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Policies Affecting Student Organizations and Students

UNIVERSITY CONDUCT SYSTEM -- Medical Center Campus

As members of the Loyola University of Chicago community, students assume obligations of performance and conduct reasonably imposed by the institution relevant to its objectives and mission. Because of the unique character of academic and campus life, some very specific guidelines are necessary. The reason for adopting guidelines for conduct is the conviction that the university has the obligation to assist each student in the development of a responsible lifestyle which is rewarding to the individual student, respectful of the rights of others and compatible with the legal norms of society. University conduct proceedings play a supportive role in the development of responsible student behavior. If the behavior of a student conflicts with the established standards, the conduct program seeks to increase the student's sensitivity to the personal and social consequences of his or her behavior.

The actions imposed in the conduct process may include conciliatory and educational, as well as disciplinary measures designed to contribute to the growth of the student and the welfare of the community. Conduct which evidences good intentions, mature consideration of the foreseeable consequences, and respect for the rights of others will not conflict with university standards.

Because the primary goal of conduct proceedings is educative, the process is non-adversarial, confidential, and not to be considered analogous to court proceedings. A degree of formality in these proceedings is considered

necessary to insure a well functioning, equitable system which protects the rights of all concerned and is consistent with the conduct process.

Responsibility and Authority

From time to time instances and grievances arise which require members of the university community to evaluate individual or group conduct and to establish and maintain justice within this setting. The President of the university has delegated the responsibility and authority in matters of student conduct to the Vice President for Student Affairs at the Lake Shore, Water Tower, and Rome Center Campuses, and the President at the Medical Center Campus.

Confidentiality

The conduct process is confidential. Confidentiality applies to the party complained against, the party complaining, staff members, witnesses, advisors, members, etc. All proceedings are private and electronic recording is not permitted. Information regarding the case may be shared with other appropriate parties on a need-to-know basis.

Retention of Records

Records concerning conduct procedures are maintained in the appropriate dean's office for five years from the date of the incident.

Standards of Conduct

The following policy applies to all students, undergraduate, professional, and graduate. Unacceptable conduct includes, but is not limited, to the following:

1. Academic Dishonesty: Consult your academic catalogue for a description and appropriate procedures.
2. Interference with or obstruction of instruction, activities, research, conduct proceedings or university administration; failure to observe the established closing hours of a building; obstruction of authorized access to, use of, or egress from university facilities.
3. Unauthorized access to, presence in, or use of university facilities or grounds.
4. Unauthorized use of or attempt to use university property or the university name or credit in a manner inconsistent with its designated educational objectives.
5. The duplication or unauthorized possession of a key card or key to university property.
6. Causing damage to personal or university property.
7. Misuse of student identification, failure to display student identification upon request, failure to comply with directions from an authorized university employee or faculty member who is acting in the performance of his or her duties.
8. Falsification of information (written or oral) submitted to any University office, department, University proceeding or individuals acting in their official capacity.
9. Theft of personal or University property. Theft, misuse, misappropriation of library, computer or research materials and/or information. Theft of services, equipment or products of a non-University contractor.
10. The sale, receipt, or possession of stolen articles.
11. Hazing, harassment, racist behavior, defamation, obscene language, coercion, threats, endangering the safety of others, physical or psychological abuse or intimidation of any member of the Loyola University of Chicago community or others using its facilities, or other inappropriate or disruptive behaviors which evidences poor adjustment to the community.
12. Engaging in illegal and/or unethical activities.
13. Students and guests are subject to Illinois State Law, which prohibits the sale, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages by any person under the age of 21. Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus by individuals 21 years of age or older may be allowed under specified circumstances and in designated locations.
14. Possession, use, or sale of drugs, controlled substances, narcotics or any hallucinogen without a medical prescription of appropriate authority.
15. Gambling in any non-legal form or sponsoring illegal lotteries or raffles on University property.
16. Engaging in unauthorized selling, soliciting, canvassing, and advertising.
17. Engaging in arson, the irresponsible use of fire and/or tampering with fire information and/or safety equipment.
18. Tampering with property or equipment and/or endangering the safety of others.
19. Possession, display, or use of firearms, weapons, fireworks, explosives, ammunition or the abuse of flammable substances on University property. Employees of government law enforcement agencies, who are required to carry firearms at all times, are exempt from the University's policy prohibiting the possession of firearms on campus.
20. Violations of University policies, regulations, or rules.

Student Responsibility

The University expects students to assume responsibility in the conduct process. Students are expected to appear for conduct discussions, administrative hearings, pre-hearings and conduct board hearings. If the student fails to appear, the hearing may proceed. Sanctions may be imposed upon a student refusing to appear or cooperate. Throughout the conduct process students have the responsibility to present truthful information. Any student found to have willfully presented false or misleading information will be subject to sanction. Students are expected to complete the sanctions issued at any level in the conduct process. Failure to do so may result in further disciplinary action.

Student Organization Responsibility

Student organizations are expected to adhere to all applicable institutional regulations. The University reserves the right to determine the appropriate time, place, content and manner for conducting activities, posting and distribution of materials on any of its campuses. Consequently, the University may deny or restrict the activities of student organizations. Student organizations are expected to exercise good judgement in planning and promoting their activities. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action being initiated against the organization; consequently, policies, procedures, and sanctions set forth within this handbook apply to student organizations collectively as well as to individual students. Officers of student organizations are responsible for assuring compliance with regulations and for representation when disciplinary proceedings are initiated.

Incident Report

The student conduct system begins when an incident occurs which may be in violation of the University Conduct policy. Any member of the University community (students, faculty or staff), can submit an incident report. The report contains the date, time, location, names of individuals involved, and details of the incident. After reviewing the report the appropriate administrator determines how the case will proceed and the appropriate format for hearing the case.

Student Rights in the Conduct Process

Students may expect the following:

• To have prior knowledge of all the charges and have the charges explained clearly and fully
• To be informed of the names of the witnesses to testify against him/her
• To hear or be aware of all testimony and see all written statements concerning the charges
• To refute statements made by witnesses
• To have a fair and prompt hearing
• To be notified promptly of the results of the hearing
• To be advised of the appropriate appeal process

Sanctions

1. Oral Warning - An oral statement to the student indicating that a violation has occurred.
2. Written Warning - A written warning serves as official notice to a student that further misconduct could result in more severe disciplinary action.
3. Special Project/Program - This action requires the formulation of a project or program specifically relevant to the offense, (i.e. field study, work detail, behavioral agreement, independent study, participation in educational programs relevant to the violation).
4. Restitution - Restitution will be required for theft or damage done to university or personal property.
5. Referral - A student would be referred to another section of the University. This could include the Health Center, another staff member, special project/program, or additional conduct procedure.
6. Suspension of Privileges - This sanction restricts or suspends a student's use of facilities, services, or participation in programs for a specified period of time.
7. Disciplinary Probation - This action affects the non-academic status of the student at the University and requires that the student demonstrate, during a specified period of time, that he or she is capable of functioning in a way which does not violate the University's standards of conduct. This action would make the student ineligible to hold office in any organization or represent the University in any official capacity. In some cases, extracurricular activities and/or access to campus grounds and facilities may be curtailed. It is further understood that any further violation, even of a minor nature, could warrant immediate disassociation from the University. Notification of disciplinary probation may include parents, academic deans, security, or other appropriate personnel.
8. Temporary Suspension - The Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at the Lake Shore/Water Tower/Mallinckrodt campuses and President at the Medical Center campus or their designees shall have the authority to immediately suspend a student from the University or a residence hall, pending disciplinary procedures, when it is believed that the presence of the student would seriously disrupt the University or constitute a danger to the health, safety or welfare of the University, to property, to others, or to the student. The student will be notified in writing of the temporary suspension. Parents, academic deans, security or other personnel may also be notified of the temporary suspension. An administrative hearing will be held as promptly as possible following the temporary suspension. Unless otherwise approved, the student will remain suspended on an interim basis pending completion of the conduct process.
9. Expulsion - The privilege of attending the University is withdrawn with no promise (implied or otherwise) that the student may return at any future time. A permanent record is filed and a notation is made on the student's official transcript. Expulsion of a student is reserved to the President of the University. Consequently the appropriate administrator or conduct hearing board may recommend such action directly to the President. A student who has been expelled from the university for disciplinary reasons may be readmitted only by the authority of the President upon the recommendation of the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs or the President at the Medical Center.

Appeal Process - Requests for case review must be initiated in writing to the appropriate staff member within seven days of the date of written notification. Appeals at the Medical Center are referred to either the office of the Academic Dean, or the office of the President depending upon the nature and level of the offense. The appeal request must explain in detail the reasons for the appeal. Requests will be reviewed by the appropriate staff member and a determination will be made regarding the status of the appeal.

Students will be notified, in writing, regarding their status of their appeal. Except in cases of expulsion from the University, one appeal is allowed.

Note: Students may be accountable to both civil and criminal authorities and the University for acts which constitute violations of federal, state or municipal law, and the written University rules, regulations and policies. The University may proceed with disciplinary action whether or not civil or criminal proceedings have been instituted against the student. The University disciplinary proceedings may not be abated or subject to challenge solely on the grounds that the criminal charges have been dismissed or reduced.

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