Student Disciplinary Process

LIFE University Student Disciplinary Process 

LIFE University Responsible Action Protocol 

I. Introduction

LIFE University is committed to maintaining a learning environment that is safe, respectful, and conducive to academic, clinical, and professional success. The Student Disciplinary Process is designed to address alleged violations of the LIFE University Honor Code and Standards of Conduct in a prompt, fair, and educational manner while protecting the rights of all involved.

This process applies to alleged violations of University conduct standards by students and student organizations. Matters governed by another specific University policy or process, including Title IX matters, will be referred to and resolved under the applicable policy and procedure.

The Office of Conflict Resolution & Accountability, housed within the Division of Academic Affairs, administers the Student Disciplinary Process.

II. Authority and Administration

Conflict Resolution & Accountability is responsible for:

• receiving and reviewing reports of alleged student misconduct;
• assessing whether reported conduct falls within this process;
• coordinating supportive and interim measures when appropriate;
• determining the appropriate resolution path;
• facilitating administrative hearings and Conduct Review Board hearings;
• issuing notices and outcome letters; and
• maintaining disciplinary records.

If a report does not involve a student or student organization, or if the matter is more appropriately addressed by another office or under another University policy, the matter may be referred to the appropriate department for review and response.

III. Initial Review and Notice

Upon receipt of a report, Conflict Resolution & Accountability will review the available information and determine the next appropriate steps.

If the matter proceeds under this process, the respondent will receive written notice through the student’s University email account, which constitutes official notice. The notice will generally include:

• a summary of the reported concerns;
• the alleged policy violation(s), if known at that stage;
• the date, time, and format of the initial meeting or resolution conference;
• information about the student’s right to have an advisor present; and
• information about how the student may review relevant information collected by the University.

Students are expected to respond to communications from Conflict Resolution & Accountability and to participate in the conduct process. Failure to respond, schedule, or attend a required meeting or hearing may result in the matter proceeding without the student’s participation.

IV. Supportive and Interim Measures

At any time after a report is received, Conflict Resolution & Accountability may implement supportive and/or interim measures when reasonably necessary to protect the safety, security, or well-being of any member of the University community, preserve the integrity of the process, or minimize disruption to University operations.

Supportive and interim measures are not disciplinary findings and may be imposed before a final determination is made.

Such measures may include, but are not limited to:

• no-contact directives;
• temporary restrictions on access to specific facilities, activities, or areas of campus;
• temporary modification of class, clinic, housing, or organizational participation;
• interim removal from a course, clinic, program, activity, or University housing;
• interim suspension from the University; and
• referral to law enforcement or other non-University agencies, when appropriate.

These measures may be taken when the University determines that a student’s continued presence or participation could threaten the safety of the student or others, disrupt University operations, damage property, or otherwise raise a significant concern until the issue is resolved.

A student subject to an interim measure may submit a written request for review to the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs (or designee) within three (3) business days of receiving notice of the interim measure. The request should explain why the measure should be modified or lifted and may include supporting information. The review will be conducted promptly.

The Office of Conflict Resolution & Accountability may also place holds on a student’s registration, transcript, grades, diploma, or other University records while a conduct matter or sanction remains pending.

V. Initial Meeting / Resolution Conference

Once a report has been reviewed, the respondents will be invited to participate in an initial meeting or resolution conference with the Director of Conflict Resolution & Accountability or designee.

The purpose of the initial meeting is to:

• explain the conduct process;
• review the nature of the report and the alleged concerns;
• provide the respondent an opportunity to share relevant information;
• identify witnesses or other relevant information, if applicable;
• discuss available support resources; and
• determine the appropriate resolution path.

Witnesses do not attend the initial meeting.

Before the initial meeting or any hearing, the respondent will be given a reasonable opportunity to inspect and review the incident report and other relevant information collected by the University, subject to privacy, safety, and legal limitations. Review will occur in a manner designated by Conflict Resolution & Accountability.

For matters involving a student organization, the organization shall designate a representative to participate in the process on the organization’s behalf.

VI. Rights and Responsibilities of Participants

Throughout the disciplinary process, respondents and complainants are entitled to fair and respectful treatment.

General Rights

Participants have the right to:

• be treated with dignity and respect;
• receive information about the conduct process;
• request reasonable supportive measures, when appropriate;
• be presumed not responsible unless and until responsibility is accepted or determined through an authorized resolution process;
• have one advisor present, subject to the limits of this policy;
• request recusal of a hearing officer or board member based on actual conflict of interest or demonstrable bias; and
• receive written notice of outcomes as permitted by University policy and applicable law.

General Responsibilities

• Participants have the responsibility to:
• provide truthful information;
• attend required meetings and hearings;
• comply with directives issued during the conduct process;
• maintain the privacy of the process as required by law and University policy; and
• complete all sanctions or terms of resolution in a timely manner.

Knowingly providing false information during the conduct process may constitute a separate violation of the Honor Code.

Advisors

A respondent or complainant may be accompanied by one advisor of their choice during meetings and hearings. The advisor may consult privately with the participant but may not present the case, address witnesses, question participants, or otherwise actively participate unless specifically permitted by the hearing officer or chair.

If the advisor is an attorney, the student should notify Conflict Resolution & Accountability in writing at least three (3) business days before the scheduled hearing or meeting whenever possible. Proceedings will generally not be postponed to accommodate an advisor’s schedule.

VII. Case Routing and Resolution Options

After the initial review and meeting, Conflict Resolution & Accountability will determine the most appropriate resolution path based on the nature of the allegations, the severity of the alleged conduct, the range of possible sanctions, the complexity of the case, and the interests of fairness and timely resolution.

Lower-Level Cases

Lower-level cases are matters for which the likely outcome would not include suspension, expulsion, or another major separation from the University. Lower-level cases may be resolved through:

1. Educational Resolution Process  
2. Alternate Resolution

Higher-Level Cases

Higher-level cases involve more serious alleged conduct or could lead to disciplinary probation, suspension, expulsion, housing suspension, clinic suspension, or other major sanctions. These cases may be resolved through:

1. Administrative Hearing
2. Conduct Review Board

VIII. Educational Resolution Process

A lower-level matter may be referred to the Educational Resolution Process when the University determines that the alleged conduct is appropriately addressed through an educational, developmental, and non-hearing-based resolution.

If an Educational Resolution is offered:

• the respondent must accept responsibility for the identified violation(s);
• the respondent must agree to all assigned conditions or sanctions;
• the respondent may decline the Educational Resolution and request formal resolution instead; and
• once accepted, the Educational Resolution is final and may not be appealed.

Educational Resolution outcomes may include, but are not limited to, educational conversations, reflective assignments, workshops, restitution, community-based sanctions, warnings, or other developmental measures.

Failure to complete the terms of an Educational Resolution may result in the matter being referred for formal resolution or additional action.

IX. Alternate Resolution

When appropriate, Conflict Resolution & Accountability may offer an Alternate Resolution process for certain conflicts or lower-level conduct matters. Alternate Resolution is voluntary and may include facilitated dialogue, mediation, restorative conversation, mutual agreement, or another structured resolution method deemed appropriate by the University.

Alternate Resolution may be used only when the University determines that:

• the matter is appropriate for this type of resolution;
• participation is voluntary; and
• the safety of the parties and the interests of the University can be adequately protected.

Once an Alternate Resolution agreement is accepted and signed by the involved student(s), the agreement becomes final and cannot be appealed.

If Alternate Resolution is attempted but not successfully completed, the University may redirect the matter to another appropriate resolution process, including formal resolution.

X. Formal Resolution

Formal resolution may occur through an Administrative Hearing or a hearing before the Conduct Review Board.

Conflict Resolution & Accountability may refer to a formal resolution when:

• the allegations are serious;
• the respondent denies responsibility, and the matter is not appropriate for a lower-level resolution;
• prior conduct history or the nature of the conduct warrants a formal hearing; or
• the University determines that a hearing is necessary to resolve disputed facts or determine an appropriate sanction.

XI. Administrative Hearing Officer and Conduct Review Board

Authority

The Administrative Hearing Officer and the Conduct Review Board have the authority to determine whether a respondent is responsible for violating the Honor Code or Standards of Conduct and, when appropriate, to impose sanctions.

Composition

An Administrative Hearing is conducted by a faculty or staff member designated by Conflict Resolution & Accountability.

The Conduct Review Board shall consist of three (3) voting members and one non-voting chairperson designated by Conflict Resolution & Accountability.

For cases involving alleged academic misconduct, the Conduct Review Board will ordinarily include:

• one staff member,
• one faculty member, and
• one student member.

For cases not involving academic misconduct, the Conduct Review Board will ordinarily include:

• two University employee members, and
• one student member.

Eligibility

Individuals serving as Administrative Hearing Officers or Conduct Review Board members must be appropriately trained and free from actual conflict of interest or demonstrable bias.

Student board members must be enrolled full-time, be in good academic and disciplinary standing, and have completed at least one academic quarter at LIFE University.

Faculty and staff board members must be current employees and must have completed at least one academic quarter of employment at LIFE University.

Any hearing officer or board member must recuse themselves if their impartiality may reasonably be questioned.

XII. Hearing Notice and Preparation

For formal resolution, the respondent will receive written notice of the hearing at least three (3) business days before the hearing, absent extraordinary circumstances.

The notice will generally include:

• the date, time, and location or format of the hearing;
• the alleged violation(s) being considered;
• the name of the hearing officer or board membership information, as applicable;
• the procedures for requesting a change in the hearing date for good cause; and
• the consequences of failing to appear.

The respondent will have a reasonable opportunity before the hearing to inspect and review the information that will be considered by the hearing body, subject to privacy, safety, and legal restrictions.

XIII. Hearing Procedures

Formal hearings conducted under this process will be recorded by the University. No participant other than the University may record the hearing unless specifically authorized as an approved accommodation.

The hearing officer or chair is responsible for maintaining order, determining relevance, and deciding procedural questions that arise during the hearing.

The hearing will generally proceed as follows:

1. the hearing officer or chair opens the hearing and explains the process;
2. any procedural objections or concerns about participation are addressed;
3. the alleged violation(s) are presented;
4. the complainant, if applicable, may present relevant information;
5. the respondent may present relevant information;
6. witnesses may be called by the parties or by the hearing body;
7. questions for witnesses and for the other party, if permitted, will be directed through the hearing officer or chair;
8. each side may provide a closing statement; and
9. the hearing body deliberates in private.

Character witnesses are not permitted. Witnesses may be limited to those with relevant first-hand information.

The standard of proof in student disciplinary hearings under this process is Preponderance of the Evidence, meaning that it is more likely than not that a violation occurred.

If the respondent fails to appear after receiving proper notice, the hearing may proceed in the respondent’s absence.

In a Conduct Review Board hearing, responsibility is determined by majority vote.

XIV. Determination and Sanctions

Following the hearing, the Administrative Hearing Officer or Conduct Review Board will determine whether the respondent is responsible for the alleged violation(s).

If the respondent is found responsible, the hearing body will determine the appropriate sanction(s). In determining sanctions, the hearing body may consider:

• the nature and severity of the conduct;
• the impact on others or the University community;
• whether the respondent accepted responsibility;
• prior disciplinary history, when appropriate; and
• any other relevant aggravating or mitigating factors.

Conflict Resolution & Accountability will communicate and administer the final outcome.

XV. Sanctions

One or more of the following sanctions may be imposed:

1. Disciplinary Reprimand

A written notice that the student has violated University policy and that future misconduct may result in more serious sanctions.

2. Conditional Disciplinary Probation

The student stays in good disciplinary standing as long as no more violations happen within a certain period.

3. Disciplinary Probation

A specified period during which the student is not in good disciplinary standing, and additional misconduct may result in suspension or expulsion.

4. Housing Probation

A specified period during which future housing-related or other misconduct may result in removal from University housing.

5. Disciplinary Suspension

Separation from the University for a specified period. During suspension, the student may be denied access to University property, activities, or privileges and might be withdrawn from courses administratively. The sanction may be listed on the academic transcript for the duration of the suspension.

6. Housing Suspension

Temporary removal from University housing for a specified period of time.

7. Clinic Suspension or Restriction

Temporary removal from, or restriction within, clinical participation or access for a specified period of time, when appropriate to the nature of the violation.

8. Disciplinary Expulsion

Permanent separation from LIFE University, with no opportunity for readmission. Expulsion is permanently noted on the academic transcript.

9. Additional Sanctions

Additional sanctions may include, but are not limited to:

• educational assignments or workshops;
• reflection papers or essays;
• restitution;
• community service;
• exclusion from specific activities, privileges, or facilities;
• no-contact directives;
• loss of organizational privileges; and
• withholding of a degree until completion of sanctions or resolution of the conduct matter.

Matters involving possible revocation of a previously conferred degree will be addressed under the applicable University degree revocation policy and procedure rather than through this section alone.

Matters involving hazing may also be subject to additional requirements, disclosures, or sanctions under the University’s Hazing Policy and applicable law.

XVI. Written Outcomes

The respondent will ordinarily receive written notice of the outcome within two (2) business days after the decision of the hearing officer or Conduct Review Board, absent extraordinary circumstances.

The written outcome will generally include:

• the finding on each alleged violation;
• a brief rationale for the decision;
• any sanction(s) imposed; and
• information about appeal rights and deadlines, if applicable.

A complainant may receive outcome information to the extent permitted by applicable law and University policy.

XVII. Appeals

A respondent may appeal a decision resulting from an Administrative Hearing or Conduct Review Board hearing unless that right has been waived through acceptance of an Educational Resolution or Alternate Resolution.

A complainant may appeal a hearing outcome in matters involving acts of violence, to the extent permitted by University policy and applicable law.

Appeals must be submitted in writing to Conflict Resolution & Accountability within five (5) business days of the date of the written outcome. Extensions may be granted at the discretion of Conflict Resolution & Accountability for good cause shown.

Appeals are limited to one or more of the following grounds:

1. a procedural error that substantially affected the outcome;
2. a finding not supported by the evidence;
3. a sanction that is clearly disproportionate to the violation; or
4. new information that was not reasonably available at the time of the hearing and could materially affect the outcome.

Appeals will be decided by the Vice President for Academic Affairs or a designee who was not involved earlier in the matter.

The appellate officer may:

• affirm the finding and sanction;
• affirm the finding and modify the sanction; or
• remand the case for a new hearing or other appropriate action.

The appellate decision is final.

If an appeal is timely filed, sanctions will ordinarily be stayed until the appeal is decided, except that supportive measures and interim measures may remain in effect unless modified by the University.

XVIII. Parental Notification

LIFE University considers disciplinary records part of the student’s educational record and will handle them in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

At the sole discretion of Conflict Resolution & Accountability, the University may notify the parents or guardians of a dependent student under the age of eighteen (18), or under the age of twenty-one (21) in cases involving alcohol or drug violations, when the student is found responsible for a violation of the Standards of Conduct.

XIX. Holds

The University may place a hold on a student’s transcript, registration, grades, diploma, or other records when:

• the student has a pending conduct matter;
• the student has failed to respond to an official conduct notice;
• the student has not completed assigned sanctions; or
• a hold is necessary to ensure resolution of the conduct matter before graduation, transfer, or continued enrollment.

All pending conduct matters must be resolved before a degree is conferred.

XX. Records

Conflict Resolution & Accountability will maintain records of student conduct matters, including individual student cases and student organization cases.

Conduct records will be released only in accordance with applicable law and University policy.

Except for disciplinary suspension, which may be noted on the transcript during the period of suspension, and disciplinary expulsion, disciplinary sanctions will not ordinarily become part of the student’s permanent academic record but will become part of the student’s disciplinary record.