Conduct Sanctions
If students are found in violation of the Code of Conduct, they are assigned one or more sanctions by the hearing officer or SCRB. Sanctions are generally educational in nature, however they can also serve to protect the University community from further harm. Depending on the violation, they may range from a written warning to, for the most serious violations, permanent expulsion from the University. Common sanctions include reflection or research papers, online alcohol or drug education courses, community restitution, follow-up meetings with administrators, and disciplinary probation. Given the individual nature of each incident, there is no set list of mandatory sanctions attached to specific violations.
The following sanctions may be issued by the hearing officer or board to students who have been found in violation of University policies and regulations. The sanction(s) will be communicated via email and a copy retained in the student’s educational file in the Office of Student Conduct and Responsibility. Sanctions may be assigned cumulatively depending on a student’s prior record.
- Written Warning —The student receives a warning for violation of University policies and regulations.
- Disciplinary probation — During the probationary period, students found responsible for subsequent violations of the Code of Conduct may receive elevated sanctions. Probation can be for a semester, year, or longer based on the original violation.
- Educational Experience — The student is required to write an essay or a paper on a given topic, or to complete a project of benefit to his or her community, such as creating educational flyers or bulletin boards, or organizing an educational program.
- Alcohol or Drug education — The student is required to complete an alcohol or drug education course, such as the online “Under the Influence” course. The student may be required to pay a user’s fee.
- Community restitution — A task that benefits the individual, campus, or community (such as a service-related activity)
- Restitution — The student is required to provide monetary reimbursement for repair/replacement of University property.
- Behavioral Assessment — The student is required to complete a behavioral assessment, and to discuss it with an appropriate University official.
- Restrictions
- Loss of privileges: The student is restricted to academic activities on campus for a specific period of time. Under this sanction, students are prohibited from attending campus activities and events. It may include restrictions on visitation.
- “No contact” order: The student is directed to have no physical, verbal, or written contact with another individual or contact through a third party.
- Relocation within residence halls — The student must move to a different room or building (as specified), subject to the availability of appropriate alternate vacancies.
- Cancelation of Housing Agreement* — The student loses the privilege of living in a University residence hall. The student may not visit or enter any residence hall at any time for any reason unless otherwise specified. Fees for the remainder of the contract period may be forfeited.
- Suspension** — The student is separated from the University for a period of time. During the period of suspension, the student is banned from campus, and may only visit administration buildings for business purposes with prior clearance from the Dean of Students office. Courses taken at other institutions while a student is on suspension (academic, disciplinary, or honor) from Mary Washington are not accepted by Mary Washington for transfer credit and will not fulfill any degree requirement.
- Expulsion** — Permanent removal of the student from the University. The student is banned from campus, and may only visit administration buildings for business purposes with prior clearance from the Dean of Students office. A student expelled from the University is not eligible for readmission.
* Appropriate offices will be notified to process cancelation of housing assignment including Residence Life and Housing and Student Accounts. Students are generally expected to leave campus within 36 hours of notification of the sanction, but specific instructions will be outlined in the determination letter.
** Appropriate offices will be notified to process administrative withdrawal including Registrar, Student Accounts, Residence Life and Housing (if appropriate), and Dean of Students office. A notation is placed on the student’s transcript. Students are generally expected to leave campus within 36 hours of notification of the sanction, but specific instructions will be outlined in the determination letter.
Students who do not successfully complete conduct sanctions by given deadlines are subject to additional actions through the Office of Student Conduct and Responsibility and to having an administrative hold placed on their educational records. Students with administrative holds in place cannot register for classes, receive official grade reports, or have official transcripts sent.
Administrative Withdrawals
If a student is expelled or suspended from the University as a sanction for violating the Code of Conduct, or as a result of another administrative action, such involuntary withdrawal is termed Administrative Withdrawal. A student thus expelled/suspended is not eligible for readmission (in the case of expulsion) or refund of any fees, except the balance of a meal plan, if applicable.