Student Formation and Misconduct Processes

A simplified version of the misconduct process is outlined below. For complete details, see the Student Handbook.

Preliminary Conference

Where there is evidence that a student is in violation of a University Community Standard (except when there is evidence that a student is in violation of the Harassment, Discrimination, Sexual and Relationship Misconduct Policy #2.1.25), the student will be given the opportunity to discuss the matter with Community Standards and Student Conduct before the case is either decided with a private decision or referred to a Community Standards Board, a Standards Panel, or the University Committee on Student Discipline. A student will receive written notification of the alleged violation(s) and a date by which the Preliminary Conference must be held. If a student fails to schedule or attend their Preliminary Conference meeting, an administrative decision will be held in the student’s absence.

Hearing

Right to Private Decision: The student may have his/her case decided by an appropriate administrator (including but not limited to the Associate or Assistant Vice Provost for Student Life, Senior Director, Assistant Director of Community Standards and Student Conduct or Resident Director) when there is mutual consent between the student and the assigned behavioral hearing officer. There is no appeal for this type of decision.

In cases where a mutually agreeable decision cannot be made, the student will have his/her case referred and decided by the appropriate hearing board. The behavioral hearing officer reserves the right to refer a student’s case to either the University Committee on Student Discipline or a Standards Panel.

• University Committee on Student Discipline typically hears cases where a student’s status with the University is in jeopardy and could result in suspension or expulsion from the University.
• Standards Panels typically hear cases where a student’s status could result in Behavioral Probation, Behavioral Reprimand and other outcomes.
• Fraternity and Sorority Standards Board may be granted authority to adjudicate specific types of cases involving Fraternity and Sorority Life organizations. The board may hear certain disciplinary cases involving Fraternity and Sorority Life organizations at the request of the Advisor(s) and with the approval of the Senior Director of the Community Standards and Student Conduct in lieu of a Private Decision. 
• Community Standards Board provides appropriate outcomes in matters involving behavioral disciplinary matters where it is anticipated that a student/student organization infraction may result in a warning or behavioral reprimand.

Please refer to the Student Handbook for more information about each of the above entities.

Advisor

The student has the right to the assistance of an advisor, from within the University community, both in the preliminary conference and at the hearing of the University Committee on Student Discipline or a Standards Panel. Obtaining an advisor is the student’s responsibility. The student’s advisor may not be an attorney, except that an attorney employed by the Creighton University Law School may act as the advisor for a law student. Additionally, because of the potential of a conflict of interest, the Vice Provost for Student Life or his/her designee must approve any Student Life staff (including Resident Advisors) serving as an advisor to a student prior to the Student Life staff member’s involvement in the misconduct process.

Parent Notification

If it is anticipated that a student infraction may result in behavioral probation, withdrawal, suspension and/or expulsion, the student’s parent(s) may be notified if the student is a dependent of his/her parent (as defined by the federal government for income tax purposes). A student’s parent(s) may also be notified if it has been determined that a student under the age of 21 has committed a violation of the University policy on drugs and/or alcohol.

Temporary Disposition

Pending resolution of the matter and any permitted appeal regarding the matter, the student’s status as a student remains unaltered except in cases where there are reasons relating to the physical or emotional welfare of the student or of others, or reasons involving the safety of persons or property.

Referral for Prosecution

Where reasonable cause exists to believe a student has violated local, state or federal criminal laws — and especially where violations of laws relating to unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol occurred on University property or in the course of any University activities — the matter may be referred to authorities for prosecution.

All University students are members of both a particular school or college and the overall community of the University. The authority for adjudication of student academic and behavioral misconduct matters is delegated in two ways:

• First, the Dean of the particular school or college and his or her staff has full authority regarding all academic and academic-related disciplinary matters and penalties with respect thereto. This is subject only to the provisions of the Handbook relating to appeals of such matters after the Dean has imposed a serious penalty (i.e., expulsion from the University, suspension or a request for withdrawal).
• Second, the Vice Provost for Student Life has authority regarding behavioral disciplinary matters where it is anticipated that a student infraction may result in behavioral reprimand or behavioral probation, withdrawal, suspension and/or expulsion, except in matters that involve allegations of harassment or discrimination, which are addressed by the Harassment, Discrimination, Sexual and Relationship Misconduct Policy #2.1.25. For more information regarding academic and behavioral disciplinary procedures and appeal processes of these matters, please see the Academic Disciplinary Procedures, and the Behavioral Disciplinary Procedures sections of the Student Handbook, respectively.

Expulsion

The permanent separation of the student organization from the University. The student organization will be barred from University premises.

Suspension

The separation of the student organization from the University for a specified period of time. The student organization may not participate in any University-sponsored activity, will not be considered a University-registered organization, may not receive University funds, and may be barred from University premises. Reinstatement after disciplinary suspension requires the approval of the Vice Provost for Student Life.

Behavioral Probation

The student organization will be served notice that its behavior violates the University’s Community Standards. The organization may be barred from participation in all or designated co-curricular activities and may be subject to other outcomes. The organization will be notified that any further violations of University Community Standards will in all likelihood result in suspension or expulsion.

Social Probation

The student organization will be served notice that the behavior of its membership violates the University’s Community Standards. The group is restricted from planning and/or participating in social activities and may be subject to other outcomes. The organization will be notified that any further violations of University Community Standards will in all likelihood result in the suspension or expulsion of the organization.

Behavioral Reprimand

The student organization is warned that its conduct is in violation of University Community Standards and that further misconduct may be treated more severely.

Restitution

The student organization is required to make payment to the University, other persons, groups, or organizations for damages that result from violations of standards.

Fines

The student organization will be required to pay a specified monetary fine to the University within a specified period of time.

Denial or Restriction of Access to a University Building or Facility

The student organization will be denied access or allowed only restricted access to a specific building or facility for a stated period of time.

Alcohol Restriction

The student organization is to have only alcohol-free social events (including, but not limited to, member education events, retreats, member development events, date parties, formals, and social events) during the specified time period. Any violations that involve alcohol that result out of an event that is to be alcohol free will be considered to be in violation of this Alcohol Restriction outcome.

Other Outcomes

Other outcomes which are intended to engage the student organization in a positive learning experience related to the organization’s inappropriate behavior may be imposed by the University Committee on Student Discipline, Standards Panel, Community Standards Board, Fraternity and Sorority Standards Board, or a behavioral hearing officer. These outcomes may include, but are not limited to, engaging in a campus or community service project, attending or presenting a program related to implications of the organization’s conduct or review of the organization’s membership.