Disciplinary Actions & Sanctions

Immediate Action

The following sanction may result if circumstances described under each sanction warrant such action.

Interim Separation– the temporary separation and/or restriction from the University, the residence halls and/or other campus restrictions of a student pending an appropriate administrative proceeding, when, in the opinion of the Dean of Students, or designee, the continued presence of the student constitutes a danger to themselves, to others, to University property, or to functions of the University, or where the presence of the students may be disruptive to the University learning environment. Where such sanction is imposed, the appropriate administrative proceeding will be provided as soon as practical. The sanction will remain in effect, however, until the student is notified, in writing, that the sanction has been discontinued or until a final determination is made following a scheduled hearing.

Hearing Actions

The disciplinary sanctions listed below may be imposed singly and/ or in combination upon any student found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct Regulations. The purpose of imposing sanctions includes: (a) to protect the University community from behaviors that are detrimental to the educational environment, and (b) to assist students in identifying acceptable parameters of their activities and consequences of future behaviors. The severity of the sanctions imposed is intended to correspond with the severity or frequency of violation, as well as the student’s willingness to recommit themselves to behavior in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Failure to complete any required sanction by the due date may result in the imposition of more severe sanctions.

Expulsion

Expulsion is permanent disciplinary separation from the University involving denial of all student privileges. Expulsion shall be effective on the date of notice of Expulsion, or later if so stated in the notice. A student separated from the University by Expulsion may not enter University premises, University-related premises, attend University sponsored activities or be present on campus without securing prior approval from the Dean of Students or designee. A student expelled is not entitled to any financial refund for the semester in progress.

Suspension

Suspension is a disciplinary separation from the University involving denial of all student privileges. Suspension shall be effective on the date of notice of the suspension, or later if so stated in the notice; and shall prescribe the date and conditions upon which the student may petition for readmission. No course work will be permitted in Continuing Education or the Day Division at Framingham State during the suspension. Upon readmission to the University, the suspended student will be on Disciplinary Probation for the semester immediately following this return. Conditions for readmission may include, but are not limited to: Disciplinary Probation for a specified length of time, no residence on campus, restricted visitation to specified University facilities, and/or written evaluative statements from an accredited mental health professional, medical doctor or others to review the capability of the student to function successfully at the University. Students separated from the University by Suspension may not enter University premises, University-related premises, attend University-sponsored activities or be present on campus without securing approval from the Dean of Students. A student suspended is not entitled to any financial refund for the semester in progress.

Suspension Held in Abeyance

The serious nature of the violation would normally result in the student’s suspension from the University, but given extenuating circumstances, suspension is not immediately put into effect. A student found responsible for a violation of any of the same policies while on Suspension Held in Abeyance status will cause the suspension from the University for a specified period of time to be put into effect. Allegations that such a violation has occurred shall be promptly presented at a hearing, and the hearing authority shall determine whether such violation occurred and whether to impose the suspension held in abeyance. Violation of the conditions of the Suspension Held in Abeyance also constitute an independent violation the General Student Conduct Code Regulations and further sanction or sanctions may be imposed in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Code.

Disciplinary Probation

A period of review and observation during which a student has been officially notified that their conduct is considered a serious matter and subsequent violation of University rules, regulations, or policies could result in a more severe sanction, including suspension or expulsion from the University. Disciplinary Probation is a status that may involve restrictions, conditions, or terms imposed for a definite period of time, though Extension of Disciplinary Probation may be assigned as a subsequent sanction. Restrictions, conditions, or terms of probation may include, but are not limited to ineligibility to participate in University activities or events; required meetings with a designated member of the University staff; restrictions on access to University facilities; and change or loss of housing assignment. Restrictions, conditions, and terms will be imposed for a specific length of time not to exceed the length of probationary period except in the case of change of housing assignment. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the probation, or additional behavior in violation of the Student Code of Conduct during the probationary period, will likely result in more serious disciplinary action. Notation of disciplinary probation status will be on file through the Office of Community Standards

Residence Hall Restriction

Residence Hall Restriction involves removal from the University residence hall community for conduct which demonstrates unwillingness or inability to abide by Code of Conduct Regulations or to function appropriately in the residence hall living situation. Such separation may be permanent or for a specified time period. Restriction prohibits entry or attempted entry to all or designated residence halls, including lobbies and foyers. Visitation is not permitted. Residents restricted from the residence hall are to contact their Area Director (AD) or the AD on Duty to make arrangements to remove personal belongings, return keys and receive mail. A student separated or dismissed from University housing for disciplinary reasons is not entitled to any refund of housing charges for the semester in progress.

Restriction or Revocation of Privileges

Restriction or Revocation of Privileges is a temporary or permanent loss of privileges as an alternative to another sanction, or as a condition of a particular sanction resulting from a particular action found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Such action includes, but is not limited to: use of a specific University facility; residence hall privileges; holding or running for an office in a campus organization; the representation of the University at any sporting event or intercollegiate function; and campus motor vehicle parking and operating privileges.

Disciplinary Warning

Disciplinary Warning involves written notice to the student indicating that specific behavior or activity is in violation of the Code and that repetition of similar or other unsatisfactory behavior would likely result in more serious disciplinary action. Notation of the warning will be on file through the Office of Community Standards.

Residential Review

Residential review is an action taken against a residence hall student which places his or her resident status in jeopardy. As a result of this action, the Associate Dean of Students will review the student’s Residence Hall License Agreement at the end of each semester in order to determine whether or not the individual should remain in residence. The agreement will also be reviewed if the student is found responsible for any policy violation while this is in effect. Nothing in this provision shall be deemed to prohibit the Administration of the University from terminating the Residence Hall License Agreement – whether or not a student has imposed on him or her the sanction of “Residential Review” – for reasons deemed sufficient by the Administration.

Restitution

Restitution is a reimbursement for damage, destruction, required services or the unauthorized use or misappropriation of University property or the property of any person which results from a conduct violation of this Code. It may also constitute reimbursement to offset the cost of a required educational sanction. The administrative hearing officer or hearing panel will investigate and determine the amount of restitution charges.

Special Assignments

This may be a work project or special assignment imposed either as an alternative to another sanction or as a condition of a particular sanction. An effort will be made to select an assignment that is appropriate to the offense and does not inhibit academic progress or health. Special assignments may include, but are not limited to written reports; participation in co-curricular programs or counseling groups; event or workshop attendance; and work in a specific campus office, building, or area. Failure to complete a special assignment by the date set may result in the imposition of more severe sanctions.

Referral to the Counseling Center, Health Center and/or Wellness Education for Evaluation and Recommendation

A resolution referral of a student to the Counseling Center, Health Center and/or Wellness Education for evaluation and recommendation may be made in lieu of another sanction, or as a condition of a particular sanction. All evaluations shall remain confidential. The Associate Dean of Students may also directly refer students to an Alcohol or other Drug Education Intervention, a Substance Abuse Assessment, or other evaluations as deemed appropriate. Students may be directed to comply with the recommendations from a Substance Abuse Assessment and/or the Counseling Center. To be credited with completion of this sanction the student must provide written authorization from the staff member to confirm completion of the sanction.

Reprimand

A reprimand is an official rebuke making misconduct a matter of record in University files and indicating that repetition of infractions of University regulations will result in more severe disciplinary actions.