Goals of Sanctioning

Sanctioning at Middle Tennessee State University is intended to accomplish ten educational goals. These goals are considered when developing sanctions. The goals are:

1. To provide an opportunity for the student to learn from the experience.
2. To motivate the student toward making better choices and decisions.
3. To offer the student an opportunity to rectify the mistake.
4. To reinforce University expectations regarding appropriate behavior and to uphold all behavioral requirements.
5. To educate the student how inappropriate behavior impacts others in the University community.
6. To protect the University community from persons who may harm others.
7. To educate the student as to how inappropriate behavior impacts him/her.
8. To emphasize civility and civil behavior.
9. To instruct students in how to settle conflicts appropriately.
10. To ensure conflict and rules violations do not interfere with the educational mission of the University.
    
    

Taken from the "Respond and Report" training manual at The University of Alabama with permission.

Disciplinary Sanctions

1. A disciplinary sanction is a consequence for being found in violation of university rules and policies. The following disciplinary sanctions are applicable to both individuals and organizations.  Upon a determination that a student or student organization has violated any of the rules set forth in this policy or the general policies of the University, disciplinary sanctions may be imposed, either singly or in combination, by the appropriate Institutional officials.
2. Pursuant to T.C.A. § 49-7-146, the University will notify the parent/guardian of students under the age of 21 who have been found responsible for alcohol and/or drug - related violations.  In addition, the parent/guardian may be contacted in any instance in which the safety of the student has been threatened either through the student’s own behavior or the behavior of others.
3. Definition of Sanctions:

1. Restitution. Restitution may be required in situations which involve destruction, damage, loss of property, or unreimbursed medical expenses resulting from physical injury. When restitution is required, the student or student organization is obligated by the appropriate judicial authority to compensate a party or parties for a loss suffered as a result of disciplinary violation(s). Any such payment in restitution shall be limited to actual cost of repair, replacement, labor, or financial loss;
2.  Reprimand. A written or verbal reprimand or notice may be given to any student or student organization whose conduct violates any part of these policies and provides notice that any further violation(s) may result in more serious consequences;
3. Service to the Institution or Community.  A student, or student organization, may be required to donate a specified number of service hours to the Institution or the local community. All community service hours must be approved by the Office of Student Conduct prior to a student beginning the service;
4. Specified Educational/Counseling Program. Requirement to participate in specified educational or counseling program(s) relevant to the offense, or to prepare a project or report concerning a relevant topic;
5. Apology. Requirement to apologize to an affected party, either verbally or in writing, for the behavior related to a disciplinary violation;
6. Fines. Penalties in the form of fines may be imposed against a student or student organization whenever the appropriate Institutional authority deems appropriate. The sanction of fines may be imposed in addition to other forms of disciplinary sanctions. Failure to pay fines may result in further disciplinary action being taken;
7. Restriction. A restriction upon a student’s or student organization’s privileges for a period of time may be imposed. This restriction may include, for example, denial of the ability to represent the Institution at any event, ability to participate in Institution travel, eligibility to hold office in a student organization, use of facilities, parking privileges, participation in extracurricular activities, and/or restriction of organizational privileges, etc.;
8. Probation. Official notice that the continued enrollment of a student or recognition of a student organization on probation will be conditioned upon adherence to these policies. Any student or organization placed on probation will be notified in writing of the terms and length of the probation. Any conduct in further violation of these policies while on probationary status or the failure to comply with the terms of the probationary period may result in the imposition of more severe disciplinary sanctions, specifically suspension or expulsion;
9. Housing Probation. Continued residence in campus or student housing may be conditioned upon adherence to this policy as well as Institutional housing policies. Any resident placed on housing probation will be notified in writing of the terms and length of the probation. Probation may include restrictions upon the activities of the resident, including any other appropriate special condition(s).  If a student has additional violations during the probationary period, they will become a candidate for housing suspension.
10. Involuntary Reassignment. A student may be involuntarily moved to another housing assignment if necessary;
11. Housing Suspension and Forfeiture. Removal from University housing for a specified period of time or permanently. A resident suspended from housing may not reside, visit, or make any use whatsoever of a housing facility or participate in any housing activity during the period for which the sanction is in effect. A suspended resident shall be required to forfeit housing fees (including any unused portion thereof and the Housing Pre-Payment). A suspended resident must vacate the housing unit as directed by University staff.  This sanction may be enforced with a University Police trespass restriction, if necessary. Housing suspension shall remain a part of the student resident’s disciplinary record.
12. Suspension. Separation from the Institution for a specified period of time. This includes all instructional delivery methods (i.e., on ground, on-line, distance education, etc.). Suspension may be accompanied by special conditions for readmission or recognition. Any student receiving a sanction of suspension shall be restricted from the campus of MTSU during the period of separation unless on official business with the University verified in writing by the Dean of Students’ office. A suspended student must submit a written request to be on campus to the Dean of Students a minimum of 48 hours in advance of the scheduled time of his/her business on campus.  The request must specify the specific reason to be on campus and the location that the student wishes to visit.  The Dean of Students will issue a written decision regarding the request to be on campus, and the student is expected to carry that written decision with him/her during the time of the visit.  Students who have been suspended are not permitted to live or board in University facilities or housing unless otherwise approved or provided by the University.  This sanction will be enforced with a University Police trespass restriction, if necessary.
13. Expulsion.  Permanent separation from the Institution. The imposition of this sanction is a permanent bar to the student’s admission, or a student organization’s recognition to the Institution. A student or organization that has been expelled may not enter Institution property or facilities without obtaining prior approval from the Dean of Students. Any student receiving a sanction of expulsion shall be restricted from the campus of MTSU unless on official business with the University verified in writing by the Dean of Students. An expelled student must submit a written request to be on campus to the Dean of Students’ office a minimum of 48 hours in advance of the scheduled time of his/her business on campus.  The request must specify the specific reason to be on campus and the location that the student wishes to visit.  The Dean of Students will issue a written decision regarding the request to be on campus, and the student is expected to carry that written decision with them during the time of their visit.    Students who have been expelled are not permitted to live or board in University facilities or housing unless otherwise approved or provided by the University.  This sanction will be enforced with a University Police trespass restriction, if necessary.
14. Revocation of Admission, Degree, or Credential.
15. Other Sanctions. Additional or alternate sanctions may be created and designed as deemed appropriate to the offense and the student’s individual need for education, growth, and reform.
16. Interim Involuntary Withdrawal or Suspension. Withdrawal or Suspension. As a general rule, the status of a student or student organization accused of violation of these policies should not be altered until a final determination has been made in regard to the charges. However, interim involuntary withdrawal or suspension, pending the completion of disciplinary procedures, may be imposed upon a finding by the appropriate Institutional official that the conduct or attempted conduct of the student poses a direct threat to the safety of any other member of the Institution, its guests, or property; or, if the student’s behavior is materially and substantially disruptive of the Institution’s learning environment or other campus activities. In any case of interim involuntary withdrawal or suspension, the student, or student organization, shall be given an opportunity at the time of the decision, or as soon thereafter as reasonably possible, to contest the interim involuntary withdrawal or suspension in an interim involuntary withdrawal/suspension hearing. During an interim involuntary withdrawal or suspension, the student shall be denied access to residence halls, campus (including classes), and/or all other University activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible, as the Dean of Students or designee may determine to be appropriate. A preliminary hearing will be held by a designee of the Dean of Students in consultation with appropriate University officials and the Vice President for Student Affairs, within four (4) working days of the interim involuntary withdrawal or suspension to determine if the interim involuntary withdrawal or suspension should continue until a formal hearing of the charges by a University adjudicating body can be held. During this preliminary hearing, the student will be given notice of the allegations supporting the imposition of interim involuntary withdrawal or suspension against him/her and a summary of the evidence that supports the allegations. The student will be afforded an opportunity to respond to the allegations.  If the interim involuntary withdrawal or suspension is upheld, the formal hearing concerning withdrawal, suspension, or expulsion shall be held as soon as practical.  Conditions may be placed on a student for his/her return to the University. The student may be required to provide documentation that he/she has taken steps to mitigate the previous behavior (e.g., followed a treatment plan, submitted periodic reports, granted permission for the University to talk to the treating professional).
17. Temporary Student Organization Cease and Desist. A temporary organizational cease and desist  is instituted when the University has received information indicating that the continued activity of the organization could (1) potentially put students or the community at risk; (2) cause irreparable harm to the University or organization; (3) influence the integrity of an investigation; and/or (4) increase the organization’s or University’s fault or liability.  A temporary organizational cease and desist can be issued by the University alone or in conjunction with a national/regional organizational cease and desist.  The Office of Student Conduct will notify the parent office (i.e. Student Organizations and Service and/or Fraternity and Sorority Life) and the designated student representative that the organization has been temporarily restricted from conducting business.  During the time of the temporary cease and desist, the organization will be prohibited from conducting organizational business including, but not limited to, organizational meetings, social activities, philanthropic activities, and representation of the University. The cease and desist duration will be determined on a case by case basis.