5. Sanctions

5.1. Range of Sanctions

Potential sanctions include, but are not limited to, those listed below and may be issued alone or in combination. Sanctions must be developmental, educational, preventative, or restorative in nature or intent. The hearing officer may consider any information which he or she believes to be relevant in determining appropriate sanctions, including prior conduct. The hearing officer will provide a rationale which describes the general purpose and goals of the assigned sanctions.

5.2. Academic Sanctions

These sanctions may only be issued in conjunction with violations of article 2.1. unless otherwise directed by the Academic Integrity Chair or the Dean of Students.  Administrative sanctions listed in Article 5.3. may also be applied, as appropriate.

5.2.1. Academic Censure – A written warning that behaviors exhibited are inconsistent with the values and standards set forth by the College and are not acceptable behavior for students of the College.

5.2.2. Adjustment of Grade on an Examination, Paper, Quiz, Test, or Other Assignment – A reduction in letter grade, points, or percentage on work determined to be connected to the violation.

5.2.3. Failure of an Examination, Paper, Quiz, Test, or Other Assignment – A directed grade of zero or F on work determined to be connected to the violation.

5.2.4. Adjustment of Course Grade – A reduction in letter grade for the course in which a violation occurred.

5.2.5. Failure of a Course – A directed grade of F or NP assigned for the course in which the violation occurred.

5.2.6. Suspension – An involuntary separation of a student from the College for a stated period of time, not to exceed 3 years. While suspended, a student is barred from all College premises and is prohibited from participating in College-sponsored activities. A notation of the imposition of this sanction is made on the student’s transcript at the time the suspension is enacted. Suspension is imposed for a period of time appropriate for the type of violation and the student’s history of violations of this Code. A grade of W will be entered for all courses, except for the course or courses in which academic misconduct was found to have occurred, in which case, a grade of F or NP will be entered. Prior to the lifting of a suspension, all other imposed sanctions must be completed unless otherwise noted in the written notification of sanctions or at the discretion of the Dean of Students. This sanction may only be issued in consultation with the Dean of Students.

5.2.7. Expulsion – Permanent, involuntary separation from the College. When expelled, a student is barred from all College premises and is prohibited from participating in College-sponsored activities. A notation of the imposition of this sanction is made on the student’s transcript at the time that the expulsion is enacted. A grade of W will be entered for all courses, except for the course or courses in which academic misconduct was found to have occurred, in which case, a grade of F or NP will be entered. This sanction may only be imposed by the Dean of Students.

5.2.8. Revocation of Degree – Revocation of a previously awarded academic degree. This sanction may only be imposed in situations where it has been determined a degree was obtained as a result of fraud or a significant portion of the work submitted in fulfillment of, and indispensable to the attainment of, said degree was obtained via one or more acts of academic misconduct. This sanction may only be imposed by the Dean of Students.

5.3. Administrative Sanctions

5.3.1. Alteration of Student Status – These sanctions alter a student’s fundamental relationship with the College.

5.3.1.1. Reprimand – An official written disciplinary warning that the student’s behavior is in violation of the Code, and that if the student is subsequently found in violation of a similar policy, additional sanctions may be imposed.

5.3.1.2. Probation – Removal of a student from good conduct standing. Imposition of this sanction prevents a student from representing the College in extracurricular activities or serving in formal leadership roles on campus. It is a formal warning to the student that the behaviors exhibited by the violation are unacceptable in an educational community and serves as notice that any further violations of any provision of this Code will call the students right to remain a member of the College community into question. Probation is issued for a stated period of time appropriate to the type of violation and the student’s history of violations of this Code, after which time a student’s good standing is restored.

5.3.1.3. Suspension – An involuntary separation of a student from the College for a stated period of time, not to exceed 3 years. While suspended, a student is barred from all College premises and is prohibited from participating in College-sponsored activities. A notation of the imposition of this sanction is made on the student’s transcript at the time the suspension is enacted. Suspension is imposed for a period of time appropriate for the type of violation and the student’s history of violations of this Code. A grade of W will be entered for all courses, except in the case of academic misconduct, in which case, in which case, a grade of F or NP will be entered. Prior to the lifting of a suspension, all other imposed sanctions must be completed unless otherwise noted in the written notification of sanctions or at the discretion of the Dean of Students.

5.3.1.4. Expulsion – Permanent, involuntary separation from the College. When expelled, a student is barred from all College premises and is prohibited from participating in College-sponsored activities. A grade of W will be entered for all courses, except in the case of academic misconduct, in which case, in which case, a grade of F or NP will be entered. A notation of the imposition of this sanction is made on the student’s transcript at the time that the expulsion is enacted.

5.3.2. Educational Sanctions – Educational sanctions are intended to provide students with an opportunity to reflect and learn from the adjudication of a violation or attempt to restore or promote the academic environment of the College community. Common educational sanctions include, but are not limited to:

5.3.2.1. Class or Workshop – Required attendance at a class or workshop designed to educate students as to the risks and consequences of exhibited behaviors. Any assigned classes shall be non-credit bearing and will not be reflected on a student’s transcript. The student is responsible for any costs associated with participation in a class or workshop.

5.3.2.2. Community Service – Completion of a specified number of community service hours. Specific requirements, such as location or type of service or specific verification requirements may be imposed by the hearing officer.

5.3.2.3. Mandated Assessment – A mandatory assessment by a counselor employed by the College or by a licensed health care provider in the community. Based upon such an assessment and upon the recommendation of a licensed healthcare provider, a student may be required to attend follow-up meetings, sessions, or assessments. The student is responsible for any costs associated with this assessment.

5.3.2.4. Restitution – Payment of specified costs incurred by the College. These costs may include, but are not limited to, the cost to repair or replace items or facilities which were damaged, destroyed, stolen, or vandalized and may include the cost of time and labor for temporary and permanent repairs and any associated cleaning costs. Estimates may be used in determining restitution.  Restitution may not be used to pay costs incurred by any person or entity other than the College.

5.3.2.5. Restriction on Activity – Restriction of a specific activity directly related to a violation for a specified period of time.

5.3.2.6. Written Assignment – A designated written activity related to the specific violation(s), which may include a research paper, reflection paper, or letter of apology.

5.3.3. Any sanction may be issued in a conditional status, contingent upon compliance with a designated set of conditions, including appropriate future conduct for a period of time. In these situations, failure to comply with the designated conditions will result in the enactment of the conditional sanction immediately. Conditional sanctions may only be appealed at the time of issuance.  Appeals at the time of enactment will not be considered timely and will not be heard.

5.3.4. Sanctions shall be considered in effect at the time they are communicated in writing to the student, either in person or in writing to a student’s College issued e-mail address. The Registrar and the Office of Financial Aid shall be notified, as appropriate, following the expiration of the appeal deadline or following the completion of any appeal proceedings.