Student Rights and Code of Conduct

EXPECTATIONS AND VIOLATIONS
You are an important member of the Graceland community. Like all communities, we have expectations about how we live, study, work and play together. All members of the Graceland community are expected to respect one another, to respect themselves, to respect personal and university property, and to respect the principles of integrity, hard work and personal responsibility. With this being the case, the following behaviors have been identified as inappropriate, and a violation may result in disciplinary action. Although specific violations have been identified, it is recognized that other types of inappropriate behavior, which are detrimental to the best interests of the University or members of its faculty, staff, or student body, may be referred for disciplinary review.

Class A Violations

1. Possessing candles and/or incense in university housing.
2. Excessive noise, including violation of courtesy and quiet hours.
3. Littering.
4. Pets (other than fish) in university housing.
5. Removal of window screen in university housing.
6. Violation of the visitation policy which is contained in the Guide to Community Living in the Student Handbook – Lamoni campus. (first offense)
7. Violations of other stated residence hall rules and regulations contained within the Guide to Community Living in the Student Handbook.

Class B Violations

1. Consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages or their containers on university property or at a university event (first offense). Please note: Possession also means being in the presence of alcohol or their containers. (first offense)
2. Destroying, damaging, endangering or vandalizing private, public or university property (first offense)
3. Failure to present identification, identify self, falsely identifying self and/or failure to comply with the directions of a university officer acting in the performance of their duties. (first offense)
4. Illegal gambling on university property or at a university event.
5. Use or evidence of use of tobacco in any form or use of electronic cigarettes/vaporizers on university property or at a university event (first offense)
6. Use of university property or services without proper authorization.
7. Violation of the visitation policy which is contained in the Guide to Community Living within the Student Handbook – Lamoni campus. (second offense).
8. Violation of Residence Hall Probation.
9. Any disruptive and/or abusive behavior which disrupts a class, an official university function or the living/learning environment of the university Please note: impairment due to substance use may be deemed disruptive behavior. (first offense)

Class C Violations (Anywhere, Anytime)

1. Any disruptive and/or abusive behavior which disrupts a class, an official university function or the living/learning environment of the university. Please note: impairment due to substance use may be deemed disruptive behavior. (second offense)
2. Any form of theft or stealing.
3. Consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages or their containers on university property or at a university event (second offense). Please note: Possession also means being in the presence of alcohol or their containers.
4. Destroying, damaging, endangering or vandalizing private, public, or university property. (second offense)
5. Destroying, tampering with or altering smoke detectors, fire alarms or other safety equipment.
6. Discrimination or harassment, including but not limited to racial, sexual, ethnic, national or religious discrimination or harassment (see Harassment, Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct Policy in Student handbook).
7. Endangering the health or safety of any member of the community, or threats of endangerment.
8. Failure to present identification, identify self, falsely identifying self and/or failure to comply with the directions of a university officer acting in the performance of their duties. (second offense)
9. Hazing.
10. Intentional misuse/abuse of the university computer system, or repeated unintentional misuse/abuse. (See Technology Ethics and Use Policy contained in the Student Handbook)
11. Lying to University officials or to a disciplinary council.
12. Sexual behavior that is offensive or fails to respect other’s rights. (see Harassment, Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct Policy in Student handbook)
13. Sexual contact or sexual touching of another person without consent. (see harassment, Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct Policy in Student handbook)
14. Striking another person without consent.
15. Use or evidence of use of tobacco in any form, or use of electronic cigarettes/ vaporizers on University property or at a university event. (second offense)
16. Use or possession of synthetic marijuana (e.g. K2, Spice, Black Mamba) or any controlled substance, including, but not limited to, narcotic drugs, marijuana, stimulants, barbiturates and/or hallucinogenic drugs, unless prescribed by a licensed physician. Possession of drug paraphernalia. Please note: possession also means being in the presence of a controlled substance, synthetic marijuana, or drug paraphernalia
17. Distribution of marijuana, synthetic marijuana, or any controlled substance including, but not limited to narcotic drugs, marijuana, stimulants, barbiturates and/or hallucinogenic drugs.
18. Use or possession of firearms, ammunition, fireworks (including smoke bombs), explosives, incendiary devices, weapons, dangerous substances, and/or materials prohibited by law while on campus or in attendance at university sponsored activities. Please note: possession also means being in the presence of any of the aforementioned items.
19. Viewing or displaying pornography in a public access area or computer lab.
20. Violation of university policies, city ordinances and/or state and federal laws.
21. Violation of Conduct Probation or Strict Campus Conduct Probationary status.

Lack of mention in the Code of Conduct with regard to objectionable actions does not imply approval, and may result in disciplinary action.

DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS AND COUNCILS
The following disciplinary hearings and councils have been formed to hear cases based upon where the violation took place, the severity of the violation, and which council, in the opinion of the Dean of Students or designated Residential Life Professional is best equipped to handle the hearing of a particular violation. Students who admit they are “in violation” may ask for an administrative hearing with either a Residence Hall Director (Class A and Class B violations) or the Director of Residence Life or the Dean Students (Class C violations). The administrator has the right to not hear a case. If the case is not heard by the administrator, the case will be referred to the Council on Student Welfare.

The Council on Student Welfare (CSW) is a council composed of faculty administrators and students as outlined in the GSG Constitution. A quorum of five CSW members, with representation from student, faculty, and administrative members is required to conduct a hearing. The Dean of Students or Residence Life Director will serve as advisory members to the CSW. The Council on Student Welfare may hear Class C violations and any case in which dismissal from the University is a possible sanction.

PLEASE NOTE: The Dean of Students may opt to handle any alleged violation at any time. Local authorities may also be called to handle potentially dangerous situations. Actions taken by local authorities will be in addition to disciplinary action by the University.

SANCTIONS
Graceland’s values of community, learning, and wholeness guide its approach to justice. We see restorative justice (reconciliation and reparative action), distributive justice (all parties receive what is fair and due), and procedural justice (practical wisdom of due process) over retributive justice whenever possible and practical. The purpose of sanctions is not to punish, but to help a student grow in their understanding of personal responsibility, to protect the community, and to help the student become an accountable member of the community. Consequently, there is no prescriptive formula for applying sanctions, as each student will be treated as a unique individual. Therefore, the list of sanctions below are options for university authorities and councils to consider, but the actual measures taken will depend upon the severity of the violation, pervious offenses, degree of involvement, and individual circumstances. These sanctions and their descriptions shall serve as guidelines for the university and may be modified and used in any combination to meet the needs of the university and the individual student involved.

A record of the disciplinary action will go to the student. A copy of the action will be kept in the Dean of Student’s Office. Disciplinary actions are not recorded on a student’s permanent file unless a student is dismissed from the University.

ACQUITTAL
Student is found not to be in violation of the charge against them and the matter is dismissed.

FACILITATED CONVERSATION
In facilitated conversation, the student found in violation of the Code of Conduct must engage in a conversation with the offended parties regarding the incident in question. The conversation is facilitated by a third party selected by the administrator or council hearing the case.

REFLECTION OR RESEARCH PAPER
The student is required to write a paper that involves research and/or reflection on a matter pertinent to the Code of Conduct violation that they were found in violation of. Students given this sanction will meet with a person designated by the administrator or council hearing the case, in order to discuss the paper.

RESTITUTION
Payment for repair or replacement costs of property damaged or lost. Full payment is due in the Student Life Office within 21 calendar days (three weeks) from the date the sanction is issued.

COMMUNITY SERVICE
The work, not less than five hours and not more than ten hours per violation, may be assigned. Community service may be administered as a sanction in place of or in addition to a fine. It is most appropriate when it is believed that the student will learn the consequences of their actions as a result of the service. It is also appropriate when the action that brought the student to disciplinary review involved a lack of concern for the community. Community service must be completed within 21 calendar days (three weeks) from the date the sanction is issued. If hours are not completed within this time frame, a fine (amount to be determined by the administrator/council) will be applied to the student’s account.

FINES
Fines will depend upon the severity of the violation, previous offenses, degree of involvement, and the circumstances. Fines may be levied as a sanction according to the following guidelines:

• Class A violations: Fines may be assessed up to $50 per violation.
• Class B violations: Fines may not exceed $100 per violation.
• Class C violations and other cases heard: The fine will not exceed $250 per violation – with the exception of violations of C5 which will not exceed $500 per violation. Full payment is due in the Student Life Office within 21 calendar days (three weeks) from the date the sanction is issued.
• The student may be ordered to make restitution to the University for vandalism or to another injured party, in addition to any fine that may be given.

ALCOHOL EDUCATION
Offenders of the alcohol policy may be required to complete an alcohol awareness course and/or meet with a personal counselor.

DRUG RESPONSE PROGRAM
The student will be required to undergo a substance abuse assessment and, if recommended by the administrator of the assessment, must engage in subsequent substance abuse counseling. The expense of the assessment and required sessions will be the responsibility of the student. The initial session must be scheduled by the student within one week from the date the sanction is issued.

ANGER MANAGEMENT COUNSELING
A student issued this sanction will be required to meet with a counselor until released by the counselor. The first session must be scheduled by the student within one week from the date the sanction is issued.

COMPUTER USAGE RESTRICTIONS
A student may be restricted from certain privileges for a given time.

PARENTAL NOTIFICATION
A decision to notify parents depends upon the severity of the violation, degree of involvement and the circumstances surrounding the incident Students may choose or may be requested to join the administrator when parental contact is made.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR NOTIFICATION
Program directors, including coaches, will be notified if a student is in violation of a Class C Violation. The program director may impose further sanctions at their discretion.

RESIDENCE HALL PROBATION
This is a formal probationary status for a period of time not to exceed one semester. The terms and conditions will be set by the RLC, CSW, Dean of Students or Residence Life Director, depending on the circumstances and the individual needs of the student.

REQUIRED HOUSE CHANGE
The student will be required to change Houses. If the student is living in the residence halls, the student will be required to change floors. The student will not be allowed to attend House-sponsored events of the previous House membership.

CONDUCT PROBATION – Class C Only
This is a formal probationary status for a period of time determined by CSW, Residence Life Director, or the Dean of Students. Restrictions and provisions of this probation are individualized to allow for the particular need of the student, the University and/or the situation. The student will be prohibited from holding office in extracurricular clubs and/or house councils. Any further violations while on probationary status means that the student is subject to further disciplinary action.

STRICT CONDUCT PROBATION – Class C Only
This term describes a set of conditions making it possible for a student to remain a student in the university in spite of a serious violation. This action is a formal probationary status during which the student is removed from good standing at the university. This status is very near dismissal from the university and indicates the extreme seriousness of the probation. The student will may have one or more of the following conditions imposed when removed from good standing. These conditions will remain in effect until the student is returned to good standing at the university.

• The student will be ineligible to graduate until the student is returned to good standing.
• The student will be restricted from representing the university in any public performance or exhibit, sporting event, intramural event, committee assignment or in running for and/or holding any governmental office or any office in a recognized student organization.
• The student will be ineligible to receive scholarships and/or or grants from the university with the exception of need-based aid.
• Any further violation of university standards while on probationary status means that a student is subject to suspension from the university.

DISMISSAL FROM RESIDENCE HALLS – Class C Only
The student will be required to move out of the residence halls within 72 hours after issue of this sanction. The terms of the dismissal as well as the length of time this dismissal will remain in effect will be determined by the CSW, Residence Life Director, or the Dean of Students. A student placed on probationary status will be banned from all residence halls and may not attend House sponsored events without the specific permission of the Dean of Students.

DISMISSAL FROM THE UNIVERSITY – Class C Only
A student may be dismissed immediately from the university for a period of time to be designated by the CSW or the Dean of Students.

APPEAL PROCEDURES
Any student found in violation of the Code of Conduct has the right to appeal their case. In cases heard by the Hall Director or the Residence Life Council, appeals will be heard by the Residence Life Director. In cases heard by the Residence Life Director, appeals will be heard by the Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students. In cases heard by the Council on Student Welfare or the Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students, appeals will be heard by the Vice President Council. The Vice President Council is composed of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (chair) and one other Vice President (other than the VP for Student Life).

If a student wishes to appeal a decision, they must submit a written appeal within three days (72 hours) after the student has been notified of the decision. Appeals will be heard based on the following:

• Insufficient evidence
• Lack of due process
• Prejudice on part of person/council hearing the case
• Improper notification of the hearing

Questions concerning policies or procedures may be directed to Dave Schaal, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students (dschaal@graceland.edu).

Obscene or Profane Materials

Faculty, students and all other persons associated with Graceland University are prohibited from distributing and/or displaying in any manner, including but not limited to the mail, computer transmission or posting, of any material that is obscene or profane. This is not intended to prohibit the use of materials that may have an obscene or profane content for demonstrable educational purposes. Accessing obscene or profane materials in public areas is forbidden. The determination that material is inappropriate is at the sole discretion of the university and will be made based on the university’s understanding of prevailing community standards. Violation of this policy will result in referral to the Dean of Students office for disciplinary action.

Photo and Videotape Policy

Graceland University takes photographs and videos of students throughout the year. These images often include students in classrooms, residence halls, micro labs, athletic events and other university activities. Graceland University reserves the right to use these photographs and videos in the promotion of the university. Students who enroll at Graceland University do so with the understanding that photographs may be taken that would include them and these photos may be used in university publications, websites, newspapers and other media for promotional purposes only. Names of students may also be released to the press regarding student involvement in academic and extracurricular activities.

Safety and Security Equipment

Severe disciplinary action will be taken against persons tampering with security and safety equipment or other acts that put the campus community at risk (e.g. loaning an ID card to someone else for unauthorized entrance to a building, propping a locked door open or allowing unauthorized access to secured areas).

Sexual Misconduct Policy

Please see the Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct Policy available online or in the Dean of Students office by request.

Solicitation

The selling of items or solicitation of funds, by anyone including students, is prohibited on campus. Any exception to this policy must be cleared through the Council on Student Life. If you are approached on campus to make a purchase, please notify your Residence Hall Director or the Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students.

Dismissal or Removal

The university may dismiss or remove a student whose mental or physical condition constitutes a threat or undue burden to himself/herself or others. A student may also be suspended/expelled for cause if his or her actions are found to be detrimental to the university community. In case of suspension/expulsion for cause, the student will receive failing grades for the semester. Re-enrollment requires permission from the Dean of Students.