In all disciplinary circumstances the student(s) should be reminded that the developments of self and personal integrity are primary goals of the conduct process. Also, the corrective measures are intended to assist each student become a responsible and positive contributing member of the VU community. Each hearing will include information about a student’s right to appeal the decision. A Resolution Decision letter will be issued within ten (10) business days. Besides the hearing officer or SACC members and the student(s) involved in an incident, the involved student has the option of requesting an advisor or witnesses to be present. Students studying abroad may attend their hearing via a mutually agreed upon online platform or phone. Advisor: The student shall have the right to choose anyone from the University community to serve as an advisor. The advisor may not act as a witness, either of the incident or as a “character” witness. The advisor does not speak for, or in place of, the student but only serves to support the student. If the student wishes to have legal representation, he/she needs to discuss this with the Vice President for Student Affairs in writing prior to the hearing. Legal counsel has limited roles in private university disciplinary proceedings and would serve as an advisor. Students should select as an advisor a person whose schedule allows attendance at the scheduled date and time for the hearing because delays will not normally be allowed due to the scheduling conflicts of an advisor. Witnesses: The student has the right to call witnesses on his/her behalf following this guideline: witnesses are limited to those persons who have firsthand knowledge of the behavior/incident in question (i.e. eye and ear witnesses). Both the student and the hearing officers or SACC have the right to call witnesses. “Character” witnesses are generally not allowed to participate in hearings. The hearing officer or SACC shall rule on allowing any “character” witnesses to offer their testimony. Witnesses may not participate in the council hearing except for an orientation and to give their testimony. The hearing officer or committee shall rule on the admissibility of all evidence.
Sanctions A violation of University policies and Community Standards may result in the imposition of one or more sanctions. A sanction is a disciplinary action that requires the student to meet certain expectations and/or complete specific requirements within a stated time frame. The goals of sanctions are to promote change in the individual, provide opportunity for restitution to individuals and the community (in case of theft, loss, and/or damages), and to restore the individual back into the community where possible. Sanctions affecting the conduct of students are based on general principles of fair treatment. Sanctions will take into account the intent of the accused, the effect of the conduct on the victim and/or the Vanguard community, the student’s disciplinary history, whether sanctions such as education and community service are likely to change the student’s conduct, and the student’s needs and prospects for improvement. While attempting to be consistent in its disciplinary decisions, the University also seeks to be fair and sensitive to the facts and circumstances of each individual case. Some sanctions may need to be more punitive due to the seriousness of the offense or student response. Sanctions that may be imposed are not limited to those listed. The University is not required to impose the same conduct in all situations involving the same violation of community standards; however, to honor consistency, the various judicial councils attempt to impose similar sanctions for similar violations. Consideration will be given to the specifics of the incident and to the previous behavior of the student(s) involved. More serious disciplinary action will be taken in situations involving repeated violations. The University will assess each case based on the responsibility for membership expectations, and impose appropriate sanctions. •
A note on Addictive Behavior: Student conduct process may be adjusted regarding addictive behavior at the University’s discretion if the student is genuinely pursuing assistance. In some cases, students will be required to be under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional and the student may need to sign a release of information allowing university officials to access this information.
Conduct Hearing sanctions may include, but are not limited to: • Warning: A restatement of the community standards is made to the student, together with an official warning concerning future behavior. May include loss of or restriction from certain activities or privileges. • Fines: The student is expected to make a payment of charges for violation of regulations. Instructions for payment of charges will be listed on the contract. These vary according to the violation. If a student fails to pay a fine by the due date, the fine will be placed on the student account with an additional administrative fee. • Disciplinary Probation: The student is expected to show a development in responsible actions toward Vanguard and members of the community for a specified period of time. May include limitations in or restriction from certain activities or privileges.
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