Student Conduct Code

A violation of University or Department of Residential Life rules and regulations observed by a staff member will result in the student being informed that the behavior is inappropriate and that they should discontinue the behavior. Depending on the situation and the seriousness of the alleged behavior, the staff member may initiate the conduct process without previous warning.

When alleged misconduct is reported by staff or another student, and Residential Life determines cause to initiate disciplinary proceedings, the student is notified of the specific charge or charges in writing (via the student’s Minnesota State Mankato e-mail account) and of the requirement to arrange a conduct meeting with a specific representative of Residential Life. Any student involved in a conduct meeting may bring witnesses to speak on their behalf.

The responsibility for all decisions relative to a conduct meeting, including the determining of responsibility and the imposition of a disciplinary penalty, if any, is the sole responsibility of the conduct officer. Should the accused student choose not to attend the conduct meeting, the conduct officer may consider relevant information made available in the absence of the student and come to a decision. Repeated violations or violations occurring after a student has already received a disciplinary sanction will normally result in further, more serious disciplinary action. Sanctions may be carried into succeeding academic years.

The terms of the decision are conveyed by the hearing officer in a letter to the student. A copy of the letter is accessible to the Assistant Director of Residential Education, Residential Life, and Office of Student Conduct. Notation of residence community disciplinary sanction(s) is kept on file and is not released without written consent of the student. This notation and the student’s conduct file will be destroyed after four years.

Sanctions

1. Housing Contract Termination — This sanction involves removal from the University residence community for conduct that is a serious violation of residence community rules or regulations. Termination may also result from less serious, but repeated, incidents of misconduct. Serious violations are generally considered those behaviors that are dangerous, highly disruptive, and/or belligerent. Such separation may be permanent or for a specific number of semesters. In Housing Contract Termination, the student will be given a minimum of 24 hours to vacate the residence community. Housing contracts are for the entire academic year. As a result, the student will be held accountable for 50 percent of the remaining room portion of the bill for the academic year. Students may mitigate their damages (see Mitigation of Damages policy). Minnesota State Mankato reserves the right to terminate any student’s housing contract, without refund of any monies, for failure to comply with the terms of the Housing Contract, residence community regulations, or if the student’s actions are found to be detrimental to the mental or physical welfare of other students.

2. Housing Relocation — Housing Relocation involves a mandatory change of room assignment within the University’s housing communities for inappropriate behavior in the University community.

3. University Disciplinary Probation — Probation involves written notice of behavior that is unacceptable in the University community. Probation is imposed for a specific time period.

4. University Disciplinary Warning — A warning is given to inform the student that a specific behavior does not meet minimum expectations for residence community living. It is generally imposed following isolated and less serious incidents of misconduct or contract violations. University Disciplinary Warning is not imposed for a specific length of time, but further misconduct may lead to probation, relocation, or contract termination.

In addition to the above sanctions, alcohol and drug education programs, restitution and/or counseling may apply, depending on the situation.

Students who are held responsible for violating the alcohol and other drug policy may be sanctioned to participate in a variety of programs such as Under the Influence, Marijuana 101, CHOICES, or a chemical use interview.

Restitution is not a fine. It is monetary or for actual damage to, destruction of, or misappropriation of University property, or property of any person while on University premises or University-related premises. Restitution involves paying for damages or community.