/Institutions/Coker-University/json/2025-2026/Student-Handbook-local.json

/Institutions/Coker-University/json/2025-2026/Student-Handbook.json

Code of Student Conduct

INTRODUCTION AND PHILOSOPHY

Coker University views its role in the administration of policies as one of providing a learning opportunity for students in alignment with the educational philosophy of the institution. The University’s approach aims to stop behavior that violates the Student Code of Conduct, reduce its effects on others, and prevent its reoccurrence while also encouraging the growth and development of students. As a liberal arts and sciences institution, Coker is committed to developing an educated citizenry through supporting the practice of responsible behavior in a living and learning community.
The educational approach infers a need for understanding and self-discipline on the part of the student as well as a respect for others. The University is not a sanctuary where students or student groups may escape the responsibilities imposed by law upon all citizens. The University does not condone the violation or attempted violation of federal, state or local law. Criminal or civil acts may be referred to the appropriate court and/or police, university official, national office, or judicial body.
The process and procedures described below will be applied to all students whose behavior is alleged to be in violation of the Coker University Student Covenant or University policies. The university reserves the right to amend the code of conduct and adjudication process/sanctions as necessary.
Any University official identified in this policy includes their designee or successor.

COKER UNIVERSITY STUDENT COVENANT

Coker University is a community dedicated to scholarship and community engagement. Those who join our circle of learning commit to a lifelong journey of intellectual & personal growth and service to others.

Inspired by the six pillars of Davidson Hall, students agree to uphold the following tenets of the Coker University Student Covenant. Students will:

• Conduct myself with integrity and be responsible for my actions and their consequences.

• Respect the rights, property, culture, and beliefs of others.

• Engage myself as an honorable scholar inside and outside of the classroom.

• Hold myself and others accountable for the sustainability of our environment.

• Offer my knowledge and creativity to serve my community.

• Contribute to the wider world through a continued pursuit of knowledge.

As Davidson Hall serves as the center landmark of our campus, so shall these six tenets serve as the foundation for my actions and decisions as a member of this community. By pledging to these tenets, students obligate themselves to honor the principles that define Coker University.

 

DEFINITIONS

• Accountability Hearing. An “Accountability Hearing” is formal resolution process for alleged Student Code of Conduct violations. It does create a conduct record to be shared externally in accordance with FERPA.
• Action Item(s). “Action Item(s)” are actions to be completed by the Respondent at the conclusion of an Accountability Hearing or Remediation. Action Items stemming from a Remediation must be mutually agreed upon by the Respondent and Conduct Official. Action Items assigned during an Accountability Hearing must be completed regardless of the Respondent’s agreement unless altered on appeal.
• Business Day. A business day is a day of operation at CokerUniversity between Monday and Friday, except for official University holidays and closures, during the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM.
• Complainant. A “Complainant” is an alleged victim of a Student Code of Conduct violation. A Complainant does not have to be part of the University community.
• Conduct Official. A “Conduct Official” is a University employee designated by the Student Experience Office to resolve Student Code of Conduct violations.
• Notice. “Notice” may be provided in person, by phone, or in writing via email.
• Preponderance of the Evidence. The evidentiary standard applied in an Accountability Hearing that means that if the evidence demonstrates it is more likely than not that the student violated the Student Code of Conduct, the student will be found responsible.
• Remediation. A “Remediation” is an informal resolution process for alleged Student Code of Conduct violations that may be used in certain, defined circumstances. It does not create a conduct record to be shared externally.
• Respondent. A “Respondent” is a Student who has been accused in a Complaint of violating the Student Code of Conduct.
• Student. A “Student” is defined as any person who is admitted, enrolled, or registered for study at Coker University for any academic period (both undergraduate and graduate). Persons who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing student relationship with, or an educational interest in Coker University (including but not limited to auditing and exchange students), are considered students. A person shall also be considered a student while taking a leave of absence or while on administrative or interim withdrawal from the University. Full or part-time enrollment does not affect a person’s status as a Student. Any employee enrolled in a course as a student will also be considered a Student for the purposes of the Student Handbook.
• Support Person. Respondents and Complainants may have a “Support Person” from the University’s faculty, staff, or student body attend an Accountability Hearing. Regardless of affiliation with the University, parents, guardians, and attorneys may not serve as a Support Person. The Support Person role is intended to comfort the Complainant or Respondent throughout the Accountability Hearing. Support Persons may communicate with their respective Respondents or Complainants privately, but may not address the Accountability Hearing board, question Witnesses, or have any other speaking role.
• Witness. A “Witness” is a person the University, Respondent, or Complainant requests to provide information during an Accountability Hearing. Witnesses must have personal knowledge of the incident being resolved (i.e. student, roommate, teammate, resident assistant or first-year advisor, police officer, etc.). Character witnesses are not permitted. A Support Person may not serve as a witness.

AUTHORITY & INTERPRETATION

Responsibility to enforce and interpret the Coker University Student Covenant and University policies is vested in the President of the University through the Senior Director of Student Experience and the Chief Academic Officer/Provost. Normally the Senior Director of Student Experience is responsible for non-academic matters; the Chief Academic Officer/Provost is responsible for academic matters.

Any questions of interpretation regarding academic matters of the Student Code of Conduct are referred to the Chief Academic Officer/Provost. Any questions of interpretation regarding non-academic matters are referred to the Senior Director of Student Experience.

FAIR TREATMENT

The University seeks to treat Students fairly in the resolution of alleged Student Code of Conduct violations. Accordingly, the University will substantially adhere to its published policies and practices unless reasonable Notice is given prior to alteration.
Students involved in the Resolution Process will receive treatment consistent with Coker’s Non-Discrimination Policy. Moreover, the University will make arrangements to ensure that students with disabilities are provided appropriate accommodations, to the extent necessary and available, to participate in the steps and procedures outlined in this Handbook. Requests for accommodations must be made to the Student Accessibility Services team (accessibility@coker.edu).
The University will keep all information obtained in the Resolution Process in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).
As a private institution, the University reserves the right to refuse re-enrollment to a student. Enrollment for each semester is separate and distinct; thus acceptance for one semester does not necessarily imply acceptance for succeeding terms. Students are expected to recognize the right and obligation of the university administration to establish and enforce policies that it believes to be in the best interests of the community as a whole. The University reserves the right to amend its rules, policies, and procedures at any time.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT VIOLATIONS

Student conduct action may be taken on the basis of any conduct, on or off campus, which would violate the University’s Student Code of Conduct or local, state, or federal laws. Alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct are resolved by the Student Experience Office as outlined in the “Resolution Process” that follows and alleged violations of the Sexual Misconduct Policy are processed as outlined in the Sexual Misconduct Policy. In addition, alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct that do not by themselves constitute alleged Sexual Misconduct Policy violations may be addressed under the Sexual Misconduct Policy when they are related to alleged violations of that policy. Any employee enrolled in a course as a student may also be subject to the University’s employment-related policies as applicable.