Code of Conduct (Minimum Behavioral Standards)

At St. Scholastica, our community expectation is that all students will strive to live our values, be bold and Benedictine, in every word, thought and deed. Our values are:

• Community
• Hospitality
• Respect
• Stewardship 
• Love of Learning

Our baseline minimum behavioral standards are outlined in the Code of Conduct. Please note that these are the minimum rules of conduct and we expect students' behavior to meet or exceed these standards.

Behaviors that disrupt the community, infringe upon the rights or property of others, or conflict with our values may constitute a violation of the Code of Conduct. In such cases, the College will review both (a) whether specific policies have been violated and (b) whether the behavior undermined our Benedictine values or impeded the ability of others to learn and thrive.

This list of prohibited behaviors is not exhaustive, and violations may vary in severity. Any of the disciplinary sanctions outlined in this Code may be applied in response:

• Academic misconduct, including but not limited to cases of plagiarism and dishonest practices in connection with examinations. (See Academic Honesty Policy and Dishonesty Procedures)
• Violation of Residential Life policies. (See the Residential Life Handbook).
• Fraud and dishonesty, including falsifying documents or experiences, misusing College records or identification, creating or using AI-generated content or deepfakes to misrepresent information, or engaging in other deceptive practices for personal, academic, or financial gain, are prohibited under this policy.
• Theft or other abuse of computers or computer access including, but not limited to, unauthorized entry into a file, unauthorized use of another's password, or use of computer facilities to interfere with the normal operation of the College computer system.
• Harassing or sending harassing, threatening, or unwanted messages to any member of the community by any means, including those accessed through technology systems. This includes, but is not limited to: email, social media sites, texting, etc. Note, however, that if such behavior might constitute harassment or stalking, as those terms are defined by Title IX and the College's Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policy, the behavior will be addressed under the College's Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policy.  Moreover, if such behavior might constitute general harassment and/or bullying (E), as those terms are defined in the General Harassment and Bullying policy, the behavior will be addressed under the applicable policy.
• Bullying, which includes systematically, chronically and/or intentionally inflicting physical hurt or psychological or emotional distress on one or more students, faculty or staff and may involve verbal, written or physical expressions intended to demean, dehumanize, embarrass, humiliate, taunt, threaten or intimidate. Bullying may be carried out using any electronic communication device through means including, but not limited to, e-mail, instant messaging, text messages, blogs, mobile phones, pagers, online games, websites or social media. Such behavior may also constitute general harassment and/or bullying, as defined in the General Harassment or Bullying policy  in which case the behavior will be addressed under the applicable General Harassment or Bullying policy.
• Bias incidents, which include single or multiple acts of verbal, written, electronic or physical expressions of disrespectful bias, hate, intimidation, or hostility against an individual, group or their property because of the individual or group's actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, ethnicity, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, gender expression, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. Such acts may be in the form of language, words, signs, symbols, threats, or actions that could potentially cause alarm or fear in others or that endanger the health, safety, and welfare of members of the campus community. 
• Threatening or inflicting physical or psychological harm upon any person. This behavior may fall under the Violence within Community Relationships policy. If such behavior might constitute sexual violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, intimate partner violence, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, as those terms are defined by the College's Sexual Misconduct Policy, such behavior will be addressed under the Sexual Misconduct Policy. In turn, if such conduct might constitute prohibited conduct under the General Harassment or Bullying policy, such behavior will be addressed under bullying policy (E) or general harassment (D).
• Attempt or actual theft of and/or damage to property of the College or property of a member of the College community or other personal or public property.
• Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or other College activities on or off campus including authorized non-College activities on college facilities.
• Trespassing or unauthorized entry into a building, facility, or room, including student residences.
• Unauthorized possession, use, or creation of a key for a building or room of the College without expressed and authorized permission.
• Knowingly providing to a College employee (including Resident Assistants) written or oral information that is false or misleading including providing a false ID card.
• Failing to produce identification upon reasonable request of a College employee.
• Flagrant disrespect of persons or community or inflicting of harm, including flagrant disregard for the health and safety of others. This includes failure to follow College directives or community standards related to health, safety, or emergency protocols (e.g., evacuation, quarantine, or other mandated measures).
• Misuse, unhealthy, or unauthorized use of alcoholic beverages as defined by the Alcohol Policy. This includes elements of misuse, possession, consumption, and furnishing of alcoholic beverages. (see Alcohol Policy).
• Unlawful use, possession, distribution, or manufacture of illegal drugs or other controlled substances. This includes possession of paraphernalia except as expressly permitted by law. Note: Students who have paraphernalia or who possess or consume food or beverages containing THC will have the burden of proving that the product is lawful. (See Drug Policy)  (Updated 8.14.23)
• The possession or carrying of a dangerous weapon or firearm, fireworks or dangerous chemicals is prohibited on all property owned, leased, or occupied by the College. (See Weapons Policy)
• Abusive or disorderly behavior on any campus site or at a College-sponsored event.
• Hazing, defined as committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a person in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student group or organization.
• Misuse or unsafe operation of motor vehicles violating regulations of the College.
• Incurring financial obligations on behalf of the institution without proper authorization, such as entering into agreements, contracts, or purchases that commit College funds or resources without official approval.
• Misuse, abuse, or tampering with alarm systems, safety equipment (including fire extinguishers), or College facility operating systems, as well as failure to promptly follow safe evacuation or other emergency procedures.
• Unauthorized or unsafe use of fire including candles, campfires, incense, etc.
• Violations of federal, state, or local law on College premises or at College-sponsored or supervised activities.
• Gambling for money or other things of value, except as permitted by law and authorized by the College.
• Abuse of the College's Student Conduct System, Behavioral Intervention Team or Care Team processes is prohibited. This includes failure to comply with formal requests, providing false or misleading information, interfering with any student conduct or threat assessment proceedings. It also includes destroying evidence, harassing, intimidating, or retaliating against any person involved in or connected to an investigation or hearing.
• Being present during any violation of the Code of Conduct in such a way as to condone, support, or encourage that violation. Students are expected to remove themselves from situations where a policy is being violated and/or report the incident to appropriate College authorities.

Disciplinary Procedures, Conduct Hearing and Process Guidelines

The process below is designed to ensure fundamental fairness for all parties. This process will be followed unless a separate College policy explicitly outlines a different procedure. Incidents of sexual misconduct (including sexual and gender-based harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual exploitation), as well as harassment, bias, discrimination, and retaliation, should be reported in accordance with the Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy, which establishes separate procedures for reporting and resolving allegations covered under the policy. For more information, including definitions of sexual misconduct and reporting options, please visit the Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Step 1: Reporting of Charges

Any member of the College community may submit a report alleging that a student has violated the Code of Conduct. Reports should be submitted in writing to the Dean of Students. In limited circumstances, reports made orally and later documented in writing, and with the approval of the Dean of Students or designee, will be permitted.

Students enrolled at the College's additional locations other than the Main campus, or in online programs, should submit their written charges to their site director and/or online advisor, who will assist the Dean of Students’ office with the process of resolution.

Reports should be submitted as soon as reasonably possible following the alleged incident, preferably within seven (7) calendar days. This time limit may be extended at the discretion of the Dean of Students or designee based on the circumstances reported. 

Amnesty Statement: The College encourages students to report potential violations of the Code of Conduct and to participate honestly in conduct processes without fear of disciplinary consequences for minor, related policy violations. When a report is made in good faith, the College will generally not pursue disciplinary action for lesser violations (such as alcohol or drug use) that may have occurred in connection with the reported incident.

This amnesty applies to reporting parties and, when appropriate, to student witnesses who participate in the resolution process. The College may still address health, safety, or welfare concerns through non-disciplinary or educational interventions. The purpose of this provision is to remove barriers to reporting and to prioritize student well-being and campus safety.

Good Faith Participation & Integrity of the Process: All members of the College community are expected to participate in the conduct process honestly and in good faith. Reports, complaints, and statements should be based on a sincere belief that the information provided is accurate to the best of the individual’s knowledge at the time it is shared.

A report or allegation that is later determined to be unsubstantiated does not constitute a violation of this policy. However, knowingly submitting false information, intentionally misrepresenting facts, or deliberately providing misleading statements may undermine the integrity of the conduct process and may be addressed through the Code of Conduct or other applicable College policies.

Any determination regarding whether a report or participation was made in bad faith will be made on a case-by-case basis following a thorough review of relevant information and with appropriate procedural protections.

Step 2: Review and/or Investigation

Upon receiving the charges, the Dean of Students (or designee) reviews the incident and may arrange for the College to conduct an investigation to determine whether the charges have merit.

Interim Action: As a general principle, a student's status will not be altered prior to the resolution of an alleged violation of the Code of Conduct. In limited circumstances, however, the College may implement interim measures when reasonably necessary to protect the safety and well-being of individuals, preserve the integrity of the educational environment, or ensure the orderly operation of the College.

Interim measures are not disciplinary in nature and do not constitute a determination of responsibility. They may be implemented when a student’s continued presence on campus, in housing, or in an academic or co-curricular program is reasonably believed to pose a significant risk of harm to persons or property, or to substantially disrupt the learning or working environment.

Examples of interim measures may include, but are not limited to, temporary removal from College housing, interim suspension from the College or a specific program, no-contact or stay-away directives, modifications to academic or work schedules, or restrictions on access to certain facilities or activities.

The Dean of Students or designee has the authority to impose interim measures and will ensure that such measures are reasonable, individualized, and limited in duration based on the known circumstances. When an interim suspension is imposed, the affected student will be provided with notice and an opportunity for a prompt review of the decision in accordance with College procedures.

Step 3: Resolution Process

If it is deemed that allegations have merit, the following options exist for hearing and reviewing the information of the case, deciding responsibility, and assigning appropriate sanctions.

Resolution process options:

The Dean of Students (DOS) or a designated representative is responsible for the administration of the Student Code of Conduct. All proceedings utilize the Preponderance of Evidence standard, determining whether it is "more likely than not" (greater than 50% certainty) that a violation occurred.

Administrative Resolution (Mutual Consent):

Whenever possible, the Dean of Students will meet with the involved parties to reach a resolution through mutual consent.

• The Agreement: If the Respondent accepts responsibility and agrees to the proposed sanctions, the matter is resolved via an Administrative Agreement.
• Finality: Once signed, this agreement is final. By choosing this path, the student waives the right to a formal hearing and subsequent appeal.
• Referral: If an agreement cannot be reached, or if the Dean of Students determines the case requires a more formal review, the matter proceeds to a Formal Hearing.

Formal Hearing Option

A formal hearing is a fact-finding process to determine responsibility and appropriate sanctions. Respondents will receive written notice of charges and hearing details at least five (5) business days in advance.

• Residence Life Hearing: For community-based violations in campus housing, the case may be heard by Residential Life staff. Their findings serve as a recommendation to the Director of Residential Life for a final decision.
• Hearing with the Dean of Students: Conducted directly by the Dean or a designee. This is the primary format for most conduct matters.
• Student Conduct Board Hearing: A panel hearing may be convened at the Dean’s discretion or upon the Respondent's written request.
• The Panel: Consists of 3 full-time employees of the College, to include at least one faculty and one staff member. The Dean (or designee) serves as the non-voting Chair.
• Conflict of Interest: Both the Complainant and Respondent may challenge a board member’s participation by citing a specific conflict of interest. The Chair makes the final ruling on these challenges.

Procedural Rights Protocol

To ensure equity and transparency, the following standards apply:

• Hearing will be conducted in a private setting.
• Admission of any person to the hearing will be at the discretion of the Judicial Panel, Judicial Board, the Dean of Students or designee of the Dean of Students.
• In a hearing involving more than one Respondent, the chair of the Judicial Panel/ Board, in his or her discretion, may permit the hearing concerning each student to be conducted separately.
• The Complainant and/or the Respondent is/are responsible for presenting his or her own case. Both parties have the right to have one person attend the hearing with them for emotional support. This advisor may consult quietly with the student but cannot speak on their behalf or participate directly in the hearing.
• The Complainant, the Respondent, and the Judicial Panel/Board will have the privilege of presenting witnesses.
• Pertinent records, exhibits, and written statements such as duty logs, security reports, and investigation notes may be accepted as evidence for consideration by the panel/board at the discretion of the chair.
• All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the chair of the panel/board.

Decisions & Sanctions

The Dean of Students or the Hearing Board determines responsibility by a majority vote.

• Sanctioning Philosophy: Sanctions are intended to be educational and restorative. They are designed to hold students accountable while fostering personal growth and community safety.
• Written Notice: The Respondent will receive a written "Notice of Decision" outlining the findings and any required sanctions within five (5) business days of the hearing.

Sanctions

(Note: for information about interim action/interim sanctions see above)

One or more of the following sanctions may be imposed when a student is found responsible for violating the Code of Conduct.  Sanctions are intended to be educational, proportionate, and appropriate to the nature and severity of the violation, as well as the student’s conduct history:

• Assessment or Education: A student may be required to complete an assessment, educational program, workshop, training, reflection activity, or other developmental intervention, either through the College or an approved external provider. When applicable, the student may be required to authorize verification of completion or compliance to the Dean of Students. The student is responsible for any associated costs.
• Warning: A formal written notice that a student has violated the Code of Conduct. A warning serves as notice that continued or repeated violations may result in more serious sanctions.
• Disciplinary Probation: A formal status indicating that a student’s standing with the College is in jeopardy due to a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Probation is assigned for a designated period, during which the student is expected to demonstrate a commitment to community standards. Any further violations during this period will be viewed with increased gravity and will likely result in more severe disciplinary sanctions, such as suspension.
• Loss of Privileges: The temporary or permanent denial of specified privileges. This includes:
  • Restricted use of CSS technology or networks if involved in the violation
  • Eligibility for leadership positions in clubs, student organizations, Residential Life, and Student Government Association, etc.
  • Restricted entry into specific buildings or attendance at College-sponsored events
• Administrative Fines: Monetary charges may be assessed for specific violations of the Student Code. These include previously established and published fines and are intended to offset the administrative costs of the conduct process or safety inspections.
• Restitution: A requirement to provide compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This is not a fine, but a direct effort to "make the victim whole." Restitution may take the form of:

  1. Monetary/Material Replacement: Paying for the repair or replacement of damaged property.

  2. Restorative Service: Performing specific tasks or service directly related to the harm caused to the campus community.

• Discretionary Sanctions: The Dean of Students (or designee) may assign specific requirements tailored to the unique circumstances of a case. These are intended to repair harm, address the root cause of the behavior, or provide a pathway for the student to successfully reintegrate into the community. Examples include, but are not limited to: 

  • Behavioral Contracts: A formal agreement outlining specific expectations for future behavior and regular "check-in" meetings with the Dean of Students or a mentor.

  • Restorative Tasks: Projects or service assignments specifically designed to address the impact of the student's actions on a specific person or campus group.

  • Restricted Contact (No-Contact Orders): Administrative directives limiting or prohibiting interaction between specific individuals to ensure a safe environment.

  • Mandatory Referrals: Required engagement with campus resources, such as the Counseling Center, Career Services, or Academic Support, to address underlying factors contributing to the violation

• Campus Housing Suspension: Separation of the student from the residence halls for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible for return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
• Campus Housing Expulsion: Permanent separation of the student from the residence halls.
• College Suspension: Separation of the student from the College for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
• College Expulsion: Permanent separation of the student from the College.

Other than expulsion, disciplinary sanctions will not be made part of the student's permanent academic record, but will become part of the student's confidential record. Upon graduation, the student's confidential record may be expunged of disciplinary actions other than college and/or housing expulsion.

Appeal Proceedings

Students directly involved in the case may appeal the decision or the sanction imposed by the Residential Life Judicial Board/Residential Life Director, Dean of Students, their designee or the Judicial Panel to an Ad Hoc Committee of faculty, staff, and students selected by the Provost. The appeal must be filed in writing to the Dean of Students within seven (7) calendar days of the decision. The appeal will be scheduled within 14 calendar days of the filing. Sanctions determined by the original hearing will be upheld until the appeal process has been completed.

Appeal proceedings before the Ad Hoc Appeal Committee will be conducted in private and the proceeding kept confidential. Admission to the proceedings will be at the discretion of the chair of the Ad Hoc Appeal Committee. However, open hearings may be held by mutual agreement between the accused and the committee.

Grounds for Appeal

Appeals are limited to review of the record of the initial hearing and supporting documents. The written request must specify one or more of the following grounds.

Procedural Fairness: To determine if the original hearing was conducted fairly and followed established procedures, allowing all parties adequate opportunity to prepare and to present their case.

Substantial Evidence: To determine if the facts presented were sufficient to prove that a violation “more likely than not” occurred.

Appropriateness of Sanctions: To determine if the sanction(s) imposed were appropriate for the specific violation.

New Evidence: To consider significant new facts or evidence that were unavailable or reasonably discoverable at the time of the original hearing and could potentially alter the outcome.

The Dean of Students or Provost will review the request for appeal to determine whether the appeal has merit. Appeals of decisions made by Residential Life Conduct board/Residence Life Director will be reviewed by the Dean of Students. Appeals of decisions made in a formal hearing process with the Dean of Students will be reviewed by the Provost. If the appeal has merit based on the grounds listed above, the following guidelines for appeal will be followed:

If the Ad Hoc Appeal Committee upholds an appeal, the case may be sent back (remanded) to the original hearing body (the Judicial Panel, Dean of Students, or a designee) to reopen the hearing and reconsider the verdict or the penalty.

The impact on sanctions depends on who is filing the appeal:

Appeals by Respondent: The original penalty cannot be increased. Upon review, the Dean or Judicial Panel may only maintain or reduce the sanctions.

Appeals by Other Parties: For appeals filed by individuals other than the Respondent, the Committee or Dean has the authority to increase, reduce, or maintain the original sanctions, or remand the case for further review.

Student Complaint Process

The Student Complaint Process is outlined on the Institutional Effectiveness page of the College of St. Scholastica website. 

Grievance Procedure Against Student Organizations

Recognized student organizations in violation of College policies are subject to probation, revocation of recognition, or other disciplinary action through the Dean of Students (or designee). Questions about these guidelines or requests for additional information should be referred to the Dean of Students.

Violations of Law and College Discipline

College disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a law that is also a violation of this Student Code, for example, if both violations result from the same factual situation without regard to the pendency of civil litigation in court or criminal arrest and prosecution. Proceedings under this Student Code may be carried out before, simultaneously with, or after civil or criminal proceedings off campus.

If a student is charged only with an off-campus violation of federal, state, or local laws but not with any other violation of this Code, disciplinary action may be taken and sanctions imposed for grave misconduct that demonstrates flagrant disregard for the College community and its values. In such cases, no sanction may be imposed unless the student has been found guilty in a court of law or has declined to contest such charges. Interim action may be taken while legal proceedings are in process.