Student Code of Conduct
U.C. Student Code of Conduct
Contents
A. Introduction
1. Preamble
2. Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities
3. Jurisdiction
a. Students
b. On and Off Campus Behavior
c. State of Ohio
d. Division of Student Affairs and Services
e. Division of Baccalaureate & Graduate Education
2. Procedural Overview
a. Timelines
b. Notification
c. Standard of Proof
d. Diminished Capacity
e. Sanctions for Violations
f. Disciplinary Records File
g. Home College
h. Withdrawal
i. Refund
B. Academic Misconduct
1. Academic Integrity and Honor Pledge
2. Academic Misconduct Definitions
a. Aiding or abetting academic misconduct
b. Cheating
c. Fabrication
d. Plagiarism
3. Procedures for Academic Misconduct
a. Faculty-Student Resolution
i. Allegation
ii. Notice
iii. Response to Notice
b. College Hearing Panel Resolution
i. College Hearing Panel Members
ii. Hearing Participants
iii. Hearing Procedures
iv. Post-Hearing Procedures
4. University Sanctions for Academic Misconduct
a. Disciplinary Academic Action
b. Disciplinary Reprimand
c. Disciplinary Probation
d. Disciplinary Suspension
e. Disciplinary Dismissal
f. Other Disciplinary Educational Sanctions
C. Nonacademic Misconduct
1. Reporting Nonacademic Misconduct
2. Nonacademic Misconduct Definitions
3. Hearing Procedures for Nonacademic Misconduct
a. Complaint and Notice
i. Complaint
ii. Notice
iii. Procedural Review
iv. Selection of Hearing Option
b. Resolution by Administrative Review Committee (ARC) Hearing
i. ARC Members
ii. Hearing Participants
iii. Hearing Procedures
iv. Post-Hearing Procedures
4. Sanctions for Nonacademic Misconduct
a. University Disciplinary Reprimand
b. University Disciplinary Probation
c. University Disciplinary Suspension
d. University Disciplinary Dismissal
e. Other Disciplinary Educational Sanctions
f. Interim/Emergency Suspension
5. Sanctioning of Student Organizations
D. Appeal Process
1. Filing an Appeal
2. Grounds for Appeal
3. Procedure
4. Final Decision
U.C. Board of Trustees Approval/Revision September25, 2007
Title: Conduct, rights and responsibilities: Student code of conduct.
Division: 40: Students
Number: 40-5-05
A. Introduction
1. Preamble
a. The Student Code of Conduct (SCOC) is intended to provide broad guidance in identifying and discouraging behavior that conflicts with the building of a strong and just community that respects and protects the diverse interests and goals of all students, all student organizations, and the University of Cincinnati’s mission “to provide the highest-quality learning environment, world-renowned scholarship, innovation and community service, and to serve as a place where freedom of intellectual interchange flourishes.”
b. “The paramount value involved in student conduct should be self-governance with each student bearing the responsibility for his/her own behavior. Although it is thus assumed that students are mature and responsible individuals and that the university does not occupy a parental role, formal disciplinary sanctions nonetheless may be imposed whenever student conduct interferes with the university's duty to afford its members an opportunity to attain educational and other stated institutional objectives. In pursuance of the goals of the university, disciplinary policies, procedures, and standards should be primarily educational rather than punitive in nature and should be consistent with both the customs of a free society and the nature and function of an institution of higher learning.” See University Rules at www.uc.edu/trustees/rules/ (Students-Division 40-5-03 A. 1. b.).
c. The authority for disciplinary action is contained in rule 3361:40-5-04 of the Ohio Administrative Code and section 3345.21 of the Ohio Revised Code (R.C.) . The university may proceed through the disciplinary process as outlined below, regardless of any action by other authorities (e.g., city/state police, local/state/federal courts).
d. Ten representatives of the administration, faculty and students constituting a Student Code of Conduct Review Committee provide a democratic mechanism for the creation and review of student conduct standards (40-5-03 B).
e. It is each student’s responsibility to know and comply with the University’s Student Code of Conduct and/or Rules and Policies of the University of Cincinnati. The provisions of the Student Code of Conduct are not to be regarded as a contract between the University and the student. The University reserves the right to change the Student Code of Conduct at any time during the student’s term of enrollment, but no ex post facto rule of misconduct will be adopted.
f. It is the University’s responsibility to make reasonable efforts to make the Student Code of Conduct available for students. Toward that end, the Division of Student Affairs and Services will regularly circulate the Student Code of Conduct along with other rules, regulations, and policies, which directly affect students at the University of Cincinnati. The Code will be available for review in the following locations: the Office of the University Ombuds, the University Judicial Affairs Office, and the UC web page.
2. Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities
a. Students are members of society as well as members of the academic community. As members of society, students have the same responsibilities as other members of society and enjoy the same freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, and the right of petition that other members of society enjoy. As members of the academic community, they shall have the rights and be subject to the responsibilities which accrue to them by virtue of this membership. Institutional authority shall not be employed to inhibit such intellectual and personal development of students as is often promoted by the exercise of their rights and responsibilities both on and off the campus” (40-05-01).
b. Students shall be free from unreasonable searches and seizures by university personnel.
c. Students shall be responsible for maintaining established standards of scholarship and conduct essential to the educational mission and community life of the university. See University 40-5-05.
3. Jurisdiction
a. Students
i. Undergraduate and graduate students who violate the Student Code of Conduct shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary sanctions. Law and Medical students are also subject to their respective Honor Codes. Conduct not covered under their respective Honor Codes shall be subject to the Student Code of Conduct.. Colleges with licensure or professional codes governing conduct will be subject to the procedural requirements of this Student Code of Conduct.
ii. By admission to or attendance at the University, a student accepts the responsibility to comply with the Student Code of Conduct and/or the Rules and Policies of the University of Cincinnati. The term “student” (used here and in any part of this document hereafter) means an individual who has been accepted for admission to the University, registered for classes, enrolled at the University, or otherwise entered into any other relationship with the University to take or audit instruction and is pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional studies either on a full- or part-time basis. Student status lasts until an individual graduates, withdraws from the university, is dismissed, or is not in attendance for two complete quarters.
b. On and Off Campus Behavior
i. The Student Code of Conduct applies to student conduct that occurs on campus or on University owned, leased, or controlled premises. University campuses include University of Cincinnati Uptown Campus, College of Applied Science, Raymond Walters College, and Clermont College.
ii. The SCOC applies to off-campus conduct and students are subject to disciplinary action
iii. when the student is on academic assignment, attending a University event or an event of a registered student group, or acting as a representative of the University at an off-campus event.
iv. when the University is notified by an arresting or prosecuting authority of misconduct within 2600 feet of any University campus resulting in a police report being filed, an arrest being made, summons being issued, or an indictment being returned against the student for crimes of violence as stated in Sections 2901.01(A)(9), or drug crimes as stated in 2925.02 (Corrupting another with drugs) and 2925.03 (Trafficking in drugs) of the Ohio Revised Code, or equivalent laws of other jurisdictions
v. The University also reserves the right to take disciplinary action for conduct that occurs beyond the 2600 feet boundary only when the student, in the University’s sole judgment, poses an obvious threat of serious harm to any member of the University community.
vi. The term "crime of violence" means the following offenses as stated in Section 2901.01(A)(9) of the Ohio Revised Code, and as it may be amended from time to time: aggravated murder; murder; voluntary manslaughter; involuntary manslaughter; felonious assault; aggravated assault; assault; aggravated menacing; menacing by stalking; kidnapping; abduction; extortion; rape; sexual battery; gross sexual imposition; aggravated arson; arson; aggravated robbery; robbery; aggravated burglary; inciting to violence; aggravated riot; inducing panic; domestic violence; intimidation; intimidation of an attorney, victim, or witness in a criminal case; escape; improperly discharging a firearm at or into a habitation or school; burglary; felonious sexual penetration; or conspiracy or attempt to commit or complicity in committing any of the foregoing offenses. Crime of violence also means offenses under the laws of another jurisdiction that are equivalent to the offenses listed in this division.
c. State of Ohio
i. Section 3333.38 of the Ohio Revised Code (R.C.) focuses on the riotous behavior of students on and around university campuses. The law has two separate penalty provisions—denial of financial aid and expulsion.
ii. Regarding financial aid, R.C. 3333.38(B) generally provides that an individual who is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or is adjudicated a delinquent child for violating R.C. 2917.02 (aggravated riot), R.C. 2917.03 (riot), R.C. 2917.04 (failure to disperse), or R.C. 2917.13 (misconduct at an emergency), shall be ineligible to receive any student financial assistance supported by state funds for two calendar years from the time the individual applies for financial assistance.
iii. With respect to expulsion, a student shall immediately be dismissed from the University if he or she is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or is adjudicated a delinquent child for violating R.C. 2917.02 (aggravated riot) or R.C. 2917.03 (riot). Moreover, no Ohio public university or college shall admit an individual who has been convicted for either R.C. 2917.02 or .03 for one academic year after the individual applies for admission.
iv. Action taken as a result of R.C. 3333.38 does not limit or affect the University of Cincinnati’s ability to otherwise discipline students under the Student Code of Conduct.
d. Division of Student Affairs
i. If it is not self-evident whether an alleged violation constitutes academic or nonacademic misconduct, the dean of the student’s college or designee and the Dean of Students or designee shall confer to determine whether the matter shall be handled within the college or within the division of student affairs and services, and shall notify the appropriate administrator and all parties.
ii. Without unnecessary delay from the date of discovery of the alleged offence, all non-academic misconduct shall be reported to the Office of University Judicial Affairs (OUJA) and all instances of academic misconduct shall be reported to the College Conduct Administrator as well as to the OUJA.
iii. At the start of each academic year, the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services will appoint a University Appeals Administrator (UAA).
iv. When a student organization is charged with a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development and/or the appropriate administrators at Raymond Walters College, Clermont College, and the College of Applied Science will consult with the appropriate student organizations and activities governing board to determine whether the case should be referred to the appropriate governing body or handled administratively and whether specific individuals should be referred for disciplinary action under the SCOC.
e. Academic Divisions: Baccalaureate & Graduate Education and Health Affairs
i. Each college dean shall appoint a College Conduct Administrator (CCA) who shall be responsible for the administration of undergraduate academic misconduct procedures. The head of each graduate program or CCA will oversee the administration of academic misconduct procedures for graduate students in that graduate program Undergraduate program directors may have departmental responsibility for advising instructors and students with misconduct issues.
ii. Any case involving academic misconduct shall originate with the instructor in whose course the alleged misconduct occurred. The instructor will report sanctions for academic misconduct to the College Conduct Administrator (CCA) who will report that misconduct to the CCA of the student’s home college and to the OUJA. College Hearing Panels make disciplinary recommendations to the college Dean, except in cases of dismissal from the university which must be approved by appropriate the Senior Vice President and Provost,
4. Procedural Overview
a. Timelines
All listed timelines (i.e., fifteen days, forty-eight hours) exclude weekends, holidays, and term breaks when the university is not in session.
b. Notification
All written notices to students shall be considered received upon delivery to a student’s current local or permanent address on record with the University, by U.S. or campus mail, by Bearcat on-line electronic messaging with delivery notification, or to the student in person. Such notice shall be deemed adequate unless the student shows just cause why the receipt of notice substantially impaired his/her ability to prepare for any hearing. It is the responsibility of the student to have his/her current local address on record with the University.
c. Standard of Proof
The standard of proof used to determine whether a student has violated the Student Code of Conduct shall be based on a preponderance of evidence.
d. Diminished Capacity
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not diminish or excuse a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
e. Sanctions for Violations
A student found to have violated the Student Code of Conduct will be subject to sanctions ranging from University Disciplinary Academic Action to University Disciplinary Dismissal. More than one sanction may be imposed for a single violation. A single act may constitute a violation of more than one regulation.
f. Disciplinary Records File
All disciplinary records and files, including those resulting in a finding of “responsible,” are maintained in the Office of University Judicial Affairs for a period of six years from the date of resolution. Records relating to a disciplinary action for academic misconduct are maintained by the Director of University Judicial Affairs and College Conduct Administrators as educational records separate from a student’s academic record and are subject to the protections and release provisions by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 as amended by the USA Patriot Act. Under FERPA, the Director of OUJA limits student records access to U.C. employees with a “legitimate educational interest” and to third parties who have obtained written permission from the student.
g. Home College
The home college is the college in which the student is matriculated at the time of the alleged misconduct.
h. Withdrawal
A student may withdraw from the University before a disciplinary process has been completed. The process may proceed in the absence of the student and/or a block may be placed on the student’s future registration. The disciplinary action must be completed before the student is allowed to register again.
i. Refund
In the event of a suspension or dismissal from the residence halls or University, the regular refund schedule outlined in University publications will apply.
B. Academic Misconduct
1. Academic Integrity and Honor Pledge
a. In pursuit of its teaching, learning and research goals, the University of Cincinnati holds its students, faculty and administrators to the highest ethical standards defined by The Center for Academic Integrity as “a commitment, even in the face of adversity, to five fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility” (www.academicintegrity.org/). Although not all students are subject to a college honor code or pledge, every student is bound by the academic misconduct provisions of this code enforced to assure academic integrity. When dishonest students cheat to gain unfair competitive advantage over other students, they cheat themselves out of a decent education.
b. Some faculty members and academic units may require students before taking tests and/or when submitting assignments to sign a pledge. The pledge may contain language such as: “On my honor I pledge that this work of mine does not violate the U.C. Student Code of Conduct provisions on cheating and plagiarism.” Honor pledges serve primarily as a teaching tool; unless a college has a mandatory honor code, pledges are used at the discretion of the instructor without imposition of a disciplinary sanction for students who honestly do passing work but object to a signed affirmation. Alternative pledges as well as information about the Academic Integrity Campaign can be obtained from the Office of University Judicial Affairs and online at http://www.uc.edu/conduct.
2. Academic Misconduct Definitions
a. Aiding and Abetting Academic Misconduct
Knowingly helping, procuring or encouraging another person to engage in academic misconduct.
b. Cheating
Any dishonesty or deception in fulfilling an academic requirement such as:
i. Use and/or possession of unauthorized material or technological devices during an examination (any written or oral work submitted for evaluation and/or grade).
ii. Obtaining assistance with or answers to examination questions from another person with or without that person’s knowledge.
iii. Furnishing assistance with or answers to examination questions to another person.
iv. Possessing, using, distributing or selling unauthorized copies of an examination or computer program.
v. Representing as one’s own an examination taken by another person.
vi. Taking an examination in place of another person.
vii. Obtaining unauthorized access to the computer files of another person or agency and/or altering or destroying those files.
c. Fabrication
The falsification of any information, research statistics, lab data, or citation in an academic exercise.
d. Plagiarism
i. Submitting another’s published or unpublished work in whole, in part or in paraphrase, as one’s own without fully and properly crediting the author with footnotes, quotation marks, citations, or bibliographic references.
ii. Submitting as one’s own original work, material obtained from an individual, agency, or the internet without reference to the person, agency or webpage as the source of the material.
iii. Submitting as one’s own original work material that has been produced through unacknowledged collaboration with others without release in writing from collaborators
3. Procedures for Academic Misconduct
Students suspected of academic misconduct, whether acknowledging involvement or not, shall be allowed to continue in the course without prejudice pending completion of the disciplinary process.
a. Faculty-Student Resolution
i. Allegation
a. The original jurisdiction of any case involving academic misconduct shall be with the instructor in whose course the alleged misconduct occurred. An instructor who suspects a student of academic misconduct or receives a complaint alleging misconduct that raises suspicion may consult the CCA to learn whether there is any record of prior academic misconduct. The instructor will inform the student verbally or in writing within ten days of discovering the misconduct and give the student five days to respond. If needed, the instructor may arrange a review meeting with the student, and the student may have an adviser at that meeting.
b. If the student fails to respond, the instructor may impose a final academic sanction with a formal notice of action to the College Conduct Administrator and to the student. If the instructor takes no action within five days, the allegation(s) shall be considered dismissed.
ii. Notice
a. Within three days of the student’s response or a meeting the instructor will notify the student in writing of the sanction(s) and the college hearing options. Failure on the assignment may be reported to the CCA at the discretion of the instructor and may not be disputed if the student admits responsibility. Failure for the course must be reported to the College Conduct Administrator.
b. If the student fails to respond to the sanction notice within three days, the academic sanction is final.
iii. Response to Notice
a. No later than three days from the time of the notice, the accused student shall notify the instructor in writing whether the student,
i. Accepts responsibility to the violation(s) and agrees to accept the sanction(s)
ii. Accepts responsibility but challenges a sanction
iii. Denies responsibility and requests resolution by the College Conduct Hearing Panel
b. If the student denies responsibility and/or challenges the sanction, the instructor will ask the College Conduct Administrator of the college in which the misconduct occurred to convene a College Hearing Panel.
c. If the student accepts responsibility and the sanction the instructor will notify the College Conduct Administrator of the college in which the misconduct occurred of how the matter was resolved and the action taken. The CCA will record that resolution and provide a copy to the Director of University Judicial Affairs and to the College Conduct Administrator of the student’s home college.
b. College Hearing Panel Resolution
i. College Hearing Panel Members
a. When a faculty-student resolution is not possible, the College Conduct Administrator, without unnecessary delay, shall convene a College Hearing Panel of the college in which the alleged misconduct occurred. The charge to this panel shall be to investigate the alleged misconduct and to recommend appropriate sanction(s).
b. The panel shall consist of: The hearing chair, one representative selected by the college faculty and one representative selected either by the college tribunal or Student Government for undergraduates, or by the graduate college tribunals or Graduate Student Governance Association for graduate students. The hearing chair shall be the College Conduct Administrator. The hearing chair shall vote only in the event of a tie.
c. Either the student charged or the instructor alleging misconduct may challenge participation of any panel member on the grounds of conflict of interest. Challenges must be submitted in writing to the hearing chair within three days after the parties have been notified of the panel composition. The challenge must specify reasons that would prevent the individual from being unbiased with respect to the hearing proceedings. The hearing chair shall decide whether the challenge has merit. If the challenge is granted, a substitute will be appointed and the same option to challenge shall exist. If the hearing chair is challenged, the Dean of the college or his or her designee shall determine the validity of the challenge and either replace or retain the hearing chair.
ii. Hearing Participants
a. Presence at hearings shall be restricted to those individuals involved except as otherwise noted.
b. The student may elect to have an adviser present who may counsel, but not actively participate as a spokesperson or vocal advocate in the hearing. Students are required to notify the College Hearing Panel Chair 24 hours prior to the hearing if the adviser is an attorney. A student should select an advisor whose schedule allows attendance at the scheduled date and time for the College Hearing Panel Resolution because delays will not normally be allowed due to the scheduling conflicts of an advisor
c. The University Ombuds may be present as an observer.
d. Witnesses are strongly encouraged to be present for hearings. However, if they are unable to attend, notarized statements may be submitted.
e. If the student, faculty or staff member chooses not to attend the hearing, his/her written statements shall be reviewed at that time and evaluated based on the information available. No adviser may be present for any party who does not attend the hearing.
iii. Hearing Procedures
a. The Chair and the College Hearing Panel shall have the right to determine the acceptability of testimony and other evidence during the hearing and may place time limitations on testimony and on closing comments.
b. When more than one student is involved in an allegation of misconduct, any involved student may request a separate hearing. Such requests shall be made to the Chair of the Hearing Panel at least two days (48 hours) prior to the scheduled hearing.
c. Panel hearings but not deliberations shall be recorded by the university. Any record of the hearing shall remain the property of the University. Either party may have post-hearing access to the recorded hearing. However, to maintain confidentiality, students are not permitted an audio copy of the recorded hearing.
d. If the College Hearing Committee finds the student engaged in academic misconduct, the CHC may recommend failure for the assignment rather than for the course, but the instructor retains the ultimate authority to impose a final academic sanction. The CHC may alter or recommend to the Dean sanctions of a disciplinary reprimand, probation, suspension or dismissal.
iv. Post-Hearing Procedures
a. Within three days after the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing chair shall send the panel’s recommendation to the College Dean and to the student. When students outside their home college are involved in an academic misconduct case, the hearing chair shall also forward a copy of the panel’s recommendation to each student’s home college dean or university dean within ten days after the hearing.
b. Within five days after receipt of the panel’s recommendation, the Dean of the college or his or her designee shall concur with, modify, or reject the panel’s recommendation and shall notify all parties in writing. Notification to the student shall include information about the appeal process and the name and address of the University Appeals Hearing Chair. If the student does not file an appeal within five days, the decision of the Dean shall be final.
c. Records relating to a disciplinary action are maintained by the Director of University Judicial Affairs and the appropriate college office as educational records separate from a student’s academic record and are subject to the protections and release provisions by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended by the USA Patriot Act.
4. Disciplinary Sanctions for Academic Misconduct
Sanctions shall be imposed according to the severity of the misconduct. Multiple sanctions may be imposed should the behavior call for the imposition of a more severe penalty. In all cases, the University reserves the right to require counseling and/or testing of students as deemed appropriate. Definitions of disciplinary sanctions include the following:
a. Academic Action
Includes, but is not limited to, altering a grade or assigning a failing grade for the assignment, examination, or course.
b. Disciplinary Report
Notifies the student in writing that the misconduct and sanction will be recorded in a disciplinary file and if misconduct recurs may be taken into consideration in determining further sanctions.
c. Probation
Imposes specific restrictions or places extra requirements on the student for a specified period. These may vary with each case and may include action not academically restrictive in nature, such as restriction from participation in college activities or other requirements. Disciplinary action should be consistent with the philosophy of providing constructive learning experiences as a part of the probation. A student may be required to meet periodically with designated persons. Any further misconduct on the student’s part during the period of probation may result in disciplinary suspension or dismissal.
d. College or University Suspension
Prohibits the student from attending the College or University. University Suspension prohibits the student from being present on specified University owned, leased, or controlled property without permission of the sanctioning administrator or his or her designee for a specified period of time. The sanctioning administrator shall determine the effective beginning and ending date of the suspension. Students placed on University Disciplinary Suspension must comply with all suspension requirements. A student seeking to attend the University after the conclusion of his or her suspension shall first request permission to re-enroll from the Office of University Judicial Affairs and then apply for readmission to his/her college.
e. College or University Dismissal
Permanently prohibits the student from attending classes in that college or permanently prohibits the student from re-enrolling at the University.
f. Other Disciplinary Educational Sanctions
Sanction designed to develop the student’s behavior. This includes, but is not limited to, service to the college and restrictions on the right of access to the college or University.
C. Non Academic Misconduct
1. Report Nonacademic Misconduct
All instances of alleged nonacademic misconduct shall be reported to the Director of University Judicial Affairs. Any student found to have engaged in the following prohibited conduct, as defined in Section B, while within the University’s jurisdiction shall be subject to disciplinary action by the University.
2. Nonacademic Misconduct Definitions
a. Aiding and Abetting Misconduct
Helping, procuring, or encouraging another person to engage in nonacademic misconduct.
b. Alcoholic Beverages, Unauthorized Use
Possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages on campus in unlicensed facilities, except during events or in circumstances authorized by University officials; failing to comply with state law or University policy regarding use, transportation, or sale of alcoholic beverages.
c. Destruction of Property
Damaging, destroying, defacing, or altering the property of the University or the property of another person or entity.
d. Dishonesty and Misrepresentation
Furnishing false written or oral information including false identification to University officials, faculty, and/or staff; forgery, alteration, or misuse of University documents or records.
e. Disruption/Obstruction
Disrupting, obstructing, or interfering with University functions, activities, or the pursuit of the University mission, including but not limited to, teaching, research, administration, or disciplinary proceedings.
f. Disturbing the Peace
Disturbing the peace of the University, including, but not limited to, disorderly conduct, failure to comply with an order to disperse, fighting, or public intoxication.
g. Drugs or Narcotics
Manufacturing, distributing, buying, selling, offering for sale, or possessing any illegal drug or narcotic including, but not limited to: anabolic steroids, barbiturates, hallucinogens, amphetamines, cocaine, opium, heroin, or marijuana. Proper use of substances as prescribed to a student by a physician is exempt.
h. Failure to Comply or Identify
Failure to comply with the directions of a University official or any law enforcement officer acting in the performance of their duties or posted or written rules; includes failure to evacuate during an emergency and failing to identify oneself to any of these persons when requested to do so.
i. Failure to Comply with Sanctions
Failure to comply with sanctions imposed in accordance with the procedures described herein.
j. False Charges/Statements
Making false charges or allegations including statements made at University judicial hearings.
k. False Report of Emergency
Causing, making, or circulating a false report or warning of a fire, explosion, crime or other catastrophe or emergency; includes activating a false fire alarm.
l. Harassment
Conduct that has the purpose or foreseeable effect of unreasonably interfering with an identifiable individual’s work or academic performance or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or learning environment for that individual; includes, but not limited to, conduct that violates the Institutional Policy on Sexual Harassment (Administrative Memo #60) and Policy Statement on Discriminatory Harassment (Administrative Memo #108). Both can be found at: http://www1.mcmfss.uc.edu/geninfo/administrative_memorandums.cfm.
m. Hazing
Failure to comply with University Rule 3361:40-3-12, or state law regarding hazing (generally any act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition of continued membership in a group or organization).
n. Identification, Misuse of
Unauthorized transferring, lending, using or altering a University identification card or any other record or instrument of identification.
o. Information Technology, Misuse of
Theft, misuse or illegal use of information technology such as computer hardware or software, electronic mail or information, podcasts, voice mail, telephone, fax, including but not limited to:
i. Unauthorized entry into a file to use, read or change the contents, or for any other purpose.
ii. Unauthorized transfer or distribution of a file.
iii. Unauthorized use of another individual’s identification and password.
iv. Use of information technology to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or University official or with normal operations of the University.
v. Use of information technology for unauthorized posting of copyrighted materials or obscenities.
p. Law, Violation of
Violation of any federal/state/local law where the effect is interference with University activities or an identifiable individual’s University work or academic activities.
q. Physical Abuse or Harm
Acts which cause or could cause physical harm to any person or to oneself are prohibited. Actions that threaten or cause a person to believe that the offender may cause physical harm are also prohibited. Examples of prohibited behavior include, but are not limited to sex offenses, assault, battery, stalking, telephone harassment, sexual assault, sexual harassment, rape, threats, intimidation, physical abuse of one’s self or another, verbal abuse, and any other conduct which threatens the health or safety of any person.
r. Probation, Violation of
Violating the Student Code of Conduct while on University Disciplinary Probation or violating the specific terms of that probation.
s. Property or Services, Unauthorized Use
Unauthorized use or possession of property or resources of the University or of any person or entity.
t. Public Endangering
Actions endangering others, including but not limited to: dropping objects from buildings, activating a false fire alarm, or tampering with safety equipment.
u. Residence Hall Rules and Regulations
Violating the terms and conditions of the University Housing Agreement or of published rules and regulations of the Office of Resident Education and Development, and the Office of Housing or its dining facilities.
v. Retaliation, Intimidation
Threats or acts of retaliation or intimidation made to another person in response to the implementation of the Student Code of Conduct or University Rules and Policies.
w. Safety Equipment, Misuse of
Unauthorized use or alteration of fire fighting equipment, safety devices, fire alarms, fire extinguishers or other emergency safety equipment.
x. Smoking Policy
Violating the University smoking policy Rule 10-17-06. Effective January 1, 2006, smoking shall be prohibited inside buildings, athletic facilities, and vehicles owned, operated or leased by the University of Cincinnati. Smoking shall also be prohibited within twenty-five feet of all university building entrances, exits, air intakes and operable windows. Smoking shall not be permitted on any bridge, overpass or enclosed walkway (www.uc.edu/trustees/rules).
y. Theft/Stolen Property
Theft of property or services of the University or of any person or entity. Unauthorized possession of property known to be stolen or that may be identified as property of the University or of any person or entity.
z. Trespass/Unauthorized Access
Unauthorized access into or onto any University building, room, structure or facility, or property of the University or any other entity.
aa. University Keys, Misuse of
Unauthorized use, distribution, duplication or possession of any key(s) issued for any University building, laboratory, facility, room, or vehicles.
bb. University Policies or Rules
Any violation of published University Rules or Policies. University Rules can be found at: http://www.uc.edu/trustees/rules/. University Policies can be found at www.mcmfss.uc.edu/geninfo/administrative_memorandums.cfm.
cc. Weapons
Use, storage, or possession of a firearm, explosive device of any description, ammunition or anything used to threaten or harm including, but not limited to, firecrackers, compressed air guns, pellet guns, BB guns, paintball guns, water guns, and knives.
3. Hearing Procedures for Nonacademic Misconduct
a. Complaint and Notice
i. Complaint
Any person, department, organization or entity may file a complaint with the Office of University Judicial Affairs alleging a violation of the Student Code of Conduct by a student. Complaints filed against a student organization shall be filed in the Office of Student Activities and Leadership Development. The Office of University Judicial Affairs, upon receipt of a citation by the University of Cincinnati Police Department (UCPD) or Cincinnati Police Department, may initiate a complaint on its own.
ii. Notice
After reviewing a complaint, the Director of University Judicial Affairs or designee initiates the disciplinary process by giving the student written notice of the alleged violation(s). The written notice shall describe the day, time, and location of the alleged violation(s) and inform the student about the reported circumstances underlying the alleged violation(s). The notice shall state the date, time, location of the procedural review, and the name of the Review Administrator.
iii. Procedural Review
a. The purpose of the procedural review is to review the alleged violations, provide an explanation of the disciplinary process, discuss the student's options, and advise the student of the Review Administrator’s recommended sanction(s) for the alleged violation(s). The accused may elect to have an adviser present who may counsel but not actively participate as a spokesperson or vocal advocate in the proceeding. The accused student is required to notify the Review Administrator 24 hours prior to the procedural review if the adviser is an attorney.
b. Procedural reviews may be rescheduled at the discretion of the Review Administrator.
c. If an accused student fails to appear at the procedural review, the Director of Judicial Affairs may schedule an Administrative Review Committee (ARC) hearing.
d. The Director of University Judicial Affairs reserves the right to forward any allegation to the Administrative Review Committee for resolution and/or sanction.
iv. Selection of Hearing Option
a. No later than three days from the Review Administrator’s written notice of the recommended sanction, the accused student shall notify the Review Administrator in writing whether the student:
i. Admits responsibility to the violation(s) and agrees to accept the sanctions imposed by the Review Administrator; or
ii. Admits responsibility but disputes the proposed sanction and requests that the sanction be determined by an Administrative Review Committee; or
iii. Denies responsibility and requests a hearing before an Administrative Review Committee.
b. If the accused student fails to notify the Review Administrator of the option selected within three days of the procedural review, an Administrative Review Committee hearing will be scheduled.
c. The Office of University Judicial Affairs encourages students charged in the same incident and who choose to have an ARC Hearing, to have their cases consolidated. The Office of Judicial Affairs reserves the right to require consolidation of hearings.
b. Resolution by Administrative Review Committee (ARC) Hearing
i. ARC Members
a. The Hearing Chair shall be the Director of University Judicial Affairs or the Director’s designee.
b. The committee shall consist of the Hearing Chair, two faculty or staff selected from the Administrative Review Committee (ARC) pool, and four undergraduate student representatives selected from the ARC student pool for undergraduate cases or two graduate students selected from the ARC student graduate pool for graduate cases.
c. The ARC pool shall consist of twelve faculty and staff selected by the Director of University Judicial Affairs in consultation with Faculty Senate and/or academic colleges, twenty student representatives selected by the Office of University Judicial Affairs in consultation with Student Government, and six graduate or professional students selected by the OUJA in consultation with the Graduate Student Governance Association.
d. A quorum is present for undergraduate cases when the Hearing Chair, one faculty or staff, and three student representatives are present. A quorum is present for graduate cases when the Hearing Chair, one faculty or staff, and two student representatives are present. The Hearing Chair will only vote in the case of a tie by the committee.
e. The complainant or accused may challenge participation of any committee member on the grounds of conflict of interest. Challenges must be submitted in writing to the Hearing Chair within three days of notice of the committee composition. The challenge must specify reasons that would prevent the individual from being unbiased with respect to the hearing proceedings. The Hearing Chair shall decide whether the challenge has merit. If the challenge is granted, a substitute will be appointed and the same option to challenge shall exist. If the Hearing Chair is challenged, the Dean of Students shall determine the validity of the challenge and either replace or retain the Hearing Chair.
ii. Hearing Participants
a. Presence at hearings shall be restricted to the complainant and accused involved except as otherwise noted. The ARC hearing shall be closed to the public.
b. The complainant and accused may elect to have an adviser present who may counsel but not actively participate as a spokesperson or vocal advocate in the hearing. Students are required to notify the hearing committee chair 24 hours prior to the hearing if the adviser is an attorney. A student should select as an advisor whose schedule allows attendance at the scheduled date and time for the Administrative Review Committee Hearing because delays will not normally be allowed due to the scheduling conflicts of an advisor
c. The University Ombuds may be present as an observer.
d. If either party chooses not to attend the hearing, his/her notarized written statements shall be reviewed and evaluated based on the information available.
e. Witnesses are strongly encouraged to be present for hearings. The Hearing Chair, in consultation with the ARC, reserves the right to limit the number of witnesses. Witnesses shall be present only when giving testimony. However, if they are unable to attend, notarized statements may be submitted.
f. The Hearing Chair reserves the right to make appropriate accommodations to secure the safety and comfort of all witnesses during a judicial proceeding.
g. If the Hearing Chair elects to accept a witness's notarized written statement in lieu of in-person testimony, the identity of the witness and his or her statements shall be fully disclosed to the other party and they shall be given the opportunity to respond to such statements.
iii. Hearing Procedures
a. Committee hearings shall be recorded by the university. Committee deliberations shall not be recorded. Any record of the hearing shall remain the property of the University. Either party may have post-hearing access to the recorded hearing. However, to maintain confidentiality, students are not permitted an audio copy of the recorded hearing.
b. The Hearing Chair, in consultation with the ARC, shall have the right to determine the acceptability of testimony and other evidence during the hearing, and may place time limitations on testimony and on closing comments.
c. The accused and the complainant shall have the right to submit evidence and written questions to be asked of all adverse witnesses who testify in the matter. The Hearing Chair, in consultation with the ARC, has the right to review and determine which written questions will be asked.
d. Both sides shall be given an opportunity to present a closing statement. At the close of the hearing, the ARC shall deliberate privately to determine whether the accused violated the Student Code of Conduct.
iv. Post-hearing procedures
a. The ARC will seek to reach consensus in adjudicating cases. In the event there is no consensus, a majority vote will determine the outcome. In the event of tie votes, the Hearing Chair will render a vote.
b. The Hearing Chair shall send the Committee’s final recommendation to the Dean of Students and to the student within three days after the hearing.
c. Within three days after receipt of the Committee’s recommendation(s), the Dean of Students shall provide written notice to all parties and the Director of University Judicial Affairs of the decision to:
i. concur,
ii. modify sanction or,
iii. send back to the Administrative Review Committee for further review and recommendation.
d. If the student does not appeal a sanction within five days, the sanction(s) approved by the Dean of Students shall take effect.
e. Records relating to a disciplinary action are maintained by the Director of University Judicial Affairs as educational records and are protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.
f. Upon written request, victims of violent crimes, as defined in the Ohio Revised Code Section 2901.01, may be informed of results of the campus disciplinary proceedings.
4. Sanctions for Nonacademic Misconduct
a. Sanctions shall be imposed according to the severity of the misconduct. Multiple sanctions may be imposed should the behavior call for the imposition of a more severe penalty (action). In all cases, the University reserves the right to require counseling and/or testing of students as deemed appropriate. The University may impose interim restrictions (i.e., cease and desist, restriction from dining halls, residence halls or specific buildings, no contact) to protect the rights and ensure the safety or address the concerns of students, staff, faculty, and the University community.
b. Implementation of sanction(s) is immediate or as defined.
c. Alcohol or Drug Possession Disclosure
i. The University of Cincinnati may notify the parents or guardians of any student who is under the age of 21 and who has been found to be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct with respect to any federal, state, or local law or University policy governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance.
ii. Students will receive copies of notification letters sent to their parents or guardians.
iii. This policy is in keeping with the Amendment to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act—20 USCA § 1232 (i).
d. Definitions of disciplinary sanctions include the following:
i. University Disciplinary Reprimand
Notifies the student in writing that his/her behavior is unacceptable and that any other violation may warrant further sanctions.
ii. University Disciplinary Probation
Imposes specific restrictions or places extra requirements on the student for a specified period. These may vary with each case and may include restrictions related to participation in intercollegiate athletics, extracurricular and/or residence life activities. Such restrictions may also involve other requirements not academically restrictive in nature. They should be consistent with the philosophy of providing constructive learning experiences as a part of the probation. A student may be required to meet periodically with designated persons. Any further misconduct on the student’s part during the period of probation may result in disciplinary suspension or dismissal.
iii. University Disciplinary Suspension
Prohibits the student from attending the University and from being present without permission of the Director of University Judicial Affairs or his or her designee on any University owned, leased, or controlled property for a specified period of time. University Disciplinary Suspensions shall have effective beginning and ending dates. Students placed on University Disciplinary Suspension must comply with all suspension requirements. A student seeking to attend the University after the conclusion of his or her suspension shall first request permission to re-enroll from the Office of University Judicial Affairs.
iv. University Disciplinary Dismissal
Permanently prohibits the student from attending the University and from being present, without permission, on any University owned, leased, or controlled property.
v. Other Disciplinary Educational Sanctions
Sanctions designed to develop the student’s behavior include but are not limited to: service to the University and/or University community; restrictions on the right of access to campus facilities, events, and/or student organizations; restitution for damage or expenses caused by the misconduct; and referral for psychological/psychiatric evaluation or other educational/developmental programs.
vi. Interim/Emergency Suspension
a. An Interim/Emergency Suspension is an interim action, effective immediately, designed to prohibit the presence of the student on campus and/or participating in any university-related activities, registered student organization activities, and academic coursework until the student’s disciplinary case can be resolved in accordance with prescribed disciplinary procedures. Such action shall be taken when the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services or his/her designee has reasonable cause to believe that the student’s presence on University owned, leased, or controlled property or at a University-related or registered organization activity poses a substantial threat to the health or safety of others or to property. An interim/emergency suspension begins immediately upon written notice by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services or designee and restricts a student’s physical access to campus if deemed necessary in order to:
i. Maintain order on university property and campuses.
ii. Preserve the orderly functioning of the University and the pursuit of its mission.
iii. Stop interference in any manner with the rights of citizens while on University owned, leased, or controlled property, while on professional practice assignment and/or while representing the University.
iv. Stop actions that threaten the health or safety of any person including oneself.
v. Stop actions that destroy or damage property of the University or of any member of its community.
b. Interim/Emergency Suspension may be imposed pending the application of the disciplinary process. A disciplinary hearing shall be scheduled by the University without undue delay. The student may, within three (3) business days of the imposition of the suspension, petition the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services for reinstatement. The petition must be in writing, and must include supporting documentation or evidence that the student does not pose, or no longer poses, a significant risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of others or to property. A hearing on such petition will be conducted without undue delay by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services or his/her designee. The purpose of this hearing will be to determine if the interim suspension shall remain in effect, be modified, or be revoked pending a disciplinary hearing.
5. Sanctioning of Student Organizations
a. When a student organization is charged with a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development and/or the appropriate administrators at Raymond Walters College, Clermont College, and the College of Applied Science will consult with the appropriate student organizations and activities governing board to determine whether the case should be referred to the appropriate governing body or handled administratively. They may also determine that specific members or officers of the organization should be referred for disciplinary action under the SCOC procedures.
b. Student organizations in violation of Student Code of Conduct shall be subject to sanctions including, but not limited to, termination of University registration, restriction on or suspension of the use of University facilities or services, suspension of the privilege to sponsor fundraising events, the loss of University funds, and restitution for damage. These sanctions may be imposed by the student organization’s governing board or by the appropriate administrative unit.
c. When a social Greek organization is charged with a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the Director of University Judicial Affairs and the Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development shall consult with the Greek Affairs Adviser to determine whether the case should be referred to the appropriate judicial body (e.g., Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic) or handled administratively. If a case is referred to a judicial body and it is determined that a violation has occurred, the judicial body may recommend to the Greek Affairs Adviser a sanction which may include a written reprimand, probation, denial of pledging rights, restitution for damages, or termination of University registration. The Greek Affairs Adviser shall consult with the Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development to determine the sanction to be imposed. The Greek Affairs Adviser shall send written notice of the sanction to the Greek organization and shall send written notice of the charges and the sanction to the national organization.
D. Appeal Process
1. Filing an Appeal
A student found to be responsible for either an academic or non-academic violation of the Student Code of Conduct shall have the right to appeal. An appeal must be submitted in writing to the Director of University Judicial Affairs within five days of receipt of the sanction decision letter. Upon receipt of the appeal, the Director of University Judicial Affairs will forward the appeal along with the student’s file to the University Appeals Administrator (UAA), appointed by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services.
2. Grounds for Appeal. The only permissible grounds for appeal shall be that:
a. New information was discovered, which was not available at the time of the hearing, and such evidence could affect the decision in the case;
b. A substantial procedural error occurred in the process, which affected the decision in the case; or
c. A sanction of suspension or dismissal was imposed and is not commensurate with the violation. Lesser sanctions cannot be appealed.
3. Procedure.
a. The UAA shall review all appeals. All steps in the appeal process shall occur without unnecessary delay.
b. The UAA shall review the appeal for appropriate grounds and shall reject and return to the student any appeal deemed groundless, with a brief written explanation of the reason the appeal was rejected. That decision shall be final.
c. If the UAA determines that the new information described in the appeal was not available earlier and could affect the decision or that a substantial procedural error occurred in the process which could have affected the decision in the case, the UAA shall charge the Administrative Review Committee or College Conduct Hearing Committee to hold a limited hearing for the sole purpose of reviewing the new information and/or correcting the procedural error. The hearing shall be limited in scope. It shall not include any review of evidence or testimony or modification of factual conclusions reached in the original hearing, unless they are affected by the new information or by the procedural error. The appeal and complete hearing file shall be provided to the Administrative Review Committee. If the UAA determines that the sanction of suspension and dismissal is not commensurate with the violation, then the UAA shall review the file and submit a recommended sanction to the appropriate vice president.
d. If members of the Committee, which initially heard the complaint, are not available for continued service, substitute members will be selected by the Director of University Judicial Affairs from the original pool or by the College Conduct Officer. The UAA is not a member of the Administrative Review Committee and does not participate in the review process.
e. Following this limited hearing, the Administrative Review or College Conduct Committee shall submit a report and possibly a revised recommendation to the UAA. The UAA shall review the file and recommendation. If it is the opinion of the UAA that the new evidence was considered and/or the procedural error corrected, the UAA shall forward the recommendation to the appropriate dean. If the UAA determines that the review committee failed to correct the procedural error and/or failed to consider the new evidence, the UAA shall return the matter to the Administrative Review Committee with instructions to reconsider.
f. For appeals of suspension based on a claim that the sanction is not commensurate to the violation, the UAA shall review the file and issue a final decision to concur with or modify the sanction, then send the file to the appropriate Dean. For appeals of dismissal based on a claim that he sanction is not commensurate to the violation, the UAA shall review the file and issue a final decision to concur with or, modify the sanction, then send to file to the appropriate vice president.
4. Final Decision
The appropriate Vice President or Dean shall accept, reject or modify the recommended sanction and notify all parties in writing of the final decision. The Vice President for Student Affairs and Services shall review all nonacademic misconduct sanctions of dismissal. The Dean of Students shall review all other non-academic misconduct sanctions, including suspension. The Senior Vice Presidents and Provosts for Baccalaureate and Graduate Education and for Health Affairs will review academic misconduct sanctions of dismissal in their divisions. College Deans shall review all other academic misconduct sanctions, including suspension from the university
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