Revisions Adopted by President’s Cabinet 10/17/17; updated 8/23/22; 7/29/24 AE
Approved by President’s Cabinet 5/28/13
I. Policy Scope
East Georgia State College (EGSC) considers the safety and welfare of its students, faculty, and staff a top priority. When a student engages in behavior that violates East Georgia’s rules of conduct, the behavior will be addressed as a disciplinary matter under the applicable Student Conduct Code. The Student Conduct Code defines prohibited conduct and outlines a process for conducting disciplinary proceedings.
This Interim Suspension Policy is intended to apply when a student’s observed conduct, actions and/or statements pose a serious and immediate danger or threat to persons or property. There may be situations when both this Interim Suspension Policy and the Student Conduct Code apply.
II. Criteria
An interim suspension should only occur where necessary to maintain safety and should be limited to those situations where the student respondent poses a serious and immediate danger or threat to persons or property. In making such assessment, EGSC will consider (1) the existence of a significant risk to the health or safety of the alleged victim or the campus community; (2) the nature, duration and severity of the risk; (3) the probability of potential injury; and (4) whether less restrictive means can be used to significantly mitigate the risk. In addition, per USG Policy, interim suspension may be implemented when the student is charged with or indicted for a felony or crime involving moral turpitude, pending disposition of the charges.
III. Definition
Interim Suspension is the immediate and temporary ban of the student from campus due to the serious and immediate danger the student poses to persons or property.
IV. Procedure
A. Review, Notification and Approval of USG System Director
Upon receipt of a report of student misconduct, the Title IX Coordinator or their designee will review the complaint to determine whether the allegations describe conduct in violation of EGSC policies or Student Conduct Code. If the allegation describes conduct in violation of EGSC policies or the Student Conduct Code, the Title IX Coordinator or their designee will initiate charges against the student.
When the Title IX Coordinator or their designee, based on a student’s conduct, actions or statements, has reasonable cause to believe that the student meets one or more of the criteria for interim suspension, he or she will initiate an assessment of the student’s ability to safely participate in the College’s program.
The Title IX Coordinator or their designee will promptly report all initial allegations of conduct that could lead to interim suspension and any allegations not initially identified but later discovered through the investigation, to the University System of Georgia System Director (USGSD). The USGSD will work with the Title IX Coordinator or their designee to determine if interim measures are needed, to assign an investigator and collaboratively supervise the investigation. The Title IX Coordinator or their designee is responsible for the enactment, enforcement, and management of the interim suspension of the student.
B. Initial Opportunity for Student Meeting
Before an interim suspension is issued, The Title IX Coordinator or their designee will make reasonable efforts to give the student the opportunity to be heard on whether his or her presence on campus poses a serious and immediate danger. This will consist of a meeting with the student to (1) review available information regarding the behavior and/or incidents which have caused concern, (2) provide the student with a copy of this Interim Suspension Policy and Procedure and discuss its contents with the student, and (3) provide the student with an opportunity to explain his/her behavior and whether his or her presence on campus poses a serious and immediate danger.
Following this meeting, if the assessment of the Title IX Coordinator or their designee is that the student cannot safely participate in the College’s programs, the Title IX Coordinator or their designee will proceed with interim suspension. When an interim suspension is issued, the terms of the suspension take effect immediately.
The Respondent shall receive notice of the interim suspension and the opportunity to respond to the interim suspension.
C. Challenge of Interim Suspension
Within three open campus days of receiving a challenge, either in writing or via EGSC email, to an interim suspension, EGSC will determine whether interim suspension should continue. Upon receipt of any challenge, the Title IX Coordinator or their designee will notify the Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs or designee and provide all relevant materials that were used in arriving at the interim suspension. This will be a review of the record only. The Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs or designee will notify both the Title IX Coordinator or their designee and the Respondent of the determination and the rationale of that determination.
