Student Handbook 2021-22 | Page 59

C .
Fines Community members in violation of the University posting policy will receive a written ( e-mail ) warning . Individuals or organizations will be required to pay a $ 50.00 fine to the Office for Student Engagement after three warnings in an academic year . If a violation causes damage , the individual or organization may be required to pay for the repair in addition to the fine . Failure to pay a fine may result in denial of future postings .
Required Leave of Absence Policy
1 . Gwynedd Mercy University reserves the right to require a leave of absence for health or safety reasons . The following process will be applied in a nondiscriminatory manner , and each case will be evaluated on an individual basis . The Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students , based on reports of student behavior as observed by members of the University community , can require a student to undergo a diagnostic evaluation by an approved professional designated by the University . In keeping with the results of their evaluation , the designated professional and the Director of the Counseling Services or the Director of Health and Wellness may recommend a required leave of absence for health or safety reasons at any time if it is determined that a student is no longer able to attend classes and / or engage with the University community .
2 . A leave of absence for health or safety reasons may be required if any of the following situations arise : a . A student engages in any behavior that threatens or could cause bodily harm to self or others . b .
c .
e .
A student acts or threatens to act in a manner that would interfere with or disrupt the normal activities of self or others and it is considered that these acts may be the product of psychological disorder .
A student refuses or is unable to cooperate with a recommended evaluation of treatment procedure and is thought to be in danger of significant physical or psychological deterioration .
A student is thought to need treatment services that are beyond those available at the University , and there is the danger of significant further physical or psychological impairment .
f . A student engages or threatens to engage in behavior that causes or would cause significant property damage .
3 . Upon recommendation of the University-designated treating professional and / or the Director of the Counseling Center or Director of Health and Wellness , the Vice President for Student Service and Dean of Students makes the final decision regarding approval of a required leave of absence for health reasons . If a reasonable accommodation can be made that would allow the student to remain enrolled , the University will make a reasonable attempt to provide that accommodation . The Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students reviews the recommendation to ensure that procedures set forth in these guidelines were followed to protect the student ’ s rights . The Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students is responsible for notification to the Office of Academic Affairs . The nature of the situation may require the decision to be prompt and informal . The student will be given oral notification of the decision immediately and written notification within seventy-two hours . If a dependent student is required to leave , a parent or guardian will also be notified .
4 . The student has the right upon request to meet with the University-designated medical or mental health professional and / or directors of Counseling or Health and Wellness The purpose of this meeting would be to discuss the factual basis of the incident or incidents related to Section Two .
5 . The student has the right , upon request , to appeal to the Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students for an independent review / evaluation and recommendation by a mutually acceptable physician , psychologist or psychiatrist . The student may initiate an appeal , in writing , any time within seventy-two hours of the oral notification of the decision . The Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students will decide if the appeal will temporarily delay the implementation of the required leave of absence .
6 . The student may request a voluntary leave of absence for health reasons in place of a required leave of absence for health reasons within thirty days of the written notification of the decision .
7 . When a student is given a required leave of absence during the course of a semester , grades will reflect a “ W ” unless the leave occurs before the end of the course drop / add period . Refunds for tuition , adjustments to financial aid , and refunds to financial aid programs will be made in accordance with Federal , State , and University policy as described in the University Catalog .
8 . When a student on required leave of absence is ready to return to Gwynedd Mercy University , they notify the Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students , in writing , of their intent . Such notification requires an accompanying written statement from the treating professional or Director of the Counseling Center and / or Director of Health and Wellness , or both , validating that the student is ready to resume studies at the University . The University physician or Director of the Counseling Center or Director of Health and Wellness may make recommendations to the Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students regarding conditions of return . The student will receive written notification of these conditions .
9 . If the student does not return to the University after two consecutive semesters ( fall and spring semester ), the student will be considered withdrawn per University policy .

Safety and Security

Community members are advised to take all necessary means to protect self and property from injury . Prudent care of personal items and mutual concern for one another are encouraged . The entire community shares in maintaining a safe environment
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