Involuntary Leave
The Dean or designee may determine that it is necessary to place a student on an involuntary leave in a variety of circumstances, including when a student demonstrates behavior that poses a threat to health or safety, causes significant disruption to the Caltech community, for the personal safety or welfare of the student involved, as an interim measure, or as a result of a disciplinary action.
The Dean may impose an involuntary leave in appropriate circumstances, such as where a student's behavior: (1) has, or threatens to, cause significant property damage; (2) significantly disrupts the Caltech community; (3) presents a substantial risk of harm to self or others; (4) indicates the student is unable or unwilling to carry out self-care obligations; or (5) violates a Caltech policy or the honor system. An involuntary leave also may be imposed when that the student requires a level of care from the Institute community that exceeds the reasonable accommodations, resources and staffing that the Institute can reasonably be expected to provide for the student's well-being.
Review and Decision Process
In making an informed decision to place a student on involuntary leave in such circumstances, the Dean will conduct an individualized assessment and consider relevant information including information provided in a timely manner by the student. If the conduct has been the subject of an investigation under an Institute process or procedure, the Dean will consider the findings and conclusions reached in that process.
The Dean may consult with other Institute personnel, including but not limited to, security and residential life personnel, staff, faculty, and other individuals or departments. If appropriate and feasible, the Dean may seek cooperation and involvement of parents or guardians of the student.
Medical information, including medical information provided in a timely manner by the student, may be considered if the behavior is associated with a physical or mental condition. In appropriate cases, the Dean may consult with the director of Wellness Services, or designee, and/or require a physical or mental evaluation from a health professional if the Dean believes such an evaluation is necessary in order to make an informed decision. Students are expected, if necessary, to sign a release of information to facilitate discussions between Caltech and the health professional conducting the evaluation. The Dean will also consider whether relevant risk factors can be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level through reasonable accommodation.
Written Decision
The student will be advised in writing of the decision to impose an involuntary leave. The Dean may stipulate conditions that must be met before the student may return. An involuntary leave may be a permanent separation from the Institute (i.e. expulsion); for a specific duration or until certain conditions have been met. If the involuntary leave is not a permanent separation, the student will be advised of the length of the leave and/or any conditions for return.
Emergency Leave
If the Dean determines that a student's continued presence is likely to pose a substantial risk to the safety and well-being of the student or others, the Dean may place the student on an emergency interim leave before a final determination is made. The Dean will make reasonable attempts to meet with the student and consider relevant information, including in appropriate cases medical information provided by the student, before deciding on an emergency interim leave. An emergency interim leave will remain in effect until a final decision has been made.
Return from Leave
A student on involuntary leave will not be allowed to return until the Dean makes a fact-specific assessment of the circumstances, considers relevant risk factors, and concludes that the student does not pose a significant disruption to the functioning of the Institute community and/or does not pose a substantial risk to the health and safety of the student or others. The Dean will consider relevant information, including information provided by the student. In cases where a student has a physical or mental condition associated with the behavior triggering the leave, the Dean will also consider whether the relevant risks can be eliminated by a reasonable accommodation. The student will be notified in writing if the Dean determines that the student will not be permitted to return from a leave or will be permanently separated from the Institute.
Appeal
A decision by the Dean to place a student on involuntary leave may be appealed in writing within ten days to the vice president for student affairs (or designee). If the leave is imposed as a sanction resulting from a finding of responsibility under an Institute process any applicable limitations on grounds for appeal will apply.