Are you kidding???

[dcteas17]

This shit is really scary.  From the GW Hatchet:
Student suspended following depression treatment sues University; case provides look into endangering behavior policy
Brandon Butler and Ryan Holeywell

A former GW student has filed suit against the University, GW Hospital and eight campus administrators because he was suspended from classes,

Comments

[liberalnun]

That is fucking unbelievable. The funny thing is, it seems Jordan Nott did everything right - he sought treatment, and when he was afraid that he might be a danger to himself, he took steps to prevent it. Considering he was rational enough to check himself into the hospital, I really don't think he was in an "emergency situation."

[koraelus]

I'm sorry to break this too you, but William and Mary absolutely 100% has a policy exactly like this... a little worse actually. I can name at least three people I know personally, as well as many more people I have heard about second hand who have fallen victim to this policy at William and Mary.

Sadly, I am glad to have read this article. One of my major concerns was that perhaps William and Mary was distinctly unique in its abuse of students.

It is really interesting that you happened to post this article at a time when I am feeling more zealous than ever in what has become a personal crusade to make WM's policy abuses widely known on campus.

Talk about fate.

[faerydae]

most of WM's policies concerning depressed students are pretty sucky. the wording on all the forms are purposely vague to allow the Medical Review Committee to be subjective.
in a meeting with Dean Volp i was told that despite any unique circumstances all students who medically withdraw from the College must have 4 to 6 months of talk therapy even if the student's current doctor and therapist do not think it is necessary. She explained the reason for this was that if a student were to return to classes and have another depressive episode the College would have wasted its time, energy, and money.

i also find it interesting that the college does not offer any seperate workshops for students who are on acedemic probation because of depression. rather than offering advice that would help, you get to listen to a dean tell you that you're lazy and unorganized.

dude, andrew, why didn't you tell me you had an lj? also, i will join your crusade. i'll make the buttons!

[icey]

Wow. I'm actually here a G-dubb right. :O

[ajphctp46]

that's so fucked up. I can't believe that they not only released his private consultation to the administration, but that they then suspended him for trying to help himself. I can't believe any school would treat their students that way, especially given the stressful environment college can be.

[dcteas17]

It really is shocking. Part of the reason they can release that information is behind ensuring that things are done properly for that student. For instance, releasing some of the information to the school in the event of imminent danger to the student would allow him to receive proper treatment, notify his parents (if that is desired by the student), evaluate any risk to the community, and make things easier for the student (i.e., make notifications that the student will be excused from assignments and requirements temporarily). The problem is when the policy is abused, as it clearly was at GWU. I wrote a lengthy email to the Office of Student Affairs (VP Sadler, Dean Volp, AVP Ambler, and Director of the Counseling Center Crace). I actually received a very sincere response from Dr. Crace this morning explaining a lot of the policy and thoughts at W&M, and she's actually requested a meeting at which she'd like to further discuss how things work at W&M, my concerns, incorrect perceptions about W&M's program, and places where the

[koraelus]

Please share whatever you learn. The medical protocols aren't published in the handbook (except to say they retain the right to sanction you) and you have to request them from the Dean of Students - and they aren't always provided in full even then