Ursinus College: Upholding Student Conduct Standards

Ursinus College takes pride in its longstanding tradition of academic excellence and ethical values. The college has established a comprehensive Code of Conduct, as detailed in its Student Handbook, designed to ensure the safety and welfare of its academic community. This article explains how Ursinus College enforces its policy breaches and outlines the various processes for resolving disputes between students.

Enforcing the Code of Conduct

Ursinus College has a robust disciplinary procedure for responding to allegations of code violations. Students found guilty of violating conduct standards may face stringent sanctions imposed by the college, which may include suspension or expulsion from the institution. The disciplinary proceedings aim to address behavioural issues and conflicts within the student body effectively.

Informal Resolution

In cases where a complaint is filed against a student, Ursinus College makes an effort to resolve conflicts without resorting to disciplinary measures through Informal Resolution. This process provides a constructive way for one student to confront another about any behaviour that’s troubling them without fear of punishment. It often results in mediation, among other solutions based on the specifics circumstances. The goal is not only to constructively resolve conflicts but also ensure that students are still accountable for their actions.

Its essential to note that Informal Resolution does not apply to serious infractions such as Title IX violations (relations or sexual misconduct).

Formal Resolution Process

When there are substantial violations involved in student conduct affairs than what can be addressed through Informal hearing meetings or mediation, Ursinus College must instead rely on formal procedures provided for under their guidelines in handling such cases.

The Formal Resolution Process comprises two categories:

Administrative Hearing
An Administrative Hearing involves assessing testimony presented by both parties concerning suspected policy violations in front of a single decision-maker known as a Hearing Officer. A campus investigation would usually have been completed before the hearing; the respondent student can admit or deny their responsibility. Most cases are resolved this way, and witnesses may present evidence, arguments or any mitigating factors before sanctions are imposed.

Panel Hearing
For a Panel Hearing, the hearing panel is assigned from members of a pool of volunteers. The panel comprises five individuals: three faculty members and two students. Each party can address potential bias within the panel, allowing one objection with no explanation.

The hearing commences with introductions by the panel chair as well as an outline of the hearing procedures. The complainant presents their allegations first, followed by the respondent’s defense then say their explanations. Witnesses will then be called to give testimonies and at this stage; there can be direct questioning between all parties involved. After presentation of arguments, the panel will deliberate over evidence presented before providing a statement of decision based on findings that can affect the respondent’s future college life.

Sanctions

After participating in disciplinary proceedings for violating conduct standards at Ursinus College, various types of sanctions may apply depending on each case’s severity after appealing failed to overturn decisions made against you.

Under “Standard Sanctions,” listed below are some measures that may apply:

Disciplinary Warning
Disciplinary Probation
Suspension
Dismissal
Conditional Re-Enrollment
Restriction Access or Privileges
Ban from Campus

“Individualized Sanctions” that may serve as replacements or additions to Standard Sanctions include but are not limited to:

Reflective Activity
Counseling Assessment
Restitution
No Contact Order
Community Service/College Service
Meetings with College Resources

The sanction decision process considers specific details surrounding policy violations such as (1) nature of offense/violation committed (2) prior findings against respondent (3) mitigating circumstances surrounding offense/violation (4) respondent motivation(s) for engaging in behavior (5) impacts resulting from behavior among other bases under discretion.

Appeals Process

In any disciplinary proceeding within Ursinus College where a student receives an unfavorable outcome, there’s room for an appeal. Students have up to seven days from the date of notice after hearing outcomes are released or appeals cannot longer be considered.

Grounds for appeals include complaint procedures not correctly followed, new evidence emerging that required consideration, unsupportive evidence on specific findings made against respondent, and sanctions being inappropriate.

Appeals go before Ursinus College’s Vice President who leads an Appeal Board in deciding any matters raised at this level. The second appeal is decided by the school’s Vice President of Student Affairs.

Hiring Legal Counsellor

Ursinus College applies strict measures concerning code violations below such as Title IX sexual harassment or assault cases that may lead to expulsion, and as a result, having an attorney present at hearings can make a difference in determining the case’s outcome.

If you find yourself accused of violating Ursinus Colleges Code of Conduct, Todd.Spodek Attorney offers invaluable help through disciplinary proceedings. Contact us today to fight back and secure your college future because the stakes are high!