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

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

XIX. Amnesty

The University community encourages the reporting of misconduct and crimes by Complainants and witnesses. Sometimes, Complainants or witnesses are hesitant to report alleged misconduct to University officials or participate in resolution processes because they fear that they themselves may be in violation of certain policies, such as underage drinking or use of illicit drugs at the time of the incident. Respondents may hesitate to be forthcoming during the process for the same reasons.

 

It is in the best interests of the University community that Complainants choose to report misconduct to University officials, that witnesses come forward to share what they know, and that all Parties be forthcoming during the process.

 

To encourage reporting and participation in the process, the University offers Parties and witnesses amnesty from minor policy violations, such as underage alcohol consumption or the use of illicit drugs, related to the incident. Granting amnesty is a discretionary decision made by the University, and amnesty does not apply to more serious allegations, such as physical abuse of another or illicit drug distribution.

 

A. Students

 

The University also maintains an amnesty policy for Students in addition to witnesses who offer help to others in need.

 

B. Employees

 

Sometimes, Employees are hesitant to report Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation, or Other Prohibited Conduct they have experienced for fear that they may get in trouble themselves. The University may, at its discretion, offer Employee Complainants amnesty from such policy violations (typically more minor policy violations) related to the incident.