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
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