Student Conduct

1.  Will I automatically be suspended for a third alcohol violation?

No.  Due to the serious implications of a third alcohol violation, Active Disciplinary Suspension will be the first sanction considered. Suspension will not, however, be imposed automatically. Each student’s case will be considered individually, with attention being given to mitigating and aggravating factors including, but not limited to: prior and repeated violations, proximity of time between violation(s), violations while on active sanction. Should an Active University Suspension is imposed, the duration of the suspension would depend on the student's educational and disciplinary record. Conditions for re-admission will be imposed consistent with the student’s disciplinary history. A typical condition will include, but is not limited to, a follow-up reflection essay. The student’s parent(s)/guardian will be notified if the student is a dependant. Notice will be sent to the student’s academic dean and co-curricular advisor.

2.  Can I study abroad with a discipline file?

It depends.  According to the policies of the Office of International Programs "Applicants for overseas studies are required to be in good academic and disciplinary standing. Students who will be on active probation during the time of overseas studies are not eligible for study abroad during the period of probation. Students studying abroad are also required to abide by the Conditions of Participation while overseas".

3.  What sort of information is contained in my discipline file?

When a student is found responsible for violating a University regulation, either by a hearing board or administrative action, a disciplinary file is created. This file contains all the information pertinent to the disciplinary proceedings in which a student has been involved.

Each subsequent time a student is found responsible for violating a regulation, his/her record is used by an Administrator or Hearing Board in determining sanctions.

4.  Who has access to my discipline file?

Your discipline record is part of your educational record.  Without an educational need to know, no one has access to your record.  No one can not access your disciplinary records without your written permission.  Please remember when you sign a release (for internships, government jobs, law school, medical school), you are giving the Office of Student Conduct permission to release information regarding your disciplinary history at the University.  For more information on The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (F.E.R.P.A), please consult the University Bulletin .

5.  Can I be adjudicated for something that happens off campus?

When alleged violations of University regulations or local laws take place off campus and come to the University’s attention, the University reserves the right to take appropriate action when, in the judgment of University officials, the alleged conduct has a negative impact on the University community or the pursuit of its mission or the broader community in which we live.

6.  Do my parents have access to my discipline file?

Maybe. Under certain conditions, F.E.R.P.A. allows for parents/guardians access to a student's disciplinary record. The parent must prove to the University that the student is a financial dependent, and in these cases, parents/guardians may gain access to the student's disciplinary file.

Also, if the student request that an administrative fee (for Alcoholedu) or a disciplinary fine be charged to their student account, they must sign a waiver granting The Office of Student Conduct permission to discuss the charge and related case with their parent/guardian if they inquire about the charge.

7. Why am I blocked from participating in Senior Week?

You have outstanding discipline sanctions.  If you are a graduating senion and want to participate in Senior Week activities, you must have completed all outstanding sanctions.  Regardless of how old the sanctions are it is your responsibility to come to the office (with your GoCard) to find out if you have any outstanding sanctions.  Please be reminded that some sanctions may not be able to be completed during Senior Week.

8.  What happens to my discipline file when I graduate?

The records of any student contained in the disciplinary file shall be maintained by the Office of Student Conduct until the graduation of the student from the University, at which time it will be destroyed. An exception will be made to this policy, however, in the following circumstances:

• In the case where a student has been actively suspended, but returns to the University and completes his/her degree, the disciplinary file will be maintained for only 2 years after he/she graduates.

• In the case where the student either withdraws or is dismissed, the student's file will be maintained permanently. A notation will become a part of the student's academic record: "Withdrawn" for withdrawn students; “Disciplinary Suspension” for suspended students; or "Disciplinary Dismissal” for dismissed students.

9. When is my Dean notified of conduct matters?

Only serious conduct matters, in which the student is subject to a disciplinary sanction at the level of disciplinary probation, suspension or dismissal, is ever reported to the student’s academic dean and becomes part of the academic record.