Conduct Sanctions

For a definite or indefinite period, a student is restricted from all or a portion of any University premises or University-sponsored activity.

An administrative hold is placed on a student’s record if the student has not completed a disciplinary sanction or has withdrawn from the University before the resolution of an informal conference or formal disciplinary hearing.

Note: In cases where alcohol paraphernalia is confiscated, items may be returned. In suites where drugs and drug paraphernalia were seized, the items may not be replaced by University Police. In addition, seized items that are considered illegal in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will not be returned (specific knives, fireworks, etc.).

Formal notice that a student’s status at the university is jeopardized due to one or more violations of the Code of Student Conduct. This sanction will be in effect for a specified period. Should a student on this sanction be found in violation of another policy during the period of this sanction, the dean or dean’s designee may impose a sanction that may include “removal from university housing,” “suspension from the University,” or “expulsion from the University.” While on probation, a student is not permitted to serve as a member of the Student Council or a standing.

University committee, as an executive board member of a student organization, or on the residential life or orientation staff. Staff should be aware that disciplinary probation also may affect their eligibility to study abroad.

A letter to a student indicating that they are being held responsible for violating policy in the Code of Student Conduct. This sanction will be in effect for a specified period. Should the student again be found violating the Code of Student Conduct during this sanction period, the Dean or Dean’s designee may impose an additional sanction to reflect a repeated offense.

Temporary separation from the University, without financial reimbursement, for a specified period, after which the student may resume their studies after an interview with the Dean of Students and their designee and after compliance with any other parameters imposed due to the dismissal. Reinstatement of student status is not guaranteed. While on dismissal status, the student may not engage in university activities nor use any University facilities.

Permanent dismissal from the University, without financial reimbursement and the right to return. An expelled student no longer has the privileges of matriculating and may not engage in university activities or use any University facilities.

When appropriate, please be aware that a student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) may be notified of their participation in the University Conduct System. Students are encouraged to discuss their violations with their parent(s)/ guardian(s) before receiving a letter from the Dean or their designee.

Special sanctions are directly related to individual cases. These may be imposed in place of, or in addition to, other imposed sanctions. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Substance abuse counseling and education (which may involve a fee for service)
• Restitution (payment for property loss or damage)
• Community service
• Relocation to another campus residence
• Removal from University housing without financial reimbursement and loss of visitation rights
• Loss of guest privileges
• Educational project or essay

At times, it may become necessary to restrict a student’s or organization’s privileges and prohibit contact with specified individuals and take other interim measures. Violating interim measures is considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and may result in university action.

An interim suspension may be imposed by the Dean of Students or their designee for any of the following reasons:

• To ensure the safety and well-being of the members of the University community
• To ensure a student’s safety or well-being
• If a student poses a substantial threat of disruption or interference with the normal operations of the University

While interim suspension status is in effect, a student may be denied access to classes, activities, and facilities until the conduct case has been resolved or the review by the Provost or their designee has been completed.

A University no-contact order is issued by the Dean of Students or their designee. This order is given when it is believed necessary to protect a person’s safety and preserve a peaceful environment for all students to work, study, and live on campus.

A letter to a student indicating that they are being held responsible for a violation of policy in the Code of Student Conduct, but that enforcement of any sanction is being suspended if the student follows the prescribed behavioral and/or performance expectations outlined in the letter. If the student fails to adhere to the expectations, or is found in violation of any other policy or Code, the sanction that would have been imposed but was stayed, or potentially a more severe sanction, might be imposed.

Temporary separation from the University, without financial reimbursement, for a specified period, after which the student may resume their studies without applying for readmission. A suspended student may not engage in university activities nor use any University facilities.

A verbal warning is typically used in cases where a formal written notice is not necessarily due to the violation’s severity. These warnings are documented so that the OCS has a record of what took place.

A letter to a student indicating they are responsible for a violation of policy in the Code of Student Conduct. Typically, written warnings are for first-time offenses and serve as a formal reminder of community expectations. Future violations may result in more severe sanctions.