The University seeks to balance the health and safety of individual students with that of the broader campus community. When a student’s behavior suggests they may be experiencing significant distress, or when their actions raise concerns about their safety or the safety of others, the University may step in to provide support. If a student’s continued presence on campus or participation in University programs or activities presents a direct threat to their health, safety, or well-being, or to members of the Rockhurst community, the University may implement appropriate measures. Any such action will be guided by care, respect, and a commitment to connect the student with supportive resources while promoting the well-being of all involved.
Measures the University may employ include evaluations, team assessments, emergency removal, voluntary or involuntary withdrawal, and other interim measures as appropriate at the University’s discretion. Instances of conduct warranting intervention include but are not limited to the following:
- Causing physical harm to oneself and/or any member of the Rockhurst community, on or off University premises, at University-sponsored activities, and/or threatening such harm.
- Engaging, or threatening to engage, in behavior that poses an immediate danger to the life, health, welfare, safety or property of oneself and/or any member of the Rockhurst community.
- Engaging in behavior that disrupts or interferes with normal University operations or University-sponsored activities including, but not limited to, studying, teaching, University administration, security, fire, police or emergency services, or behavior that consumes an inordinate amount of Rockhurst employee time and/or resources.
When behavior raises significant health, safety, or welfare concerns, students and employees should report it to the Student Success Coach, Security, or the Dean of Students (and the Dean of the College for academic concerns). Reports may be submitted through the online Care Team form or by contacting Security. For immediate or after-hours concerns (after 4:30 p.m. weekdays, weekends, and holidays), call Security at 816-501-4010. Reports should be factual. Rockhurst will use a team-based, individualized assessment to evaluate the risk and determine appropriate measures. The University will seek voluntary cooperation first but may take involuntary action if necessary.
Individualized Assessment
The purpose of an assessment is to guide decisions about a student’s continued participation in Rockhurst programs and to evaluate any risk they may pose to themselves or the campus community. The University will conduct an individualized assessment based on reasonable judgment, current medical knowledge, and the best available objective evidence. This assessment will consider the nature, duration, and severity of the risk; the likelihood of harm; and whether reasonable policy modifications or auxiliary aids and services could mitigate the risk.
If a student is referred to a Student Success Coach (or designee) for behavior outlined in items 1–3, the student must meet with the designated Student Success Coach, who may involve Counseling Center or other appropriate staff. The University may also recommend a psychological evaluation by a licensed external mental health professional, as approved on a case-by-case basis.
The Student Success Coach will convene the University’s Care Team comprised of appropriate University officials. A student undergoing evaluation will be required to sign a release allowing the Care Team to access and discuss evaluation results with the treating provider as needed. The Care Team will meet with the student, and the student may at this time submit relevant documents or information. If the student declines to provide information or complete a recommended evaluation, the Care Team will proceed based on available information. The Care Team will assess any health, safety, or welfare concerns and determine whether risks can be managed through modifications, support measures, or accommodations.
The Care Team may require a Student Success Plan (an agreement between the University and student) that may include, but are not limited to, consultations and treatment with health care professionals, restrictions on participation in Rockhurst programs, etc. The student will be required to sign a statement authorizing the University to monitor compliance with the Student Success Plan and the conditions of the student’s continued participation in University programs and activities, including living in the residence halls and attending classes. If the Care Team determines the student poses a risk that cannot be mitigated, the student may be required to take a medical leave or voluntary/involuntary withdrawal.
Appeal
The Vice President for Mission & Ministry (or designee), upon written request from the student, will review any final decisions made by the Care Team. The request should be made within five (5) days of being notified of the Care Team’s decision. The Vice President for Mission & Ministry will complete the review within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the student’s request, if practical. The student waives this right to appeal if the student agrees with the conditions of the behavioral contract and/or agrees to voluntarily withdraw for a period of time. The decision of the Vice President for Mission & Ministry is final.
Return Requirements
Following a determination that an individual poses a risk necessitating a medical leave or voluntary or involuntary withdrawal, the University may require as a precondition to a student’s return that the student provide documentation from appropriate care providers that the student has taken steps to mitigate the previous behavioral concerns and is safe and healthy enough to return to a full or modified curricular and/or co-curricular engagement. The University may request records from the student and permission to speak to a treating professional. The records and information that will be requested and required are determined on a case-by-case basis depending on what information is necessary to determine whether the student is able to return and fulfill the fundamental requirements of curricular and co-curricular life.
Updated: April 2026