By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
Although Rowan-Cabarrus Community College officials say the school has had ěvery few serious behavioral problems,î the college will be taking a look at the stateís decision to screen and deny admission to students who could be dangerous.
The State Board of Community Colleges voted Friday to allow schools the ability to bar students who they believe they are an ěarticulable, imminent and significant threat.î
Jeff Lowrance, RCCCís director of college relations, said President Dr. Carol Spalding will likely discuss the option with her cabinet during one of its upcoming weekly meetings.
ěOnce itís discussed and studied, if RCCC decided to implement a new policy, it would not take effect until this summer or next fall at the earliest,î he said.
Lowrance said the college has had ěno serious problems with students.î
ěNo one can recall a student ever being expelled,î he said. ěOccasionally a student is suspended for a semester but never sent home for good.î
Lowrance said students who have been suspended have typically violated the student code of conduct and ěwerenít necessarily a risk to others.î
ěThey may have misused college property, had an internet violation or been dishonest in their academic work,î he said. ěWe have very few serious behavioral problems.î
ěCommunity college students are often a little older and more mature and serious about their studies.î
Community colleges board member Stuart Fountain told the Associated Press the policy change is an attempt to balance safety with the open-door nature of the two-year schools.
Right now, many community colleges have no way of knowing in advance whether or not a student is a threat.
Lowrance said Rowan Cabarrusí current application ědoes not ask any questions that could lead to such risk assessments.î
Community colleges do not require a criminal background check or review of medical records for applicants.
ěOur current application asks about academic background, state residency, U.S. citizenship and the normal biographical information …î Lowrance said.
The new policy also says that boards of trustees must implement an appeals process for applicants who are denied admission.
Colleges that refuse admission will have to provide documentation showing detailed facts supporting the rationale for denying admission and the conditions upon which the applicant that is refused would be eligible to be admitted.
The policy change will also have to be approved by the Rules Review Commission. If approved, the earliest it could take affect is April 1.
The stateís 58 campuses already have the authority to suspend or expel students to protect others.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.