2021-22 Student Handbook

4. Dismissal — This is reserved for (a) unresolved patterns of misconduct, (b) refusal to submit to less punitive forms of correction in a spirit of repentance, (c) blatant disregard for University standards, (d) behaviors with potential to significantly impact the spiritual, physical, or emotional well-being of other members of the University, or (e) behaviors that endanger the safety and security of other students, the University, or the surrounding community. Dismissal can be immediate or at the end of the semester, depending on the nature and timing of the offense and the discretion of the Student Life Deans. Dismissals can be without the benefit of a refund or retention of course credit completed during the semester in which dismissal occurs. Behaviors most likely to result in dismissal include patterns of disregard for University standards, violations of standards related to alcohol and other controlled substances, serious acts of disrespect or harm to members of the University family, violations of state or federal law, major violations of academic integrity, and actions threatening institutional security. Disciplinary Withdrawal — Occasionally, a student will withdraw voluntarily or at the request of the Student Life deans before a disciplinary process is complete. Sometimes this occurs when a sanction for a major violation of University standards takes place at the very end of a semester or between semesters. In such cases, the student’s record will list the Disciplinary Withdrawal rather than Dismissal. APPEAL PROCESS In order to ensure that each student is treated fairly and receives due process, the University has established an appeal process that includes a hearing board. The appeal process and other information regarding judicial sanctions are available online at cedarville.edu/handbook . NOTIFICATION OF PARENTS Cedarville University recognizes the concern that parents have for their sons and daughters and seeks to involve them in the discipline process in helpful ways. At all levels of discipline, students are encouraged to notify their parents. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides guidelines for releasing any information that is included in a student’s educational record, including records of discipline. Access to educational records is limited to these circumstances: (a) the student is a dependent of his or her parents; or (b) the student has signed a form consenting to the release of his or her educational records. However, the University is permitted to notify parents concerning the following matters: (a) medical or psychiatric emergencies; (b) discontinuation, extended absence, or dismissal from the University; or (c) violation of a University drug or alcohol policy. problems, including those that involve a violation of the Cedarville Covenant and Community Lifestyle Guidelines. When the student voluntarily confesses to an action of which the University has no prior knowledge, the student’s initiation of repentance and confession will be considered in the response of the University. University faculty and staff members are committed to discretion, sensitivity, and redemption as spiritual leaders. Therefore, the University will make reasonable effort to preserve an individual’s privacy and protect the confidentiality of information disclosed voluntarily. Exceptions to the expectation of confidentiality may be where behavior is repetitive, self-destructive, poses a threat to self or others, or involves a significant legal issue. Students may also obtain confidential support from the Counseling Services staff. Students seeking help should: Cease all involvement in the activity that violates the Cedarville Covenant or campus guidelines. Take the necessary steps for restoration as determined by faculty, staff, or counselors. Be aware that seeking counsel from a faculty or staff member does not void consultation with Student Life, potential investigation, or discipline. Understand that their voluntary act of repentance and acts of restoration will be taken into account if disciplinary steps are necessary. JUDICIAL SYSTEM Our judicial system is intended to be redemptive and is designed to restore individuals to good standing within our community. The purpose of all penalties is to draw attention to behaviors and choices that violate the Cedarville Covenant, that threaten our unity, or damage the educational and spiritual ethos we seek to maintain. Discipline is often progressive in nature, starting with warnings and moving to more serious sanctions. If the student refuses to receive corrective action, engages in behaviors that threaten the safety and security of other members of the community, or exhibits a blatant disregard of University policy, dismissal is likely. The University is not required to impose the same discipline in all situations involving the same offense, nor is the University required to always impose the maximum penalty. Consideration is given to the student’s previous discipline record and the spirit in which the student receives and responds to correction. Because of the value that the University places on integrity, truthfulness, justice, and due process, any student who is untruthful about a disciplinary incident, at any stage in the investigation, is subject to the maximum penalty for the offense in question. The ultimate goal of nearly all disciplinary incidents is restoring the student to the community. In cases where the student poses a unique threat to the community, immediate dismissal may occur, and/or the student may not be allowed to return to the University. In addition to the appropriate level of discipline, students can receive a fine or pay restitution for willful/negligent damage to University property or another student’s belongings. Confidentiality often prevents the disclosure of details that contribute to a decision, occasionally resulting in unanswered questions regarding an outcome. Levels of discipline include: 1. Personal Caution — A warning to the student that a violation of the Cedarville Covenant or the Residence Hall Guidelines has occurred and that continuing or repeating the behavior may result in additional sanctions. An accumulation of five Personal Cautions will result in an Official Warning. 2. Official Warning — Assessed for an accumulation of five or more personal cautions, patterns of misconduct, or violations that are more serious in nature. An Official Warning indicates that if immediate changes in behavior do not occur, the student will begin to lose some of the privileges associated with being a member of this community. 3. Probation — Students are not allowed to hold leadership positions on campus (including SGA-sponsored positions or leadership roles within student organizations) at the discretion of the Student Life Deans. Students will be required to meet regularly with a mentor for accountability. Additional expectations may also apply. Additionally, the student’s academic advisors, dean, and the department chair of the student’s academic program will be notified. 24 25