2024-2025 Catalog 
  
    Sep 12, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog

Section 2: University Disciplinary Procedures



Code of Student Community Standards

Due Process & Equal Protection

Ferris State University’s procedures for imposing administrative and educational outcomes are designed to:

  1. Include a presumption that the respondent is not responsible for the alleged conduct until a determination regarding responsibility is made through a conduct conference.
  2. Provide students the guarantees of due process and procedural fairness.
  3. Ensure equal protection for all students.
  4. Provide for the imposition of similar outcomes for similar acts of misconduct.

At the same time, the procedures reflect the need to be concerned about the individual student involved in a particular case. The procedures therefore provide that the imposition of disciplinary outcomes must also be based upon a consideration of all the circumstances in a particular case, including a student’s prior record of misconduct, if any.

Jurisdiction

ON AND OFF CAMPUS

The Ferris State University Code of Student Community Standards shall apply to conduct that occurs on Ferris State University property, at Ferris State University sponsored activities, and to off campus conduct that adversely affects the health and safety of the Ferris State University community and/or the pursuit of its objectives.

FROM ADMISSION TO GRADUATION

Each student shall be responsible for their conduct from the time of their admission at Ferris State University through the actual awarding of a degree, even though conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment, and even if the conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded.

AFTER WITHDRAWAL IF INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE STUDENT

Additionally, the Code shall apply to a student’s conduct even if the student withdraws from school while a disciplinary matter is pending. The Director of Student Conduct shall decide whether the Code shall be applied to conduct occurring off campus, on a case by case basis, at their sole discretion.

REGISTERED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Individuals who are a part of an RSO which violates university policy may be held responsible for their own individual conduct. Information regarding policies and procedures applying to Registered Student Organizations (RSO) may be found in the Registered Student Organization Handbook published by the Center for Student Involvement (CSI). Any individual involved with an RSO is encouraged to read the RSO Handbook.

Disciplinary Procedures for Individual Misconduct

For more information about the differences between the Ferris State University student conduct system and the court system, please see Appendix A.

APPLICABILITY OF PROCEDURES

  1. Disciplinary proceedings for acts of individual misconduct are governed by the following procedures: Three portions of the Ferris State Code of Student Community Standards.
  2. Disciplinary proceedings for an act of individual misconduct that is committed simultaneously with an act of academic misconduct are governed by the following procedures unless the Vice President for Student Affairs and the Vice President for Academic Affairs agree otherwise.
  3. The disciplinary procedures in this section do not supersede proceedings involving the alleged violation of campus motor vehicle and Housing and Residence Life contractual provisions, though violations of related policies may be referred for disciplinary action. The procedures likewise do not govern proceedings involving the university’s use of “registration holds” to collect money from students.
  4. The Sexual Harassment and Related Title IX Grievance Process is the exclusive process for addressing complaints of sexual harassment involving students and occurring on campus and/or in the University’s educational programs, or activities. Complaints of sexual harassment/misconduct that do not fall within the scope of the Sexual Harassment and Related Title IX Grievance Process involving student respondents will be addressed through the procedures set forth in Section III of the Code of Community Standards.

AMNESTY

For complainants and witnesses

Ferris State University encourages the reporting of prohibited conduct under this policy. It is in the best interest of this community that as many individuals as possible choose to report to University officials, and that witnesses come forward to share what they know. To encourage reporting, individuals who in good faith report conduct prohibited by this policy, either as a complainant or a witness, will not be subject to disciplinary action by the University for their own personal consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other minor policy violations at or near the time of the incident, provided that any such violations did not and do not place the health or safety of any other person at risk. 

For medical emergencies

In instances in which a student calls Public Safety, contacts Housing staff, or another health and safety entity for assistance with an alcohol or other drug related emergency, the individual calling, those present in the immediate vicinity or the student in need of assistance, will not be subject to disciplinary action by the University for their own personal consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other minor policy violations at or near the time of the incident. In order to qualify for medical amnesty, medical attention must be received at the time of the incident. Abuse of amnesty requests can result in a decision by the Director of Student Conduct not to extend amnesty. To support student wellbeing, students involved in situations that qualify for amnesty related to medical emergencies may be expected to engage in required educational tasks after the incident. Failure to complete educational requirements may result in a student conduct process for failing to comply with university directives. 

INITIATION OF PROCEEDINGS

  1. A report that a student has committed an act of individual misconduct may be filed by any person.
  2. A report that a student has committed an act of individual misconduct must be submitted in writing to the Director of Student Conduct or appropriate designees.
  3. After reviewing a complaint, the Director of Student Conduct has the discretion to decide whether disciplinary proceedings should be instituted.
  4. If the Director of Student Conduct decides to initiate proceedings, the case will be assigned to a Conduct Case Manager.
  5. A student may request that the case be or not be assigned to a specific Conduct Case Manager or committee member, with the understanding that the Director of Student Conduct has complete discretion over the eventual assignment.
  6. Due process (for more information, please see Appendix C: What is Proper Due Process) will be afforded to all Ferris State University students when charged with violating University regulations or policies. 

NOTICE OF CONDUCT CONFERENCE

  1. The Director of Student Conduct shall send notice of the conduct conference to the student’s Ferris email account. In rare circumstances, the Director may also send notice of the conduct conference to the student’s local or permanent address as it appears in the official records of the University to be delivered by U.S. postal service or campus mail. The University considers it a student’s responsibility to check their Ferris email regularly and respond to disciplinary notification in a timely manner no later than the date requested in the notification.
  2. The notice shall inform the student of the following:
    1. The opportunity to read all written reports and findings from any investigation regarding the circumstances and allegations of the case.
    2. The opportunity to attend a conduct conference. A student’s conduct conference shall be scheduled minimally three days after the date of the notice. However, a student may waive their right to this three day period to prepare.
    3. The opportunity to give a response to the reports and to offer any additional information which might help in the resolution of the case.
    4. The opportunity, during the conduct conference, to review all information and ask questions (or choose NOT to ask questions) related to the case information that may adversely affect the student.
    5. The opportunity to present witnesses who may substantiate information related to the incident. A list of witnesses must be submitted no later than one business day before the conduct conference. The Director of Student Conduct or Conduct Case Manager reserves the right to limit the number of witnesses based on the relevancy to the facts of the case. Character witnesses are generally not considered relevant.
    6. The opportunity to have an advisor present during the conduct conference; the advisor may not participate in presenting the case, question witnesses, or make statements during the conduct conference.
    7. Lastly, a student is not required to attend their conduct conference or answer any questions asked during the conduct conference; the choice to remain silent will not be taken as an admission of responsibility. However, a decision will be made in the student’s absence and based on information available at the scheduled time of the conduct conference. 

CONDUCT CONFERENCE

  1. A conduct conference shall be conducted before a Conduct Case Manager at the discretion of the Director of Student Conduct, or their designee. Conduct conferences are closed to the public. (The NCHERM Group Model Code Project, 2013)
  2. A Conduct Case Manager is generally an employee of the University who has received training to act in such capacity. 
  3. In certain circumstances, a second conduct case manager or a conduct case manager contracted with from outside of Ferris may be used because of their expertise or ability to provide insight.
  4. The Conduct Case Manager shall maintain necessary order and shall make all rulings necessary for a fair, orderly, and expeditious conduct conference.
  5. The Conduct Case Manager may question any witnesses.
  6. When it appears necessary to avoid undue hardship, the Conduct Case Manager may, at their discretion, grant a reasonable postponement of the conduct conference, especially in circumstances where additional immediate support services are required (i.e. medical or mental health/emotional support).
  7. The decision of the Conduct Case Manager shall be based upon matters presented and introduced at the conduct conference and must be based upon a preponderance of the evidence (A determination whether the violation was more likely to have occurred than not).
  8. The Conduct Case Manager shall make a finding as to whether the student has committed only the violation(s) as charged based on a preponderance of the evidence. If the Conduct Case Manager or committee reaches a finding of “responsible”, the Conduct Case Manager or committee shall, after review of any disciplinary record the student may have, require one or a combination of the disciplinary outcomes (Administrative and Educational) enumerated under this code.
  9. A student will receive written notice of a decision and any applicable outcomes within a reasonable time frame. Cases requiring additional investigation may require additional time.
  10. If the student fails to attend their conduct conference after proper notification by the Office of Student Conduct, the conduct conference will proceed and a decision may be made in their absence. Or if the accused student withdraws from the institution prior to the adjudication of their case and the former student chooses not to appear, the conduct conference will proceed and a decision may be made in their absence. A representative may not appear in lieu of the respondent.

RIGHTS OF THE RESPONDENT

In the interest of providing a fair and equitable process, Ferris State University has policies established to ensure the rights of the respondent/alleged. For cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, these policies mirror the rights afforded to the complainant (See Code of Student Community Standards: Section III). 

The University has established the following applicable rights for the respondent:

  1. A written notice of the alleged violation(s).
  2. The right to be advised of proper channels for support and appropriate resolution.
  3. The right of the respondent to have an advisor accompany them throughout disciplinary proceedings. An advisor is any individual chosen by the complainant or respondent to provide support before, during, and after the conduct conference process. This person may be an attorney, but at no point may this individual represent in place of the individual they are present to support.
  4. The right of the respondent to determine their level of involvement in the conduct conference process. However, it is always preferable that the respondent be present during the conduct conference process.
  5. The right to challenge any individual serving as a Conduct Case Manager on the basis of bias.
  6. The right not to have irrelevant past conduct discussed during the conduct conference and only considered as part of the outcome determination process, where appropriate. 
  7. The right to review all reports and relevant information that is to be considered during the conduct conference or conduct conference process. Evidence will be available to the complainant, when required by law.
  8. The opportunity to present material witnesses (those with firsthand knowledge of the incident) who may substantiate information related to the incident. A list of witnesses must be submitted no later than one business day before the conduct conference. The Director of Student Conduct or Conduct Case Manager reserves the right to limit the number of witnesses based on the relevancy to the facts of the case. Character witnesses are generally not considered relevant.
  9. The right to receive written notice of a decision and any applicable outcomes within a reasonable time frame. Written notice of a decision will be sent concurrently to the complainant, when required by law.
  10. The opportunity to submit an appeal, subject to the conditions of the appeal process, by the deadline date stated in the written outcome of the conduct conference. The respondent will also be apprised that, when required by law, the complainant may appeal the initial decision.
  11. The right to be treated with dignity and respect throughout the process.

NOTICE OF DECISION & OPPORTUNITY FOR APPEAL

  1. The respondent will receive written notification of the decision of the conduct conference within a reasonable time frame.
  2. The respondent, if found responsible, will have the opportunity to submit an appeal, subject to the conditions of the appeal process, within seven (7) calendar days of receiving the written decision letter provided to the student via Ferris State University student email.
  3. All appeals must be submitted in writing to the Office of Student Conduct in David L. Eisler Center 129, or electronically by following the instructions provided on the decision letter received by the respondent or complainant. 

COMPLIANCE LETTERS

The University is committed to maintaining a healthy and safe environment in our campus community while respecting and preserving individual rights. Compliance letters are typically sent to student(s) in situations where items or circumstances observed on campus, fail to comply with Housing and Residence Life or other administrative policies. Compliance Letters are not commonly used when the item or circumstance pose an active and/or imminent risk to the campus community. 

  1. A compliance letter shall be emailed to the student’s Ferris email account and include the concern(s) observed and the date they need to be resolved by.
  2. If the concern(s) are addressed by the date specified, and this is verified by a University official, no further action is taken and disciplinary proceedings are not initiated.
  3. Disciplinary proceedings may be initiated if the concern(s) are not addressed in their entirety by the date specified. 

DISCIPLINARY RECORDS

All conduct records are maintained by the University for at least seven (7) years from the time of their creation except those that result in suspension or dismissal, which are maintained indefinitely. (The NCHERM Group Model Code Project, 2013)

OUTCOMES

The Director of Student Conduct or their designee is authorized to impose any one or a combination of the following administrative and educational outcomes for behavior found to be in violation of the Code of Student Community Standards.

The University may impose other outcomes singularly or in combination with any of those listed below. The University recognizes two kinds of outcomes: administrative and educational, and they are often combined in an effort to hold students accountable while also providing resources to aid in a student’s success. 

ADMINISTRATIVE OUTCOMES

  1. Administrative Warning
    An administrative warning is an official written warning issued by the University. This warning is meant to inform the student that they have been found in violation of the University policy and that they should understand that future violations could result in further disciplinary action. With an administrative warning, a student should have a clear understanding of the University’s expectations for their future behavior. 
  2. No Contact Order
    A student may be expected to not have contact with another member of the Ferris community to ensure the safety or security of a specific person(s) and/or address a conflict/concern. 
  3. Housing Assignment Change
    An on-campus student may be required to transfer to a different residence hall or apartment when there exists a need to ensure the safety or the security of a specific person(s) or location where it does not warrant removal from Housing. 
  4. Housing Contract Termination
    An on-campus student may lose their housing contract due to the severity of the incident and/or community impact. Decisions regarding removal from housing will be made in consultation with Housing & Residence Life. 
  5. Ban/Trespass
    A ban prohibits a student from being in a particular location on campus to ensure the safety or the security of a specific person(s) or location. A trespass prohibits an individual from being on University property. Failure to comply with the trespass may result in law enforcement action. 
  6. Disciplinary Probation
    Probation is intended to convey to the student that their conduct is unacceptable by University standards. Further violation of University policies at any point during the probationary period will be viewed not only as a violation based upon the act itself, but also as a violation of the probation. This shall result in further action up to, and including, suspension or dismissal from the University.
  7. Suspension
    A student may be prohibited from participating in all aspects of University life for a specified period of time, usually one or more semesters/full academic years. When a student is suspended from the University, the suspension applies to all campuses of the University and prohibits that student from entering the grounds of all University campuses. When the term of the suspension has ended, the student may apply for readmission. Should a student choose to reapply and be readmitted to the University, the student would be placed on Disciplinary Probation for the remainder of their academic career at Ferris. In situations that a student has a disability, they may notify the Educational Counseling and Disability Services (ECDS) Office for support, accommodation, and/or advocacy. If requested, the University’s section 504/Title II 17 coordinator and other appropriate persons knowledgeable about the student’s condition will be involved when that student seeks a return to the University. A Conduct Case Manager may, in limited cases, decide to defer suspension until the end of the academic term when appropriate. 
  8. Dismissal
    A student may be prohibited from participating in all aspects of the University permanently. When a student is dismissed from the University, the dismissal applies to all campuses and prohibits that student from entering the grounds of all University campuses. Furthermore, the student may not petition the University for readmission.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SUSPENSION OR DISMISSAL

For those individuals who are either suspended or dismissed from Ferris, an AW (Administrative Withdraw) will be placed on the student’s transcript if the suspension or dismissal is effective prior to the deadline for withdrawal from classes published by the University. This means that no grades A through F will be issued for that semester in which the student was suspended or dismissed. If the suspension or dismissal is effective after the deadline for withdrawal, an AWF (Administrative Withdraw Fail) will be assigned in the same manner as other students who withdraw after the deadline. That is, after the withdrawal deadline, a suspended or dismissed student would receive a grade of F for the semester in which they were suspended or dismissed. 

EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE OUTCOMES

Administrative Outcomes do not become final until the opportunity to appeal has passed (7 calendar days after notification). Students who choose to appeal suspension or dismissal decisions may continue to go to class and engage in customary University activities until an appeal decision is made, unless there is an interim suspension already in force through the Dean of Student Life Office or is otherwise stipulated through the conduct process.  

EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES

Education and Safety are the two primary priorities for the Office of Student Conduct. To accomplish these goals, the Office of Student Conduct provides opportunities for students to reflect on and learn from their past experiences. Educational outcomes include, but are not limited to the following:

  1. CREW Alcohol Check-In
    This in-person program is provided by Ten16 Recovery Networks’ FS/CREW office on campus. The goal of the CREW Alcohol Check-In is to have a judgment free conversation regarding a student’s alcohol usage, and its impact on their success as a student. Students only attend one program session that lasts approximately 45 minutes. Some educational outcomes have costs associated with them; Ferris passes those costs on to the students who are involved in the related violation. The Office of Student Conduct will assess a one-time $100 program fee for this program. 
  2. CREW Cannabis Check-In
    This in-person program is provided by Ten16 Recovery Networks’ FS/CREW office on campus. The goal of the CREW Cannabis Check-In is to have a judgment free conversation regarding a student’s cannabis and/or THC usage, and its impact on their success as a student. Students only attend one program session that lasts approximately 45 minutes. Some educational outcomes have costs associated with them; Ferris passes those costs on to the students who are involved in the related violation. The Office of Student Conduct will assess a one-time $100 program fee for this program.
  3. AOD Wellness Program
    This program is for students who have run into recurrent and/or serious difficulty related to alcohol and other drugs on or off campus. The AOD Wellness Program consists of three sessions that are all approximately 50 minutes. The program gives students the opportunity to consider their own ideals and goals around alcohol and other drugs (AOD). Some educational outcomes have costs associated with them; Ferris passes those costs on to the students who are involved in the related violation. The Office of Student Conduct will assess a one-time $200 program fee for this program.
  4. Prime for Life
    This program is for students to learn a set of practical strategies that reduce negative consequences of alcohol and other drug use. The Prime for Life program is a one-time substance use assessment. If the Prime for Life coordinator determines additional education, they will assign a student to attend a Prime for Life meeting in collaboration with the Mecosta County Ten16 Recovery Network. Some educational outcomes have costs associated with them; Ferris passes those costs on to the students who are involved in the related violation. The Office of Student Conduct will assess a one-time $200 program fee for this program.
  5. Community Service
    The student may have the opportunity to choose the type of service they would like to perform and have the opportunity to work with staff at the Volunteer Center to find service opportunities that are meaningful to them, or they may perform service through in-hall service.
  6. Educational and Career Counseling Referral
    A student may be in the disciplinary process as a result of academic and personal challenges. Through a discussion with their conduct case manager, it may be determined that the student may benefit from participating in a two-part strategies program with an Educational Counselor.
  7. Individual Counseling Assessment
    In limited circumstances, a student may be required to visit with Ferris State University’s Personal Counseling Center for an individual assessment. Generally, students will not be required to participate “counseling” as that process requires an individual willing to participate to produce positive outcomes. However, students are often strongly encouraged to seek out support and a referral for voluntary counseling support may be made. These situations are handled confidentially.
  8. Reflection Paper
    A student may be required to write a paper on a given topic(s) assigned by their conduct case manager. Reflection papers are typically designed to provide further opportunities for students to reflect on the incident they met about and to explore alternative behaviors in the future.
  9. Restitution
    A student may be required to pay the costs for the replacement or repair of any University property damaged by the student (not typically applied for off-campus conduct as restitution is often required through any court proceeding).
  10. Parental/Guardian Notification
    A letter may be sent home to the parents or guardians of any student found in violation of an alcohol or drug policy violation. The intent of this letter is to ensure that the student, parent, and institution are able to work in partnership to foster student success. This letter informs the parent or guardian that future behavior of a similar nature may jeopardize the student’s status at the University. 
  11. Additional Educational Task
    A student may be required to complete other types of educational tasks related to the type of misconduct they were found responsible for and/or their specific learning and developmental needs. These educational tasks may take the form of attending a class or workshop or completing an independent study.  

PARENTAL/GUARDIAN NOTIFICATION

As allowed under exception from the Family Education Right to Privacy Act (FERPA) a letter may be sent home to the parents or guardians of any student under 21 found in violation of any alcohol or drug violation. 

The intent of this letter is to ensure that the student, parent/guardian, and institution are able to work in partnership regarding individual student success. The parental/guardian notification letter informs the parent or guardian that a student’s relationship with the University is tenuous and may be severed if the student’s behavior is not altered. 

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH STUDENT CONDUCT OUTCOMES - REGISTRATION HOLD

Students who have failed to complete their assigned outcome(s) by the assigned deadline may receive notice of failure to comply. This communication will serve as notification that a registration hold may be placed on their account pending completion of assigned outcome. The registration hold may not be lifted until the student has successfully completed their outstanding assigned outcome(s).

Students assigned to an in-person program through FSU/CREW who schedule, but do not attend their appointment, may be referred back to the Office of Student Conduct for failing to comply with a student conduct outcome. This may result in a registration hold being placed on the student’s account and/or the programing fee being reassessed.

HOUSING CONTRACT TERMINATION

An on-campus student may be removed from University Housing, rescinding the student’s contract with Housing. A student removed from University Housing may be banned from entering any University Housing facilities. 

Appeal Procedures

A student found responsible through the conduct process may appeal the outcome of the conduct conference by submitting a written appeal within seven (7) calendar days of receiving notification of the decision. The written appeal must include the grounds for appeal and the remedy that the person appealing is requesting. Only the student may submit an appeal on their behalf. Appeals submitted by any other party will not be considered.

  • Appeals of Suspension or Dismissal: Reviewed by the Vice President of Student Affairs or their designee.
  • Appeals of LESS than Suspension or Dismissal: Reviewed by the Dean of Student Life or their designee.
  • All appeals should be submitted to the Office of Student Conduct. Written appeals can be delivered in person (David L. Eisler Center 129) or electronically by email at [email protected] or via the provided link in the student’s decision letter. 

CRITERIA FOR APPEAL

The appeal must be filed in writing by the appeal deadline date stated in the written outcome of the conduct conference. Appeals must meet one of the following criteria:

  1. Failure by the conduct case manager or committee to afford the student due process, or a procedural error in the conduct conference which may have been substantial enough to change the case outcome; and/or
  2. The discovery of substantive new evidence which was unknown to the conduct case manager at the time of the conduct conference that could have a significant effect on the case outcome.
  3. The hearing officer had a conflict of interest or bias against Respondents generally or the individual Respondent, that affected the outcome.
  4. The severity of the outcome (ONLY in cases that result in suspension or dismissal from the University). 

PROCEDURE FOR WHEN APPEAL IS RECEIVED

  1. An appellate officer or board shall review appeals as designated by the Vice President for Student Affairs or designee.
  2. Upon review of the written appeal material, the appellate officer or board may recommend one of the following options for approval by the Vice President for Student Affairs or their designee.
  3. If the grounds for appeal have been sufficiently satisfied and the appeal is accepted, one of the following will occur: 
    1. The case shall be remanded back to the original Conduct Case Manager or committee with specific instructions to correct a procedural error and reconsider the case.
    2. The case shall be remanded back to the Office of Student Conduct for a new conduct conference before a different Conduct Case Manager or committee; or
    3. The outcome may be modified.
  4. If the grounds for appeal have not been sufficiently satisfied, the original decision is upheld and outcomes are enforced.
  5. Each student shall be limited to one appeal and shall not be entitled to appeal their case from one appellate officer to another. The decision of the appellate officer shall be final.
  6. In cases where suspension or dismissal is applied, if a student has submitted an appeal, they may continue to go to class and engage in customary University activities (unless otherwise stipulated, typically by order of an interim suspension instituted by the Office of the Dean of Student Life) until an appeal decision is made.

INTERIM MEASURES

  1. Authority for Interim Measures

    Should there be reasonable cause, the Dean of Student Life or their designee may act immediately without following the conduct process procedures established by the University and impose interim actions to mitigate the effects of the alleged misconduct and otherwise promote the safety of University community members and/or property. Failure to comply with the requirements is a violation of the Code and may result in further action. Interim Actions may include:

    • No Contact Orders,
    • Residential reassignments or removal,
    • Changes to employment assignments,
    • Restriction of the student’s presence in University buildings, on University property, and/or at University events.

    Included in the notice of interim action will be information on how students can request an interim action review to be conducted. The student’s request for the review must be submitted to the Office of Student Conduct in writing and include an explanation as to why they believe there is no cause for the interim action, or that the cause no longer exists. The student may include additional information not available at the time the interim measure was imposed in their written statement.

  2. Authority for Interim Suspension

    Should there be reasonable cause, the Dean of Student Life or their designee may act immediately without following the conduct process procedures established by the University and impose an interim suspension in situations where (a) the student engaged, or threatens to engage in behavior which constitutes a direct threat to others, (b) the student has caused or likely will cause significant property damage, or (c) the student’s behavior has or likely will significantly disturb normal university operations and/or the educational process.

  3. Direct Threat

    In determining whether an individual poses an imminent danger or a direct threat to the health or safety of others, the University will make an individualized assessment, based on reasonable judgment that relies on current medical knowledge or on the best available objective evidence, to ascertain: the nature, duration, and severity of the risk; the probability that the potential injury will actually occur; and whether reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or procedures will mitigate the risk without fundamentally altering the nature of the service, program or activity. Absent exigent circumstances creating an imminent risk of harm, the assessment will be made prior to a decision to remove a student based on the threat they pose to others.

    In situations involving a student with a disability, the student may notify the Educational Counseling and Disability Services (ECDS) Office for support, accommodation, and/or advocacy. If requested, the University’s section 504/Title II coordinator and other appropriate persons knowledgeable about the student’s condition may be involved where students are removed or seek a return to the University.

  4. Notice of Interim Suspension

    A student who is issued an interim suspension and excluded from the University shall be required to leave the property of the University immediately and shall be notified that they will thereafter be treated as a trespasser if they return to University property without proper authorization. Written notice will be sent to the student informing the student of the following:

    1. That the student has been issued an interim suspension from the University;
    2. That the student has been excluded from being on University property;
    3. That the student will be considered a trespasser if they return to University property without proper authorization;
    4. The reasons for the interim suspension from the University and the exclusion from University property;
    5. Date, time, and location of an Interim Suspension Review Meeting; and
    6. That the Director of Student Conduct will be initiating disciplinary action against the student.
  5. Disciplinary Process after Interim Suspension

    The Director of Student Conduct shall initiate the disciplinary process for a student who has been issued an interim suspension and excluded from the University. The disciplinary process is the formal set of procedures the University has in place for allegations of student misconduct and occurs after the interim suspension has been issued and reviewed. The notification for the conduct conference will be issued separately of the interim suspension and exclusion from University property.

    1. The student shall thereafter be permitted to enter the University campus only for the limited purpose of participating in the disciplinary proceedings conducted under this section.
    2. The Director of Student Conduct may require that the student be escorted to and from the disciplinary proceedings by members of the University police department.
    3. Every attempt will be made to act expeditiously with the disciplinary proceedings. Typically, proceedings are held within 30 days absent exigent circumstances.
  6. Review of Interim Suspension

    Within seven (7) calendar days after a student has been notified of the interim suspension and exclusion from University property, the student may request an interim suspension review meeting to determine whether the interim suspension should continue or whether the student should be reinstated and allowed to return to University property, pending their conduct conference. Exceptions to this timeline may be made in circumstances where a student is unable to respond (i.e. incarceration).

    1. If the student attends the review meeting, they shall be given an opportunity to present their version of the events.
    2. The Vice President for Student Affairs or designee shall conduct the review meeting and decide whether or not to cancel or continue the suspension.
    3. The suspended student shall not have the right to confront or question witnesses or call their own witnesses.
    4. The suspended student is entitled to be accompanied at the review meeting by one advisor. The advisor shall have no role at the review meeting other than to advise the student and shall not be permitted to ask or to answer questions or to make oral arguments.