Violations of Law
Alleged violations of federal, state and local laws may be investigated and addressed under the Code of Student Conduct. When an offense occurs over which the University has jurisdiction, the University conduct process will usually go forward notwithstanding any criminal complaint that may arise from the same incident.
The University reserves the right to exercise its authority of interim administrative actions upon notification that a student is facing criminal investigation and/or complaints (additional grounds for interim suspension are outlined in the handbook). Interim suspension is imposed until a hearing can be held, typically within two weeks. The interim suspension may be continued if a danger to the community is posed and the University may be delayed or prevented from conducting its own investigation and resolving the allegation by the pendency of the criminal process. In such cases, the University will only delay its hearing until such time as it can conduct an internal investigation or obtain sufficient information independently or from law enforcement upon which to proceed. This delay will normally be no longer than two weeks from notice of incident unless a longer delay is requested in writing by the complaining victim to allow the criminal investigation to proceed before the University process.
Students accused of crimes may request to take a leave from the University until the criminal charges are resolved. In such situations, the University procedures for voluntary leaves of absence is subject to the following conditions:
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The responding student must comply with all campus investigation efforts that will not prejudice their defense in the criminal trial; and
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The responding student must comply with all interim actions and/or restrictions imposed during the leave of absence; and
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The responding student must agree that, in order to be reinstated to active student status, they must first be subject to, and fully cooperate with, the campus conduct process and must comply with all sanctions that are imposed.
If a currently enrolled student is charged with a crime that would also be a violation of University regulations, the student may be administratively withdrawn, banned from campus and/or temporarily suspended until the case has been resolved by the court system. Upon final resolution of the charges, the submission of an application for readmission, and presentation of final evidence of the court’s ruling, the Academic Standards Committee will review all information. The Academic Standards Committee reserves the right to accept or deny the application for readmission. Please see the Administrative Withdrawal policy below.
Administrative Withdrawal
Occasionally a student is disruptive to the community or educational process of the University. This may occur if the student is deemed to be a danger to himself/herself, other University community members, University property, and/or there is a reasonable doubt whether or not the student can benefit from the educational programs at the University. In such cases, the Dean of Students, or his/her designee, may impose an administrative withdrawal from the University. A student withdrawn under this procedure may not be re-enrolled in the University without approval of the Dean of Students, or his/her designee. Prior to approval for re-admittance, the Dean of Students, or designee, may outline certain requirements to be completed by the student.