Office of Institutional Equity - Support Program for Returning Students (SPRS)

The Office of Institutional Equity’s Support Program for Returning Students (OIE-SPRS and interchangeably SPRS) is a process designed to aid returning students (the participants) in a successful transition back into the Columbia community to help them rebuild a supportive environment and plan for academic success, ultimately to reduce isolation, recidivism, and shame.

SPRS is curated for students who return from suspension (terms as stated in sanction), or withdrawal, voluntary leave of absence, and/or other long term absence at the time an OIE Resolution process was initiated or underway. Ideally, students engage Case Management within one month of receiving a sanction letter, or approval of withdrawal/leave of absence. Participants do not have to be physically present to participate in SPRS, although physical presence is ideal.   

What to Expect:

Case Managers work to [re]establish relationships with the participants who were found responsible and sanctioned for a policy violation, or are working toward resolving allegations wherein there was an acknowledgement, based on mutuality and an agreement they are responsible for causing harm. The exact models may differ depending on the individual needs of the student, but the OIE-SPRS model prioritizes meetings with Case Managers and appropriate professionals involved, such as Academic Advisors, Advising Deans, Title IX Coordinator, and/or Title VI Coordinator, in an effort to help participants: 

  • Reflect on their acknowledgement of prohibited conduct and/or address a finding of responsibility for prohibited conduct
  • Positively reflect on accountability and restoration of harm
  • Discuss/Review University Policies governing the University’s commitment to foster a learning, living, and working environment free from discrimination and discriminatory harassment
  • Establish goals for extracurricular opportunities
  • Prepare for the “Request for Reinstatement” process, in compliance with their Sanction Letter requirements (only required for suspended students)

Things to note about the program:

  • All students who received a Suspension sanction through a formal resolution process are required to participate in the program.
    • OIE-SPRS is not applicable to students who will not be returning to the University, such as those who have earned their degree or withdrawn from the University.
    • Failure to complete the OIE-SPRS requirements in a timely manner may result in further disciplinary action, or delay the re-enrollment process, as per OIE policy and the sanctioning decision letter. 
  • Meetings will take place during the participant's time away as well as upon their return to the University.