Mission/Goals of Student Conduct Processes and Student Code of Conduct
The Student Code of Conduct governs student conduct and helps fulfill the institution’s educational mission. The campus student conduct process outlined within this code proscribes certain conduct and identifies sanctions intended to safeguard the University’s interests and the campus community. The goal of the Code is:
- To promote a campus environment that supports the overall educational mission of the University
- To protect the campus community from disruption and harm
- To encourage appropriate standards of individual and group behavior
- To foster ethical standards and civic virtues
The goal of the student conduct processes is to offer educational measures to strengthen personal responsibility and accountability of our student population. Any student named in a report of a possible violation of policy is presumed not to be in violation unless the student accepts responsibility for the violation and/or the student conduct process concludes in this determination.
Student Conduct Staff
The student conduct process, located within the Office of Housing & Residence Life, is a resource for all students, faculty, staff and parents to find information regarding student conduct processes, policies, and resources. Student Conduct staff include the Director of Housing & Residence Life, Graduate Assistant for Student Conduct and members of the Student Conduct Hearing Board. Student Conduct Hearing Board members are selected from a pool of trained faculty, staff and students, to serve for specific Student Conduct Hearings as needed. Members are trained annually on matters related to student conduct and the WLU student conduct processes.
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Jurisdiction of the Student Code of Conduct
The WLU Student Code of Conduct is found in the Student Handbook, and is applicable for all students, including undergraduate, graduate, full-time and part-time students. The Student Code also applies to conduct that occurs on University premises, at University-sponsored activities, and to off-campus conduct that adversely affects the University community, the University’s image, and/or the pursuit of its objectives. Each student is responsible for conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of their degree, even though the conduct may occur before classes begin, after classes end, during the academic term, or during periods between terms of actual enrollment. This policy also includes conduct discovered after a degree is awarded. All conduct that occurs off campus that violates any portion of the Student Code will be subject to the on-campus conduct process. (Student Code of Conduct Article III.A – Jurisdiction of the University Student Code)
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Mediation
- A respondent is any student or student organization accused of violating the Code of Conduct.
- It is essential that respondents read and understand any correspondence they receive. All correspondence will be sent to the respondent’s official University email address.
- Students accused of violating the Code of Student Conduct will be advised of the allegations via a Notice of Policy Violation that is sent to the student’s official University‐supplied email address. The Notice will cite relevant portions of the Code allegedly violated and will invite the student to meet with the Judicial Coordinator at a specified date, time, and place for either an administrative meeting or hearing.
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Judicial Administrative Meeting Overview
- Introductions
- Explanation of the student conduct process and the resolution process
- Respondent provides their version of the incident
- Review reports and other information
- Witnesses provide statements (if applicable)
- Respondent shares additional information
Follow Up
- Judicial Coordinator decides if the respondent is responsible or not responsible
- Outcome letter sent to the University email (with sanctions if found responsible).
- Registration Hold is placed on the account if the sanction(s) are not completed on time.
Questions
Questions regarding the student conduct process or policy may be directed to Stefon Napier, Judicial Coordinator, (304) 336-8344 or via email at stefon.napier@westliberty.edu. You can also contact Sarah Fonner, Director of Housing & Residence Life, (304) 336-8345 or via email at sarah.fonner@westliberty.edu.