An environment that encourages freedom of expression and inquiry is essential to achieving the educational mission of La Salle University. It is the responsibility of all students, faculty, staff and administrators to work towards the achievement of this educational mission through appropriate actions or behaviors. When these actions or behaviors are inappropriate, or when these actions or behaviors lead to conflicts, it is the responsibility of La Salle University to provide a process that informs and educates the community about appropriate behaviors and provides a fair and reasonable manner for the resolution of conflicts. It is in this spirit that La Salle has developed a set of regulations governing student conduct and has established a student conduct system through which violations are adjudicated by members of the campus community. This Student Code of Conduct provides that process for cases involving students.
Scope
The standards set forth in this process apply to conduct by or against a La Salle University student or recognized student organization from the time of acceptance of admission. This includes conduct which occurs while students are on a leave of absence, studying abroad, or at an internship or co-op. It also includes conduct which occurs when students are not officially enrolled during a particular term as long as they have a continuing relationship with the university. This process will apply regardless of whether a student withdraws or graduates, or if the behavior occurred off the La Salle University campus. For purposes of this guideline, the location of the off-campus behavior will not affect its applicability.
Definitions Terms not defined elsewhere in this guideline are defined below.
Respondent
A respondent is an individual whose alleged conduct is being investigated to determine if it is in violation of this process. For ease of reference, the term “respondent” is also used throughout this guideline to refer generally to an individual who allegedly engaged in prohibited conduct as defined by the La Salle University Code of Conduct.
Complainant
A complainant is usually an individual filing a complaint of a violation of this Policy. For the purpose of this definition, the term “complainant” is also used throughout this process to refer generally to an individual who was allegedly subjected to prohibited conduct as defined in this Process.
Business Day
means Monday through Friday and does not include official La Salle University holidays.
Code of Conduct
means La Salle University’s Student Code of Conduct.
Complaint
means the written charges filed against a student or student organization by a Student Conduct Officer for alleged violation(s) of the Student Code of Conduct.
La Salle University Community
means La Salle administrators, faculty, staff, students and student organizations.
Responses for Code of Conduct Violations
means all assigned sanctions and conditions to hold students accountable and to support student reflection and learning from their behaviors.
Student
means undergraduate, graduate, non-degree seeking, students in not-for-credit programs, and all persons taking courses at La Salle University as well as students on internships or co-ops and students not officially enrolled during a particular term, but who have a continuing relationship with the university.
Student Organization
means any La Salle University recognized student group including fraternities and sororities, athletic teams, clubs, or other student groups recognized on campus.
Student Conduct Officer or Conduct Officer
means any trained administrator designated by the Director of Student Conduct who is authorized to conduct hearings and to impose the full range of university statuses and conditions. Residence Life professional staff members have the authority to conduct informal hearings and can impose the full range of university statuses and conditions, excluding removal from housing and separation from the university.
University Appeals Board Chair
The Appeals Board Chair, who will be appointed by the Chief Student Affairs Officer (CSAO), coordinates all University Appeals Board Hearings.
Incident Report
A complaint of an alleged violation of the La Salle University Student Code of Conduct. The report can be filed electronically and will be reviewed by the Director of Student Conduct or their designee. La Salle Public Safety can also file an Incident Report with the Office of Student Conduct after completion of an investigation for an alleged violation.
Disciplinary Hold
A restriction placed upon a student’s academic record, usually applied for failure to complete a sanction imposed via the La Salle University Office of Student Conduct. A Disciplinary Hold will result in the student being unable to register for classes, receive grades, receive transcripts and/or receive other services normally provided through the Registrar’s Office.
Chief Student Affairs Officer (CSAO)
The CSAO is the most senior employee on the organizational chart in the Student Affairs division. Typically this person has the title of Vice President (e.g., Vice President of Student Affairs, Vice President of Student Development and Campus Life).
Procedure
La Salle University Student Code of Conduct Students and student organizations are expected to conduct themselves in ways that support the university’s mission. The behaviors outlined in these standards are prohibited and do not support the university’s mission. They are listed below to provide students with information about the university’s expectations for community behavior.
Students engaging in inappropriate behaviors, including but not limited to those behaviors listed below, will be afforded the opportunity to participate in the process outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
Endangering Behavior. Behavior that threatens or endangers the health and/or safety of oneself or others. Endangering behavior may include physical, verbal, or electronic abuse, intimidation, harassment, coercion, property damage to life safety equipment, behavior that is contrary to the mission of the university and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.
Harassment. Abuse, threats, intimidation, assault, coercion and/or conduct, by physical, verbal, signed, written, photographic or digital means, including social media, which unreasonably interferes with, threatens or endangers any person on the La Salle University premises or at university sponsored or supervised functions. Any incident raising concerns of harassment and/or discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status and/or any violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, including sexual misconduct of any nature, gender-based discrimination, retaliation, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or sexual assault where a student (from the time of acceptance of admission) is identified as a potential respondent will be adjudicated under La Salle University’s Policy On Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Discrimination.
Discrimination. The treatment of an individual based on that individual’s group, class, or category. Group, class, or category includes, but is not limited to, race, religion, age, citizenship, color, faith, culture, actual or perceived disabilities, marital status, ethnic or national origin, political affiliation or preference, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic predisposition. Any incident raising concerns of harassment and/or discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status and/or any violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, including sexual misconduct of any nature, gender-based discrimination, retaliation, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or sexual assault where a student (from the time of acceptance of admission) is identified as a potential respondent will be adjudicated under La Salle University’s Policy On Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Discrimination.
Retaliation. Any adverse action, including but not limited to behavior that is in direct or indirect response to a previous student conduct incident, intended to intimidate or punish another individual from reporting misconduct or participating in any university process or activity.
Disruptive/Disorderly Behavior. Behaviors that are disruptive on or off campus or conduct that infringes upon the rights of others, including but not limited to excessive noise.
Theft. Attempted or actual theft of, or unauthorized possession of university, personal, or public property or services.
Property Damage. Attempted or actual damage, destruction, vandalism or alteration of university, personal, or public property.
Refusal to Comply. Refusal to comply with, defiance of or disrespectful behavior towards any university representative in the performance of their official duties, including but not limited to failing to complete student conduct sanctions by their assigned deadlines.
Hazing/Failure to Report Hazing. Behavior, regardless of intent, which endangers the emotional or physical health and safety of a student for the purpose of membership, affiliation with, or maintaining membership in, a group or student organization. Hazing includes any level of participation, such as being in the presence, having awareness of hazing, or failing to report hazing. Examples of hazing include, but are not limited to, beating or branding, sleep deprivation or causing excessive fatigue, threats of harm, forcing or coercing consumption of food, water, alcohol or other drugs or other substances, verbal abuse, embarrassing, humiliating, or degrading acts, or activities that induce, cause or require the Student to perform a duty or task which is not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or involves a violation of local, state or federal laws, or the La Salle University Student Code of Conduct.
Fire/Fire Safety. Behavior that results in a fire, a false fire alarm, or a fire safety hazard.
Unauthorized Access. Proving or utilizing unauthorized entry to or presence in any university building or property. Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of a university key, ID, or access card.
Violation of Law. Violation of federal, state or local law on university premises or at university sponsored or supervised activities.
Weapon Possession. No student or visitor may keep, possess, display, transport, or use any offensive weapons; firearms; ammunition; gunpowder; gas or air powered rifles, guns, or pistols; fireworks; explosives; or other dangerous articles and substances in University buildings, on University property, or at University functions in off-campus settings. Realistic facsimiles of these items are also prohibited, with reasonable exceptions made, in consultation with the Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life, for theatrical productions and similar circumstances. “Offensive weapon” is defined as any bomb, grenade, machine gun, sawed-off shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches, firearm specially made or specially adapted for concealment or silent discharge, any blackjack, sandbag, metal knuckles, dagger, knife, razor or cutting instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic way by switch, push-button, spring mechanism or otherwise, or other implement for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose. “Firearms” include any weapon which is designed to or may readily be converted to expel any projectile by the action of an explosive, or the frame or receiver of any such weapon. Normal laboratory materials are excluded from this policy when used in an academic laboratory setting to fulfill course requirements or conduct research authorized and supervised by faculty. Members of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) are authorized to store, transport, and use firearms when performing functions associated with their official duties. Active public law enforcement officers are authorized to store, transport, and use firearms when performing functions associated with their official duties or when attending class.
Failure to be a Responsible Host. Failure to ensure that the behavior of any guest, which includes individuals not affiliated with the university, as well as any student (whether residential or not) visiting another student as a guest in the residence halls, complies with university policies.
Dishonest Behavior. Any act of dishonesty, including misrepresenting, omitting, altering, or falsifying information to university officials or on university documents, IDs, or records.
Abuse of the Student Conduct Process. Interfering with any part of the student conduct process (including but not limited to investigations and hearings) by falsifying or misrepresenting information, destroying or concealing evidence, or pressuring involved parties (including witnesses, complainants, and respondents) to withhold or falsify information.
Bystanding (Complicity). Having knowledge of a safety concern, policy violation, or violation of the law and failing to remove oneself from the situation and/or failing to appropriately report the violation to the university.
Conduct Unbecoming. Any behaviors that are in direct conflict with the university’s missions and values, specifically as it relates to behaviors towards other individuals or property within or outside of the campus community. These behaviors include, but are not limited to, acting in a disrespectful or obscene manner.
Ineligible for Membership Intake/Association. Applying for membership or associating with a student organization while knowingly not meeting the eligibility requirements of the University for membership, i.e. being enrolled in courses, being in good academic standing, being in good disciplinary standing.
Threatening Behaviors. Any written or verbal communication that serves as a threat or intimidation to the health, safety, and wellbeing of another individual.
Underground Membership. Participating in a student organization or group while having knowledge that the student organization or group is not approved and recognized by the university, including but not limited to instances where a student organization or group has lost the privilege of being registered with the university and/or instances where a student organization was denied recognition through the university. This includes student organizations or groups that are operating under a different name than previously on file with the university.
Violation of La Salle University Policies. Violation of published La Salle University policies, rules, and regulations including, but not limited to: Residential Community Standards, Off Campus Community Standards, Parking Policies, Library Policies, and Academic Integrity Policy, COVID-19 protocols and behaviors related to the misuse of La Salle University’s computing, network, and information resources, including copyright infringement.
General Provisions of the Student Conduct Process The university will take reasonable steps to prevent conduct prohibited by this policy. Any incident raising concerns of harassment and/or discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status and/or any violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, including sexual misconduct of any nature, gender-based discrimination, retaliation, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or sexual assault where a student (from the time of acceptance of admission) is identified as a potential respondent will be adjudicated La Salle University’s Policy On Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Discrimination. Any conduct hearings or appeals that may be commenced under this process will be conducted in an impartial manner by an impartial decision maker(s).
The university has adopted the following principles to govern its internal Student Conduct Process for responding to student misconduct:
Students are adults who are responsible for the consequences of their actions. An academic institution can and should hold a student accountable for violating institutional policies and rules, particularly when the student’s conduct interferes with the safety or rights of other members of the institutional community (including fellow students, faculty, staff and visitors to the campus).
The university is not a microcosm of the general community; it is a special purpose community and only activities related to the achievement of its educational purposes are proper to the community.
Academic institutions are neither law-enforcement agencies nor sanctuaries from the law. Criminal and civil laws still apply within the academic community. In addition, the university has the authority to establish further policies to educate and hold students accountable for violating these policies. Where the interests of the academic institution and the members of the university community are involved, the special authority of the university will be asserted.
Except for violations of civil or criminal laws, the internal affairs of the university are best handled by the university itself without resort to outside intervention. There can be no guarantee that outside agencies will not choose to intervene on their own or that a victim of a crime will not request the involvement of outside law enforcement.
The University utilizes a “preponderance of evidence” standard of review for all student conduct cases. This standard means that, in light of all the evidence, it is “more likely than not” that the alleged misconduct occurred. University student conduct processes and procedures are not criminal proceedings, and the standard of evidence used in criminal proceedings (“beyond a reasonable doubt”) does not apply.
Violations of Criminal or Civil Laws
The Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life or designee will determine if the university will refer violations of criminal law to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
A proceeding under the Student Conduct Process may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings. Statuses and conditions may be imposed before the outcome of any civil or criminal proceeding.
The university will cooperate fully with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of criminal law on campus and in the conditions imposed by criminal courts for accountability of student violators.
Filing an Incident ReportAnyone may file an Incident Report against any student or student organization for violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
An Incident Report concerning academic conduct matters can be made to the dean of the school (or designee) responsible for the academic program in which the alleged misconduct occurred.
Investigating an Incident Report Upon receipt of an Incident Report, regardless of type, the Director of Student Conduct or their designee will review the Incident Report and determine if a student conduct review is warranted. La Salle University Public Safety may conduct an investigation of a violation reported directly to them, or if a case is referred to them by the Director of Student Conduct or the Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life. Generally, the investigation will be concluded expediently and the investigative report transferred to the Office of Student Conduct. If warranted, the Director of Student Conduct will determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the provisions of the Student Conduct Process, including but not limited to, whether the case will be heard informally by a Residence Life or Community Development administrator or be adjudicated in a formal student conduct hearing process with a Student Conduct Officer. Generally, the appropriate action will be determined within thirty (30) Business Days from the conclusion of the investigation. This time frame may be expanded based on the facts and circumstances of the specific allegation(s) and/or the availability of witnesses only with the approval of the Director of Student Conduct.
Retaliation La Salle University prohibits retaliation against anyone filing an Incident Report alleging a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, participating in the procedures described in the Student Conduct Process, or opposing any practice in violation of the Student Code of Conduct or applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Student Rights All students can expect the Student Conduct Process to be administered in a caring, sensitive and supportive manner, and to be treated with dignity and respect by all persons involved in the conduct process. The Student Conduct Process will allow those community members filing an Incident Report to utilize the Student Conduct Process unimpeded, free from intimidation and harassment, while maintaining the rights of all students involved.
All students have the following rights as members of the La Salle University community:
Basic fair and consistent process in student conduct proceedings;
Privacy (in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) regarding access to and disclosure of student records; and
Freedom of association.
Freedom of inquiry and expression.
Access to and information pertaining to available student counseling assistance.
Access to assistance throughout the student conduct process, including the ability to utilize an advocate during the student conduct process.
Access to all information presented during any hearing held in accordance with the provisions of the Student Conduct Process, including information and statements from witnesses.
Informed, in writing, the results of any student conduct hearing held in accordance with the provisions of the student conduct process.
Procedures Requiring a Hearing for Resolving Violations of the Student Code of Conduct
Notification Process:The Respondent will be sent an electronic notice of the allegations brought forth in the Incident Report. The notice will include:
A request for the Respondent to contact the Office of Student Conduct;
A description of the conduct in which the student was allegedly involved;
A list of possible university policies, rules or regulations allegedly violated;
The offices that will be represented at the hearing;
A link to the website explaining the La Salle University Student Conduct Process.
Student Conduct Process: The Director of Student Conduct, or designee, will determine which hearing type is most appropriate for the incident. There are three hearing types, including:
An informal hearing with a Residence Life or Community Development staff member.
These hearings are for cases involving incidents in or around La Salle University housing, and are not recorded. Residence Life or Community Development staff are authorized to issue the full range of sanctions and conditions up to, but not including, removal from campus and separation from the university.
A formal hearing with a Student Conduct Officer.
These hearings are for cases that are of a more serious nature or if the Respondent has been found responsible for previous violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Student Conduct Officers have the authority to impose a full range of statuses and conditions including removal from university housing, suspension and expulsion.
Referral to a University Navigator:
During the first 6 weeks of fall semester, new students may be referred to a trained University Navigator for a conference regarding their behavior if the alleged violation is minor in nature. The outcome of the Navigator conference will not be a documented conduct sanction, but instead an educational conversation regarding the expectations La Salle University has for their students. Students are only referred once to a University Navigator during their tenure at La Salle.
Hearing Participants:
Advocates. The Respondent will be informed that they have the right to bring a La Salle University Advocate or any La Salle University faculty or staff member to the hearing. A list of trained advocates will be provided by the Office of Student Conduct. Students should be aware that only designated trained advocates from the advocate list will be permitted to actively participate during the hearing. Anyone who is not a university designated advocate is considered to be an Advisor. Advisors can quietly and without disruption, advise a respondent, but cannot actively participate.
Parents/Guardians. Parents/guardians are not permitted to participate in or be present during any La Salle University student conduct hearing or appeal, unless the Respondent is under the age of eighteen (18). In those instances, the parent/guardian can observe the student conduct hearing process or appeal presentation and give the student quiet counsel.
Witnesses. The Student Conduct Officer determines and permits witnesses for the Respondent. Witnesses must be members of the La Salle University community in order to be present for the hearing. Other witnesses can make statements through La Salle Public Safety, which statements will be read during the hearing at the discretion of the Student Conduct Officer. Witnesses must have direct information regarding the incident; character witnesses are not permitted.
University Representatives. Other persons who may be present at a formal student conduct hearing include:
La Salle Public Safety administrator or officer
Other appropriate university personnel (e.g. from Residence Life or Community Development)
Recording of Hearing:
All formal student conduct hearings with Student Conduct Officers are audio recorded. The participants in the formal student conduct hearing will be informed upon entry into the hearing location of the recording. The recording of the formal student conduct hearing is a university business record and the property of the university.
The Respondent (and the Complainant in cases involving Policy On Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Discrimination.) may request access to the recording by submitting an electronic request to the Director of Student Conduct after an appeal has been filed with the University Appeals Board Chair prior to the University Appeals Board Hearing.
Formal Student Conduct Hearing Procedures for Resolving Violations of the Student Code of Conduct
All formal student conduct hearings will be conducted in private.
The Student Conduct Officer will inform the Respondent that the formal student conduct hearing is being recorded.
The Student Conduct Officer will review all the materials or evidence that has been submitted. The materials may consist of, but are not limited to, a summary of the case as written by La Salle Public Safety, statements from witnesses, or statements from other persons involved in the situation.
After the submitted materials and evidence have been read, the Respondent will have an opportunity to refute or explain the materials or evidence and add information. The Student Conduct Officer and other university representatives present may ask the Respondent questions and discuss the case. The Respondent may choose to remain silent (not answer any questions or make statements), or the Respondent (and their University-designated advocate if applicable) may participate in the discussion.
The Respondent, and the Complainant in cases where there is a charge of a Policy On Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Discrimination violation, and the Student Conduct Officer are permitted to bring witnesses and question the witnesses of others.
The La Salle University Student Conduct Process is not a court of law and legal rules of evidence and procedure do not apply. The Student Conduct Officer will determine in the officer’s sole discretion the range of testimony permitted by witnesses and items of information which may be considered.
If the Student Conduct Officer determines that a witness may be emotionally harmed by giving evidence in the presence of the Respondent, the Student Conduct Officer may make other arrangements (such as use of a wall partition or video conferencing) to allow the testimony while not depriving the Respondent of access to the evidence.
All procedural questions will be decided solely by the Student Conduct Officer.
In cases where the Respondent fails to answer the charges or appear at the formal student conduct hearing, the proceeding may still take place. A determination will be made and an outcome decided on the evidence submitted at the formal student conduct hearing. The Respondent’s failure to answer charges or appear at the conduct hearing cannot be the sole basis for a responsible finding under this process. In addition, the Respondent may be put on a student conduct status for failure to attend a conduct hearing after receiving a written or electronic request to appear at the formal student conduct hearing.
Once all evidence has been submitted and discussed, and at the sole discretion of the Student Conduct Officer(S), the Respondent (and University-designated advocate, if applicable) will leave the hearing and wait for notification of the outcome of the hearing. The Student Conduct Officer will deliberate and determine the appropriate resolution of the case including appropriate statuses and conditions, which will be communicated in writing to the Respondent within the next five business days.
Upon conclusion of the formal student conduct hearing, the Respondent will be sent an electronic Notice of Outcome and any status imposed within three (3) Business Days. This electronic notice will include the process by which the Respondent can appeal.
The Respondent must file an appeal to the University Appeals Board Chair within three(3) Business Days from the date of the electronic mailing of the formal student conduct hearing outcome letter.
Once the outcome is final (i.e., after the decision of an appeal or after the three (3)-day time to appeal has passed), the Respondent is required to complete all the required conditions.
There will be a single record of the formal student conduct hearing and this record will be the property of the university. The record will be maintained in accordance with the university records management policy.
Responses to Violations of the Student Code of Conduct An important component of the student conduct process is education. Student Conduct Officers may assign or design responses to allow for education and reflection on a particular incident, while promoting a safe and respectful community. Responses, which include sanctions and conditions, emphasize accountability, emotional growth, conflict resolution, restorative values and community safety. A refusal to comply with an assigned condition will result in further action, including a hold on a Respondent’s student account, a new hearing, or suspension from the university.
Sanctions. A sanction is meant to allow respondents to reflect on their behavior and the decisions they made that led to the finding of responsibility. A sanction indicates the Respondent’s student conduct standing with the university. Some sanctions may exclude a Respondent from participating in various university activities.
Warning. A warning is a written notice to a respondent or a student organization that the exhibited behavior was a violation of official university policies and expectations. Further violations of university policy may result in additional disciplinary action. Written warnings may be accompanied by a condition. All assigned conditions are required to be completed before their deadlines or further disciplinary action may be taken.
Probation. Probationary periods indicate that a Respondent or student organization is no longer in good standing with the university and that further violations during the probation (not to exceed two calendar years) may result in extension of the probationary period, additional conditions, suspension or expulsion. During the period of probation, specific conditions may be assigned. All assigned conditions are required to be completed before their deadlines. If a student organization with a national affiliation (e.g., a Greek-letter organization) is found responsible for misconduct and is placed on a status of Probation, La Salle University will inform the national office of the decision.
Suspension. Suspension is the immediate removal of the Respondent’s affiliation with the university for a specific period of time, which includes exclusion from classes, university housing, and all other university activities. Suspended Students are not allowed to be on campus for any reason during the period of suspension and may be arrested for trespassing if found on university property. Suspension from the university will not exceed 2 academic years. Students returning from suspension have an initial restriction from living in campus housing and are placed in indefinite probation for the remainder of their time at La Salle University. Suspended student organizations may lose certain privileges, such as use of campus facilities, participation in university activities, use of allocated funds, recruitment, or new member education activities. If a student organization with a national affiliation (e.g., a Greek-letter organization) is found responsible for misconduct and is placed on a status of Suspension, La Salle University will inform the national office of the decision. Specific conditions will be required to be completed prior to the Respondent or student organization’s return. Once the terms and the conditions of a suspension are complete, it is the responsibility of the Respondent to contact their academic program regarding returning as a student.
Expulsion. Expulsion is a permanent involuntary separation of a Respondent from the university. Readmission is not possible.
Additional Statuses for Student Organizations. While student organizations may be placed on a status similar to individual Respondents, including Warning, Probation, and Suspension, several other statuses apply solely to student organizations:
Social Probation. A student organization on Social Probation is not permitted to hold any organized social functions (e.g., parties) for a specified period of time.
Disaffiliation. Disaffiliation is a permanent involuntary process to revoke recognition of a university organization that has a charter.
Conditions. A condition is a response to provide the Respondent or student organization with experiences from which to learn. Any condition may be required of a Respondent or student organization, and may include the following (but not limited to):
Deferred Loss of Guest and Hosting Privileges for Residents. Deferred Loss of Guest and Housing Privileges is a period of time in which students must demonstrate a commitment to upholding university expectations. During this period of time, students must follow all university policies and demonstrate integrity and respect for all who live and work within the residence halls. Students or their guests found responsible for violating any university policy while on the status of Deferred Loss of Guest Privileges will lose the opportunity to host or sign in guests or be a guest in another residential area for a designated period of time.
Loss of Guest Privileges for Residential Students. Loss of Guest Privileges is a period of time in which residential students must demonstrate a commitment to upholding university expectations in order to earn back their hosting and visitation privileges. During this period of time, students must follow all university policies and demonstrate integrity and respect for all who live and work within the residence halls. While on this status, students may not host or sign in guests within their residence halls and may not visit any residence hall other than one in which they are assigned.
Loss of Guest Privileges for Commuter Students Housing. Loss of Guest Privileges is a period of time in which students must demonstrate a commitment to upholding university expectations in order to earn back their visitation privileges. During this period of time, students must follow all university policies and demonstrate integrity and respect for all members of the campus community. While on this status, commuter students may not visit any university affiliated residence hall or apartment.
Deferred Suspension from University Housing. Deferred Suspension from University Housing is a period of time in which students must demonstrate a commitment to upholding university expectations. During this period of time, students must follow all university policies and demonstrate integrity and respect for all who live and work within the residence halls. Students found responsible for violating any university policy while on the status of Deferred Suspension from Housing will lose the privilege of living in or visiting any university housing until a designated date.
Deferred Suspension from the University. Deferred Suspension from the University is a period of time in which students must demonstrate a commitment to upholding university expectations. During this period of time, students must follow all university policies and demonstrate integrity and respect for all members of the university community. Students found responsible for violating any university policy while on the status of Deferred Suspension will be suspended immediately.
Suspension from University Housing Privileges. Suspension from Individual Housing Privileges is a period of time in which a student may no longer reside or be a guest in the La Salle Residence Halls. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in further conduct action. Entering the residence halls after being suspended from individual housing privileges is considered to be trespassing and will be referred to further disciplinary or criminal action.
Restitution
Substance abuse education and/or evaluation
Referral to the Student Counseling Center
Referral to an educational program sponsored by the University
Research or reflection paper
Required educational opportunities
Other educational sanctions deemed appropriate
Interim Suspension or Restrictions. This action assigned by the Director of Student Conduct, or designee, is a temporary suspension of certain rights or privileges during the conduct process. An interim suspension may be broad and all-inclusive or may be specific to a location and/or function to ensure the physical or emotional safety and well-being of members of the university community, the Respondent’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being, or the preservation of university property, or safety and order on university premises. An interim suspension, interim removal from university housing, or other interim restriction, may be imposed before, during, or after the commencement of a conduct hearing, or during the appeal process. A Respondent or student organization subject to interim suspension or other restrictions will receive written or electronic notice of the suspension or restrictions imposed, as well as the notice of the process for resolving the interim restrictions. The interim suspension or restrictions will remain in effect until the conduct process is resolved.
Hold on Student Account. A hold may be placed on a Respondent’s account as a response to a refusal to comply with the student conduct process, or in other appropriate circumstances. It may be applied in situations where there is a need to resolve a pending student conduct charge, even in the case of an Respondent who was, but is not now, currently a student.
University Appeals Process
Formal Student Conduct Hearings. Unless otherwise noted in this process, the University Appeals Boards (UAB) will hear appeals of determinations of responsibility made under the Student Code of Conduct.
Warnings. Warnings may not be appealed.
Probation, Suspension or Expulsion. Appeals of probation, suspension or expulsion from Student Conduct Officers may be appealed to the University Appeals Board.
Policy on Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Discrimination. Any outcome following a formal hearing involving violations of Policy On Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Discrimination be appealed by either Respondent or Complainant to the University Appeals Board.
Informal Student Conduct Hearings (originating from Residence Life or Community Development). For informal student conduct hearings, the follow is applicable:
Within three (3) business days, the Respondent intending to appeal must submit the basis of the appeal in writing to the Director of Student Conduct.
The appeal letter will be assigned to an Assistant Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life or designee.
All relevant information will be reviewed and a determination will be made by the Appeals Board Chair, who will be appointed by the Chief Student Affairs Officer (CSAO). This decision is final and cannot be appealed further.
Grounds for Appeals
All appeal submissions and appeals will be considered and heard by a three (3) member University Appeals Board (“UAB”). One member of the UAB shall be an Assistant Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life, who shall also chair the UAB and select the other two members from a pool of trained faculty and staff.
In order for an appeal to be heard, the Respondent must demonstrate to the University Appeals Board through the written appeal submission one or more of the following:
Information that was not available at the time of the investigation is now available, and could reasonably be expected to have altered the outcome of the case; or
The University student conduct procedures were violated in a way that is more likely than not to have adversely affected the outcome of the case.
The Respondent shall have three (3) business days from the date the Notice of Outcome is sent to submit, in writing, an appeal on one or more of the grounds listed above and include specific details as to why an appeal should be granted. This letter is to be submitted to the Chair of the UAB.
Once an appeal is filed, the Respondent involved will receive electronic notification of such filing. This notice will state that the case is under appeal consideration and if deemed by the UAB to meet the above standards, will be scheduled in most cases for an appeal hearing within five (5) business days. The Respondent must attend the scheduled hearing or forfeit the right to appeal.
Except as required to explain the basis of new evidence, the UAB will limit its review to the process and outcome of the initial hearing (if applicable), together with any supporting documents. Witnesses will not be permitted to appear on appeal except to the extent that witnesses may provide testimony related solely to new evidence or information that the Respondent demonstrates was not known or available for the original hearing.
The Respondent will appear for the scheduled hearing in front of the UAB and present the basis for the appeal. There will be a time limit of twenty (20) minutes for each and any student presentation at the scheduled hearing. The Respondent has the right to bring either a University-designated advocate, subject to the rules regarding advisors stated herein.
The Student Conduct Office will be available to respond to the appeal and give the rationale for the determination made at the original hearing.
After presentation of the appeal and before the Respondent (and University- designated advocate if applicable) are dismissed, the UAB may, at its discretion, ask questions of the parties present. A hearing is considered closed after all testimony and evidence has been submitted by the parties and the chair of the University Appeals Board has concluded the appeal.
Following the close of the hearing, the University Appeals Board may:
Reverse, reduce, dismiss, uphold, or otherwise modify the original determination and/or status and conditions imposed; or,
Remand the case for rehearing for resolving any procedural processes that the University Appeals Board determines was more likely than not to have impacted the outcome of the original hearing.
The decision of the UAB will be sent electronically to the parties within three (3) business days of the hearing in most cases. The determination rendered by the University Appeals Board is final and may not be appealed further in any forum, although the University reserves the right to modify an appeal or hearing decision as appropriate and at its discretion.
All written notices to the Respondent referred to herein may be delivered at the University’s discretion to any e-mail or mailing address on file with the University. All electronic notices will be deemed received when sent.