Types of Discipline
SUSPENSION Depending on the situation, the disciplinary action may be an off-campus suspension or an on-campus suspension of varied length. Off-campus suspension means a student must vacate the campus for the duration of the suspension, using that time to reflect on the circumstances surrounding their particular violation and recommit to the College’s policies and mission. Some off-campus suspensions prohibit class attendance and/or other campus functions. In these cases, the student receives an unexcused absence for the duration of the suspension and missed exams/assignments may not be made up. An on-campus suspension includes parameters, such as having to be in the residence hall room when not in class, and not being allowed to participate in student activities. Other stipulations may be delineated in each case depending on the situation and the student.
LOSS OF SCHOLARSHIP Students with scholarships are bound by the details of the scholarship requirements and may lose an offered scholarship automatically when certain violations occur. Please see the scholarship agreement for specifics. The Dean of Students and the Vice President of Enrollment Services will collaboratively make all final decisions about loss of scholarship money.
FINES are often used for restitution, damages or as a penalty, but may also be used as a deterrent to any future violation.
WORK DETAIL is used as a means of discipline and may include working for the Fletcher Center Cafeteria, Maintenance Department, Housekeeping or the Grounds Department. Students who receive this type of discipline receive a number of hours they must complete and a deadline to complete their work. Students who fail to complete their discipline will receive further discipline, including suspension, loss of scholarship, or possible dismissal.
COUNSELING may be required (at student’s expense) in situations where a disciplined student would benefit from professional therapy. For on-campus resources, see the Counseling Services section.
A MENTOR ASSIGNMENT may be given to a disciplined student to aid him/her in accountability with social expectations.
COMMUNITY SERVICE is also used as a learning opportunity for students who violate college expectations. Similar to work detail, they will be assigned hours and a deadline to complete the community service.
READING AND WRITING ASSIGNMENTS are also used for violators of the student code of conduct. This gives students the opportunity to reflect on their choices and the consequences of their actions.
DISMISSAL is only used when the violation is severe, when a state or federal law has been broken and when reconciliation between the student and the College is impossible. Dismissal is a complete breaking of the relationship between the student and the College and re-enrollment is not possible.
Student Appeal Process
In dismissal or suspension cases, the College has established appeal procedures with the intention of assuring an unprejudiced hearing and objectivity. The appeal must meet one of the following criteria:
- There is insufficient evidence to support dismissal or suspension.
- There is new evidence that effects the initial disciplinary decision.
If a student believes that he/she is suspended or dismissed unfairly, he/she may present new evidence in written form to the Student Life Committee for consideration within one business day of the disciplinary decision. The disciplinary action will be postponed while the new evidence is considered.
Dismissal Appeal
If a student believes that he/she is dismissed based on insufficient evidence, the student must submit a written appeal, including a clear statement explaining why the student feels the disciplinary decision was not appropriate for the situation. The appeal must be submitted to the Assistant Dean of Community Living within five business days after notification of dismissal. The Assistant Dean of Community Living will forward the appeal to the Student Life Committee who will meet to determine whether the case meets the criteria stated above.
Suspension Appeal
If a student believes he/she is suspended based on insufficient evidence, the student must submit a written appeal, including a clear statement explaining why the student feels the disciplinary decision was not appropriate for the situation. The appeal must be submitted to the Assistant Dean of Community Living within one business day after notification of suspension. The Assistant Dean of Community Living will forward the appeal to the Student Life Committee who will meet to determine whether the case meets the criteria stated above. The suspension will be delayed while the Student Life Committee investigates and discusses the action.
During or after completion of the suspension, the student may present new evidence which proves innocence within five business days after notification of suspension. This appeal must include a clear statement explaining why the student feels the new evidence supports his/her innocence. Either the Assistant Dean of Community Living or Student Life Committee will investigate the new evidence. During this investigation, if the suspension is not complete, the student must fulfill the suspension. If the new evidence is upheld, a letter will be included in the student discipline file clearing the student of the violation. The Assistant Dean of Community Living will provide a copy of this letter to the student upon request.
The Student Life Committee consists of the Provost, Assistant Provost, Assistant Dean of Community Living, and at least three full-time faculty/staff members. The Provost chairs the Committee and votes only in cases of a tie.
In the event the Committee decides to conduct a hearing on the appeal, a hearing will be scheduled as soon as possible. The student submitting the appeal and/or others involved may be summoned to speak at the hearing.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the Student Life Committee will decide if the dismissal or suspension sanction should be upheld, if a greater or lesser sanction should be administered, or if the decision should be reversed. Hearing proceedings, except the deliberation of the Student Life Committee, may be recorded. The Dean of Students will inform the student of the outcome. The Dean of Students will also serve as the final court of appeal who can accept or change the Student Life Committee's recommendation.
Parent Notification
The College expects and requests a student to be responsible for properly conveying any disciplinary actions taken towards him/her to his/her parents/guardians. Parents/guardians of students who have released non-directory information by signing the FERPA Form can request information concerning disciplinary actions taken against their student and be informed of the charges, process and results handed down.
If the College is concerned for a student’s well-being, parents/guardians or other specified emergency contacts may be contacted according to the rights granted in the FERPA agreement. Alcohol-related offenses will result in a notification of concern being sent to the home address of the student’s parent or guardian.