If a student is found to be in violation of the code, sanctions should be commensurate with the violations found to have occurred. In determining the sanction(s) to be imposed, the hearing body should take into account any mitigating circumstances and any aggravating factors including, but not limited to, any provocation by the subject of the conduct that constituted the violation, any past misconduct by the student, any failure of the student to comply fully with previous sanctions, the actual and potential harm caused by the violation, the degree of intent and motivation of the student in committing the violation, and the severity and pervasiveness of the conduct that constituted the violation. Misconduct motivated by bias for classes protected by university policy, other than constitutionally protected expression, may be considered an aggravating factor for sanctioning. Impairment resulting from voluntary use of alcohol or drugs (i.e., other than medically necessary) will also be considered an aggravating, and not a mitigating, factor. One or more of the following courses of action may be taken when a student has been found to have violated the code of student conduct.
(A) Disciplinary sanctions.
- Formal reprimand.
A written letter of reprimand resulting from a student’s misconduct.
- Disciplinary probation.
This probationary condition is in effect for a specified time period and may involve the loss of specified privileges. Further violation of university rules, policies, standards, or guidelines during the probationary period will additionally be viewed as a violation of the probation, which shall result in further action up to and including suspension or dismissal.
- Suspension.
Suspension is a sanction that terminates the student’s enrollment at the university for a time period. Satisfactory completion of specified stipulations may be required for reenrollment at the end of the suspension period. Under special circumstances, the hearing body may hold the imposition of suspension in abeyance, which would allow for the student's continued enrollment so long as the student adheres to all stipulations, restrictions, or conditions imposed by the hearing body.
- Dismissal.
Dismissal is a sanction which permanently separates a student from the university without opportunity to re-enroll in the future.
(B) Conditions of suspension and dismissal.
Unless a student is otherwise notified in writing, a suspension or dismissal will not take effect until after the appeal period. A student who has been dismissed or suspended from the university shall be denied all privileges afforded a student (including, but not limited to, participation in university sponsored or sanctioned events and activities) and shall be required to vacate campus as determined by the hearing body. In addition, after vacating campus property, a suspended or dismissed student may not enter upon campus and/or other university property at any time, for any purpose, in the absence of expressed written permission from the vice president for student life or designee. To seek such permission, a suspended or dismissed student must file a written petition to the vice president for student life for entrance to the campus for a limited, specified purpose or to have the terms of this condition modified or reduced.
(C) Failing or lowered grades.
In cases of academic misconduct, a hearing body may authorize the instructor to award a failing or lowered grade in the course and a loss of credit on the graded coursework.
(D) Other sanctions.
Other appropriate sanctions may be imposed by a hearing body singularly or in combination with any of the above-listed sanctions. Examples include, but are not limited to, making restitution for property damage or misappropriation of university property or services, or the property of any person, residence hall contract termination or reassignment to another room, restriction of access to specified campus facilities and/or property, research assignments, community service projects, special workshop participation, referral to medical resources or counseling personnel, and/or other educational sanctions.
(Board approval dates: 3/2/2001, 7/7/2006, 12/7/2007, 5/14/2010, 4/6/2012, 4/8/2016, 5/31/2019, 11/16/2023)