Conduct Procedures

This page includes definitions, charges, process, sanctions, medical exception and appeal procedures related to the Code of Student Conduct.

Complainant: Person bringing a complaint to the attention of the college resulting in the opening of a conduct case

Meeting: Meeting with the Student Conduct Coordinator assigned to the case.

Respondent: Person named by the complainant as allegedly violating the Code of Student Conduct

Student Conduct Coordinator: Person who will be hearing the case (ex. Area Coordinator, Associate Dean of Students)

The charges have no merit.
The charges have merit and may be administratively settled by mutual consent of the involved parties on a basis acceptable to the student conduct coordinator. Such disposition shall be final, and there shall be no subsequent proceedings. (With the exception of sexual misconduct cases).
The charges have merit and are appropriate for adjudication by the appropriate student conduct officer. These include:
1. Most cases arising from policy violations in the residence halls and honor houses. Generally, adjudicated by area coordinators or other professional members of the residence life staff.
2. Most cases arising from policy violations in areas other than the campus housing. Generally, adjudicated by one of the associate deans.
The charges have merit but are not appropriate for the conduct process and will be handled administratively by other means.

SNOW — The following process generally applies to a student in any college conduct proceeding.

If possible, notice is to be given within 60 class days of the alleged violation and at least five class days in advance of the deadline set for the adjudication meeting, with sufficient particularity as to the facts that the student may reasonably understand the charge and prepare for their meeting. Generally, an adjudication meeting shall be held not more than 15 class days after the affected student has been notified. Deadlines and time limits may be extended at the discretion of the student conduct coordinator.

The complainant and the respondent are permitted to suggest to the student conduct coordinator who they believe should be questioned and questions which they believe should be asked of those persons. The conduct coordinator shall have authority to determine which witnesses they call, which questions are asked, and which documents or other tangible evidence will be considered. Generally, all questioning of witnesses shall be done by the conduct coordinator. The conduct coordinator, in making determinations as to which evidence to admit and consider, gives consideration to factors such as justice, fairness, efficiency, avoidance of unnecessary duplication of evidence, and other goals deemed appropriate.

Advisors should be chosen for their ability to understand the circumstances, assist a student with the process of preparing for a meeting, and guide the student through the process. The advisors role is to support a student in the conduct process.
Advisors may confer with the student involved, but they do not actively participate in the meeting. The complainant and/or the respondent is responsible for presenting their own case and, therefore, advisors are not permitted to speak or participate in the meeting.
Advisors do not represent the student. That is, information will be directly communicated to, released to, or accepted from involved students, not advisors. All information concerning any case may be made available to advisors with the written permission of the involved student.

1. The determination shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the student violated the Code of Conduct (a preponderance of the evidence). Rules of evidence as in a court of law do not apply.
2. Any expense incurred in the conduct process is the responsibility of the individual student who incurred the expense.

However, if properly notified of the date, time and location of the meeting failure of the respondent to participate will not result in the cancellation or postponement of that meeting. The meeting will be held in the absence of the respondent, unless that absence is excused by the Dean of Students. If you choose not to participate you may not appeal based on new information being available.

WINTER-8831 — Students who choose to violate college policies should expect consequences. The following are examples and definitions of specific sanctions that may be imposed upon any student found to have violated the Code of Conduct. Other sanctions may be imposed as deemed appropriate in certain circumstances.

Warning – a notice in writing to the student that the conduct is violating or has violated the Code of Conduct or community standards.
Completion of an online education class.
Disciplinary Probation – Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe conduct sanctions if the student is found to be violating any institutional regulation(s) during the probationary period.
Participate in an educational program related to the incident.
Restitution and/or apology to persons impacted. Restitution – compensation for loss, damage or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.
Behavioral contract – agreement between the student and student conduct coordinator with specific statement of expectations.
Discretionary Sanctions – work assignments, service to the college, or other related discretionary assignments (such assignments must have the prior approval of the chief conduct coordinator).
Fines – previously established and published fines may be imposed. In some instances, appropriate discretionary fines may also be imposed.
Loss of Privileges – denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time.
Other sanctions appropriate to the violation.

Referral to appropriate college staff.
At the conclusion of the process, confidential notification of parents, academic advisor, athletic coach, co- curricular program directors, personnel in the Smith Center for Global Engagement, and/or others as appropriate.
Residence hall probation- further violation may result in reassignment of housing.
Loss of Housing – Removed from on-campus housing.
Disciplinary Probation – Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe conduct sanctions if the student is found to be violating any institutional regulation(s) during the probationary period.
Co-curricular suspension – Students may not participate in athletics, club or intramural sports, music groups or organizations, clubs or organizations or social events sponsored by the college. In such instances, students may continue to attend class, labs, and study in the library; they may eat meals in the Cafeteria or Cage, and take care of normal administrative functions related to being a student.
Other sanctions appropriate to violation.

Chemical health screening or assessment.
Residence hall reassignment, suspension or expulsion. Residence Hall Suspension – separation of the student from the residence halls for a defined period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for returning may be specified. Residence Life Expulsion – permanent separation of the student from campus student housing. College refund policies apply.
College Suspension – separation of the student from the college for a defined period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified. College refund policies apply.
College Expulsion – permanent separation of the student from the college. College refund policies apply.
Other sanctions appropriate to violation(s).

Depending on the circumstances, Level I, II or III sanctions may be implemented at any time and in any order.
More than one of the sanctions listed above may be imposed for any single violation.
Suspensions may be of indeterminate length, depending on the severity of the violation.
Sanctions are cumulative and may carry over from year to year.
Other than college expulsion, conduct sanctions will not be made a part of the student’s permanent academic record, but shall become part of the student’s confidential record. Confidential records are maintained permanently. Generally, records older than five years are not reported to outside sources.
The following sanctions may be imposed on groups or organizations:
1. Those sanctions listed above.
2. The loss of the privilege to live in campus housing assigned based on student organization.
3. Deactivation: loss of all privileges, including college recognition and student government funding for a specified period of time.

MEDICAL EXCEPTION

Students who are eligible for Medical Exception will not be sanctioned through the Code of Conduct for possession or use of drugs or alcohol if the college learned of the conduct as a result of the student obtaining medical assistance and/or the student seeking medical assistance for someone else in distress.

Students will be required to meet with an Associate Dean and have a conversation about the incident. In order to be eligible for medical exception a student must be forthcoming concerning details of the incident:

Medical Exception requires a person to be cooperative with the process
Medical Exception is granted once during your time at St. Olaf
Eligible students request support for themselves or support is sought for them by a concerned bystander.

How will a Medical Exception impact the student that informed the authorities?

Individuals who make the call to get medical assistance for an intoxicated student will not face sanctions under the Code of Conduct for use or possession of drugs or alcohol. This exception also allows friends and bystanders to seek help for people needing medical attention without the concern of sanction.

Can a Medical Exception be used more than once?

Medical Exception is intended to assist students who need medical attention. If a student has prior alcohol or drug incidents, and has utilized Medical Exception in the past, the request for a Medical Exception will be evaluated by the Dean of Students, and/or the Associate Dean of Students. Repeated situations will be addressed after meetings with the Dean of Students and/or Associate Dean of Students.

What does the Medical Exception not cover?

Other violations of the Code, such as providing alcohol to minors, assault, property damage, and distribution of illicit substances, will not be excused as a Medical Exception. The Medical Exception Policy does not prevent action by any law enforcement agencies/personnel, coaches, ensemble directors, or other third parties.

Appeals Process

Conduct Procedures

This page includes definitions, charges, process, sanctions, medical exception and appeal procedures related to the Code of Student Conduct.

DEFINITIONS

Complainant: Person bringing a complaint to the attention of the college resulting in the opening of a conduct case

Meeting: Meeting with the Student Conduct Coordinator assigned to the case.

Respondent: Person named by the complainant as allegedly violating the Code of Student Conduct

Student Conduct Coordinator: Person who will be hearing the case (ex. Area Coordinator, Associate Dean of Students)

CHARGES

PROCESS

View Appeal Process

Connect with the Dean of Students Office

SANCTIONS

MEDICAL EXCEPTION