DEAN OF STUDENTS ADMINISTRATIVE OPTIONS
In certain circumstances following an incident of serious misconduct by an individual or group, the
dean of students may impose a suspension, expulsion/dismissal, or other sanctions without a formal
hearing process. The dean of students may also take the following actions:
1. Interim Suspension –
When imposed, the student may be temporarily separated from the
College until such time as the incident is resolved before a hearing officer or hearing board, and
until a final decision including any appeal is issued. This interim action may be imposed if there is
any reason to believe that it is necessary
a. to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the Spelman College community;
b. to ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being;
c. if the student poses a threat of disruption of or interference with the normal operations of the college;
or
d. when a felonious act has been committed. The interim suspension may also include other losses of
privileges.
Examples of behavior that may lead to immediate suspension are, without limitation, physical
violence, sexual assault, disruption of the educational mission or civil living environment of the
College, larceny, severe damage to property, and possession and distribution of controlled
substances.
2. Medical Leave of Absence.
Spelman College offers Counseling & Disability Services and
Student Health Services to assist students with managing emotional and other health and
wellness needs. Students may sometimes be referred to off-campus facilities and service
providers to assist with managing health and wellness concerns. However, students who cannot
adequately be helped by the available facilities and/or refuse to accept recommended emotional
and/or medical treatment and whose resulting behavior renders them unable to effectively
function in the residential or College community, without harming themselves, others, or
disrupting the College community, may be required to separate from the College for a prescribed
period of time.
Boards & Committees
There are four (4) boards and committees that serve the Division of Student Affairs.
1. Community Standards Review Board –
The Community Standards Review Board will conduct
disciplinary hearings in referred cases. The Board will be composed of one student and faculty
and staff member(s) of the College community who are selected from a pool of trained and
experienced members of the Board. There will be no more than five members for each actual
hearing. A quorum consists of three (3) members.
2. Dean’s Hearing Board –
The Dean’s Hearing Board
is a minimum three-person hearing board
comprised of faculty and staff members. The Board will be composed of member(s) from the
College community who are selected from a pool of trained and experienced members of the
Board. There will be no more than five members for each actual hearing. A quorum consists of
three (3) members.
3. Community Standards Appeals Board –
The Community Standards Appeals Board will
convene to review written appeals of the Community Standards Review Board case outcome.
The Board will be composed of one student and faculty and staff member(s) of the College
community who are selected from a pool of trained and experienced members of the Board. A
quorum consists of three (3) members.
4. Policy and Procedures Committee –
The Policy and Procedures Committee is charged with
reviewing and making recommendations regarding the
Student Handbook
and Community
Standards and Code of Conduct. The Committee is selected by the dean of students and is
composed of members of the College community.
55
