If satisfactory changes have not been made as a result of a moderate concern, or if the concern violates University policy, an elevated intervention is warranted.
In an elevated intervention, the student will meet with the Next Steps director or the director’s designee. The following procedures are followed for an elevated intervention, which are designed to provide a fair process and just findings. The Director may choose to consult with the Faculty Advisors, Peabody Administration, the Vice Provost & Dean of Students or the Dean’s designee, as well as any other applicable campus partner to determine the appropriate course of action.
If the behavior of a Next Steps student would constitute a potential violation of University policy, action plans will be reviewed and endorsed by the Vice Provost & Dean of Students or the Dean’s designee prior to being finalized. The University reserves the right to assume jurisdiction for resolving violations of university policy by participants in the Next Steps program.
When the alleged University policy violation falls under the jurisdiction of either the Equal Opportunity and Access Office or the Title IX Office, the Director will provide notice to the respective office to initiate appropriate procedures. Title IX and EOA procedures and policies supersede those found here when applicable. Except as otherwise directed by the Title IX Office, any Next Steps processes will continue independently of any Title IX action.
The basic procedures of the intervention are as follows:
- The Director will provide the student with written documentation of any concerns, including any previous Action Plans.
- A meeting with the Director will typically occur within three (3) days of the precipitating incident. The Director may adjust the timeline in order to investigate or consult with campus partners and may provide notice of the adjustment to the student. During the meeting with the Director, relevant information regarding the student's progress will be presented and discussed. The student will have an opportunity to share any additional information prior to an action plan being determined. The student may have an adviser that satisfies the definition found in the Student Handbook for Student Accountability Procedures. If the student has a conservator that covers educational concerns, that person may be present to support the student.
- If a student fails to meet with the Director, the Director may conclude the intervention in the student's absence.
- The Director will determine whether the student will remain in the classroom, career placement site, and/or on campus until the meeting occurs. If the student is not to come to campus during this period, the Director is responsible for communicating this to the student and the student’s parent or guardian.
- The findings of an intervention are reached on the basis of the information presented using a “preponderance of the evidence,” or more likely than not, standard.
- A letter will be provided at the conclusion of the intervention that summarizes the behavior for which the student was found responsible as well as the corrective actions and/or sanctions assigned to stop the behavior, prevent its reoccurrence, and address any harm caused (Action Plan).
- Corrective actions and/or sanctions include, but are not limited to, those found in the University’s Student Handbook.
- Removal from Next Steps could be temporary (suspension) or permanent (expulsion) depending upon the concerning behavior or violation.
- An Action Plan that includes a probationary period or removal from Next Steps for a semester or longer will be noted on the student’s Next Steps participant record and information will be provided to the Vice Provost & Dean of Students or Dean’s designee for inclusion on the student’s conduct record. Suspensions for less than a full or remainder of a semester (typically three-day suspensions) are not noted on the conduct record.
- A student’s family/parent/guardian will be sent copies of the Action Plan by the Director.
- A student may appeal the Action Plan to the Appellate Review Board as outlined in the Student Handbook. Next Steps will provide training to the Appellate Review Board prior to the hearing related to the Next Steps program of study and expectations of students.
- A written record of the Action Plan will be filed in the student’s records with Next Steps and with Student Accountability, Community Standards, and Academic Integrity when university policy is violated.