I have had to let a few students go in my career.
It’s a tragic moment that no one enjoys - on either side of the table.
I will not comment on why students were let go - that’s an HR matter.
I will comment on how to deliver the news - which most faculty are ill-equipped to do.
First, most faculty don’t know dismissal requires documentation of one or all of the following:
* poor performance in coursework
* failure to complete assigned work
* ethical misconduct
* unable to teach or become qualified to teach
* inability to complete the degree in a timely manner
Clear documentation means you have in electronic or paper form evidence of a student being informed of the problem, failure to address it, and acknowledgement the student knows they were informed & didn’t address the problem.
Absent evidence, the rules will protect students.
Even with documentation, you will need support from your faculty and dept chair.
Second, If you have the documentation & support, then you need to visit your college or uni’s graduate studies office.
The staff will have questions for you to address and suggestions for properly dismissing a student.
The staff will also have paperwork for you to complete, caution you not to dismiss students casually, & offer a quick, eye-opening preview of the process.
Third, you will most likely be asked to counsel the student voluntarily. More on this in a moment. But; it is something to think about how to do it.
Fourth. Having lined up documentation, support & learned the process, then schedule a meeting.
* Keep the invite clear
* Have a second person present
* Keep the meeting confidential
Fifth. At the meeting, keep it clinical. This is an HR matter, so keep it professional.
I find this guide helpful: https://lnkd.in/exVRVbPR
At the meeting,
* bring the policy
* inform them of the decision
* explain what the decision means
* explain their options, including a voluntary exit to industry or another program.
If they have questions, answer them. Give them the paperwork.
Students cry, deny, or argue. Sometimes, they are grateful.
Take care to encourage the student to consider their options.
Take care not to give false hope.
Take care to listen & be compassionate.
Sixth, document the meeting.
Write up notes & ask the extra person attending to confirm.
Email the dept chair the meeting happened.
Email the student to confirm the meeting happened, it’s themes and give a deadline or timeline for next steps.
Finally, be prepared for the worst.
Most students will voluntarily exit.
A rare student will appeal. That process can be brutal. If you have done points 1 to 6 properly, you will be ok.
Learning the rules, managing the meeting, & demonstrating compassion can make dismissing a student a little less painful for all.
Best of luck.
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