I'd want a reference from his someone involved in his outside support,
or doctor. Doctors notes can be a tad brief and knocked out without
much thought. Asking for specifics can make them reflect a little more.
Under the H&S side of things, the University has a duty of care to other
students and staff - who have trade unions behind them and employment
law protecting them at work. A risk assessment should be carried out,
obtaining information detailing the specifics that you want to know,
which should include a discussion with the student concerned, who should
be made aware that the University's disaplinary process applies if rules
of behaviour are contravened and will be invoked if need be (but said in
a nice way). Offering Mentoring support so he has someone to touch base
with when needed, but you can't insist it be taken up.
Bryan Jones,
Manager, Disability Support Services
& North London Regional Access Centre,
Middlesex University
Tel: 020 8411 5366
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Turner, Paddy
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 5:06 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Any advice?
Hello all,
The situation is this:
A student with a mental health difficulty, taking medication, was asked
to leave the course as a result of violent and aggressive episodes
brought on by alcohol abuse and failing to take the medication. No-one
was physically hurt although many students were shaken up by the
episodes, one student left the course through fear as a result of these
behaviours and property was damaged.
The student has now requested to return to the course and has medical
evidence stating that s/he is fit to return, that s/he now understands
the consequences of failing to take the medication and of drinking to
excess.
The tutor responsible for re-admitting is, however, convinced that s/he
will be unable to refrain from further outbursts under the pressure of
the course and is extremely anxious for himself and for the other
students. In addition the course is studio-based meaning that students
are left unsupervised sometimes quite late into the evening.
Clearly, in theory this student should be given another chance, but
there are quite genuine concerns for the safety of others. My questions
are: Has anyone had a similar experience with an outcome that worked or
didn't work, and why? Can anyone suggest any support or fall-backs to
ensure the safety of the other students? Could the H&S Act be invoked
to prevent re-admission, do you think? Could conditions be placed on his
return, either limiting access or perhaps a suspended sentence as it
were, with regard to exclusion?
Any advice gratefully received on or off-list
Paddy
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