ARTICLE V
UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS REGARDING STUDENT CONDUCT
The student at Utah State University is a member of both a civil community and a campus community. The regulations of both communities are applicable to the student.
SECTION V-1. Off-Campus Conduct
The University is concerned and involved with student conduct both on and off campus. The University Standards (Section V-3, below) apply to violations committed on campus, on any property owned, leased, or controlled by the University, or at any location where a student is engaged in an official University activity or the student represents the University, as well as occurring in practicum, internship, student field trip, student teaching, and independent study settings. When conduct occurs off-campus, the Vice President for Student Affairs, in concert with University attorney(s) and other University officials, shall determine whether disciplinary action should be undertaken.
SECTION V-2. Violation of Federal, State, or Local Laws
Students are expected to obey federal, state, and local laws.
The University reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and well being of the campus community. Such action may include pursuing disciplinary action for any violation of federal, state, or local law that affects the university’s educational interests. University disciplinary action may be instituted against a student who is alleged in either a civil or criminal proceeding to have violated the law or the rights of others, when the student's actions also constitute a violation of University Standards. University disciplinary proceedings may be commenced without regard to the pendency of civil litigation or criminal prosecution; University discipline may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings conducted by off campus persons or authorities.
The student convicted of a crime committed on or off campus may be in violation of University Standards, and the offense may be reviewed when it comes to the knowledge of the University and make the student subject to University discipline. The Vice President for Student Affairs, in concert with University attorney(s) and other University officials, shall determine whether disciplinary action should be undertaken.
SECTION V-3. University Standards of Student Conduct
All Misconduct violations (or suspected Misconduct violations) shall be reported to the Vice President for Student Affairs by faculty, staff, and students who have knowledge or information regarding the same. Sexual Misconduct violations may also be reported to campus law enforcement, the Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equity, or to a Deputy Title IX Coordinator. For more information about reporting sexual violence or interpersonal violence. For more information about reporting sexual violence or interpersonal violence, please visit https://www.usu.edu/equity/report.
- Academic Integrity — “The Honor System”
Each student has the right and duty to pursue his or her academic experience free of dishonesty. The Honor System is designed to establish the higher level of conduct expected and required of all Utah State University students. Page 12 of 37 The Honor Pledge — To enhance the learning environment at Utah State University and to develop student academic integrity, each student agrees to the following Honor Pledge:
“I pledge, on my honor, to conduct myself with the foremost level of academic integrity. Acts of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to:- Cheating: (1) using or attempting to use or providing others with any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, examinations, or in any other academic exercise or activity, including working in a group when the instructor has designated that the quiz, test, examination, or any other academic exercise or activity be done “individually”; (2) depending on the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; (3) substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for oneself, in taking an examination or preparing academic work; (4) acquiring tests or other academic material belonging to a faculty member, staff member, or another student without express permission; (5) continuing to write after time has been called on a quiz, test, examination, or any other academic exercise or activity; (6) submitting substantially the same work for credit in more than one class, except with prior approval of the instructor; or (7) engaging in any form of research fraud.
- Falsification: altering or fabricating any information or citation in an academic exercise or activity.
- Plagiarism: representing, by paraphrase or direct quotation, the published or unpublished work of another person as one's own in any academic exercise or activity without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes using materials prepared by another person or by an agency engaged in the sale of term papers or other academic materials.
- Misconduct
In accord with the principles of “community” endorsed by the University (see: Preface), the conduct listed below and the conduct described in paragraph C. has been found to interfere with University functions or threaten the well-being and the educational purposes of students. Any student who engages in proscribed conduct shall be subject to discipline under Article V, Section V-5. Misconduct includes but is not limited to:- Use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages (1) in an unlawful manner or (2) on campus or during a university program or activity, unless otherwise permitted by the University.
- Possessing, using, selling, manufacturing, or distributing any hallucinatory, narcotic, illegal, or controlled substance, as defined by federal or state laws, except as expressly permitted by such laws. (See: Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace pamphlet for summaries of these laws.)
- Possessing, purchasing, selling, distributing, attempting to possess or purchase, or offering to sell or distribute any psychotoxic chemical solvent (as defined by state law), either on campus (or property owned or controlled by the University, including athletic events) or at any off-campus University sponsored function or event. Also, intentionally smelling or inhaling the fumes of any such psychotoxic chemical solvent for the purpose of causing a condition of intoxication, inebriation, excitement, stupefaction, or dulling of the brain or nervous system.
- Using University funds or any funds under the management and control of the University to defray the cost of purchase or consumption of alcoholic beverages either on or off campus.
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- Smoking in (or within 25 feet of an entry to) any building owned or controlled by the University (including the football stadium) or, if under the age of 19, smoking or otherwise using any cigar, cigarette, or tobacco product in any form.
- Selling, offering for sale, giving, or furnishing (1) any cigar, cigarette, or tobacco product in any form to any person under 19 years of age, or (2) any "clove cigarette" (as defined by state law) to any person, or (3) selling. Offering for sale, or free sampling any cigar, cigarette, or tobacco product in any form or items depicting tobacco logos, symbols and or manufacture names to any person, either on campus (or property owned or controlled by the University, including athletic events) or at any off-campus University-sponsored function or event.
- Advertising of any tobacco products; including but not limited to logos, symbols, and or manufacture names; in any Utah State University publication, internet site, or on campus (or property owned or controlled by the University, including athletic events) or at any off-campus University-sponsored function or event.
- Disorderly conduct or an act of lewdness.
- Obstructing or disrupting instruction, research, administration, meetings, processions, or other University activities, including its public service functions on or off campus, or authorized non- University activities on University premises. This includes aiding, abetting, or encouraging another person to engage in such activities.
- Demonstrating, picketing, or distributing literature, except under the provisions of Article III or other University policy.
- Obstructing the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on University premises or at University sponsored or supervised functions.
- Failing to comply with directions of University officials or law enforcement officers acting in their official capacities or failing to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so, resisting arrest, fleeing the scene of an accident, or improperly interfering with University police in the completion of their duties.
- Unauthorized entry into or use of University facilities or equipment.
- Possessing, using, or duplicating University keys for an unauthorized purpose.
- Failing to maintain a current official mailing address in the Office of Student Records, Room 246 Taggart Student Center and in the BANNER system or giving a false or fictitious address.
- For any student under 21 years of age, failing to provide to the Office of Student Records (and keep current) the name and address of a parent or legal guardian. If one or both parents are living, a parent's name must be supplied. If the student is an orphan and a legal guardian has been appointed, the name of the legal guardian must be supplied.
- Issuing a check to the University drawn on insufficient funds, misuse of a credit card in a transaction with the University, or failure to pay debts or obligations to the University.
- Attempted or actual theft, possession, destruction, damage, or misuse of University property or property belonging to another person.
- Making false statements, whether oral or written, to University officials or law enforcement officers or otherwise providing information or identification known to be false.
- Any forgery, alteration, or misuse of University documents, forms, records, or identification cards.
- Misuse or unauthorized use of a fire extinguisher or other safety equipment on University property.
- Illegal or unauthorized possession or use of a firearm, ammunition, explosives, weapons, or dangerous chemicals on University property.
- Publishing or distributing libelous, slanderous, obscene, or pornographic literature or materials.
- Violating any published University policy related to University-owned living units or breaching a University living unit contract.
- This section has been amended to conform with USU Interim Policy 339: Title IX Sexual Misconduct in an Employment or Education Program or Activity, Interim University Policy 339A: Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct, which supersede portions of this subpart.
Wrongfully inflicting physical or mental duress, harm, or abuse upon another person, including but not limited to verbal abuse, threats and intimidation, stalking, arson, and murder.- Sex-based stalking prohibited. It Is addressed in USU Interim Policy 339: Title IX Sexual Misconduct in an Employment or Education Program or Activity, Interim University Policy 339A: Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct. Stalking that is not sex-based is also prohibited and occurs when (1) a student intentionally or knowingly engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily injury or to suffer emotional distress; (2) the student has knowledge or should have knowledge that the specific person will be placed in reasonable fear of bodily injury or will suffer emotional distress; and (3) the student's conduct induces fear in the specific person of bodily injury or causes emotional distress. The course of conduct must have occurred on two or more occasions, and consist of either (a) maintaining a visual or physical proximity to the specific person or (b) conveying verbal or written threats, or threats implied by conduct, or a combination thereof, directed at or toward the specific person.
- Threats of suicide. Threats of harm to self or others, bodily harm to self or others disruptive and/or threatening behavior may be pursued under this section.
- Sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is defined under the Utah State University Policy Number 339, Utah State University Policy Manual, as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when:
- submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or a student's academic success.
- submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such individuals.
- such conduct unreasonably interferes with an individual's work or academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment. Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to: (1) continued or repeated verbal abuse of a sexual nature; (2) repeated offensive sexual flirtations, advances, propositions; (3) graphic verbal commentaries about an individual's body; (4) sexually degrading words used to describe an individual; and (5) sexual assault/violence.
- Inappropriate use of computer, data network, and information technology facilities and services. Violations include, but are not limited to:
- Unauthorized access to data, transmissions, facilities, or services owned or created by, or intended for, another person or entity.
- Unauthorized use of another person’s username, password, or network identity.
- Use of computers/computing facilities which interferes with or disrupts the work of another student, faculty member, or University official.
- Use of computers/computing facilities to store, access, or send obscene or pornographic materials.
- Use of computers/computing facilities which interferes with or disrupts normal operation of the University computer, data network, and information technology facilities and services.
- Use of authorized access to shared services or resources with the intention or result of denying authorized access to other persons.
- Introduction of disruptive computer codes.
- Abuse of process, including but not limited to:
- Failure to comply with the directions of the Provost, the Vice President for Student Affairs, a hearing body, or hearing officer.
- Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a hearing body or hearing officer.
- Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a disciplinary/grievance proceeding.
- Institution of a disciplinary/grievance proceeding knowingly without cause.
- Attempting to discourage an individual's proper participation in, or use of, the disciplinary/grievance process.
- Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a hearing body or a hearing officer prior to, or during the course of, the discipline/grievance process.
- Harassment (verbal or physical) or intimidation of a member of a hearing body or a hearing officer prior to, during, or after a disciplinary/grievance proceeding.
- Failure to comply with the penalty imposed, or other action taken, under the Student Code.
- Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the disciplinary/grievance process.
- Tampering with, influencing, or attempting to influence any witness or potential witness in a disciplinary/grievance proceeding.
- Hazing is prohibited in any form. Hazing consists of any action taken or situations created, whether on or off campus, which:
- endangers the mental or physical health or safety of another; or
- produces mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule of another; or
- involves any brutality of a physical nature such as, but not limited to, paddling, whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics, creating excessive fatigue, bruising, electric shocking, causing physical and psychological shocks, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or exposure to the elements; or
- involves consumption of any food, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance or any other physical activity that endangers the mental or physical health and safety of an individual; or
- involves any activity that would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, extended isolation from social contact, or conduct that subjects another to extreme embarrassment, shame, or humiliation, or subjects the individual to the wearing of apparel which is conspicuous or not normally in good taste, engaging in public stunts and buffoonery, engaging in morally degrading or humiliating games; or
- involves defacing or destroying public or private property; or
- involves cruelty to any animal; and
- is for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, holding office in, or as a condition for continued membership in any organization; or
- if the actor knew that the victim is a member of or candidate for membership with a team or organization to which the actor belongs or did belong within the preceding two years.
- Disruptive Classroom Behavior.
- Utah State University supports the principle of freedom of expression for both faculty and students. The University respects the rights of faculty to teach and students to learn. Maintenance of these rights requires classroom conditions that do not impede the learning process. Disruptive classroom behavior will not be tolerated. An individual engaging in such behavior may be subject to disciplinary action.
- Faculty members of Utah State University have the responsibility and authority to determine, maintain, and enforce an atmosphere in their classrooms that is conducive to teaching and learning, in accordance with University policy and practice.
- “Faculty member” shall include all persons authorized by Utah State University or any of its units to conduct instruction of students enrolled in the University’s courses or programs.
- “Classroom” shall include any gathering of faculty member(s) and students for the purposes of teaching and learning authorized by Utah State University or any of its units.
- “Disruptive classroom behavior” involves physical actions, verbal utterance, or other activities which interfere with either the faculty member’s ability to conduct the class or the ability of other students to profit from the instructional program.
- Disciplinary Procedures for Disruptive Classroom Behavior.
- Discipline not involving immediate removal from the classroom.
- The faculty member responsible for the class or activity where the alleged disruptive behavior occurred will inform the student that the student’s behavior has been inappropriate. The faculty member will describe to the student the necessary changes in the student’s behavior. By the second classroom meeting following the incident, the faculty member will give to the student a written, dated summary of the discussion, and the faculty member will retain a file copy of this summary. The student will be provided an opportunity to modify his/her behavior in accordance with the changes identified.
- If the student believes the faculty member’s expectations are unreasonable, the student may confer with the faculty member’s department head, or the dean of the college if the instructor is the department head, about the matter. The department head, or dean, may choose to support the guidelines developed by the faculty member, or may work with the faculty member to develop a modified set of expectations. If there are changes in the faculty member’s original set of expectations, a signed and dated copy will be provided by the department head, or dean, to both the student and the faculty member.
- Should the student’s behavior continue to be unacceptable, the faculty member will inform the department head, or dean, of the circumstances and will share with the department head, or dean, the written summary of the discussion with the student. The department head, or dean, may initiate additional discussion with the faculty member and/or the student. If the department head, or dean, concurs with the faculty member’s view that the problem has not been resolved, the situation shall be referred to the Vice President for Student Affairs. A memorandum briefly describing the student’s behavior, as well as a copy of the written summary of the faculty member’s discussion with the student and any other related material, shall be forwarded to the Vice President for Student Affairs for the purposes of disciplinary action, in accordance with Article VI below. A copy of all material sent to the Vice President for Student Affairs shall be provided to the faculty member’s dean and to the dean of the college for the student’s declared major, if different.
- Discipline involving immediate removal from the classroom.
- A faculty member has the right to demand and secure the immediate removal of any student from the classroom whenever it is the faculty member’s belief that such student has compromised the faculty member’s right to teach or the students’ right to learn. The faculty member will inform the student whether the removal is for the current classroom meeting only or the removal also includes subsequent classroom meetings. If necessary, the faculty member may call upon the University Police for assistance.
- When the removal is for the current classroom meeting, the faculty member responsible for the class or activity will inform the student that the student’s behavior has been inappropriate and describe to the student the necessary changes in the student’s behavior. By the second classroom meeting following the one-time removal, the faculty member will give to the student a written, dated summary of the discussion, and the faculty member will retain a file copy of this summary. The student will be provided an opportunity to modify his/her behavior in accordance with the changes identified. Paragraphs 2.a.ii. and 2.a.iii. above shall apply.
- A student may not be permanently removed from a class in which the student is enrolled without a formal review. When the faculty member has removed the student from the current classroom meeting and from subsequent classroom meetings, the faculty member will inform the student that to be considered for reinstatement into the class the student must meet with the head of the department offering the course, or the dean of the college if the instructor is the department head. The student is entitled to a conference with the department head, or the dean, before the second classroom meeting after the temporary removal. Before the third classroom meeting after the temporary removal, the department head, or dean, may either:
a) approve an agreement of expectations between the student and the faculty member and reinstate the student to the class, or
b) extend the temporary removal of the student from the class and refer the matter to the Vice President for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. Permanent removal of a student from the class, or reinstatement to the class, shall be effected according to the procedures for discipline of students specified in Article VI below. - When a student is permanently removed from a class, the University’s standard refund policy shall apply.
- Non-students and students not enrolled in a class may be removed permanently by the faculty member without a formal review because they have no right to attend the class without the faculty member’s permission. The faculty member’s decision is final in these cases.
- Discipline not involving immediate removal from the classroom.
- Termination of a Disrupted Classroom Meeting. If a disruptive person refuses to remove him/herself from the classroom when requested to do so by the faculty member or the faculty member feels that there is a threat of imminent physical danger, the faculty member has the right to declare the class session terminated and leave the classroom. Any classroom disruption that prompts the faculty member to terminate a classroom meeting must be reported in writing to the department head, or the dean of the college if the department head is the instructor, before the next regularly scheduled class meeting. The department head, or dean, shall investigate the circumstances of the situation, including in such investigation testimony from, if possible, at least three randomly selected students enrolled in the class who were not involved in the disruption. The department head, or dean, may initiate appropriate action under paragraph 2 above to resolve the situation.
SECTION V-4. Discipline Regarding Misconduct Violations
The purposes for disciplinary action are: (1) to maintain the University's integrity as an educational institution; (2) to protect the rights of individuals; and (3) to help individuals solve their problems. The procedures in this article are structured to deal uniformly and fairly with students. The disciplinary procedures are not subject to the same procedural due process as is established in criminal and civil courts.
Disciplinary actions may be commenced against a student whether or not he or she is registered for or is attending the current semester of classes. Most students will be currently enrolled, but a person cannot drop out of school to avoid, or attempt to frustrate, disciplinary action. Disciplinary actions regarding violations may be taken by the University at any time.
- The penalties which the University may impose on a student for a Misconduct violation are:
- Warning or reprimand-written or verbal.
- Probation-continued attendance at the University predicated upon the student satisfying certain requirements as specified in a written notice of probation. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary penalties if the student does not comply with the specified requirements or is found to be violating any University Standards during the probationary period. The student must request termination of the probation in writing.
- Suspension-temporary dismissal from the University for a specified time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
- Expulsion-permanent dismissal from the University.
- Withholding of transcripts for refusal to return University property or to pay University debts. (See: Section V-3.B.16. and 17.)
- Temporary and/or permanent removal from a class. (See: Section V-3.C.)
- Payment of restitution to the University or, when University intervention is deemed appropriate, to another individual for damages or losses.
- Performance of community service.
- Referral to psychological counseling or to the Student Wellness Center for assessment, evaluation, education, and treatment, when necessary.
- Other disciplinary actions which are appropriate to the violation(s).
- If the University determines that a student has committed a violation of the alcohol or controlled substance standards (Section V-3.B.1 through 4) and the student is under age 21, the University may disclose, in writing, to the student's parent(s) or guardian notice of said violation.
- Any offense that is motivated by bias may result in stronger penalties. An offense motivated by bias is any offense wherein the accused student intentionally selects the alleged victim because of the alleged victim's race, creed, disability, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, public assistance status, or inclusion in any group or class protected by state or federal law.
- More than one of the penalties may be imposed for any single violation. Reference to "penalty" includes multiple penalties.
- Imposition of the penalty of suspension or expulsion from the University must be approved by the President of the University. The President's approval shall be given either at the conclusion of the 10- day appeal period if no appeal is filed, or as part of the President's final decision if an appeal is filed. (See: Section Vlll-3)
- When a student is suspended or expelled from the University, tuition and fees that have been paid for the semester during which the suspension or expulsion occurs are refundable in accordance with the standard refund policy as stated in the semester Schedule of Classes.
- A hold on a student's admission, registration, or financial aid is not an independent penalty, but may be utilized by the University for various purposes, including either to 1) direct a student's attention to, and subsequent participation in, a pending disciplinary/grievance proceeding or 2) to obtain the student's compliance with a penalty which has been imposed or other action which has been taken under the Student Code.
- When the disciplinary action is commenced against a student who is taking courses through University Extension, the procedures shall be substantially parallel to sections A through H below, as determined by the Vice President for Student Affairs on a case-by-case basis.
SECTION V-5. Misconduct Proceedings
This section applies to proceedings to determine if a Misconduct violation has occurred and, if so, to determine the appropriate disciplinary penalty.
- Whenever the Vice President for Student Affairs receives a report that a student has committed a Misconduct violation or receives information that a student has been convicted of a crime, a preliminary investigation shall be conducted. Where the student has not been charged with a crime, the Vice President for Student Affairs may at any point ask that law enforcement officers assist in investigating the matter and that appropriate legal authorities determine whether prosecution under federal, state, or local law is warranted.
- Students are presumed not to have engaged in a Student Code of Conduct violation until Utah State University has established that a violation occurred by a preponderance of the evidence. However, USU may administratively suspend a student prior to the final outcome of a formal adjudicatory process, if necessary, to protect the campus community or to prevent serious disruption of the academic process.
- The preliminary investigation conducted by the Vice President for Student Affairs shall include in person conferences with the student who is alleged to have committed the violation. The accused student shall be informed of the alleged violation and receive reasonable notice of the time, date, and place of the conferences. The Vice President for Student Affairs will discuss with the student the implications of the alleged violation for both the student and the University.
- In matters of non-academic conduct that may result in either expulsion or a minimum 10-day suspension from Utah State University, students are entitled to the following:
- Prior to being interviewed about allegations of misconduct, USU shall provide students with notice of the allegations against them, and of their right to have an advisor throughout the process who may, but need not be, an attorney.
- Notice may be verbal, and may be given immediately before a student is interviewed regarding the allegation. A record shall be kept of this notification. If the student wishes to seek counsel from an advisor, USU will reschedule the interview, giving the student 10 days to obtain an advisor.
- During an inquiry, investigation, or other informal process, an advisor may only advise the student, and may not actively participate in the investigation or informal process.
- Prior to being interviewed about allegations of misconduct, USU shall provide students with notice of the allegations against them, and of their right to have an advisor throughout the process who may, but need not be, an attorney.
- If the accused student fails or refuses to meet with the Vice President for Student Affairs, or his or her designee, without cause, a penalty may be imposed against the accused student, or the Vice President may elect to submit the matter to a Hearing Board. In that event, the accused student shall be given written notice (see: Section V-6.) of the time, date, and place of the Hearing Board hearing.
- Students may decline to participate in any proceedings. However, Utah State University may proceed with investigative and hearing processes in a timely fashion without the student if he or she declines to participate. USU may set a reasonable deadline and move forward with processes regardless of whether a student or student’s advisor is able to accommodate those deadlines.
- At the conclusion of the preliminary investigation, the Vice President for Student Affairs may determine that no further action is necessary and may accordingly close the case.
- If during the conference with the Vice President for Student Affairs, the accused student admits the violation and agrees with the Vice President on the facts and circumstances, they shall discuss an appropriate disciplinary penalty.
- If the Vice President for Student Affairs deems that a penalty is warranted, the accused student shall be so informed. If the accused student concurs with the penalty as recommended, the accused student shall so indicate in writing and thereby waive the right to a hearing, including an appeal.
- The Vice President for Student Affairs may elect to not propose a penalty to the accused student and may thereby defer the matter to a Hearing Board for determination of an appropriate penalty and immediately notify the hearing board pool chair.
- If during the conference with the Vice President for Student Affairs, (1) the accused student denies the violation, but the Vice President considers that there is sufficient evidence against the accused student, or (2) if the accused student does not agree with the proposed penalty, the Vice President may call the student before a Hearing Board and immediately notify the hearing board pool chair.
- Once a hearing date is set, the Vice President for Student Affairs shall mail the accused student written notice of the time, date, and place of the hearing to the address supplied by the student to the Office of Student Records.
- At any time during the hearing (or appeal) process, the parties may reach an agreement concerning the violation and an appropriate disciplinary penalty, thereby rendering further proceedings unnecessary. A written statement shall be prepared stating the agreed violation and penalty; it shall be signed by the student and filed with the Vice President for Student Affairs. If the discipline relates to a violation of the University’s sexual harassment policy, the Vice President for Student Affairs shall notify the complaining party of the imposed discipline.
SECTION V-6. Recording and Disclosure of the Disciplinary Penalty
- A penalty of disciplinary probation, suspension, expulsion, or denial or revocation of degree shall be entered upon the student's transcript after the completion of the above processes.
- Without prior consent of the student subject to discipline, the Vice President for Student Affairs shall provide to a complaining party a copy of the final Hearing Board report related to a disciplinary action for violation of University’s sexual harassment policy.
- In cases where a student transfers to another institution prior to the completion of the disciplinary process, the Vice President for Student Affairs, or his or her designee, will send an updated transcript and letter of explanation to the Dean of Students’ office, or similar office, of the transferring institution.
- Upon the specific written release of the student, the Vice President for Student Affairs shall make available a copy of the final Hearing Board report which has resulted in a disciplinary action of probation, suspension, expulsion, or denial or revocation of degree to a prospective/present employer, parent (if the student is over the legal age), and other persons or entities. If a report is not available because a hearing was not conducted, a summary statement regarding the disposition of the violation shall be provided. Such a report or summary statement will be disclosed, without the prior consent of the student, to another educational institution that has requested the record and at which the student seeks or intends to enroll; but the University will make a reasonable attempt to notify the student (or his or her parent if under the legal age) of the disclosure and, upon request, provide the student with a copy of the record that was disclosed. No other information shall be provided to a third party without the express written release of the student.
- A student's record may be cleared of a disciplinary probation, suspension by the Vice President for Student Affairs following the end of the designated penalty period, if there has been no further problem with the student. A written request for expunging the record is required and shall be initiated by the student with a letter to the Vice President for Student Affairs. A copy of the request shall be forwarded to the Office of Student Records. The Vice President may convene a Hearing Board to review the request, if deemed appropriate or necessary. If the request is granted, the Vice President for Student Affairs shall notify the Office of Student Records.
- A student's record may not be cleared of an expulsion or revocation of a degree. A designation with a course grade indicating an Honor System violation involving academic dishonesty may not be removed from the student’s transcript after the student’s degree has been posted to the transcript.
SECTION V-7. Temporary Disciplinary Action
- In the event the Vice President for Student Affairs has reasonable cause to believe that a student poses (1) a danger to the safety of other students, other persons, or University property or (2) an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process, the Vice President for Student Affairs may temporarily suspend the student. Where appropriate, the student may be denied in writing access to the campus (including residence halls) and/or all other University activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible.
- Upon the decision to impose temporary disciplinary action, the Vice President for Student Affairs or the University President shall notify the student by the most expeditious means available. Upon notification of the temporary disciplinary action, the procedures under Sections Vlll-1 shall be followed.