Implementation of Policies Addressing the Needs of Potentially Suicidal Students
Approved: June 13, 2008; Revised June 12, 2014; Revised December 9, 2022
Scheduled Review Date: December 2027
WHEREAS, Virginia Code § 23,1-802 requires the governing boards of each public institution of higher education to develop and implement policies that advise students, faculty, and staff, including residence hall staff, of the proper procedures for identifying and addressing the needs of students exhibiting suicidal tendencies or behavior; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Code § 23,1-802 prohibits each institution from establishing policies that penalize or expel any student solely for attempting to commit suicide or seeking mental health treatment for suicidal thoughts or behaviors; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Code § 23,1-802 permits each institution to establish policies and procedures for appropriately dealing with students who are a danger to themselves, or to others, and whose behavior is disruptive to the academic community;
RESOLVED, the Board of Visitors of the Old Dominion University approves the following to comply with Virginia Code § 23,1-802; specifically:
- The University's Office of Counseling Services shall continue to educate the University community, including Residence Life staff, regarding the manifestations of depression and risk of suicide; and
- The University's Office of Counseling Services shall continue its comprehensive clinical assessment and treatment of students at risk of suicide; and
- The University's Office of Counseling Services shall continue its professional education of its own staff and mental health trainees regarding the assessment and treatment of students at high risk of suicide; and
RESOLVED FURTHER, the Board approves the foregoing being subject at all times to the ongoing authority and responsibility of the University's Vice President for Student Engagement and Enrollment Services or officer designated by the Vice President to authorize any such improvements or revisions as may be desirable or necessary and in the best interests of the University and to report any material improvements or revisions to the Board of Visitors at its next scheduled meeting.