Members of the University’s residential community are responsible for their own actions as well as for the actions of their guests. It is the expectation of the University community that each member of the community will respect all community members and their property. However, some members of the community may, either by error or intent, violate community standards. At these times it will be necessary to hold the community members responsible for their actions. It is the intent of the University to approach these violations from an educational perspective, when appropriate. However, other sanctions or requirements may be necessary to insure that the residential community continues to be a positive living and learning environment. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the policies and expectations the University community has for individual action.

Any resident who violates a policy faces the possibility of being charged with allegedly violating the Code of Student Conduct. When students are allegedly involved in incidents which occur in University residences and violate the Code of Student Conduct, they will be involved in the Residential Discipline Process.

1. Informal Disposition
The discipline meeting is the first step toward informal disposition. Informal disposition provides an opportunity for the student and the Residence Life staff member to quickly resolve the student’s alleged misconduct. Informal disposition of a disciplinary matter occurs when:

a. The student does not dispute the facts leading to the charge made by the residence staff. Therefore, a formal hearing or further proceeding may not be required.

b. Neither suspension nor expulsion is a possible sanction and the student wishes to resolve the case informally.

2. Formal Disposition
If the student disputes the investigative findings that a violation(s) has been committed or rejects an informal disposition, the case shall be resolved through the formal disposition procedures as follows:

a. Following a disciplinary meeting with a member of the Residence Life staff where a student has requested a Residential Discipline Committee (RDC) hearing, the student shall be contacted by the Assistant Dean of Students or designee, by phone or e-mail, to schedule a time to discuss the hearing process and receive additional hearing information.

b. A written “Notification of Alleged Violation(s) and Pending Discipline Hearing” shall be delivered in person, or sent to the student’s local address of record by mail return receipt requested.

c. The case is heard by the RDC. The RDC serves as a discipline body for the formal disposition option. Depending upon the nature of the misconduct, formal disposition may involve the presentation of witness testimony, the presentation of testimony by the accused resident and the questioning of all involved parties. RDC hearings are audio taped and the tape remains the property of the University.

d. The RDC forwards a recommendation regarding its findings along with recommended sanctions, if appropriate, to the Assistant Dean of Students. The Assistant Dean of Students reviews the tape recording of the hearing, the contents of the discipline file and the written Residential Discipline Committee recommendation and finalizes the decision, which is then forwarded in writing to the respondent.

1. The complainant and the respondent have the right to inspect before the hearing any documents which are to be submitted at the hearing.

2. The complainant and the respondent may bring witnesses to testify on their own behalf. The coordinator of the Residential Discipline Committee process must be provided with the names of all witnesses and their expected testimony no later than 24 hours prior to the Residential Discipline Committee hearing.

3. The respondent and the complainant may be accompanied by an adviser of their choice. An adviser is anyone who will provide the Respondent or the Complainant with support throughout the hearing. Advisers are not permitted to speak or to participate in the hearing.

4. The Respondent is under no obligation to make any statement(s) relevant to the charge(s) nor answer any questions relevant to the charge(s) and this cannot be used to the Respondent’s detriment.

If a student accepts responsibility for violations of the Code of Student Conduct, one or more of the following sanctions may be imposed:

1. Written Warning
A written warning is a formal and official recognition of misconduct with the condition that further violations of the Code of Student Conduct may result in more severe disciplinary action.

2. Residential Disciplinary Probation
Probationary status whereby any further violations of the Code of Student Conduct during a specified period of time may result in referral to the University-level of the student discipline process.

3. Discretionary Sanctions
Work assignments, service to the University or other related discretionary assignments. This may include service hours, educational service time or behavioral contracts.

4. Restitution
Compensation, within a specified period of time, for loss or damage. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.

5. Residence Hall Restriction and/or Loss of Privileges
Denial or restriction of certain privileges including but not limited to visitation privileges in one or more residence hall(s) for a defined period of time.

6. Residence Hall Suspension
Separation of the student from a living unit for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return.

7. Residence Hall Expulsion
Permanent separation of the student from residence units.

D. Appeals