Admissions of Students with Criminal Histories
Missouri State University-West Plains (University) subscribes to an open admissions concept in order to provide full educational opportunities to prospective students. All applications shall include a question regarding an applicant’s prior disciplinary and criminal history. If a student responds affirmatively, the Judicial Review committee (as described in this policy) will review information provided by the applicant and may request additional information and a personal interview with the applicant prior to reaching an admissions decision. The University reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant, or admit with restrictions based upon this review. Failure to answer the question honestly and accurately can result in denial of admission, rescission of admission, suspension, or dismissal.
As used in this Policy, the Judicial Review committee will be comprised of West Plains’ faculty and Student Services staff as designated by the Vice Chancellor of Student Services. The University may set application deadlines in order to provide the Judicial Review committee sufficient time to review applications for admissions indicating criminal histories. Application deadline information will be indicated on the University’s admissions/application website.
The university has adopted a Non-Discrimination Policy Statement, and will not discriminate against any individual in the application of this Policy. The university maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Minority/Female/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, should be addressed to the Title IX Coordinator, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, titleix@missouristate.edu, 417-836-4252, or to the Office for Civil Rights. All other inquiries concerning the grievance procedure, Affirmative Action Plan, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines should be addressed to the Equal Opportunity Officer, Office for Institutional Equity and Compliance, Carrington Hall 205, Springfield, Missouri 65897, equity@missouristate.edu, 417-836-4252, or to the Office for Civil Rights.
Line of authority
Responsible administrator and office: Vice Chancellor of Student Services
Contact person in that office: Coordinator of Admissions
Chancellor Approval – October 8, 2019