Principled uprightness of character: Personal integrity
A good name is more desirable than great riches (Proverbs 22:1)
3 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. My School ................................................................................................................................. 4 II. My Role .......................................................................................................................................... 4 III. Academic Conduct ................................................................................................................... 5 A. Academic Ethics .................................................................................................................. 5 B. Computing Ethics ................................................................................................................ 6 IV. General Conduct ...................................................................................................................... 7 A. Substance Use .......................................................................................................................... 7 B. Harassment ............................................................................................................................... 8 C. Dress ....................................................................................................................................... 11 D. Respect............................................................................................................................... 13 V. Points & Procedures for Misconduct .................................................................................... 13 A. Point System ........................................................................................................................... 13 B. Other Discipline ..................................................................................................................... 16 C. Administrative Withdrawal .................................................................................................... 16 D. Reapplication/Readmission ................................................................................................ 18 E. Complaint Reporting .......................................................................................................... 18 VI. Self-Reporting ............................................................................................................................. 19 VII. Convocation ............................................................................................................................ 19 VIII. Living Off Campus ..................................................................................................................... 20 A. Qualifications ..................................................................................................................... 20 B. Conduct .............................................................................................................................. 20 IX. Communications ......................................................................................................................... 20 X. My Records ................................................................................................................................. 20
4 I. MY SCHOOL
Welcome to Liberty University! While Liberty is not for everyone, it is the school of choice for tens of thousands of students each year, and you are now an important part of this Community. This is your school, and your conduct while here not only impacts you, it affects the Liberty Community as a whole.
All societies and organizations have certain guidelines, standards, and expectations that govern them in order to maintain an orderly community. A university is no exception, and this Student Honor Code provides Liberty students with a framework that can enhance the college experience for all.
These guidelines come in various forms: some are local, state or federal laws; some are Biblical mandates or principles; and others are just preferences. However, all are important to creating the kind of university community we seek to provide students.
The Student Honor Code educates all members of the Liberty University Community about the Institutions expectations and Students rights and creates a standard by which Students are expected to conduct themselves for the purpose of establishing an environment conducive to academic excellence. Central to preserving this Community is the personal commitment of students to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the highest ideals of moral virtue and professionalism in fidelity to the Christian faith expressed in the Bible.
To this end, the Honor Code sets forth the procedures that apply when misconduct by a student is alleged to have occurred. Students are charged with notice of and are bound by this Code and all students agree to comply with the terms of the Honor Code. Members of the university community are also required to adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Attendance at Liberty University is a privilege and as a private educational institution, Liberty is free to control the admission and attendance of students. While this Code has evolved over the past 40 years it has served our community well by articulating expectations of students and providing guidelines and guardrails for maintaining a wonderful Christian community. This is our school, and this is our Honor Code.
II. MY ROLE
Students of Liberty University have a responsibility to live a chaste, honorable and virtuous life, which encompasses many principles, including honesty, integrity, respect and self-control.
Students are responsible to promptly report all circumstances, which they believe, constitute a clear violation of the Honor Code to the Office of Student Conduct. Intentional breach of this responsibility will be considered a violation of the Honor Code.
Every student should give testimony or evidence relevant to any alleged violation of the Honor Code if requested by the student facing disciplinary charges, the person appointed to present evidence in support of the charge, or the committee charged with investigating an allegation of misconduct.
5 Every student is asked to respect Liberty's Statement of Doctrine and Purpose and should avoid engaging in any activity on or off campus that would compromise the testimony or reputation of the University or cause disruption to Liberty's Christian learning environment.
"We, the students, faculty and staff of Liberty University, have a responsibility to uphold the moral and ethical standards of this institution and personally confront those who do not."
III. ACADEMIC CONDUCT
A. Academic Ethics includes, but is not limited to the following:
Academic Dishonesty
During examinations, academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to . . .
Referring to information not specifically condoned by the instructor Receiving information from a fellow student Stealing, buying, selling or transmitting a copy of any examination
Plagiarism
Plagiarism (papers, projects or any assignment prepared outside of class) includes, but is not limited to . . .
Omitting quotation marks or other conventional markings around material quoted from any printed source Paraphrasing a specific passage from a specific source without properly referencing the source Replicating another student's work, in whole or in part and submitting it as original
Falsification
Falsification of a school document includes, but is not limited to . . .
Unauthorized signing of another person's name to an official form or document Unauthorized modification, copying, or production of a University document
Reporting Process Any student who knowingly assists in any form of dishonesty will be considered as equally responsible as the student who accepts such assistance.
The reporting procedure is as follows: The instructor will confront the student within one week of the discovery of the infraction.
6 The instructor will write a report outlining the violation The report will be provided to the student along with the sanctions recommended The student will receive a grade of "F" for the course. NOTE: The student will be allowed to appeal (see appeal process below). The report will be sent to the department chairperson A copy of the report will be sent to the Division of Student Affairs at which time the appropriate Student Conduct Officer will work with the faculty to determine the penalty for each infraction.
Appeal Process When a student has been accused of academic dishonesty, which necessitates disciplinary action, and the student feels he/she is being unjustly accused or is being treated unfairly, he/she may choose to appeal the decision of the faculty member. That appeal process is as follows: The student may submit a written appeal to the department chairperson. The chairperson will review the instructor's report and the student's written appeal, then notify the instructor and the student of his/her decision.
If the student is not satisfied with the department chairperson's decision, he/she may submit a written appeal to the dean of the school, i.e., School of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, etc. The Dean will review the student's appeal, as well as the faculty member's report. When a decision has been reached, the Dean will notify the department chairperson, the faculty member and the student.
If the student is not satisfied with the Dean's decision, he/she has one calendar week from the date the notification is received to request a hearing before the Senate Committee on Academic and Admissions Standards. The Dean will contact the Registrar who will arrange the hearing. The committee will meet with the student, review all reports and facts, and make a recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA). The VPAA will make a decision based on the committees recommendation and will notify the student of that decision. The VPAA's decision is the final step in the appeal process.
B. Computing Ethics
Many students will use the computing resources of the University through classes requiring such use or through on-campus employment. Liberty University stringently obeys copyright laws and license agreements, which govern computer software. No student should ever make copies of University-owned computer software.
Liberty University has established a "Code of Computing Ethics" and an "Academic Computing Policy." If you use the computing resources of the University, you are responsible for adhering to these policies. If the instructor or the campus employer authorizing your access to the computer resources of the University does not give you a copy, it is your responsibility to ask for one.
7 Violation of these standards will make a student subject to disciplinary action by Liberty University and may lead to denial of future computing privileges. For violation of laws and license agreements, a student may also be subject to other private or public legal action under applicable State of Virginia laws and regulations or federal laws and regulations. If the violation of such laws and license agreement results in financial loss to Liberty University, damages and costs assessed the University will in turn be assessed the student who violated the laws/agreements.
IV. GENERAL CONDUCT
Co-curricular life comprises a significant portion of the time a student spends at Liberty and the University expects students to take responsibility for their behavior and choices. When those choices violate the Honor Code, the university has a responsibility to administer discipline with love and mercy.
A. Substance Use
Liberty University prohibits the possession, use, manufacture or distribution of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and illegal drugs or controlled substances by its students.
Enforcement
Possession, use, manufacture and/or distribution of illegal substances is a crime and Liberty University will cooperate with law enforcement authorities who are charged with enforcing current statutes. Students are warned that involvement with drugs or alcohol, on or off campus, can result in disciplinary action by the University, as well as any criminal penalties. The disciplinary action will most likely result in administrative withdrawal.
Education
Liberty University recognizes that substance abuse is a serious problem nationally and the education of students and employees on dangers inherent in substance abuse is an important aspect in addressing the problem. The University will use the following methods to educate students and employees:
Incorporation of information into existing courses Dissemination of information into existing courses Presentation by Convocation speakers and community resources Utilization of campus mental and health-care professionals
Counseling and Referral
Liberty University students and employees who are at risk of drug or alcohol abuse have access to counseling at Student Care Office. The Student Care Office will make referrals to other health-care agencies. Any cost incurred or insurance claims filed are the responsibility of the student or employee.
8 Drug Testing Program
The University has conducted an on-going program of mandatory random drug testing since 1988. Students agree to the following:
To participate in and cooperate with the Universitys drug-testing program, which permits the testing of any student (hair, urine or blood as specified by the administration), irrespective of the method by which that student was selected (randomly or based on suspected use or possession).
NOTE: Students who test positive for drug use will be responsible for covering the cost of the drug test.
Failure to cooperate with the University's drug testing program will result in disciplinary action, including the likelihood of administrative withdrawal from the University Failure to achieve a negative drug test (i.e., the absence of illegal drugs) will result in disciplinary action against a student, including the likelihood of administrative withdrawal from the University Possession and use of illegal drugs may also require notification of law enforcement authorities The persons administering the tests may communicate all student drug test results to the Office of Student Conduct for possible disciplinary action. Such communication will not constitute a breach of any confidentiality To waive all claims one might have against Liberty University or its employees as to any threatened or actual damage to reputation, privacy, mental/emotional condition resulting from the administration of the drug tests, the processing of the drug tests or the enforcement of the University's disciplinary or academic penalties To waive all legal claims of any nature, such as those claims one might have against Liberty University or its employees, arising out of drug testing Any disciplinary action against a student could also involve academic penalties, including the possibility of loss of credit from work completed during the semester in which the disciplinary action is taken Any possible refund of monies paid will be subject to the refund policy as stated in the Liberty University catalog Admission to and enrollment at Liberty University does not exempt a student from the University's disciplinary and academic penalties, even though a drug problem was revealed to the University prior to, at the time of, or after enrollment
B. Harassment
Sexual Harassment
Liberty University is committed to providing students and employees with an environment free of harassment in any form. Any act of harassment (i.e., physical, psychological, verbal or sexual) that threatens a person or persons is considered a serious offense and will not be tolerated.
9 The University provides educational programming to promote the awareness of rape, acquaintance rape, sexual harassment and other sexual offenses. Any person or group who commits acts of harassment based upon race, ethnicity, gender or disability on or off campus will be subject to disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal from the University.
Behavior that constitutes sexual harassment, which is a form of sexual discrimination prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, includes but is not limited to, unwanted sexual attention, requests for sexual favors and/or other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature, which negatively affects another person.
Reporting Process
Any student who believes that he/she has been the subject of harassment in any form should immediately report the incident to the Office of Student Conduct or the Student Care Office. The student will be given the opportunity to express his/her concerns and will then be informed of the recourse available to him/her under school policy and local and state statutes.
Consequences
Students who engage in any harassment behavior are subject to disciplinary action, which may result in community service or dismissal from the University. Since the University takes such charges seriously, where the results of an investigation reveal a complaint of harassment/sexual harassment to be frivolous or groundless, the individual having made such a complaint may be subject to the same disciplinary action.
Racial Harassment & Discrimination
Liberty University insists that all members of the University Community are entitled to and shall be afforded an environment free of racismwhether overt or subtle. Therefore, members of the Community will not tolerate racial discrimination or harassment of any kind.
Behavior that constitutes racial discrimination or harassment is prohibited by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This includes, but is not limited to racial/ethnic slurs, coarse jesting with racial/ethnic overtones and other forms of communication resulting in disparagement or intimidation.
Reporting Process
Report the incident to the Office of Student Conduct or the Center for Multicultural Enrichment Student Conduct Officers will review the racial discrimination/harassment policy with the complainant A Racial Discrimination/Harassment Grievance Form will be filed
10 Complainant must decide if he/she wants to pursue a formal complaint, which may result in disciplinary action Investigation The Student Conduct Review Committee will examine the results of the investigation and determine the best course of action The Student Conduct Officer will conduct a final interview with complainant Consequences
Any Liberty University student who commits racial discrimination or harassment is subject to disciplinary action, which may result in 18 or 30 points (see Sec. V), along with possible fines, and community service and/or possible administrative withdrawal. In addition, since the University takes such charges seriously, where the results of an investigation reveal a complaint of racial discrimination or harassment to be frivolous or groundless, the individual having made such a complaint may be subject to the same disciplinary action.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault means "any unwanted forced sexual contact. Areas of sexual assault include, but are not limited to the following:
Any forced sexual contact or relations Rape (which includes date and acquaintance rape) - sexual relations that constitute the lack of consent, committed either by force, intimidation or through the use of the victim's mental or physical incapacity Any coercion of a sexual nature
Reporting Process
Any person wishing to report a suspected violation of this policy may contact any of the following:
LUPD: 582-3911 Office of Student Conduct: 582-2320 Student Care Office: 592-4138 Health Services: 200-6370 Lynchburg Police Department: 847-1614 Sexual Assault Response Program (SARP): 947-7273 Students who would like assistance in contacting local authorities may request such help from campus authorities. The University will provide prompt, compassionate and discreet support services to victims of sexual assault and will strictly enforce its Sexual Assault Policy. The University will also inform the student of the recourse available to him/her under school and state statutes. The student has the option to pursue on-campus discipline. The Division of Student Affairs will proceed with the on-campus disciplinary procedures.
11 Consequences
Any Liberty University student who has engaged in sexual assault is subject to disciplinary action, which will result in dismissal for a minimum of two semesters. He/she will also be restricted from campus.
C. Dress As a Christian University, modest dress is important to our Community. While we recognize opinions vary considerably about appropriate dress, we have established some simple guidelines, which we ask students to respect while here. Cleanliness, neatness, appropriateness and modesty are the general guiding factors with regard to dress.
Resident Assistants (RAs), Resident Directors (RDs), Student Conduct Officers and others will enforce dress guidelines and educate all students regarding what is acceptable and what is not. Questions concerning the standard of dress should be addressed to the Office of Student Conduct.
Mens Dress
Hairstyles and fashion should avoid extremes. Facial jewelry (other than earrings) is prohibited. Class Dress should be worn in academic and administrative buildings before 4:30 pm on weekdays and in all classes, regardless of time. Collared or collarless shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts (without inappropriate logos), pants (includes neat jeans, properly worn, without holes, patches, or tears), footwear including sandals or flip- flops should be worn for class dress. (Thank you for not wearing hats, durags or hoods in class or convocation.) Casual Dress is acceptable in academic and administrative buildings after 4:30 pm on weekdays and in the Reber/Thomas Dining Hall for all meals. Shirts, neat pants, jeans, wind suits, loose-fitting modest shorts (mid-thigh or longer), shoes, sandals or flip-flops may be worn for casual dress. (Thank you for not wearing hats, durags or hoods during church services.) Athletic Dress should meet the standard of appropriateness and modesty. Athletic clothing and footwear should be appropriate for the activity (no-scuff shoes on basketball courts, etc.). Spandex should be worn underneath modest athletic attire. Game Day Dress for Student-Athletes includes warm-ups only. Warm-ups should not be worn to class by student-athletes who do not have a game that day; however if student-athletes have a home contest on Saturday, they may wear their warm-ups to class on Friday. Sweats should not be worn at any time, even on game days, in the academic facilities before 4:30 pm. On travel days, all student-athletes should attend class in regular University dress code.
12 Swimming Pool Attire includes appropriate casual or sports attire going to and from the pool. Speedos, spandex suits or cut-off jeans should not be worn at the pool. This policy applies to all Liberty University swim facilities/properties and all Liberty University-sponsored events.
NOTE: Individual schools, i.e. School of Business, etc., may implement a more rigorous standard of dress for students enrolled in their school. Liberty University Online students are asked to follow these guidelines only while present on university property.
Womens Dress
When dresses and skirts are worn they should be no shorter than the top of the knee. Skirt slits should be modest; open slits should be no higher than the top of the knee, closed slits should be no higher than two inches from the top of the knee. Shoulder straps should be two inches wide. Anything tight, scant, backless, see-through, low in the neckline or revealing the midriff (in any position) is considered inappropriate and should not be worn. Slips should be worn under thin material. Earrings and plugs may be worn in ears and small studs may be worn in nose. No other facial piercings or plugs are allowed, including tongue. Class Dress should be worn in academic and administrative buildings before 4:30 pm on weekdays and in all classes, regardless of time. Sweaters, loose-fitting tops, sweatshirts (without inappropriate logos), skirts, dresses, pants, which would include capris/cropped pants and neat jeans (without holes, patches, or tears), footwear including sandals or flip-flops. Casual Dress is acceptable in academic and administrative buildings after 4:30 pm on weekdays and in the Reber/Thomas Dining Hall for all meals. Shirts, neat pants, jeans, warm-ups, loose-fitting, modest shorts (mid-thigh or longer), shoes including sandals or flip-flops may be worn for class. Athletic Dress should meet the standards of appropriateness and modesty. Athletic clothing and footwear should be appropriate for the activity (no-scuff shoes on basketball courts, etc.). Spandex should be worn underneath modest athletic attire. Game Day Dress for Student-Athletes includes warm-ups only. Warm-ups should not to be worn to class by student-athletes who do not have a game that day; however if student-athletes have a home athletics contest on Saturday, they may wear their warm- ups to class on Friday. Sweats should not to be worn at any time, even on game days, in the academic facilities before 4:30 pm. On travel days, student-athletes should attend class in class dress. Swimming Pool Attire includes appropriate casual or sports attire going to and from the pool. Women are asked to wear a one-piece suit that is in good taste. Swimsuits that are see-through/mesh, expose the midriff and/or are low in the front or back or cut high on the legs are not considered appropriate. This policy applies to all Liberty University swim facilities/properties and all Liberty University-sponsored events.
13 NOTE: Individual schools, i.e. School of Business, etc., may implement a more rigorous standard of dress for students enrolled in their school. Liberty University Online students are expected to follow these guidelines only while present on university property.
D. Respect
Respect is an attitude and behavior that should be afforded to all members of the University community through proper acknowledgment of their personal and professional position. Students are asked to observe academic courtesy with regard to all titles (Dr., Dean, Mr., Mrs. or Miss). Students should not use first names when speaking to or about faculty or staff members. Students are expected to exercise proper decorum in the classroom. Men must remove headwear in classrooms and academic buildings.
Students are required to respect Liberty's Statement of Doctrine and Purpose and are not permitted to engage in any activity on or off campus that would compromise the testimony or reputation of the University or cause disruption to Liberty's Christian learning environment. Proper respect should be shown from one student to another at all times. No hazing or student initiations will be permitted.
Derogatory comments of a sexual, religious or racial nature will not be tolerated. Students are expected to treat Liberty University faculty and students in a spirit of Christian love, mutual respect, and individual dignity.
V. POINTS & PROCEDURES FOR MISCONDUCT
A. Point System
Liberty University uses a point, fine and disciplinary community service system to address discipline-related issues. Sanctions are administered according to the guidelines listed below. The Office of Student Conduct or their representative(s) administer all disciplinary penalties. When points are issued, the student will receive notification by email. Upon consideration of extenuating circumstances, the University may make adjustments when applicable. (Single commuter students who receive 30+points within a semester may be required to move back on campus immediately.)
NOTE: Points are accumulated and tabulated on a per-semester basis.
1 Point
Late to Convocation (1 additional point for each additional 15 minutes late) Late for curfew (1 additional point for each additional 30 minutes late
4 Points (+ $10.00 Fine)
Absence from required meeting (Convocation, etc.) Disturbance/non-participation during Convocation Dress/hair code violation
14 Failure to respond to official call slip within 48 hours (for Student Affairs use only) Horseplay (plus financial restitution) Personal contact beyond hand-holding Improper sign-out Music code violation Out of the residence halls after curfew
Appeal process for one-to-four point offenses should be submitted in writing to the respective Resident Director (RD) within 48 hours (two working days) of notification. Appeals for one-point offenses are directed to the Resident Assistant (RA) in writing within 48 hours. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, a written appeal must be directed to the RD within 24 hours of the RAs decision.
6 Points (+ $25.00 Fine)
Possession and/or use of tobacco Direct disobedience Disrespect Gambling Attendance at a dance
Appeal process for 6-point offenses should be submitted in writing to the respective RD or the Student Court within 48 hours (two working days) of notification.
NOTE: Student Conduct Officers do not consider appeals for less than 12 points.
12 Points (+ $50.00 Fine)
Attendance at, possession or viewing of an R-rated movie Deception Malicious horseplay/behavior (plus financial restitution) Participation in an unauthorized petition or demonstration Unauthorized possession of a school key Visiting alone with the opposite sex at an off-campus residence Entering residence hallway, quad or on-campus apartment of the opposite sex (or allowing the same) Cheating on a quiz
Appeal process for 12-point offenses should be submitted in writing to the respective RD or the Student Court within 48 hours (two working days) of notification. The RD or Student Court will uphold, dismiss or adjust the sanction. The decision of the RD or Student Court will be final.
18 Points (+ $250 Fine & 18 Hours Disciplinary Community Service)
Cheating on a test, paper or project (up to 30 points) Association with those consuming alcohol Commission of a misdemeanor
15 Obscene, profane or abusive language or behavior Possession and/or viewing of sexually-explicit material or movies (X or NC-17) Entering the bedroom of the opposite sex on or off campus (or allowing the same) Failure to properly identify oneself Falsification of information on an official document (including sign-out sheet) Sexual harassment (i.e., unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other conduct or comments of a sexual nature) Sexual misconduct and/or any state of undress Threat to do bodily harm Two or more individuals of the opposite sex together in a motel room without proper permission Vandalism (plus financial restitution) Racial discrimination or harassment (up to 30 points plus possible fines, community service and/or possible administrative withdrawal)
Appeal process for 18-point offenses should be submitted in writing to the RD or Student Court within 48 hours (two working days) of notification. A decision will be rendered in writing regarding the appeal and the decision will be final.
30 Points (+ $500.00 Fine, 30 Hours Disciplinary Community Service, & Possible Administrative Withdrawal)
NOTE: For each accumulation of six or more points after 30, an additional $150 fine will be assessed.
Assault/sexual assault (minimum two semesters out) Commission/conviction of any felony Illegal drug association/possession, use/distribution (minimum two semesters out) Immorality Involvement with witchcraft, sances or other satanic or demonic activity Life-threatening behavior or language to others or oneself (immediate removal/exclusion from campus and a minimum of two semesters out) Non-participation/disruption/non-compliance (possible removal/exclusion from campus) Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages Procuring/financing/facilitating/obtaining an abortion Refusal to submit to an Alco-Sensor test and/or drug test as specified by the Administration Spending the night with a person of the opposite sex Sexual relations outside of a marriage, between a natural-born man and a natural-born woman, as biblically ordained in Scripture and sanctioned by a state government Stealing or possession of stolen property (plus financial restitution; minimum two semesters out) Unauthorized possession/use of weapons
Appeal process for 30-point offenses (non-dismissal) should be submitted in writing to the Student Court within 48 hours (two working days) of notification of sanction.
16 NOTE: As the semester comes to a close, there may not be time for the student to complete his/her DCS. In that case, fines will be issued in lieu of DCS as follows: 18 hours = $100 fine; 30 hours = $150. Any student who violates disciplinary probation may not be allowed to return for the following semester.
B. Other Discipline
Disciplinary Probation
Disciplinary probation is a means by which the University can closely monitor a student's success when there has been a semester of discipline-related difficulties. Disciplinary probation includes any required accountability by the Office of Student Conduct. A student may be placed on disciplinary probation if one of the following occurs:
Accumulation of 22+points during any semester of attendance Student has been dismissed from school for the previous semester in attendance
A written notice will be recorded in the student's conduct file. Any student who accumulates 34+ points (in total, in a one semester period) while on disciplinary probation will be considered in violation of probation and may not be allowed to return for a period of one (1) semester. Any single student placed on disciplinary probation may be required to live on campus for the semester of the disciplinary probation. Any student on disciplinary probation may not run for or hold an office in the Student Government Association.
Retention/Non-Return
Enrollment at Liberty University does not guarantee continuance. Any student who accumulates 30+points for two consecutive semesters may be asked not to return to school the following semester. In addition, any student who commits a 30-point offense may not be allowed to return the following semester. A student will not be permitted to participate in intensives or summer school during the time of their non-return.
Retention/non-return decisions may be appealed in writing to the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA). A decision will be rendered in writing regarding the appeal and the decision will be final. The student's cumulative discipline record is reviewed as part of this process.
Vacation/Breaks
Only behavior considered a dismissal offense, as stated in the Student Honor Code, which occurs during vacations/breaks, may jeopardize a person's status as a student. This includes weekends, fall, spring, summer, and Christmas breaks.
C. Administrative Withdrawal
Students, who are reported to have violated the policies or regulations of the University that stipulate administrative withdrawal, will meet with the appropriate Student Conduct Officer for a personal conference. The Student Conduct Officer will present the alleged violation(s) to the
17 student and the student will then be given full opportunity to present his/her position concerning the allegation. The Student Conduct Officer, and possibly other Student Affairs staff or their representatives, will conduct an investigation of the alleged violation(s).
When the investigation is complete and the allegation is determined to be true, the Conduct Office Review Committee (CORC) will consider the facts and relevant information concerning the violation(s), including the student's prior disciplinary record, before voting.
NOTE: During the investigative process, the student should continue attending classes.
What happens if the CORC votes for administrative withdrawal?
The VPSA reviews all administrative withdrawal decisions reached by the CORC. A determination is made to either uphold or overturn the CORCs decision and alternate discipline may be administered in lieu of administrative withdrawal.
If the VPSA upholds the decision of the CORC, the student has 24 hours (one working day), after receiving notification of the VPSAs decision. If the student decides to accept the VPSAs decision, he/she will be asked to sign a "Waiver of Appeal". The student will then follow the procedures required to process an administrative withdrawal. If the student decides to appeal the decision to a J RB, that decision must be reported to the appropriate Student Conduct Officer within 24 hours (one working day) after receiving notification of the decision. At that time, the student will be presented with formal written notification of the violation(s).
NOTE: Failure to meet the 24-hour deadline will result in an automatic administrative withdrawal.
If the student decides to appeal the decision to a JRB, the time of the appeal hearing will be determined and the student will be notified by his/her respective Student Conduct Officer. The VPSAs Office will do its best to schedule it within seven days of the students request for appeal.
NOTE: During the appeal process, the student should continue attending classes.
If the J RB upholds the administrative withdrawal, the student will need to move out of the residence hall within 48 hours of the final decision. All academic work is lost for the semester except classes that have been completed before the time of the decision. The student may be asked to leave sooner if he/she is considered to be a disruption to the campus community. Once the student has been administratively withdrawn, he/she will not be permitted to visit the campus until his/her student status has been reinstated. Reapplication is subject to administrative review after a six-month period of absence from the University. Readmission will be considered after a minimum one-year absence from the University for the commission of a felony, assault, drug and/or stealing dismissals and is also subject to administrative review and approval.
18 Judicial Review Board
The J udicial Review Board (J RB) will be comprised of three faculty members and two students representing the Student Government Association and approved by the Executive Vice President (EVP) of the University. The VPSA will chair the J RB; however, if for some reason an alternate chairperson is needed, the VPSA will appoint him/her. The chairperson is a non-voting member of the J RB. The Student Conduct Officer who led the investigation will present the facts to the J RB, along with a background report on the student's behavioral record. The J RB will: Receive a summary of the incident Examine the circumstances and details of the incident Hear testimony, review evidence and call any witnesses deemed necessary Determine whether a violation of the student code of conduct has occurred Establish whether the imposed discipline is fair and consistent with the stated policies of the institution
The J RB's decision is determined by majority vote. The J RB will vote to either uphold or overturn the previous decisions. In the case of an overturn, the J RB may recommend alternative discipline to the VPSA. The VPSA will make the final determination for any alternate discipline. If the J RB decides to uphold the administrative withdrawal decision, the J RB may also recommend additional requirements for return or that consideration be given for early return. The appeal to the J RB is the last step in the appeal process and the J RBs decision is final.
NOTE: Parents may be notified of a student's disciplinary probation, assignment of disciplinary community service, retention or administrative withdrawal and a copy of the aforementioned action will be placed in the student's conduct file.
D. Reapplication/Readmission
If a student is administratively withdrawn or asked not to return, he/she should submit a written request for readmission to the appropriate Student Conduct Officer. Before a return will be considered, the student should provide a thorough account of the actions that led to his/her dismissal or non-return and his/her strategy for successful continuance at the University. Additionally, a letter of recommendation from a pastor, counselor or civic leader, along with a letter of recommendation from the students parent(s) or guardian should be submitted.
Readmission to the University will be subject to any stipulations made by the Office of Student Conduct. This process does not guarantee readmission. If readmission is granted, the appropriate Student Conduct Officer will notify the student and the Office of Admissions.
E. Complaint Reporting
All complaints may be directed to the Dean of Students Office via telephone (434-582- 2687), email (deanofstudents@liberty.edu/CN1830), or in person. The complainant will be encouraged to complete an official Statement of Record detailing the information
19 relevant to his/her complaint in the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students or Vice President for Student Affairs and/or his designated representative will review the complaint.
The Dean of Students will direct the complaint to the appropriate University department for official investigation and appropriate follow-up.
VI. SELF-REPORTING
Students are encouraged to self-report when they have knowingly committed a violation of the Student Honor Code (6 to 30 points). When this is done, the University will provide discreet counsel and support to the student. This policy is intended for students seeking to acknowledge wrongdoing and make immediate corrections.
A student has the option of self-reporting to any Liberty University Community member within one week of the offense. It is then the responsibility of the Community member to whom the offense was reported to accompany the student to the Student Care Office as soon as possible. (If an investigation has begun and there is already prior knowledge of the incident, it will not be considered a self-report). The appropriate Student Care Officer will work with the student in setting the necessary boundaries and accountability measures in place to foster an environment for growth. This plan will not include points or fines. Students may only self-report the same behavior once per semester without sanctions.
The Liberty University community promotes chastity for its unwed students; however women who become pregnant are included in this self-report policy. The Student Care Office is available to assist students through this process.
NOTE: Violations of the law (serious misdemeanors or felonies) may carry sanctions up to and including administrative withdrawal even when there is a self-report.
VII. CONVOCATION
Convocation is an assembly of the University community and its purpose is to develop campus unity, disseminate information, and challenge students spiritually, socially, morally and intellectually. Convocation provides forums for the social and political issues of the day, as well as educational topics of diverse interest for the benefit of students, faculty, and staff. Guest speakers from the world of business, politics, education, religion, and the sciences also help to make Convocation a refreshing and challenging time.
All students are required to attend Convocation on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. This includes all resident students, commuters, undergraduates, graduate and seminary students. Failure to attend Convocation without proper approval will result in the issuance of four points. Resident must check in with their Resident Assistants upon arrival and sit in their assigned section in order to be counted as present. Failure to attend will result in the issuance of four points.
20 VIII. LIVING OFF CAMPUS
A. Qualifications
To qualify for off campus living, students must either be 21 years of age or older by December 31 for the fall semester or May 31 for the spring semester, or be living with a parent or sibling who is over the age of 21.
B. Conduct
Off campus students are expected to follow the LU Honor Code the same as on campus students. Any unmarried student, under the age of 30, who receives 18+points while living off campus, may be required to move back on campus immediately or the following semester of attendance.
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
Liberty student email accounts are the official means of communication for the Liberty University community and students are expected to check their email account on a regular basis. Students are also expected to visit the Liberty University Splash Page regularly for official announcements and information.
X. MY RECORDS
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, sets forth requirements regarding the privacy of student records. FERPA governs the release of these records (known as education records) maintained by an educational institution, as well as the access to these records. For detailed information, visit the Office of the Registrars webpage regarding FERPA.
Students may inspect and review his/her disciplinary record by submitting a written request to the Office of Student Conduct. The University will comply with this request within 45 days after receiving the request and an explanation and interpretation of the records will be provided to the student. When a record contains information pertaining to other students, the student may inspect and review only the information pertaining to student requesting the information.
If a student cannot commute a reasonable distance to inspect and review a record, a copy of the record (as specified by FERPA) will be provided. A fee to cover copying and postage will be assessed. Liberty University reserves the right to deny copies of records or transcripts in the following situations:
The student has an unpaid financial obligation to the University There is unresolved disciplinary action pertaining to the student The student lives within a reasonable commuting distance to Liberty University