The Dean of Students staff provides support, advocacy and resources to help maximize student success at KSU and beyond. The functions of the office include student rights and responsibilities, problem resolution, behavioral and crisis response, administrative emergency withdrawals, policy review and compliance, voter registration and education, civic learning and democratic engagement, emergency retention scholarship, student handbook, student activities and budget advisory committee (SABAC), Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges, and co-chairing the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) Education and Prevention Coalition.
Parent and Family Programs provides comprehensive orientation and on-going educational and social programming to the families of KSU students. This includes coordination of the KSU Parent and Family Association (PFA) membership program, print publication of the Parent Handbook along with a variety of electronic communications including monthly newsletters, and hosting large scale events including Parent and Family Weekend as well as other event opportunities for parents and families throughout the year.
Kennesaw State University seeks to foster a proactive climate of care that can only be achieved through cooperative input from the entire community. To that end, KSU has created a Behavioral Response Team (BRT) that takes a planned approach to identifying and assisting individuals who are distressed and/or exhibiting abnormal, threatening, or dangerous behavior. Through early identification, the team can connect individuals of concern with the resources they need to succeed and hopefully prevent crises. The BRT is a multidisciplinary team that meets regularly to assess and manage concerns that have been brought to the attention of the team. The team provides consultation to individuals and departments, outreach to the community, and coordinates a host of resources, such as the online "At Risk" training, to help better prepare faculty, staff, and students to assess and respond to individuals in crisis. The BRT is chaired by the Assistant Dean of Students for Behavioral Case Management, and includes representatives and consulting members from counseling and psychological services, health services, academic affairs, public safety, residence life, and student conduct and academic integrity, human resources, legal affairs, student disability services, and strategic safety and security. For more information visit: brt.kennesaw.edu.
Career Fairs and Events: Eight major career fairs are held each year: two general career fairs (one in each semester), two multi-day STEM fairs (one in each semester), an accounting career fair, a non-profit and government fair, a nursing and health sciences fair, and an education fair. The Department also offers a host of smaller events throughout the year that allow students to interface with employers in relevant areas.
The Cooperative Education and Internship programs offer students work experience relevant to their majors. Most employers want students with practical experience and often prefer to hire those who have worked with them and others through internships or co-ops.
Co-op classes are taken on a pass/fail basis only; thus the grade of "S" or "U" will be assigned. The internship grade structure depends on the academic department involved. Students should check with the Career Planning and Development for more information about these programs. Co-op and internship course credit may be used as general elective credits in most majors. Students should see their academic advisor for information regarding co-ops and Internships applicable to their major.
Participating in sports and recreation programs can be one of the most fun and memorable experiences at Kennesaw State. The programs provide an opportunity to compete at various levels, improve leadership skills, socialize, develop positive fitness practices, cultivate a connection to the university, explore the outdoors, and just have fun. The Department of Sports & Recreation is responsible for programming intramural sports, club sports, outdoor adventures, fitness classes, personnel training, aquatics, special events, and summer camps. Program schedules and facility hours are available at the beginning of each semester. Additionally, a semester program guide listing upcoming events provides students an opportunity to plan the activities they wish to participate in. Recreation facilities are available on both the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses with hours that allow convenient access to workout facilities or participation in a pick up game before, between, or after classes. Visit our website for more information about our programs and facilities: sportsrec.kennesaw.edu. Students need a valid KSU ID and a completed waiver/release form to begin participating.
In addition to the many activities, the Department of Sports & Recreation employs a number of students for various jobs. Student staff positions range from fitness floor attendants to sport officials. There are many benefits to working on campus, such as registering early for classes, keeping a parking space between classes and earning extra money while on campus.
Club Sports at Kennesaw State University are designed to provide opportunities for students of the university community to participate in a variety of sports and recreational activities. Club Sports are organized and conducted by students under the direction of the Department of Sports and Recreation. A Club Sport must be active and approved through the Club Sports office. Each club is formed by individuals with a common interest in a sport or activity that exists to promote and develop interest in that particular activity. Clubs may be instructional, recreational, competitive, or some combination thereof. Characterized by being student-initiated and student-managed, the basic structure of clubs allow members numerous opportunities for leadership and decision-making. The actual success and strength of each club is dependent on effective leadership of the officers and the degree of involvement of its club members.
Kennesaw State University currently has approximately 40 active clubs. New Clubs are regularly added based on current student interest and desire to facilitate the process. All participants in the Club Sport teams must be KSU students and maintain a MINIMUM 2.0 GPA and be in good academic standing. Club Sports offer students the opportunity to meet new people, stay fit, be involved at KSU and build lifelong friendships.
KSU Club Sports compete against other local and regional teams that might include the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Emory, Duke, Clemson, Alabama, Mercer, Auburn, Georgia Southern, University of Tennessee and many more. A club's participants must meet any financial obligations, including insurance and playing expenses.
Please visit: ksuclubsports.com to get additional information or contacts for individual teams.
"Life in Residence" is all about opportunities that you won't find anywhere else. Kennesaw State University Housing offers distinct communities staffed by University Housing personnel who provide student support services through social and educational programs, leadership development, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution. All on-campus residents have private bedrooms and two-thirds of our residents have private bathrooms. Our diverse communities - KSU Place, University Place, University Village, University Village Suites, Hornet Village Suites, Howell Hall, Austin Residence Complex, Commons Apartments, Courtyard Apartments, and Special Interest Houses - offer a variety of apartment- or suite-style floor plans with units that are fully furnished and with individual secure access. For more information visit: kennesaw.edu/housing, email: housing@kennesaw.edu, or call 470-578-4388.
The Department of Student Life: ksustudent.com provides an open, comfortable, engaging place that promotes student success and personal growth. The Department of Student Life exists to create well-rounded extracurricular life for students at Kennesaw State University. The department provides support for most of the programs and services funded with the student activity fee and strives to promote student involvement by informing students of the opportunities available to them. By encouraging students to be involved in student activities, the goal is for them to learn how to plan and execute activities and how to work cooperatively and collaboratively with other groups and constituencies on campus.
General services provided by the Department of Student Life include oversight of the Student Centers, operation and staffing of the Game Rooms, management of student activity budgets, reservations of campus space for registered student organizations (RSOs), campus Lost and Found, and support for over 300 RSOs. The Department of Student Life specifically oversees all RSOs, the Marietta Activities Council (MAC), the Kennesaw Activities Board (KAB), the Student Government Association (SGA), all spiritual and faith-based student organizations, and the student media outlets: Owl Radio, The Sentinel student newspaper, Sting feature Magazine, and Share Literary and Art Magazine.
Kennesaw State's RSOs are organized into several categories: academic & professional, applied academic competition teams, community service, cultural & global, faith based spiritual, fraternities and sororities, graduate, honor societies, military, performance & fine arts, political, pre-professional, publications & media, social action, and special interest. For a complete list, visit: ksuclubs.com. OwlLife: owllife.kennesaw.edu is our personalized Collegiate Link, a database that chronicles student organization profiles, membership rosters, budgets, and events, as well as other engagement opportunities from around campus. OwlLife will make it easy for clubs to recruit members and for students to join a group. All student clubs and organizations must be registered with updated information on OwlLife in order to be recognized. The majority of student organization communication will be through OwlLife, so ensure that you are checking the events, announcements, and opportunities posted often.
Kennesaw State University is home to 31 national fraternities and sororities, each of which fall under one of three umbrella Greek Councils: Interfraternity Council (IFC): Delta Tau Delta, Delta Chi, Kappa Alpha Order, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Nu, Sigma Pi, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Theta Chi; Panhellenic Conference (PH): Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Xi Delta, Delta Phi Epsilon, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Delta, Phi Mu, Zeta Tau Alpha; National PanHellenic Council (NPHC): Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; and the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC): Lambda Theta Alpha, Lambda Theta Phi, and Phi Iota Alpha. The OFSL also oversees two national honor societies for fraternity and sorority students: Order of Omega and Gamma Sigma Theta. For more information, please visit: http://greeklife.kennesaw.edu/.
KAB is a student organization that has responsibility for providing a wide variety of programming for the entire Kennesaw campus. Events include: Theme Weeks, KSU Day, Comedy/Musical Shows, Concerts, and other events throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://ksu-kab.wix.com/ksukab.
SGA is the "Voice of the Students" at KSU to the administration and the Board of Regents. SGA makes decisions and recommendations on any issue that affects students at KSU. SGA representatives serve on campus-wide committees and represent all academic colleges and various KSU student constituencies. SGA meetings are open to all KSU students. While most SGA positions are elected, the SGA president appoints some positions. All students are welcome to attend SGA meetings, which occur Wednesdays at 7 PM during fall and spring semesters. There are at least two SGA meetings held during summer semester. For those who are interested in being a part of the SGA and need more information, please visit: sga.kennesaw.edu.
Four student media organizations provide opportunities for students to write, edit, photograph, and create designs, web pages and radio broadcasts for experience, academic credit or for pay. The Sentinel, KSU's weekly newspaper, covers campus news, sports and student opinion. The Sting, KSU's feature magazine, captures student life through photos and stories. Share, the student literary and art magazine, provides a publishing outlet for the creative talents of KSU students. OWL Radio allows students to gain experience on and off the air with KSU's Internet streaming radio station. Experienced students are welcome as well as those who are willing to learn on the job. All students are welcome to explore KSU Student Media and get involved. For more information, please visit the website: studentmedia.kennesaw.edu.
The Department of Student Engagement supports the co-curricular student learning experience through a diverse array of offices, centers, programs, and student organizations. Adult and Commuter Student Affairs provides programs, services, and facilities, including the Center for Adult and Commuter Excellence, that support both the curricular and co-curricular experiences for commuter and adult students with the goal to enhance their academic success and support their retention and personal development. Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) serves as home to a vibrant array of functional areas (e.g., GLBTIQ Student Programs, International Student Programs, and Race, Culture and Ethnicity Student Programs) that support and advocate for traditionally underrepresented student populations at Kennesaw State University. MSA supports three diversity and inclusion student centers: Cultural Awareness Resource Center (CARC), GLBTIQ Student Center, and the Global Village. In addition, the Department of Student Engagement supports volunteer and service learning opportunities for students to engage in community service both on and off KSU's campus through Volunteerism and Service Learning.
Adult and Commuter Student Affairs supports and enhances the educational and developmental experiences of adult and commuter student learners. Innovative and quality services, programs, resources, and activities are offered in an effort to meet the need for integration of all aspects of the adult learner and commuter student. Supported by Adult and Commuter Student Affairs, the Center for Adult and Commuter Excellence (CACE) facilitates a sense of belonging and community for adult and commuter students. The CACE, which receives over 25,000 visits each academic year, is a multifaceted resource center for students. The facility features a computer lab, a networking area for group and individual study, a kitchenette, a 55 inch TV with cable and a free phone/fax for business purposes. Programming initiatives are designed to improve academic skills and increase student engagement in the form of adult learner orientations and seminars, award and recognition ceremonies, family fun days, and a graduation recognition ceremony. Services in the CACE include academic tutoring, precollege transition services, walk-in workshops, advising, mentorship, and financial supplement programs.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, and Questioning (GLBTIQ) Student Programs creates and executes programs and services aimed at increasing visibility and awareness of GLBTIQ issues and experiences; offers advisement on best practices for GLBTIQ student populations; and collaborates with campus partners to foster an inclusive and welcoming campus environment for GLBTIQ students at KSU. Key services and programs include the Safe Space Initiative, LGBTQ History Month, Rainbow Graduation, the Stonewall Housing Community, and the GLBTIQ Student Resource Center. The GLBTIQ Student Resource Center provides students with a safe space to establish and maintain community. The Resource Center functions as a visible hub connecting students with each other and additional programs and services available across campus. The Resource Center also boasts an extensive GLBTIQ library, computer lab, study space, and television for viewing representations of GLBTIQ identity in the media.
The mission of International Student Programs is to provide international students with leadership, advocacy, guidance, out-of-class support, and personalized assistance during their academic career at Kennesaw State University (KSU). International Student Programs exposes international students to social, intercultural contacts, and helpful resources at KSU and the United States as a whole. Through intentional assistance, services, and programs, students are aided in the achievement of their personal and academic goals. Programs and services include workshops and seminars, one-on-one cross-cultural advising, membership in the International Student Association, orientation programs, peer leader and mentorship program, tutoring services, immigration advising, and the Global Village.
The Global Village Resource Center creates out-of-class opportunities for American and international students to interact with one another in an environment that fosters global learning, social and interpersonal relationships, intercultural communication and awareness, and shared academic connections beyond the classroom. The Global Village provides a gathering place for internationally focused activities, tutoring, discussions, and exhibits. The Global Village also offers student computers, a resource library, study tables, kitchenette, satellite TV for cultural and international programs, and programming space for student events.
Multicultural Student Affairs serves as home to a vibrant array of functional areas that support and advocate for traditionally underrepresented student populations at Kennesaw State University. MSA fosters co-curricular programs that link diversity, multiculturalism, inclusion, intersectionality, and social justice to holistic student development and advance the vision of Kennesaw State University to "...empower the members and graduates of the university community to have the vision, ability, and courage to transform the future." Organized into three distinct functional areas, MSA provides direct support to GLBTIQ students, international students, and students of color through race, culture and ethnicity programs. MSA supports three diversity and inclusion student centers: Cultural Awareness Resource Center (CARC), GLBTIQ Student Center, and the Global Village. In addition, MSA provides services and support to students on both the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses and directly advises and provides administrative support to various registered student organizations that have missions directly linked to the unit (e.g., African American Student Association, International Student Association, Kennesaw Pride Alliance, etc.).
Race, Culture, and Ethnicity Student Programs provides support to and is an advocate for students of color and other historically underrepresented student populations. A functional unit within Multicultural Student Affairs, this area offers a variety of leadership and programming opportunities through student led-initiatives such as the Multicultural Programming Board and sponsors a number of programs, services and activities that focus on the academic, social, and career development of students of color. In addition, this area serves as home to KSU's African American Male Initiative (AAMI). The Cultural Awareness and Resource Center (CARC), located on the second floor of the Carmichael Student Center in Room 262, hosts tutorial services, a computer lab, social/meeting area, and media resources that serve a diverse cross-section of KSU students including African American, Latino/Latina, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indigenous, and Bi/Multi-Racial students.
Volunteerism and Service Learning is a campus based volunteer center matching KSU volunteers' interests with community needs. KSU students, faculty, staff and alumni who wish to volunteer can use our online system to help meet the needs of our community through volunteer service. VKSU partners with numerous agencies throughout the metro Atlanta area and offers various opportunities to get involved on and off campus.
Mission: To address student concerns regarding campus civility, student welfare, and other issues that may compromise a culture of belonging at KSU.
The Office of Student Advocacy provides impartial and informal services to assist currently enrolled students with resolving problems or concerns. Students can seek assistance from an Advocate at no cost. The Student Advocate can help by listening as a sounding board, assisting in examining resolution options, suggesting possible referrals, making informal inquiries, or otherwise reviewing matters received. The response of the Advocate is tailored to the dynamics of the situation and the student's concerns.
Student Success Services (SSS) is a comprehensive service center where students obtain help with educational, career, health, and personal concerns from a trained staff of counselors, specialists, dietitians, health educators, and advisors. Such assistance is intended to support Kennesaw State University's academic programs by offering relevant resources that contribute to personal development, enhance academic success, and facilitate career skills. Student Success Services: http://studentsuccess.kennesaw.edu/index.php or at 470-578-6600) includes Counseling and Psychological Services; Student Athlete Success Services; Center for Young Adult Addiction and Recovery; Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Prevention Coalition; Campus Awareness, Resource and Empowerment Center(CARE); Military and Veterans Services; Women's Resource and Interpersonal Violence Prevention Center; Student Disability Services and the Center for Health Promotion and Wellness.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) provides a wide range of services aimed at fostering the developmental and emotional well-being of KSU students. CPS provides individual and group counseling for personal, academic, and career-decision concerns. We provide psychiatric evaluation and treatment, as well as case management for students needing multiple services. Additionally, CPS staff educate the campus community about good mental health practices through participation in on-campus events and delivering workshops and classroom presentations.
CPS has offices on both campuses. On the Kennesaw Campus, students can call the office at: 470-578-6600 to make an appointment or stop by the office, which is located in Kennesaw Hall, room 2401. On the Marietta Campus, students can call the office at: 678-915-7391 to make an appointment or stop by the office, which is located in Suite 170 of the Student Center. Both offices also offer walk-in hours and additional information about all of our services can be found at: studentsuccess.kennesaw.edu/cps.
Student Disability Services provides program accessibility and reasonable accommodations for persons defined as disabled under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. In order to make arrangements for services, students must make an appointment with the Student Disability Services to develop an individual assistance plan. Certification of disability is required. Academic accommodations and services, testing accommodations, sign language interpreters, note taking assistance, audio recording, alternate format text materials, adaptive computer software, etc. Eligible students deliver Faculty Notification Letters to instructors identifying the accommodations approved by SDS. Students should notify SDS in writing within 2 business days of any disagreement between the student and the faculty member if agreed upon academic adjustments are not provided. Students taking courses online or at sites other than the main campus should contact the SDS office by phone or email: sds@kennesaw.edu to register and make arrangements. Accommodations and services at remote locations may require additional time to arrange, so please register early. Student Disability Services provides academic coaching for registered students. Additionally, students are encouraged to join ABLE, a student organization that promotes advocacy and awareness of disability issues.
Kennesaw State University participates in NCAA athletics, and sponsors 16 sports at the Division I level with over 400 student-athletes. The SASS staff is responsible for monitoring the academic progress of these student-athletes to ensure their academic eligibility to participate. Student-athletes receive assistance such as advising, study skills, tutoring, mentoring, orientation and registration. Through athletics, Life skills programming is offered as well as opportunities to volunteer for community service. SASS is located in Building #65 at the corner of Big Shanty and Campus Loop Road and can be reached at 470-578-2402 or emailed at: sass@kennesaw.edu.
The Center for Young Adult Addiction and Recovery (CYAAR) supports and encourages addiction recovery and wellness by providing programs and engaging in collaborative research and education.
The CYAAR helps students struggling with and recovering from addiction and provides education and intervention services for the entire campus. The CYAAR creates campus and community collaborations aimed at addiction education, young adult treatment and recovery research. The Collegiate Recovery Program and Community supports students in recovery from addiction by providing a peer based community, hosting recovery meetings, academic coaching and a safe and nurturing environment.
For more information please email us at: recovery@kennesaw.edu or call 470-578-2538. We are located in the University College Building, room 2403.
The mission of the Center for Health Promotion and Wellness is to improve the balance of the intellectual, emotional, physical, social, environmental, and spiritual development of our students through awareness and education.
Nutrition Services: Students can meet with a registered and licensed dietitian for an assessment of their current eating habits, challenges, lifestyle, medical conditions, and overall nutritional needs. Students receive expert advice for losing weight, gaining weight, help with an eating disorder, getting health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure under control, and others. Cooking demonstrations are also available for students to learn how to prepare easy, nutritious and budget-friendly meals on their own. Students will not only learn new recipes, but also basic culinary skills, healthy eating, and food safety tips.
Peer Health OWLs: Peer Health Outreach and Wellness Leaders (OWLs) are student volunteers who are trained and certified in developing, implementing, and evaluating fun interactive wellness programs for fellow students. Peer Health OWLs help make the campus healthier, safer, and more enjoyable. Students can earn three hours of course credit by enrolling in PHE 2900/Peer Health Education offered by the Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education and taught by the Center's Health Promotion Coordinator.
Fitness Assessments: Students can have a MicroFit computerized fitness evaluation for evaluating blood pressure, heart rate, weight, cardiovascular endurance, body composition, muscular strength, and flexibility. The computerized testing allows for pre and post-test comparisons.
Health Promotion Programs: Engaging programs are offered to meet the health needs of students including learn-over-lunches on a variety of health topics, health fair, health screenings, CPR and first aid classes, stress management, physical activity programs and fun walks, body image awareness week, national collegiate alcohol awareness week, sexual responsibility week, and HIV/AIDS awareness.
Educational Materials: A resource center is available that contains DVDs, books, journals, educational displays, and brochures on a variety of health and wellness topics.
Mission Statement: Engage the university community to make responsible and educated choices about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in support of the standards of the KSU community.
To develop and disseminate educational information for members of the campus community regarding alcohol, tobacco and other drug issues in a collegiate environment for the purpose of prevention of alcohol and tobacco abuse and other drug use.
The Campus Awareness, Resource & Empowerment (CARE) Center offers support to students who are dealing with homelessness or are at-risk of being homeless, food insecurity and/or students previously or currently in foster care.
The CARE Center provides both on and off campus resources, operates the campus food pantry, provides personal care items and assists in accessing temporary and/or permanent housing. Also the CARE Center collaborates with various KSU departments such as Admissions, Financial Aid, Residence Life, etc. in an effort to help students better navigate the KSU campus.
Kennesaw State's Military and Veteran Services is run by veterans for veterans and offers a one-stop shop that is easily accessible and widely available to service members, veterans, and dependents. Our goal is to empower our service members, veterans, and dependents with the tools necessary for achieving their academic goals. Through information sharing, referral services, and outreach programs, Military and Veteran Services strives to provide a supportive and educational environment that fosters student success and achievement. Whether you are a new or transferring student we will help guide you to the resources you need to make the most of your experience at KSU. This web site: studentsuccess.kennesaw.edu/veterans/ is your first stop for information for student veterans, and military dependents. We have two offices, one on the Kennesaw campus Rm 200, Willingham Hall (470-578-2970) and a site on the Marietta campus in the Joe Mack Wilson Student Center (470-578-3862).
The mission of the Women's Resource and Interpersonal Violence Prevention Center is to enhance academic performance and empower members of the KSU community to reach their full potential by striving to create an inclusive, supportive, and violence free campus environment.
Offer on and off campus resources to appropriately address the needs of students.
With relationships to both Student Success and University College; The Center for Student Leadership (CSL) merges both academics and real life experience, to offer leadership development to students and graduates of Kennesaw State University that identify, develop, and sustain leadership skills. The CSL focuses on providing students resources, training, and a variety of leadership programs that meet students at their point of interest to enhance their leadership abilities. The CSL functions under three dimensions of development: leadership programs, civic engagement, and scholarship and research. For more information visit: csl.kennesaw.edu.
The Kennesaw State University SCAI Department administers and supervises the procedures surrounding alleged infractions of the KSU Student Code of Conduct. The SCAI Department strives to assure fair and impartial considerations of misconduct charges against any KSU student through a system of campus hearing boards and other administrative procedures (hearing officers).
The SCAI structure includes hearing officers and hearing boards. Most hearing boards are composed of both faculty/staff and student members of the SCAI panel. Members of the boards are trained to hear complaints, arrive at fair and impartial conclusions and deliver clear and direct recommendations.
a commitment to uphold the SCAI Code of Ethics, attend training sessions, and volunteer to serve on hearing boards when available.
For more information, please visit the KSU SCAI Website at: scai.kennesaw.edu.
Please visit the EEO/Title website at kennesaw.edu/eeo for detailed information. You can also contact the EEO/Title IX Office with questions, by phone 678-797-2614 or email: eeo@kennesaw.edu.
This policy applies to any student who withdraws from the University for medical or psychological reasons. This policy and procedures are to be used to help transition a student to a safer and/or more conducive environment when remaining at the university is not in the best interests of the student or the university community. This policy encourages a student to withdraw voluntarily when medical conditions or psychological distress make a withdrawal necessary and seeks to ease that transition and potential eventual return to the university. In those times where encouragement to the student to withdraw voluntarily has not been successful, involuntary withdrawal under this policy may be implemented. A Dean of Students Hold will be placed on the account of any student who withdraws for medical or psychological reasons.
Students may voluntarily withdraw from the University for any reason prior to the Deadline to Withdraw Without Academic Penalty. The Dean of Students (or designee) may grant a medical withdrawal after the Deadline to Withdraw Without Academic Penalty has passed to students who are able to demonstrate medical or psychological reasons by clear and convincing evidence. Grade appeals for any reason and withdrawals for other forms of hardship (i.e., not related to physical or mental health) are addressed in a separate policy. Except under unusual circumstances, withdrawals for medical or psychological reasons must be made for all courses. An approved medical or psychological withdrawal will result in a grade of W for all courses and the procedures for tuition and fee reimbursement outlined in the KSU Catalog will be followed. Medical withdrawals will be granted for a specified period and return may be contingent on the satisfaction of certain conditions. A student withdrawal agreement will specify the reasons for and period of withdrawal, detail any conditions necessary for reinstatement, and provide that a hold will be placed on the student's registration status until the student is eligible for reinstatement.
If a student is behaving in a way that is threatening to the student or others, or that significantly interferes with the student's education or the rights of others, the Dean of Students (or designee) may initiate these procedures. The Dean of Students (or designee) shall determine, on a case-by-case basis, what is sufficiently threatening and/or disruptive to warrant invoking this procedure.
Continue in university pending further proceedings. The university may require that the student meet certain conditions regarding the student's behavior over a specified period of time if he/she is to remain enrolled. Such conditions here could include, for example, stopping classroom disruptiveness, or continuing only if the student avails him or herself of supportive services or accommodation arrangements. Failure to comply with the conditions, coupled with further disruptive behavior, may result in having additional conduct complaints added to any that were previously pending or deferred. At no point will the university engage in a behavioral contract or agreement with a student whose behaviors indicate harm or danger to themselves or any member of the community.
If there is sufficient disruptive or threatening behavior, or behaviors that are assaultive, suicidal, self-injurious or self-neglectful which present an imminent risk of injury to the student or others, the student may be suspended.
Standard for Interim Suspension: Interim suspension, under the Code of Conduct, may be imposed by the Dean of Students (or designee) when necessary to (a) protect the health and safety of a student or of the community, when investigating a conduct violation, (b) to allow time for a behavioral mental health assessment or evaluation, or (c) when a student fails to participate in the process. Interim suspension will be used for periods of time pending a hearing for a Code of Conduct violation or Involuntary Withdrawal.
whether the student has completed an evaluation, in accordance with the standards and procedures.
In the event that a student does not or is unable (e.g., incarcerated, hospitalized) to initiate a review, the Dean of Student Success (or designee) will conduct an administrative review of the available evidence within 5 days of the initiation of the suspension. The sole decisions to be made at the review are whether interim medical suspension should be continued or modified, and whether medical withdrawal should remain in consideration.
University may withdraw a student if it is determined, by a preponderance of the evidence (that it is more likely than not) that the student is engaging in or threatening to engage in behavior which (a) poses a substantial danger of causing imminent harm to the student, to others or to substantial property rights, or (b) renders the student unable to engage in basic required activities necessary to obtain an education (including, but not limited to, the inability to attend or complete academic courses or coursework; or, when considered with other facts, the inability to attend to the student's own basic, daily hygienic requirements) or (c) substantially impedes the lawful activities of others.
Behavior that poses or is likely to pose a substantial danger of causing imminent harm to the student or others (i.e., a direct threat) renders the student not otherwise qualified to continue his/her relationship with the University. A student who is not otherwise qualified to attend the University is not entitled to reasonable accommodations as a result of the disability.
Determining whether a student poses a direct threat requires an objective and individualized assessment and due process hearing. The assessment shall be based on a reasonable medical or mental health judgment, other relevant objective evidence and the totality of the circumstances. This standard also applies to hearings on the reinstatement of a student who has been withdrawn.
If a student has a disability that has been properly recognized by the University, and the student engaged in behavior that is deemed disruptive but not likely to lead to imminent harm, the University may provide reasonable accommodations in an effort to mediate the effects of the disability on the student's participation in University programs. The Dean of Students, in consultation with other professionals on and off campus, will develop an accommodation plan that affords the student a reasonable opportunity to continue at the University while supporting the need to maintain an academic environment that is orderly, civil, and conducive to learning.
If the student has been accused of a violation of the Conduct Code, but it appears that the student is not capable of understanding the nature or wrongfulness of the action, this medical withdrawal policy may be activated prior to issuance of a determination in the conduct process. If the student is ordered to be medically withdrawn from the university, or another action is taken under these provisions following a finding that the student's behavior was the result of a lack of capacity, such action terminates the pending conduct action. If the student is found not to be subject to medical withdrawal or other action under this section, conduct proceedings may be resumed.
Students referred or mandated for evaluation will be so informed in writing with personal and/or delivery via KSU student email, and will be given a copy of these standards and procedures. The evaluation must be completed within 5 business days from the date of the referral letter, unless an extension is granted by the office of the Dean of Students (or designee). A student who fails to complete the evaluation in accordance with these standards and procedures, or who fails to provide the evaluative results to the appropriate administrators, may be withdrawn on an interim basis, or referred for conduct action, or both.
If the medical evaluation or administrative assessment supports the need for medical withdrawal, a hearing will be scheduled before the Dean of Students (or designee) who may consult with appropriate medical or mental health professionals (e.g., representatives of the Student Health Center or Counseling & Psychological Services Center). The student will be informed via their KSU student email account, which is the official means of communication between the university and its students. The student will be given at least 2 business days prior to the hearing to independently review the psychological or psychiatric evaluation and any other evidence that will be presented in support of involuntary withdrawal. In addition, the student will be notified of who is expected to present information at the hearing, and is expected to notify the Dean of Students (or designee) in advance of any witnesses the student expects to bring. The student is entitled to call medical experts or other expert witnesses, and the university may do so as well. The student may consult with an advisor throughout this process, and the Dean of Students (or designee) has the discretion to permit an advisor to be present at the hearing. The role of the advisor is to advise rather than actively represent the student.
If the evaluation does not support medical withdrawal, the Dean of Students (or designee) will notify the student within 5 business days. If other action is pending, the appropriate individuals will be notified and will proceed with their actions. The student and the student's representatives may present information for or against involuntary medical withdrawal and will be given the opportunity to ask questions of others presenting information. The hearing will be conversational and non-adversarial; however the Dean of Students or other designated person in charge of the hearing will exercise active control over the proceeding, to include deciding who may present information. Formal rules of evidence will not apply. Anyone who disrupts the hearing may be excluded. A written decision will be rendered by the Dean of Students (or designee) within 5 business days, stating the reasons for its determination. The decision will be delivered via their KSU student email account. If the student is withdrawn, the notification will include information concerning when reapplication may be made, as well as specifying any conditions of reinstatement. The decision of the Dean of Students, or designee, is subject to appeal to the Vice President for Student Affairs. A recording of the proceeding will be kept.
A decision in favor of withdrawal can be appealed within 5 business days of receiving the written decision of withdrawal. The withdrawal takes effect immediately unless otherwise specified. Appeal requests must be in writing and will be delivered to the appeals officer, who is the Vice President for Student Affairs (or designee).
The Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) may support or change a decision and/or modify a withdrawal determination, making changes only if a compelling justification to do so exists. The appeal outcome will be communicated via the student's KSU email account and will typically be issued no more than 5 business days after the appeal is requested.
the student is no longer a direct threat.
In addition to the information that a student seeking reinstatement submits, the university may require the student to undergo an evaluation by a licensed physician or psychologist (LPC, LCSW, etc.) of the university's choosing. The results of such evaluation must be disclosed to appropriate university personnel.
In addition to any requirements set forth by the University for readmission under this policy, the general readmission policies and procedures of the university will be followed. A medical withdrawal is not considered a conduct action, though a prior medical withdrawal may be considered in subsequent conduct hearings involving the student.