareity.com.
