At any time, Missouri State University - West Plains’ ("University") Office of Residence Life ("Office") reserves the right to deny University Housing occupancy to students if, in the reasonable discretion of the Office:
- the student’s behavior (including but not limited to a student’s conduct record) has a detrimental effect on the University Housing community environment, or the student’s prior University Housing occupancy evidenced a detrimental effect on the University Housing community; or
- the student’s criminal record prohibits occupancy in a facility in close proximity to minors, or otherwise jeopardizes the safety or security of other University Housing Residents. NOTE: The Office reserves the right to deny a student University Housing under this policy due to a criminal history, even if the student has been admitted to the University under through the Applicants for Admission with Criminal Backgrounds and Suspensions/Dismissals, notwithstanding that same criminal history.
For purposes of this policy, University Housing means Grizzly Lofts or other university assigned housing.
If the Office seeks to exercise its right to denying University Housing occupancy to a student as set forth above, then the Office will notify the student of its denial in writing. Such notice will include a brief description as to why the Office has denied University Housing occupancy and the intended period of denial (e.g. permanent, academic year, or semester).
Students will be directed to the Director of Student Life Office to appeal the Office’s decision to deny University Housing within five (5) business days of receiving the Office’s written notice. Students will have the opportunity to discuss their behavior with members of the University Housing community the circumstances surrounding the Office’s denial of University Housing.
The Director of Student Life may, at their sole discretion, choose to reinstate the student to University Housing. Factors that will be considered by the Director of Student Life in considering reinstatement include, but are not limited to: the egregiousness of the student’s behavior/record, the impact of the student’s behavior/record on the University Housing community and University community, the veracity of the student, and any other legally permissible factor deemed relevant to the Director of Student Life.
The Director of Student Life will notify the student in writing within five (5) business days of the discussion with the student the Director of Student Life’s decision as to whether or not the student will be admitted in University Housing.
Students denied reinstatement by the Director of Student Life may, within five (5) business days of receiving notice of such denial, appeal this decision to the Vice Chancellor of Student Services. The Vice Chancellor of Student Services will consider the initial notification prepared by the Office, documents reviewed by the Director of Student Life, and the notification provided by the Director of Student Life in their review. The determination of the Vice Chancellor of Student Services is final.
A student who has previously executed a University Housing contract and is subsequently denied housing pursuant to this policy will be granted a contract cancellation by the Office and will be provided a prorated portion of any funds provided to the Office for University Housing.
This policy is not intended to replace any current student conduct investigation, proceeding, or consequence pursuant to the University’s Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (“Code”). Any decision arising out of this Policy will be separate and in addition to any charge and or consequence arising out of the Code.
Any decision to deny University Housing will be maintained pursuant to Office’s records retention policy but will not be made a permanent part of the Student’s record.
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: Director of Residence Life
Chancellor Approval – October 8, 2019