Policies & Procedures

Mandatory Assessment Policy  - 3C19

Introduction

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is committed to fostering a supportive and safe campus environment that prioritizes student well-being. This policy reflects the university’s dedication to providing timely intervention and resources to students who may be experiencing mental health challenges or substance-related concerns. By implementing these measures, SIUE aims to promote student safety, encourage early intervention, and ensure access to appropriate support services, empowering students to navigate challenges while maintaining their academic and personal success.

Suicide Incident Referrals

When Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) receives a credible report that a student has (1) threatened or attempted suicide, (2) engaged in efforts to prepare for a suicide attempt, or (3) has been psychiatrically hospitalized due to suicidal ideation, that student may be required to attend a minimum of four sessions of professional assessment.

Procedures

1. The responsible SIUE employee who becomes aware of the circumstances as described above must submit a Care and Concern Referral Form, including the student’s name and relevant details of the incident.
   • An exception to this requirement applies to campus mental health clinicians actively providing services to students. These clinicians are not required to submit a Suicide Incident Referral Form for their own clients.
2. The SIUE Suicide Response Team will conduct an individualized evaluation of the Care and Concern Referral form to determine whether a mandatory clinical assessment is warranted. The team consists of the Director of Counseling Services, Assistant Director of Counseling Services, and Director of Clinical Operations.
   • SIUE Suicide Response Team will notify the Dean of Students Office, which will manage communication and follow-up with the student.
3. If a mandatory clinical assessment is required, the Dean of Students Office will notify the student via their official SIUE email account. The notification will include:
   • Deadlines for compliance.
   • Consequences for noncompliance, which may include registration holds or other administrative actions.
   • Instructions for appealing the decision (see the Appeals section below).
4. If the student is not subject to mandatory assessment, the Dean of Students Office will contact the student via their official SIUE email account to provide information about relevant campus resources.

Alcohol and Other Drug Transport Referrals

The Dean of Students Office may mandate that a student complete an alcohol and other drug assessment if:

• The student becomes incapacitated as a result of alcohol or other drug use;
• Emergency medical personnel are summoned to transport the student to a hospital for emergency care; and
• The student is transported to the hospital or refuses recommended transportation by emergency medical personnel.

Procedures

1. The responsible SIUE employee who becomes aware of the circumstances as described above must notify the Dean of Students Office, including the student’s name and details of the incident. Law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, or other individuals may also submit reports regarding student emergency transportation or refusals.
   • An exception to this requirement applies to campus mental health clinicians actively providing services to students. These clinicians are not required to notify the Dean of Students Office for their own clients.
2. The Dean of Students Office will evaluate all reports received to determine whether the criteria for a mandatory assessment have been met.
   
   
3. If a mandatory assessment is required, the Dean of Students Office will notify the student via their official SIUE email account. The notification will include:
   • Deadlines for compliance.
   • Consequences for noncompliance, such as registration holds or other administrative actions.
   • Instructions for appealing the decision (see the Appeals section below).
4. In alignment with SIUE’s Medical Amnesty Policy, students who complete a mandatory alcohol and other drug assessment will not face disciplinary action for their personal substance use, except in exceptional circumstances outlined in the policy. See the Medical Amnesty Policy for additional information.

Appeals of Mandatory Assessments

Students may appeal a mandated assessment by submitting a written appeal within three calendar days of receiving the notification. The appeal must include:

• A clear explanation of why they believe the mandatory assessment was inappropriate or incorrectly applied to their situation.
• All relevant information and supporting documents that substantiate their appeal.

The written appeal should be directed to the Dean of Students (or their designee). The Dean of Students (or designee) will review the submitted information and may consult with relevant campus professionals to ensure a thorough evaluation.

The student will receive the decision via their official SIUE email account no later than five business days after confirmed receipt of their appeal. The decision of the Dean of Students (or designee) is final and not subject to further appeal.

Approved by Chancellor effective 3/31/25
This policy was issued on March 31, 2025.
Document Reference: 3C19
Origin: OC 3/31/25