RESIDENCE HALL STUDENT CONDUCT PROCESS

The Residence Life philosophy on discipline comes from an educational perspective which complements the academic goals and assists in the development of the individual holistically. This is approached through the following steps:

• Information is given to the students upon arrival. Each resident receives the Residence Hall Policy Handbook electronically. They are also discussed at wing meetings and highlighted through hall newsletters, posters, etc.

• When a resident makes inappropriate decisions, the behavior is confronted. The staff tries to help residents modify the behavior through the discipline process.

Unwillingness to change inappropriate behavior will result in educational or punitive steps. Residence Life staff prefers not to deal with students in this manner, but if residents are unwilling to follow the policies of the community, and expectations as a community member, they will be dealt with accordingly. The choice lies with the student. Throughout the discipline process, it is emphasized that it is the student’s behavior that is not acceptable and must be changed. The student is still respected as a human being.

Steps In Discipline Process

• Inappropriate behavior occurs.

• Residence Life staff files an incident report (or University Police may be contacted dependent upon incident severity).

• In most cases, the RD sends a hearing letter via email to those individuals involved in the incident to set up an appointment to discuss the situation. It is best that the meeting occurs as soon as possible while the facts are still clear. For repeat offenders and for serious violations, the initial contact will be from an assistant/associate director. Residence Life reserves the right to refer disciplinary cases and/or consult with University Police and/or the Dean of Students Office to determine next steps.

• The purpose of the initial hearing meeting is for the resident director or assistant/associate director to gather all pertinent information about the incident. The student is asked to explain exactly what happened. After the student shares their perception, their role in the incident is examined by the RD/AD with the incident report written by staff members confronting the situation. If a student chooses not to meet with the RD/AD, a decision will be made without benefit of their input, so it is in the best interest of the student to meet with the RD/AD and discuss the situation.

• Following all input and fact gathering, the RD/AD will decide whether the student’s behavior violated any rules, policies, or laws. If necessary, an appropriate sanction will be given.

• The student will receive an emailed sanction letter explaining the findings of the meeting. If sanctions were implemented, the resident has the right to appeal the decision to the hearing officer’s supervisor.

Through the Department of Residence Life, sanctions can include but is not limited to educational sanctions, written reprimands, or disciplinary residence hall contract termination for repetitive policy violations. Disciplinary termination will result in a housing refund to the student of 50% of prorated rental fee, and forfeiture of the remaining room charge and prepayment. In the case of emergency suspension from UWPlatteville, this contract will be terminated immediately.

Your student conduct file is cumulative throughout your whole academic career. If you are involved in multiple offenses, sanctions can be implemented in not only our department, but in through the Dean of Students Office, and the State of Wisconsin. Many times, potential employers or landlords reach out for disciplinary and rental references and recommendations based on a student’s conduct file. The university will not submit a reference or recommendation without your knowledge or release to do so unless court mandated.