3341-2-51 Involuntary Withdrawal Policy

1. Policy Statement and Purpose

   Bowling Green State University is committed to the safety, health, and well-being of the campus community. When a student’s continued participation in university academic programs is impossible, impractical or creates an unreasonable risk of harm to themselves or others, involuntary withdrawal should be considered to allow the student the time to address any concerns or issues that led to the need for leave, with the possibility of returning when they are better able to achieve their educational goals.

2. Policy

   1. Facilitated Consideration of Voluntary Withdrawal
      1. The University recognizes that students may experience situations that significantly limit their ability to function successfully or safely in their role as students. Prior to beginning the Involuntary Withdrawal process, the Dean of Students (or their designee) should attempt to discuss alternative options with the student, including whether the student may consider voluntarily withdrawing from the university or taking a leave of absence. However, this shall not be a requirement, and the Dean of Students may, in their sole discretion, proceed directly under Section (B)(2) or (B)(3) of this policy.
      2. A student who decides to voluntarily withdraw from the University shall follow the procedures for withdrawal as identified in the Withdrawal from the University – Undergraduate policy (Policy 3341-3-64). Graduate students follow withdrawal procedures administered by the Office of Registration and Records. Graduate students may also consider a leave of absence, which is distinct from withdrawal as defined in the Leave of Absence policy (Policy 3341-3-15).
      3. For purposes of this policy, “withdrawal from the University” refers to a student’s withdrawal from all enrolled coursework for one or more academic terms and separation from the University for the applicable term(s). This policy does not govern withdrawal from individual courses or permanent withdrawal from an academic program.
   2. Involuntary Withdrawal Process

      1. The Dean of Students may involuntarily withdraw a student if any of the following circumstances exist:

         1. Student experiences situations that severely limit their ability to function successfully or safely in their role as students, including being unable or unwilling to carry out substantial self-care obligations.
         2. Current medical knowledge and/or the best available objective evidence provides that there is a significant risk to the student’s health or safety or the health or safety of others.
         3. Student poses an actual risk to their own safety not based on speculation, stereotypes, or generalizations, and the student does not want to voluntarily withdraw.
         4. Student’s behavior severely disrupts the university environment.

         Any member of the University community who has reason to believe that a student may meet any of the standards described above should contact the Dean of Students. In the event of an emergency contact University Police at 911.

      2. Before involuntarily withdrawing a student, the Dean of Students will initiate an individualized assessment of relevant and objective evidence. This assessment will be conducted by the committee of relevant campus partners which, depending on the circumstances, may include the Director of Accessibility Services, members of the Behavior Intervention Team, Student Care and Support Staff, University Police, Director of the Counseling Center, Academic Dean(s), Residence Life staff, and other individuals as may be appropriate in an individual matter (the “Committee”).
      3. The Committee shall provide the student written notice that involuntary withdrawal is being considered. The notice shall include the reasons why involuntary withdrawal is being considered, outline the student’s right to submit relevant information and documentation (including information from the student’s treatment or healthcare provider(s)), and provide information on how the student may request accommodations.
      4. The Committee shall review all relevant information and assess the nature, duration, and severity of the risk or disruption; the probability that the risk or disruption will actually occur; and whether reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or procedures will adequately mitigate the risk or disruption so as to eliminate the need for an involuntary withdrawal. The Committee may then make recommendations to the Dean of Students, including but not limited to:
         1. The student be involuntarily withdrawn, with or without a date established for re-enrollment. The Committee may also recommend conditions for readmission.
         2. Continued enrollment conditioned on compliance with specific actions or restrictions (i.e., compliance with treatment plan or removal from residence hall).
      5. After receiving the recommendation, the Dean of Students shall provide the student the opportunity to meet to discuss the reasons for the proposed withdrawal, discuss this policy and alternative options (i.e., voluntary withdrawal), and review the relevant information.
      6. The Dean of Students shall issue a written decision. If the student is involuntarily withdrawn and/or conditions are imposed on their enrollment, the Dean of Students shall outline the reason for their decision and inform the student of their right to appeal the decision.
      7. A student may appeal the Dean of Student’s decision, in writing, to the Senior Chief Community and Well-Being Officer within three (3) class days of the date the decision was emailed to the student and state the ground(s) for appeal which are limited to a procedural error, new evidence, or an error in the interpretation of evidence. The Senior Chief Community and Well-Being Officer (or their designee) will review the appeal and all relevant information, consult with relevant campus partners (including the Committee) and issue a written decision. The decision of the Senior Chief Community and Well-Being Officer is final.
   3. Interim Action
      1. Depending on the nature and severity of the circumstances, the Dean of Students, when they have reasonable cause to believe the student poses a threat to the safety and/or well-being of themselves or others, may impose an interim action while the individualized assessment is ongoing; if significant disruption to normal operations of the University may occur; and/or when otherwise provided by law.
      2. Interim actions may include, but are not limited to interim suspension; no contact directives(s); restriction from specific classes, campus facilities, activities, or locations; change of housing assignment; restrictions from entering certain institutional property; requirement to secure a psychological or other relevant evaluation; cease and desist mandates; restriction from facilitating or participating in designated campus activities; other measures designed to promote the safety or well-being of the parties and BGSU community, etc.
      3. A student may challenge an interim action in writing to the Dean of Students within three (3) class days of the imposition of the interim action
      4. Failure to comply with an interim action may result in a referral to the Office of the Dean of Students and/or the BGSU Police Department or additional interim actions including interim suspension.

3. Reenrollment after Involuntary Withdrawal

   1. A student who has been involuntarily withdrawn may request to return to the University within one year of their withdrawal, or the date identified in the Dean of Student’s decision, whichever is later. The request should be made, in writing, to the Dean of Students at least thirty calendar days prior to the start of the term the student intends to return to, in order to provide time to review the student’s request and determine eligibility for re-enrollment. The Dean of Students may require one or more of the following in determining whether to approve a request to return:
      1. Documentation from current, relevant healthcare providers supporting the student’s ability to return and be successful at the university.
      2. A statement from the student describing their current understanding of the factors that led to the need for the leave, and the insights the student has gained from treatment and time away; and how the student plans to ensure a successful return to the university.
      3. A meeting with the student to review the student's plan for maintaining health and safety while at the university, including recommendations for ongoing treatment, reasonable accommodations, and campus support options, when applicable.
      4. Agreement to an individually created ongoing plan for a successful return to the university, created in consultation with the student and pursuant to review of the information and materials listed above, as applicable.
   2. The Dean of Students shall consider all relevant information in the student’s request and issue a written decision. The Dean of Students may consult with university partners, including members of the Committee, prior to reaching a decision.
   3. If the student’s request is granted, the Dean of Students may establish specific requirements or conditions for reinstatement (e.g., consultation with the Counseling Center). The goal of such conditions is to prepare the student for a successful return to the University. Students who re-enroll must complete the standard process through the Office of Registration and Records. If after re-enrolling, the student fails to meet any of the requirements or violates the conditions for reinstatement, the student would be subject to withdrawal under Section B(2), or may be referred to the Office of the Dean of Students for a violation of the Code of Student Conduct.
   4. If the student’s request is denied, the written notice shall specify the reasons and outline the student’s right to appeal. A student may appeal the denial of their request, in writing, to the Senior Chief Community and Well-Being Officer within three (3) class days of the date the decision was received. The Senior Chief Community and Well-Being Officer, will review the appeal and all relevant information and issue a written decision. The decision of the Senior Chief Community and Well-Being Officer is final.

4. Effect of Involuntary Withdrawal

   Involuntary withdrawal is not meant to be punitive. It is used when alternative processes are not feasible in order to provide students the opportunity to address issues and concerns with as little impact on their educational programing as possible. The normal policies and procedures for grades for students who withdraw during an academic semester or term will apply to students who are involuntary withdrawn.

   BGSU will make reasonable efforts to refer the student to appropriate resources in order to minimize the effects of their withdrawal including to the Office of the Bursar regarding the financial effects of their withdrawal. International student who are present on a visa should contact International Programs and Partnerships.

Registered Date: June 24, 2026