Code of Conduct Essentials
When does the College's Code of Student Conduct and conduct process apply to students? p. 3
A. Only during the academic year.
B. From the time they pay their enrollment deposit until they graduate (including NSO and breaks).
C. Only while they are living on campus.
B. From the time they pay their enrollment deposit until they graduate (including NSO and breaks).
Who is a Respondent in the student conduct process? p. 5
The student alleged to have violated the Code of Student Conduct.
True or False: Students do not have the right to inspect and review their own education records under FERPA. p. 4
False.
Whom can a report of a student conduct violation (incident report) be submitted to at the College?
Dean of Students Office, Campus Police & Safety, and or Residence Life Staff
When a report of misconduct is received, what are some ways Dean College may address it before or instead of an administrative hearing? p. 17-18
The Director may assign an educational meeting for informal resolution (not part of disciplinary history).
A Community Behavior Alert may be issued as a warning.
If the report warrants further action, an administrative hearing is scheduled to gather details, determine responsibility, and discuss outcomes.
If a student withdraws or graduates, can the College still address misconduct that happened before they left? p. 3
Yes, the college retains jurisdiction over past misconduct that occurred prior to the leave, withdrawal, or graduation.
What is a Hearing Notice, and what key information does it provide to a student? p. 5
A Hearing Notice is a letter sent to a student informing them that an incident report has been filed. It includes details about the alleged policy violations, the date, time, and location of the hearing, and the contact information of the administrative hearing officer.
How long are most student conduct records kept after a student leaves the College? p. 4
7 years. Kept indefinitely if the student received the sanction of Disciplinary Suspension or Dismissal or was involved in a Sexual Misconduct Incident.
Who can report a possible violation of the Code of Student Conduct, and what happens after a report is received? p. 15
Anyone can report it. The Director of Student Conduct & Community Standards reviews the report and, if needed, assigns an administrative hearing officer to investigate and decide on the case.
Who is responsible for overseeing the College’s response to reports of sexual misconduct? p.22
Title IX Coordinator- Dean Drucker
True or False: A student's misconduct that occurs online, via email, or on social media is NOT covered by the Code of Student Conduct. p. 3
False; the Code of Student Conduct does apply to online and electronic misconduct.
What is the assigned consequence as a result of a violation of the Code of Student Conduct? p. 5
Sanction
Are open alcohol containers or drinking alcohol in hallways, bathrooms, or lounges permitted? p. 7
NO.
What is an interim administrative action, and when might it be used?
It is a temporary action (like suspension or relocation) used when a student poses an immediate threat to safety, implemented before the conduct process concludes.
Which of the following typically distinguishes a Title IX matter from a non-Title IX matter? p. 22
A) The severity of the misconduct
B) The context in which the conduct occurs
C) Whether the misconduct involves alcohol
B) The context in which the conduct occurs
Who is held responsible for a guest's behavior while on campus? p. 3
The student host!
What is the official term for the letter that informs a student of the hearing outcome and any sanctions? p. 5
Outcome/Resolution Letter
Name 2 types of alcohol-related items that are prohibited at Dean College. p. 7
Common source containers (like kegs or punch bowls) and drinking paraphernalia (like funnels or drinking game items)
What is the purpose of Dean College’s Amnesty Policy related to alcohol and other drugs? p. 16
The Amnesty Policy encourages students to seek emergency medical help without fear of student conduct penalties for alcohol or drug use in certain situations, promoting safety and health over punishment.
What could happen as a result of being found responsible for a policy violation? p. 18-19
Name at least three examples of possible sanctions that an administrative hearing officer may impose.
Written warning
Educational course or program
Counseling referral
Fines or restitution
Restriction of privileges
Housing probation or loss of housing
Suspension or dismissal
Is the College’s student conduct process independent or dependent from criminal proceedings? p. 4
Independent of any criminal proceedings and not bound by their outcome.
What is the standard of proof used in student conduct investigations? p. 5
Preponderance of Evidence Standard
Why is marijuana possession and use prohibited on Dean College’s campus even though it’s legal in Massachusetts? p. 7-8
The College follows federal law under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.
Can you briefly explain the steps of the conduct process at Dean College after an incident is reported?
Review: The report is reviewed to decide if charges will be filed.
Notification: The student gets a written notice of alleged violations and a meeting date.
Meeting: The student meets with a Hearing Officer to discuss the incident.
Decision: Responsibility is determined based on a preponderance of evidence.
Outcome: Sanctions (if any) are assigned, and the student is notified.
What are two reasons a student might be allowed to appeal a conduct decision, and how much time do they have to submit their appeal? p. 20-21
Two reasons to appeal include:
There was a violation of conduct procedures that affected the outcome.
New evidence became available that could have changed the outcome.
The sanction was improper or too severe.
There was demonstrated bias by the decision-maker.
Students have 5 business days from the date of the resolution letter (or the date specified in the letter) to file an appeal.