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1STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
2VCU Creed: Philosophy for a University Community 3
Academic institutions exist, among other reasons, to discover, advance and transmit 4
knowledge and to develop in their students, faculty and staff the capacity for creative and 5
critical thought. At Virginia Commonwealth University, members of the community should 6
strive to exemplify the following specific ideals in addition to other worthy ideals: 7
To demonstrate academic and personal integrity. 8
To respect the rights and property of others. 9
To be open to others’ opinions. 10
To uphold academic freedom and freedom of intellectual inquiry. 11
To appreciate diversity and to value and learn from the uniqueness of each person. 12
To uphold the right of all persons to be treated with dignity and respect and to 13
refrain from all forms of intimidation, harassment and illegal discrimination. 14
To demonstrate and respect intellectual courage in situations that demand it. 15
Students are required to engage in responsible social conduct that reflects credit upon the 16
University community and to model good citizenship in any community. 17
DEFINITIONS (general terms)
18
University
19
The term “University” means Virginia Commonwealth University, hereafter referred to 20 as “VCU.” 21 22 Student 23
The term “Student” includes all persons taking courses at VCU, either full-time or part-24
time, pursuing undergraduate, graduate or professional studies. “Students” also 25
includes all persons who withdraw after allegedly violating the Student Code of 26
Conduct, persons who are not enrolled officially for a particular term but who have a 27
continuing relationship with VCU, persons who have been notified of their acceptance 28
for admissions, or persons living in VCU residence halls who may not be enrolled in this 29
institution. This Student Code of Conduct applies at all University locations. 30
Faculty
32
The term “Faculty” means any person hired by the University to conduct classroom or 33
teaching activities or activities involving research, administration or clinical 34
responsibilities or who is otherwise considered by the University to be a member of its 35 faculty. 36 37 Staff 38
The term “Staff” means any person hired by the University as an hourly or classified 39 staff member. 40 41 University Official 42
The term “University Official” includes any person employed by the University, 43
including faculty or staff, who performs assigned administrative or professional 44
responsibilities. 45
46
Member of the University Community
47
The term “Member of the University Community” includes any person who is a student, 48
faculty member, staff member, University official or any other person employed by the 49
University. A person’s status in a particular situation shall be determined by the 50
Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity or designee. 51
52
University Premises or Property
53
The term “University Premises or Property” includes all land, buildings, facilities and 54
other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the University 55
(including adjacent streets and sidewalks). All other locations shall be considered “off-56 campus.” 57 58 Student Organization 59
The term “Student Organization” means any student group registered with the 60
University. 61
62
Student Conduct Administrator
63
The term “Student Conduct Administrator” means a University official authorized by 64
the Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity or designee, on a case-by-case 65
basis, to administer the Student Code of Conduct. A Student Conduct Administrator 66
may investigate, determine and sanction a student for the same case. 67
68
The Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity or designee is the person 69
designated by the University President or designee to be responsible for the 70
administration of the Student Code of Conduct. 71
72
Student Conduct Board
73
The term “Student Conduct Board” means any person or persons authorized by the 74
Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity or designee to determine whether 75
a student has violated the Student Code of Conduct and to recommend sanctions that 76
may be imposed when a violation has been committed. 77
78
Sanction Review Board
79
The term “Sanction Review Board” means any person or persons authorized by the 80
Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity or designee to determine 81
appropriate sanctions. 82
83
Conduct Appeal Board
84
The term “Conduct Appeal Board” means any person or persons authorized by the 85
Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity or designee to consider an appeal 86
from a Student Conduct Board’s determination. 87
88
Shall
89
The term “shall” is used in the imperative sense. 90
91
May
92
The term “may” is used in the permissive sense. 93
94
Policy
95
The term “Policy” means the written regulations of the University as found in, but not 96
limited to, the Code of Student Conduct, the Residential Life and Housing Contract, the 97
VCU Alcohol and Drug Policy, the University Guidelines on Prohibition of Sexual 98
Harassment, Student Conduct in Instructional Settings, Procedures for Registering 99
Student Organizations, the University Computer and Network Resources Use Policy, the 100
Undergraduate/Graduate Bulletins as found on the University web page, or other 101
University publications or resources. 102
103
Accuser
104
The term “Accuser” means any person or entity that submits a charge alleging that a 105
student violated the Student Code of Conduct. 106
107
Accused Student
108
The term “Accused Student” means any student or student organization accused of 109
violating this Student Code of Conduct. 110
111
Preponderance of Evidence
112
The term “Preponderance of Evidence” is the standard of proof that applies to student 113
conduct proceedings or determinations. A finding of a violation of the Student Code of 114
Conduct must be supported by evidence that is more likely than not that the violation 115 was committed. 116 117 PROHIBITED CONDUCT 118
The University Student Code of Conduct shall apply to all conduct that occurs on University 119
premises, at VCU-sponsored activities, and at off-campus locations. The Director of Student 120
Conduct and Academic Integrity or designee shall decide whether the Student Code of 121
Conduct shall be applied to conduct occurring off campus, on a case-by-case basis, at 122
her/his sole discretion. The Student Code of Conduct governs all campuses; however, 123
students are advised to consult local campus (i.e. VCU Qatar) publications for additional 124
information or rules pertaining specifically to those campuses that may create hearing 125
boards or processes for these campuses, consistent with the Student Code of Conduct. Each 126
student shall be responsible for his/her conduct from the time of application for admission 127
through the actual awarding of the degree (and even if conduct is not discovered until after 128
a degree is awarded). The Student Code of Conduct shall apply to a student’s conduct even 129
if the student withdraws from school while a disciplinary matter is pending. 130
The following conduct, committed or attempted, is prohibited for all students and student 131
organizations, and is subject to disciplinary sanctions: 132
1. Abusive Conduct 133
a. Assault – Words or actions that would cause an individual(s) to fear 134
for his/her immediate safety. Words constitute assault when they 135
are accompanied by the ability to inflict immediate harm. 136
b. Battery – The use of physical force against an individual or group. 137
c. Sexual misconduct – Offenses include, but are not limited to, sexual 138
harassment, non-consensual intercourse (or attempts to commit 139
same), non-consensual sexual contact (or attempts to commit 140
same), and/or sexual exploitation. For additional detail see the 141
Sexual Misconduct Code. Also refer to the University Guidelines on
142
Prohibition of Sexual Harassment. 143
d. Stalking/harassing - Unwanted or unsolicited repeated contact, 144
regardless of type, with another person or persons. Additionally, 145
the contact may cause the other person or persons reasonable 146
concern for their safety, physical or mental health, life, or property. 147
e. Endangering health or safety - Taking or threatening actions that 148
endanger the safety, physical or mental health, or life of any 149
person(s) or creates reasonable fear of such action. 150
f. Hazing - Subjecting a person(s) to any mental or physical 151
requirement, request, or obligation that could cause discomfort, 152
pain, fright, disgrace, injury, that is personally degrading, or that 153
violates any federal, state, or local statute or University policy; the 154
willingness of the individual to participate in such activity 155
notwithstanding. 156
g. Recording and/or disseminating images without consent - Using 157
electronic or other means to make or disseminate a video or 158
photographic record of any person(s) where there is a reasonable 159
expectation of privacy without the person’s consent and when such 160
a recording is likely to cause injury, distress, or damage to 161
reputation. 162
h. Disorderly conduct - Disrupting or preventing the peaceful or 163
orderly conduct of classes, lectures, meetings, or other University 164
functions, or interfering with the lawful freedom of other persons, 165
including invited speakers, to express their views, or interfering 166
with the performance of the duties of University personnel. 167
i. Riotous behaviors - Participating in on-campus or off-campus riots 168
or disturbances with the purpose to commit or incite actions that 169
present a clear and present danger to others, cause physical harm 170
to others, or damage property. This does not prohibit peaceful 171
demonstrations, peaceful picketing, or a call for a peaceful boycott, 172
or other forms of peaceful dissent. 173
2. Acts of Dishonesty 174
a. Furnishing false information to any University official, faculty or 175
staff member or office. 176
b. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any University document, record 177
or instrument of identification. 178
3. Academic Misconduct 179
a. Any activity that tends to compromise the academic integrity of the 180
University, or subvert the educational process. The VCU Honor
181
System addresses academic expectations, rights, responsibilities, 182
violations, hearing processes, sanctions, and records. 183
4. Alcoholic Beverages/Drugs 184
a. Alcoholic beverages – The unlawful possession, distribution, sale or 185
use of alcoholic beverages or public intoxication are prohibited. 186
Alcoholic beverages may not, in any circumstance, be used, 187
possessed by or distributed to any person under twenty-one (21) 188
years of age. The possession and/or use of alcohol in University 189
facilities and at University events by those individuals twenty-one 190
(21) years of age or older, may be subject to additional University 191
regulations and restrictions. Any violation of the VCU Alcohol and
192
Drug Policy is also considered to be prohibited conduct under the 193
Student Code of Conduct. 194
b. Drugs – Possession, use, manufacture, sale, dispensation, or 195
distribution of any illegal drug or controlled substances are 196
prohibited except as expressly permitted by law. Any violation of 197
the VCU Alcohol and Drug Policy is also considered to be prohibited 198
conduct under the Student Code of Conduct. 199
c. Paraphernalia – Possession of drug paraphernalia is not permitted 200
in University residences or other University buildings. 201
Paraphernalia includes but is not limited to roach clips, bongs, 202
pipes, blow tubes, hookahs, bowls, and any type of water pipe or 203
object filled with water through which smoke is drawn. 204
5. Failure to Comply 205
a. Failure to comply with a reasonable request or directive of 206
University Officials. This includes, but is not limited to, failure to 207
present a University identification card, failure to keep or attend a 208
required meeting, or failure to leave any University premise when 209
requested by a University Official. 210
b. Failure to observe rules and regulations issued by the University, 211
including all publications, notices, and electronic communications. 212
c. Failure to complete or comply with a university imposed sanction. 213
6. False Reports 214
a. It is a violation to make an intentionally false report of any Student 215
Code of Conduct or other policy violation, and it may also violate 216
state criminal statutes and civil defamation laws. 217
7. Weapons 218
a. Possession or carrying of any weapon by any person, except a duly 219
authorized law enforcement personnel, is prohibited on university 220
property, including but not limited to, academic offices, 221
administrative office buildings, medical venues, clinics, 222
laboratories, research facilities, residence halls, dining facilities; or 223
while attending sporting, entertainment or educational events. 224
225
b. For purposes of this document, in addition to items defined as 226
weapons by the Virginia Commonwealth University Weapons 227
Regulation, anything used by a student to injure or attempt to 228
injure another person is considered a weapon. 229
230
8. Fireworks/Explosives/Dangerous Chemicals 231
a. Unauthorized possession or use of fireworks, explosives or 232
dangerous chemicals is prohibited. 233
9. Gambling 234
a. Participation in any form of illegal gambling as delineated in the 235
Commonwealth of Virginia Code 18.2.325. 236
10. Theft or Unauthorized Use of Property 237
a. Theft - Theft, attempted theft, or possession of stolen property, 238
services or possession of tools with criminal intent. 239
b. Unauthorized use of university property or services. 240
c. Climbing - Unauthorized climbing inside or outside campus 241
buildings or structures. 242
d. Defacing/vandalizing - Defacing (e.g., graffiti) or vandalizing 243
University land, buildings, equipment or property. 244
e. Damage or destruction of property - Actual or threatened damage 245
or destruction of University property or property of others, 246
whether done intentionally or with reckless disregard. 247
f. Unauthorized presence or entry - Entering or being present in 248
University buildings, rooms, or other areas without proper 249
authorization. 250
g. Tampering -Tampering with University equipment, including but 251
not limited to, any elevator, wiring, plumbing, doors, locking 252
mechanisms, University keys, access cards, or other University 253
equipment without authorization from a University Official. 254
h. Misuse of fire-fighting equipment/disregard of fire alarm 255
signals/arson - Misuse or tampering with fire-fighting equipment, 256
disregard of a fire alarm signal or refusal to evacuate a building, 257
tampering with detection or suppression equipment, initiating a 258
false fire alarm or unauthorized burning of any material in any 259
University building or on University property. 260
i. Obstruction - Blocking of the free flow of pedestrians or vehicular 261
traffic on University premises or at University sponsored or 262
supervised functions. 263
11. Abuse of Computer Facilities and Resources 264
a. Violations include, but are not limited to, unauthorized entry, 265
unauthorized transfer of a file, use of another individual’s 266
identification and/or password, use of computing facilities and 267
resources to interfere with the work of another University member, 268
use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene or 269
abusive messages, use of computing facilities and resources to 270
interfere with the normal operation of the University computing 271
system, use of computing facilities and resources in violation of 272
copyright laws, or any violation of the University Computer and
273
Network Resources Use Policy. 274
12. Retaliation 275
a. Any adverse action taken against a person because of the person’s 276
participation in a complaint or investigation of misconduct. 277
13. Involvement in a University Violation 278
a. Presences during any violation of the Student Code of Conduct in 279
such a manner to condone, support, or encourage that violation. 280
b. Students should not remain passively in the presence of violations. 281
Students are encouraged to notify the proper authorities if they 282
observe or have knowledge of other students violating the Student 283
Code of Conduct. 284
14. Violation of other disseminated university regulations, policies, or rules. Examples of 285
such regulations include, but are not limited to, University computing policies, 286
Residential Life and Housing policies, and recreational sports facility policies. 287
15. Violation of any federal, state or local law. 288
VIOLATION OF LAW AND UNIVERSITY DISCIPLINE 290
University disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student or student 291
organization charged with conduct that potentially violates criminal or civil law and the 292
Student Code of Conduct (that is, if both possible violations result from the same factual 293
situation). Proceedings under the Student Code of Conduct may be initiated and carried 294
out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings at the sole 295
discretion of the Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity or designee. 296
Determinations made or sanctions imposed under this Student Code of Conduct shall not 297
be subject to change because of the criminal or civil outcomes. 298
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT AUTHORITY 299
The Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity or designee shall determine the 300
composition of the Student Conduct Boards, Sanction Review Boards and the Conduct 301
Appeal Boards and will determine which administrator or board shall be authorized to 302
hear each matter. The Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity or designee 303
may develop procedures for the administration of the student conduct system and 304
procedural rules for the conduct of Student Conduct Board Hearings that are not 305
inconsistent with the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct. Decisions made by a 306
Student Conduct Board, Sanction Review Board and/or Student Conduct Administrator 307
shall be final, pending the normal appeal process. 308
309 310
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 311
312
All Accusers and Accused Students are provided the following rights and responsibilities 313
throughout the University student conduct process: 314
1. The right to receive written notification of any alleged violation. 315
2. The right to know the source of any allegation. 316
3. The right to know the specific alleged violation of the Student Code of 317
Conduct. 318
4. The right to know any sanctions that may be imposed by the University if 319
found responsible for specific violations of the Student Code of Conduct. 320
5. The right to be accompanied by an advisor of their choice and at their own 321
expense during the University student conduct process; for advisory 322
purposes only, not for legal representation. 323
6. The right to present his or her own information. Advisors are not permitted 324
to speak or to participate directly in the University student conduct process 325
unless authorized by the Student Conduct Administrator. When selecting an 326
advisor, students should be cognizant of any scheduled meetings or hearings, 327
delays in the University student conduct process will not be allowed due to 328
the scheduling conflicts of an advisor. 329
7. The right to have the opportunity to respond to any allegation and provide 330
witnesses and/or pertinent additional information. 331
8. The right to refrain from making any statement concerning alleged violations 332
of the Student Code of Conduct. 333
9. The right to know that any statements made by the Accuser and/or Accused 334
Student can be used during the University student conduct process. 335
336
CHARGES AND STUDENT CONDUCT BOARD HEARINGS 337
Any member or entity of the University community or others outside of the University may 338
file charges against a student or student organization for violations of the Student Code of 339
Conduct. Any charge should be submitted as soon as possible after discovery of the alleged 340
violation. Absent extraordinary circumstances, the written complaint must be filed within 341
six (6) months. A charge shall be prepared in writing and directed to the Office of Student 342
Conduct and Academic Integrity (OSCAI) or other designated office. Once the charge has 343
been submitted, the Director of OSCAI or designee will review the charge and appoint a 344
Student Conduct Administrator to complete an investigation. 345
346
A Notification Letter will be sent to the VCU e-mail address of the accused student including 347
the specific violations for which the student has been charged, as well as instructions to 348
contact the Student Conduct Administrator to schedule a meeting. An accused student will 349
have five (5) business days from the date of the Notification Letter to contact the Student 350
Conduct Administrator to schedule a meeting. If the student fails to respond to the 351
Notification Letter or does not attend the scheduled meeting, the University may choose to 352
proceed with consideration of the charges without the student’s presence. 353
354
The Student Conduct Administrator will complete an investigation concerning the 355
allegations stated in the Notification Letter. The Student Conduct Administrator will 356
attempt to meet with the accused student. The Student Conduct Administrator may meet 357
with the accuser as well as with any witnesses and examine additional information. The 358
Student Conduct Administrator then will determine if VCU’s Student Code of Conduct has 359
been violated or if the matter can be closed. Based upon all of the examined information 360
and witness statements, the Student Conduct Administrator will make a determination of 361
responsibility using the standard of preponderance of the evidence. Based upon the 362
determination of the Student Conduct Administrator, the student will have the following 363
options: 364
365
1 - No Violation Established by the Administrator: 366
The Student Conduct Administrator will notify the student that the University 367
will be taking no action at this time concerning the allegations. The Accuser will 368
not have the option to appeal this determination unless sexual misconduct 369
charges are alleged. 370
2- Violation Established - Administrative Adjudication: 371
Accused student accepts responsibility and sanctions 372
The student accepts responsibility for violating specified provisions of VCU's 373
Student Code of Conduct and agrees to complete the specified sanctions as 374
determined by the Student Conduct Administrator. Students agreeing to this 375
option will not be afforded an appeal of this decision, since it will have been 376
accepted by the student. The Accuser will not have the option to appeal this 377
determination or sanction unless sexual misconduct charges are alleged. 378
379
In matters of sexual misconduct the accuser and the accused agree to the 380
administrative adjudication, or the matter will be referred to the Student 381
Conduct Board for adjudication. 382
383
3 – Violation Established - Sanction Review Board (SRB): 384
385
Accused Student accepts responsibility, but disagrees with sanctions 386
The student accepts responsibility for violating specified provisions of VCU's 387
Student Code of Conduct, but disagrees with the sanctions proscribed by the 388
Student Conduct Administrator. The student may then choose to have the 389
sanction determined by the Sanctions Review Board (SRB). The request to the 390
SRB must be submitted in writing and completed within five (5) business days 391
from the date of notification to the student of the Student Conduct 392
Administrator’s determination. The SRB will be comprised of three (3) 393
University Community members with at least one (1) student and one (1) 394
administrative or instructional faculty member. 395
396
The SRB will review the accused student’s written statement concerning 397
his/her sanction, as well as a written statement from the Student Conduct 398
Administrator explaining the recommended sanctions. Based upon this review, 399
the SRB will notify the accused student, and if necessary the accusing individual, 400
in writing of sanctions via their VCU e-mail address. Decisions by the SRB that 401
result in a student being suspended or expelled from the University must be 402
approved by the Vice Provost for Student Affairs or designee. 403
404
The Sanction Review Board does not participate in the adjudication of 405
allegations of Sexual Misconduct. 406
407
4- Violation Established – Student Conduct Board: 408
409
Accused student disagrees with finding of responsibility 410
The student denies responsibility for violating the specified provisions of the 411
Student Code of Conduct. In such circumstances, the OSCAI will proceed to 412
schedule a Student Conduct Board hearing to consider the information and 413
evidence and make a determination concerning the allegations and, if 414
necessary, any sanctions. The Student Conduct Board will be comprised of 415
three (3) University Community members with at least one (1) student and one 416
(1) administrative or instructional faculty member. One member will be 417
designated as the Chair and will be responsible for administering the hearing 418
and recording the decision. The accused student will be notified of the date, 419
time and location of the hearing by the OSCAI at least five (5) business days 420
prior to the scheduled Student Conduct Board hearing. If the accused student 421
(and/or the accuser, if appropriate) fails to attend the scheduled Student 422
Conduct Board hearing, the hearing will proceed in the student’s absence and 423
his/her ability to appeal the Student Conduct Board hearing decision may be 424
limited. 425
426
A Student Conduct Board hearing will consist of the following components: 427
Introduction and procedural rules. 428
Introductory statement and presentation of information by Student 429
Conduct Administrator and/or Accuser. 430
Witnesses presented by the Student Conduct Administrator and/or 431
Accuser. 432
Introductory statement and presentation of information by the Accused 433
Student. 434
Witnesses presented by the Accused Student. 435
Closing statement by Student Conduct Administrator and/or Accuser. 436
Closing statement by Accused Student. 437
Closed session deliberation by Student Conduct Board. 438
Witnesses will provide information to and answer questions from the 440
Student Conduct Board. Questions may be suggested by the Accused Student 441
and/or the Accuser to be answered by each other or by witnesses. This 442
process will be conducted by the Student Conduct Board with such questions 443
directed to the chairperson, rather than to the witness directly to preserve 444
the educational tone of the hearing and to avoid creation of an unnecessarily 445
adversarial environment. Questions of whether potential information will be 446
received shall be resolved by the discretion of the chairperson. 447
448
All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the chairperson 449
of the Student Conduct Board. 450
451
There shall be a single verbatim record, such as a digital recording, of all 452
Student Conduct Board hearings excluding deliberations. The record shall be 453
the property of the University. 454
455
For sexual misconduct charges, and other charges of a sensitive nature, 456
whether the alleged victim is serving as the complainant or as a witness, 457
alternative testimony options will be made available, such as placing a 458
privacy screen in the hearing room, or allowing the alleged victim to testify 459
from another room via electronic means. 460
461
The Student Conduct Board will determine, by majority vote, if the student is 462
responsible for the allegations based on a preponderance of the evidence 463
presented at the hearing. The Student Conduct Board will notify the Director 464
of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity or designee of the determination 465
and any recommended sanctions. The Director of Student Conduct and 466
Academic Integrity or designee will determine the final sanctions and notify 467
the accused student, and if appropriate the Accuser, within five (5) business 468
days of the Student Conduct Board hearing in writing via their VCU e-mail 469
address of the determination and any sanctions. 470
471
Appeals of the SCB’s decision must be made in writing (see Section 5: “How 472
to Appeal”) within five (5) business days following the date of the notification 473
of determination to the OSCAI. The OSCAI will then forward the appeal as 474
well as a written statement from the Student Conduct Administrator to a 475
Conduct Appeal Board (CAB). The CAB will be comprised of three (3) 476
University Community members with at least one (1) student and one (1) 477
administrative or instructional faculty member. The CAB will review the 478
accused student’s written appeal as well as any written statement from the 479
Student Conduct Administrator and/or accusing individual. The CAB will 480
then make one of two recommendations to the Vice Provost for Student 481
Affairs (VPSA) or designee concerning the appeal: (1) Uphold the Student 482
Conduct Board determination, or (2) Remand the matter back to the Student 483
Conduct Board. The VPSA or designee will review the recommendation of 484
the Student Conduct Appeal Board and make a final determination 485
concerning the accused student’s appeal and notify the accused student of 486
that outcome. In the case where there is an accusing individual, they may 487
also appeal the Student Conduct Board’s decision via the same process and 488
deadlines. 489
490
5-Formal Appeals Process 491
492
All appeals to the Sanction Review Board and Student Conduct Board must be 493
completed in writing using the University Hearing Appeal Form. All appeals must 494
be submitted within (5) business days following the date of the decision notice to 495
the OSCAI. The appeal must contain any and all information, including any new 496
evidence, should that be the selected criteria. Appeals may only be based on the 497
following two criteria: 498
1. New and pertinent evidence has come to light. 499
2. A procedural error that would have impacted outcome of case has 500
occurred. 501
502
After receipt of the appeal, the Student Conduct Administrator and/or Accuser also 503
may submit a statement responding to the claims or issues as presented by the 504
written appeal. The written appeal and all other written statements will be 505
submitted by the OSCAI to the appropriate body. 506
507
For sexual misconduct cases only, either party may appeal the Sanction Review 508
Board or Student Conduct Board’s decision based on the stated criteria listed above. 509
ADMINSTRATIVE ACTIONS 510
Interim Suspension
511
Interim Suspension is the immediate removal of a student from the University, including 512
but not limited to, facilities, programs, privileges, classes, and premises until final 513
disposition. Interim suspension may be imposed: (a) to ensure the safety and well-being of 514
members of the University community or preservation of University property; (b) to 515
ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety or well-being; or (c) if the student 516
poses an ongoing threat of disruption of, or interference with, the normal operations of the 517
University. The student will be notified in writing by electronic means of the interim 518
suspension and the reason for the suspension by the Director of Office of Student Conduct 519
and Academic Integrity or designee. The student will have three (3) days to appeal his/her 520
interim suspension in writing to the Vice Provost for Student Affairs or designee. If the 521
student does not appeal the interim suspension or if the appeal is denied, the regular 522
student conduct process shall proceed on the normal schedule, up to and through a Student 523
Conduct Board hearing and a Conduct Appeal Board hearing, if required. Additionally, the 524
University may administratively withdraw the student from their classes during or, if 525
appropriate, retroactively following this process. 526
Revocation of Admission
527
Revocation of Admission entails rescinding the offer of University admission that had been 528
awarded under circumstances of fraud, misrepresentation, or other violation of University 529
standards in the student’s matriculation to the University. 530
Revocation of Degree
531
Revocation of Degree entails rescinding the award of a University degree that had been 532
awarded under circumstances of fraud, misrepresentation, or other violation of University 533
standards. For more detail refer to VCU Procedures for Degree Revocation. 534
SANCTIONS 535
Upon a final finding of responsibility of a Student Code of Conduct violation, sanctions may 536
be imposed upon a student by the Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, 537
Student Conduct Administrator, the Sanction Review Board or by the Vice Provost for 538
Student Affairs or designee. More than one of the sanctions listed may be imposed for any 539
single violation. A student assigned any sanction and who fails to complete the sanction 540
will be considered to have committed another violation of the Code. Violations involving 541
impairment from the voluntary use of alcohol and/or use of drugs, (other than medically 542
necessary) shall be considered an aggravating, and not a mitigating, factor in sanctioning. 543
All sanctions become part of a student’s permanent University disciplinary record. The 544
University may withhold awarding a degree, or any other academic achievement, otherwise 545
earned, until the completion of the process set forth in this Code, including appeals and the 546
completion of any and all sanctions imposed. 547
The following sanctions are not recorded on a student’s transcript. These sanctions are 548
not reported to external agencies as a University disciplinary action, unless required by 549
law. 550
Censure
Censure is a written notice warning the student to avoid a recurrence of any conduct that 552
violates the Code and/or any University policy. 553
Disciplinary Probation
554
Disciplinary probation is a specified period of time, a minimum of one semester, requiring 555
the student to avoid a recurrence of any conduct that violates the Code and/or any 556
University policy that may result in additional university sanctions including suspension or 557
expulsion. 558
Educational Experiences
559
Educational experiences are learning opportunities, including but not limited to, 560
community service, drug and alcohol education, and written papers, designated to be 561
completed by the student. In addition, an alcohol and drug assessment and/or behavioral 562
health assessment may be completed by a qualified medical or mental health professional 563
and released to an appropriate University official. 564
Loss of Privileges
565
Loss of privileges is a denial of services, privileges, and benefits which may impact 566
participation in extracurricular activities, residence in University housing, University 567
employment, Honors College, leadership within student organizations, academic activities, 568
and study abroad, for a designated period of time. 569
Fines
570
Previously established and published fines may be imposed. 571
Bans, Deactivations and Holds
572
Bans, deactivations and holds are restriction of access to University services, activities, 573
facilities and registration. 574
Restitution
575
Restitution is monetary reimbursement to the University and/or a member of the 576
University community or others to cover the cost of damage, injury, or loss of community 577
or personal property as a result of a violation. 578
No Contact
579
The student is instructed not to have direct or indirect contact with the victim(s) of the 580
violation(s). This includes but is not limited to contact in person, through electronic means, 581
or through a third party. 582
University Policy Sanctions
583
University Policy Sanctions are any sanctions not specified in the Code, but which are 584
applied to a student as a result of prohibited behavior of another University policy. 585
Deferred Suspension
586
Deferred suspension is a designated period of time during which a student is given the 587
opportunity to demonstrate the ability to abide by the Code’s articulated behavioral 588
expectations. 589
The following sanctions are recorded on a student’s transcript. These sanctions are 590
reported to external agencies as a University disciplinary action and as required by law. 591
Suspension
592
Suspension is removal of a student for a defined period of time, for a maximum of six 593
consecutive semesters, during which a student loses all University privileges including, but 594
not limited to, facilities, programs, privileges, classes, and premises. Students who do not 595
attend VCU for three or more successive semesters excluding summer sessions must 596
submit an application for readmission to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. 597
Expulsion
598
Expulsion is permanent dismissal from the University, administrative withdrawal from 599
classes and loss of all University privileges. 600
The following sanctions may be imposed upon student organizations: Censure; Disciplinary 601
Probation; Educational Experiences; Loss of Privileges; Fines; Bans, Deactivations and 602
Holds; and Restitution. 603
604
NOTIFICATION OF SANCTIONS 605
606
Sanctions and other material related to student conduct processes are part of the 607
educational record of the accused student and are protected from release under the Family 608
Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law. However, the University 609
observes the legal exceptions to FERPA. 610
611
Accusers in a non-consensual sexual contact/intercourse, sexual exploitation, sexual 612
harassment, stalking, and relationship violence incidents have an absolute right to be 613
informed of the outcome and sanctions of the hearing, in writing, without condition or 614
limitation. 615
616
The University may release publicly the name, nature of the violation of a University policy 617
that is a “crime of violence,” including: arson, burglary, robbery, criminal homicide, sex 618
offenses, assault, destruction/damage/vandalism of property, and kidnapping/abduction. 619
The University shall release this information to the complainant in any of these offenses 620
regardless of the outcome. 621
INTERPRETATION AND REVISION 622
Any question of interpretation or application of the Student Code of Conduct shall be 623
referred to the Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity or designee for final 624
determination. 625
The Student Code of Conduct shall be reviewed every five (5) years under the direction of 626
the Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity. 627
628
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 629
This Student Code of Conduct has drawn material from Edward N. Stoner’s and John 630
Wesley Lowery’s A Twenty-First Century Model Student Code of Conduct, Brett A. Sokolow’s 631
NCHERM Model Sexual Misconduct Policy and a review of other university student codes of 632
conduct. 633
