Reasons for Probation, Suspension and Dismissal of Students

Students may be disciplined for any of the following reasons:

• Academic dishonesty
• Forgery, altering University documents, or knowingly providing false information
• Disruption of the educational or administrative process of the University, by acts or expression
• Physical abuse or threat of abuse to students, University employees, or their families
• Verbal abuse or intimidation of students or University employees including shouting, use of profanity, or other displays of hostility
• Theft of University property or the property of a University employee, student, or visitor
• Vandalism or unauthorized destruction of University property or the property of a University employee, student, or visitor
• Sale or knowing possession of illegal drugs or narcotics
• Use of or being under the influence of alcohol on campus
• Possession, use, or threats of use of explosives or deadly weapons on University property
• Sexually explicit, indecent, or obscene behavior on University property or by any means of communication, including the Internet
• Sexual harassment
• Sexual assault
• Soliciting or assisting another in an act that would subject students to a serious University sanction
• Trespassing in an area of the University where the student is not authorized to be, or failure to leave immediately an area when directed by an employee of the University
• Using University equipment or networks to violate copyrights
• Violation of the University's visitor policy
• Violation of the University's animal policy
• Violation of the University's computer regulations
• Violation of any other lawful policy or directive of the University or its employees.
• Any action that would grossly violate the purpose of the University or the rights of those who comprise the University

Disciplinary action may include probation, suspension, or dismissal from the University. Students suspected of committing any violation of University policy are accorded procedures consistent with fair process typically before disciplinary action is imposed. However, in appropriate circumstances, students may be suspended prior to a hearing.

Any violation of University policy (including all forms of academic dishonesty) can result in a student being barred from graduate or professional schools at this or other universities. In addition, violating University policy can make a student ineligible for government commissions or other employment.

When a violation has occurred, an incident report, including the date, time and circumstances of the alleged act, must be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs. This report includes a description of the actions of all parties involved, names of witnesses available and documentary evidence that supports the charge. Students wishing to report a violation should file the report through the Director/Associate Director of Student Services, or a full-time/associate faculty member.

Upon receipt of the report, the Student Judicial Affairs Officer will determine if a University policy may have been violated by the student. If there is insufficient information to make that determination, the Judicial Officer will notify the person making the report. If there is sufficient information, the Judicial Officer will contact the student and initiate an investigation.

If the investigation indicates that a violation of the code of conduct has occurred, the Judicial Officer will contact the student in writing informing the student of the charges in sufficient detail, including the time and place the alleged violation occurred and the penalty that would be appropriate if the student did in fact violate the policy. If circumstances warrant it, the student may be given the option of waiving a hearing and accepting a lesser penalty. In cases that go to a hearing, disciplinary action is determined by the hearing committee.