Disciplinary Procedures

Alleged violations of the Code of Conduct are reviewed by the assistant dean of students who identifies those that may be in conflict with university policies & procedures.  Based on the level of the potential violation, either an administrative meeting or hearing will take place.  Violations that occur outside of the residential areas will be handled by a member of the public safety staff, and violations occurring within the residence halls will typically be handled by a member of the residence life staff.

Minor Violations
Students who could have been involved in a minor violation of university policy will meet with a residence director or public safety staff member in an administrative meeting.  These meetings are intended to be educational in nature.  These cases are typically less serious in nature and are used in instances where probation or suspension is not an option.

Major Violations
A major violation of university policy is defined as either a pattern of misconduct or a single incident which causes significant concern for the health of the community, the safety of its students or the impact on the community.  If the reported violation(s) is/are considered to have a major impact on the community, an administrative hearing will be conducted to determine if a violation has occurred.  If the alleged violation took place within the residence halls, a member of the residence life staff will facilitate the hearing.  If the alleged violation occurred outside, a member of the public safety staff will facilitate the hearing.

In situations where there may be several preliminary interviews needed with the student(s) involved and/or witnesses to the incident, this investigation will typically be coordinated by a residence director or designee.

If the result of an initial inquiry suggests that the appropriate sanction might include suspension from a program or from the university, or if a student is currently on probation, the case could be handled by the assistant dean of students for rights & responsibilities in a preliminary hearing.  During the preliminary hearing, students will be given a detailed description of their rights, and what the conduct process consists of.  If there is no disagreement of the facts, the hearing will conclude and the appropriate sanction will be imposed.  If there is a dispute of the facts, or if the assistant dean designates, the case will then be referred to the judicial board for adjudication.

Any form of violence is considered a major violation of university policy and may result in suspension or expulsion from the university. Hearings on allegations of serious violent acts will be conducted by the assistant dean of students or the judicial board.  A recent amendment to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act allows university officials to notify the victims of violent acts of the results of disciplinary proceedings concerning the accused. Such notification is required in cases of sexual assault.