University Outcomes and Sanctions

The University may assign one or more outcomes or sanctions when a student or student organization is found responsible for violating University regulations, including this Code. Outcomes and sanctions are assigned at the discretion of the imposing official or Board and should be based on the nature and circumstances of the violation(s).

6.1 Educational, Restorative, and Supportive Outcomes

Educational, restorative, and supportive outcomes promote student learning, personal/organizational responsibility, and development. These outcomes help students understand the impact of their conduct, take responsibility for their actions, make meaningful changes, repair harm when appropriate, develop skills and knowledge, and continue to participate successfully in the University community.

6.1.1 Educational and supportive outcomes: Participation in educational programs and supportive outcomes, may be required. The official or body imposing this sanction shall impose another sanction as an alternative if the specified program is not completed within the time stipulated and may impose additional sanctions.

Examples of educational and supportive outcomes include, but are not limited to:

• Educational discussions about the student’s behavior and the impact on the University community
• Mediated conversations
• Reflection assignments
• Educational programs or workshops
• Case management and/or assessment processes
• Student expectation meeting
• Research or educational projects or presentations
• Apology letters
• Parental/Guardian notification as permitted by law

6.1.2 Restorative Outcomes may include:

6.1.2 Community service: A student/student organization may be required to complete a specified number of hours of service within a specified time as an outcome. The University will determine or approve the service opportunity. Students may be required to provide documentation confirming completion.

6.1.3 Restorative actions: Actions designed to address or repair harm resulting from a student’s conduct. Restorative actions may include, but are not limited to, repairing or replacing damaged property, completing an agreed-upon action to address impact, participating in a restorative process, or other actions appropriate to the circumstances of the conduct.

6.1.4 Restitution: Reimbursement for defacement, damage to, or misappropriation of property. The person or body imposing this sanction may impose another allowed sanction as an alternative if restitution is not made within the time specified.

6.2 Restrictions and Fines

Restrictions and fines are intended to promote accountability, encourage responsible decision-making, support safety, and help students continue to participate successfully in the University community.

6.2.1 Removal from University Housing: Cancellation of a student’s University housing contract and a requirement to vacate University housing within a specified period of time. Failure to vacate housing within a specified period of time may result in additional sanctions.

6.2.2 Campus Restrictions: Limitations on the times and/or places where a student/student organization may be present on campus. Failure to comply with campus restrictions may result in additional sanctions.

6.2.3 No Contact Orders: A requirement that a student have no direct or indirect contact with a specified individual or individuals.

6.2.4 Fines: Fines may be imposed for a violation of University policies, including this Code. In no circumstance shall the fine levied exceed $1,000 per student or $5,000 per student organization. Failure to pay a fine by the specified deadline may result in additional sanctions.

6.3 Student and/or Student Organization Standing Sanctions

Student and student organization standing sanctions formally establish or change their status with the University following a violation of University regulations, including this Code. These sanctions communicate the seriousness of a violation and may establish conditions for continued participation in the University community. Additional violations may result in escalation of the sanction, up to and including expulsion from the University.

6.3.1 Reprimand: A written reprimand, including the possibility of more severe disciplinary sanctions in the event of the finding of a subsequent violation of University regulations within a stated period of time.

6.3.2 Disciplinary Probation: Subjection to a period of critical examination and evaluation of behavior. In addition to any of the sanctions set forth above, the student or organization may be placed on probation for a stated period. Placement on probation may include additional restrictions or requirements, including but not limited to the following:

1. Withdrawal of the privilege of campus registration of a motor vehicle
2. Withdrawal of the privilege of membership in a campus organization
3. Withdrawal of the privilege of holding office in a campus organization
4. Withdrawal of the privilege of representing the university in any inter-university event
5. Requirement to complete a specified number of credit hours with a specific grade point average during the current or subsequent academic session
6. Requirement to complete coursework related to the violation
7. Withdrawal of the privilege of using computing resources
8. Completion of work or other service to be provided to the university or other organization within a specified time. The person or board imposing this sanction may impose another allowed sanction as an alternative if the specified service is not completed within the time stipulated and may impose additional sanctions.

A condition of probation may be that automatic suspension or expulsion of a student or organization shall occur upon a determination (under the procedures outlined in Article 5 herein) that a violation of a condition of probation or any other violation has occurred.

6.3.3 Suspension/Expulsion from an Academic Program: Exclusion from an academic program as set forth for a definite or indefinite period of time.

6.3.4 Suspension: Exclusion from classes and other privileges or activities as set forth for a definite period of time. Suspension may include exclusion from the campus and property belonging to the university for a stated period of time and may require an independent evaluation supporting the student's or organization's return, with which CMU concurs.

6.3.5 Expulsion: Permanent termination of student status.

6.4 Additional Outcomes and Sanctions

Outcomes and sanctions in addition to those listed in Article 6 may be established by the University.

6.4.1 Mutual Settlement: Instead of issuing a decision or before a student's admission of a violation of the Code, the University may offer or accept mutual settlements of any charged violations under this Code. Settlements shall be in writing and shall state the conditions of the agreement and any sanctions imposed. Mutual settlements may not be appealed.

 6.4.2 Interim Measures

The University may find it necessary to take interim measures at any stage of the conduct process. If a student fails to comply with the requirements of the interim measure(s) the University may take any action, it deems necessary.

An interim measure does not mean that a student has been found responsible for a violation.

Interim measures may be implemented regardless of whether:

• A formal complaint has been filed
• Criminal charges are pending
• A student accepts responsibility for alleged conduct

Interim measures may include:

• No contact orders
• Changes to housing assignments
• Interim removal from University housing
• Changes to academic schedules or class sections
• Changes to employment assignments
• Restrictions from specific buildings, areas, events, or activities
• Restrictions on participation in student organizations or athletics
• Temporary restrictions from University systems or technology platforms
• Restrictions on online or digital communications
• Temporary delay of graduation or other academic progress
• Any other measure the university deems appropriate

Students subject to interim measures will receive written notice explaining:

• The nature of the interim measure
• The reason for the measure
• Expectations during the interim period

Information regarding available review procedures

The University reserves the right to modify, maintain, or remove interim measures as circumstances change.

Students may request a review of interim measures while in effect. The student’s request for the review must be submitted to the Office of Student Conduct in writing and include an explanation as to why they believe there is no cause for the interim measure, or that the cause no longer exists. The student may include additional information not available at the time the interim measure was imposed in their writing.

The University will review the request and determine whether the interim measure should remain in place, be modified, or be removed. The interim measure will remain in effect while the review is pending unless the University determines otherwise.

6.4.3 Temporary Suspension: The University reserves the right to suspend a student, summarily and without notice, if in the judgment of the President of the University or the President's representative, a student's presence would constitute a continuing danger to the student, other persons or property, or that the operation of the University would be seriously impaired. In the case of temporary suspension, the student will be given written notice of the charges against the student following the conclusion of any related investigations and a hearing before a Hearing Officer will be held as soon as possible, considering the complexities of the matter and the status of any related criminal proceedings.