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. • Citizenship Probation: The student may not participate in any VU activity except for academics for the duration of this sanction. This includes but is not limited to theatre, athletics, student leadership, or other extra-curricular activities of any kind. • Removal from On-Campus Housing: The student must properly follow the instructions listed in this handbook for proper express checkout and remove all belongings from housing no later than 5:00pm on assigned checkout day (typically within 48 hours of notice). The student will no longer be allowed to live on campus for the remainder of the semester through their assigned end date nor will you have guest privileges in the Residence Halls. • Loss of Privileges: Some students may lose privileges such as visitation, leadership opportunities, living on or off campus, campus employment, co-curricular activities, parking, etc., appropriate to the violation of the Student Standards of Conduct. • Restitution: In certain circumstances, sanctions may include payment of financial compensation for loss, damage or injury. Failure to pay such charges may result in additional sanctions (including, but not limited to, denial of re-enrollment or refusal to release official transcripts and records). • Discretionary Sanctions: Reflection exercises, essays, service to the university or other discretionary assignments. • Interim Suspension: In certain circumstances, the Vice President for Student Affairs or a designee may immediately impose a University or residence hall suspension. Interim suspension may be imposed: A. To ensure the safety and well-being of members of the Vanguard community or preservation of University property. B. To ensure the student's own physical or emotional safety and well-being. C. If the student poses a credible threat of disruption of or interference with the normal operations of the University. During the interim suspension, the student may be denied access to the residence halls and/or to the campus (including classes) and/or all other University activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible as the Vice President for Student Affairs or the designee may determine to be appropriate. The interim suspension shall extend only until such time as the SACC hearing can be completed and other sanctions (if any) imposed.

Student Affairs Committee sanctions may include, but are not limited to the Conduct Hearing sanctions listed above. The S.A.C.C. may also impose the following sanctions:

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