Working Group Report on the Interface between Virginia Tech Counseling Services, Academic Affairs, Judicial Affairs and Legal Systems

In response to the tragic events of April 16, 2007, Virginia Tech President Charles Steger requested an internal review conducted by a working group to examine the interface between the university’s student counseling services, academic affairs, judicial affairs and the legal system. The Working Group was charged with examining “...the existing systems and the interface between them; determining what constraints legal and otherwise hamper effective interaction among these areas.” The Group consisted of 17 key personnel from the units in the overall system and focused its attention on examining Virginia Tech’s capacity and efficacy in identifying, responding to and supporting at-risk students. The Group conducted its work through five methods: (1) full committee discussions (2) one-on-one interviews between the Chair of the Working Group and individual personnel (3) participation in a symposium with six national experts (4) analysis and review of relevant educational policies and proceduresat Virginia Tech and other educational institutions, and (5) analysis and review of relevant state and federal documents.