Student Conduct Process

Student Conduct: Overview

Types of Adjudication Methods:

If a student is alleged to have violated a provision of the CSCU Student Code of Conduct, they will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. A student may be asked to attend either a Formal Hearing or an Administrative Conference, depending on the severity of the violation. If a Formal Hearing is scheduled, the student has certain rights which are outlined in the CSCU Student Code of Conduct section of the Student Handbook. If a student is scheduled for an Administrative Conference, they will be contacted to set up an appointment scheduled around their classes. Students may speak to the Hearing Officer privately or with others who were charged with the same violation. If a student chooses to speak privately with the Hearing Officer, the student should make that request when the meeting is being scheduled and an individual meeting will be scheduled. The purpose of an Administrative Conference is to determine whether the student accepts responsibility for the alleged violation(s) and to discuss the incident as well as the student's rights and responsibilities as an Eastern Connecticut State University student. If found responsible, an appropriate sanction will be assigned at that time.

The CSCU Student Code of Conduct contains definitions of general disciplinary penalties including Expulsion, Suspension, Disciplinary Probation, Disciplinary Warning, Residence Hall Separation, Residence Hall Probation and Residence Hall Warning. Within these broad categories, the Hearing Officer may impose additional sanctions, including but not limited to personal essays, community service, parental notification, and other appropriate sanctions.

Persona Non Grata (PNG):

A non-Eastern student who is alleged to have violated university policy will be sent a letter informing him that they are considered Persona Non Grata (PNG) from the Eastern Connecticut State University campus. An Eastern student will be afforded a Hearing (or Administrative Conference) before any sanction is imposed. PNG status denotes that the Eastern student is not permitted in designated areas on the Eastern Connecticut State University campus. Violation of the PNG may result in the individual's arrest and possible prosecution for criminal trespass as well as a violation of the CSCU Student Code of Conduct.

Alcohol and/or Drug Assessment:

Students who have been found responsible for violating the Eastern policies regarding alcohol or drugs may be required to meet with the Coordinator of the Office of Wellness Education and Promotion, Counseling and Psychological Services, or to complete a CHOICES or BASICS class.

Parent Notification:

The University has implemented to work more closely with parents/guardians through a parental notification policy. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) permits colleges and universities to inform the parents/guardians of students under the age of 21 when a student is found in violation of university alcohol or drug policies. The Office of Student Conduct may notify parents/guardians of students under the age of 21 when a student is found responsible for violations of the University's alcohol and/or drug policies. This notification will typically be done verbally or in writing. If the parent(s) are present at the student conduct proceeding or if it is known that the parent(s) are aware of the incident, the University may not send a notification letter as these circumstances meet the notification standard. Eastern Connecticut State University will continue to encourage students found responsible for violations to also inform their parents of the incident and the subsequent consequences. Students who are emancipated have the responsibility to provide the Office of Student Conduct with the necessary documentation prior to a finding of responsibility in order for parental notification to not occur. This is the sole responsibility of the student and a lack of appropriate notification from the student will result in the notification being sent to the permanent address. Although the University will not contact parents/guardians of students who are 21 years of age or older, we will certainly encourage them to do so on their own.

Other Sanctions:

Depending on the circumstances of the violation(s), sanctions other than those listed above may be imposed. The University reserves the right to impose sanctions not delineated herein as appropriate.

Penalties for Failure to Complete Sanctions:

When a student is ordered to complete sanctions, the sanctions will have to be completed by a specific date. Students are advised that failure to complete sanctions may result in further sanctions being ordered. Generally, a student who fails to complete sanctions will have a "hold" placed on his/her official student record. The student will then be prohibited from registering for classes, participating in add/drop, and residing on campus until the sanction is completed. If the student is a residential student, he/she will be required to reapply for housing at that time.