Next Steps is a 4-year inclusive higher education program committed to providing students with intellectual disabilities an inclusive, transformational postsecondary education in academics, social and career development, and independent living, while honoring equality, compassion, and excellence in all endeavors.
Action plans created by the Next Steps program that address violations of University policy by participants must be endorsed by the Vice Provost and Dean of Students or designee. Action plans that include probation, suspension of a semester or more, or removal from the program create a reportable conduct record, which is maintained by Student Accountability, Community Standards, and Academic Integrity.
The Next Steps My College Promises and Vanderbilt Community Creed (Student Expectations) are reviewed when students enter the program. Students in the Next Steps program are expected to uphold all Student Expectations as well as university policies governing student behavior contained within the student handbook. At times, Next Steps team members remind students of their expectations by having them revisit their promises, letting them know specifically which expectation needs more attention.
When a concern is identified, the Next Steps team member identifying the incident will determine the severity and will follow the following procedures.