Written Documentation

likely than not to have occurred. VU will attempt to structure the procedures so as to facilitate a reliable determination of the truth and be fair and reasonable. Conduct Hearings and SACC meetings may be recorded by Vanguard for accuracy. When the staff becomes aware of an alleged violation of community standards for on or off-campus students he/she will report the incident through the proper channels as needed and qualifying reports will be handled by the appropriate hearing officer or SACC member consult with members of the SCC as needed and will refer the case to be handled by the appropriate individual or committee. Members of the SCC may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Director of Residence Life • Resident Directors • Athletic Director or Coach • Student Affairs Representatives • Resident Assistant (as student representatives as needed) • Appointed faculty or staff member

When assigned to hear a case, a hearing officer will confront behaviors of on and off-campus students, including students studying abroad, that are not in compliance with community standards. Hearing officers will hear the majority of all student infractions reported to them by members of the community. A Conduct Hearing Summons Letter and a Resolution Letter with sanctions may be used by hearing officers.

Sanctions are used to provide a framework in which to make a decision that addresses the situation, and attempts to produce growth and behavior changes in the life of the student.

Student Affairs Conduct Committee Meeting (SACC)

The main function of the SACC is to assume initial responsibility for cases that are of a more serious nature. The student may be referred to the SACC if a student has serious or multiple violations of any kind. The SACC is chaired by the Director of Residence Life, or an individual designated by the Director of Residence Life, and will include at least one other individual. A SACC hearing will be comprised of two people appointed by the chair for each hearing. Members of the SACC may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Student Affairs Staff members • Appointed staff or faculty members

Appointment of SACC for original jurisdiction over conduct

The Director of Residence Life will determine if a community violation should be referred to SACC. If a hearing is required, a written summons will be given to the student at least two days prior to the hearing. The student will be required to appear before SACC for a hearing to determine if a community standards violation has occurred and, if so, the extent of the violation. SACC will arrive at a decision within 10 working days. For students found in violation of community standards, a Resolution Decision Letter with sanctions will be created and a written copy will be given to the student.

Conduct Process

When a violation of community standards is reported to the Student Affairs Staff, the Student Services Coordinator under the direction of the Director of Residence Life will initiate the disciplinary process. The disciplinary process is divided into four sections:

1) Documentation 2) Hearings 3) Sanctions 4) Appeal Process

Incident Report: Often disciplinary situations begin with an “Incident Report,” which requires as much information as possible. Any community member may complete this document. Typically, RAs who observe possible violations of University behavioral standards will complete an Incident Report which is sent to the Residence Life staff. Athletic Administration is notified any time an incident report is filed involving a student athlete.

Action in Writing: At times an incident will not require a formal meeting but will simply require a letter of warning, etc., which will be placed in the student’s disciplinary file and sent to the student via email. A student is able to appeal this action by turning in the appropriate appeal request within 3 business days.

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