Section 8. Sanctions

Sanctions are a developmental and educational tool, with the purpose of redirecting the student’s behavior towards a pattern that fits the mission and values of the institution and in some cases to restore the damage that resulted in the disciplinary action of the student. Furthermore, sanctions are determined by considering the nature of the misconduct, student’s conduct history, and mitigating or aggravating factors. Students who do not complete the educational sanctions by the deadline may receive a hold on their account. Holds on the account may prevent the student from (but not limited to) registering for classes, participating in extracurricular activities, studying abroad, graduating, and/or signing up for housing.

With respect to student organizations, athletic teams, or other groups on campus facing disciplinary action, the Community Standards office will obtain recommendations from other applicable University departments and offices, which may include, but is not limited to, Athletics, Campus Recreation, LEAD, and Residence Life and may also include a review of the conduct history of individual members of the group of students.

The possible actions available for hearing officers and boards within the student conduct process are described below. Cases of alleged sexual assault, sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and/or retaliation will follow the Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Affirmative Action Plan, which was approved by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education on December 9, 2014 and implemented by all Massachusetts state universities on March 15, 2015. The Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Affirmative Action Plan was then updated and approved on September 28, 2018 by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. This policy may be found at https://records.salemstate.edu/

Disciplinary Standing

1. Disciplinary Warning – written notice to a student that the student has failed to meet the University’s standards of conduct. The warning includes written notification from the hearing officer or board to the student indicating that repeated violations of University regulations will result in more severe disciplinary action, including but not limited to a disciplinary standing minimum of Disciplinary Probation.
2. Disciplinary Probation – a probationary status not to exceed one year. This is a set period of time during which the student is given the opportunity to modify behavior, to complete specific assignments, meet with designated persons, and demonstrate a positive contribution to the University community. Repeated violations of the Student Conduct Code may result in either further extension of Disciplinary Probation with restrictions or University Probation, Suspension/Expulsion from the University. Such restrictions will be imposed as a preventative measure to avoid future violations to the Student Conduct Code. These can include, but are not limited to, restrictions on guest privileges, serving on executive boards (i.e., student leadership), staying in housing during break, participating in co-curricular travel, and visiting residence halls. As long as all other sanctions have been completed and the student does not have any pending conduct incidents, students on disciplinary probation are still considered to be in good conduct standing at the University.
3. University Probation – a restrictive probationary status imposed for a specific time period, not to exceed three (3) semesters. This is a set period of time during which the student or student organization is given the opportunity to modify behavior, to complete specific assignments, meet with designated persons, and demonstrate a positive contribution to the University community in an effort to regain privileges within the University community. Repeated violations of the Student Conduct Code may result in either further extension of University Probation with restrictions or Suspension/Expulsion from the University. Such restrictions will be imposed as a preventative measure to avoid future violations of the Student Conduct Code. These can include, but are not limited to, restrictions on guest privileges, serving on executive boards (i.e., student leadership), staying in housing during break, participating in co-curricular travel, visiting residence halls, participating in student organizations or athletic competitions as a student athlete, and studying abroad. Students on university probation are not considered to be in good conduct standing at the University.
4. Suspension from the University – exclusion from classes and from all privileges and activities of the University for a definite period of time, not to exceed one year. The student may not be readmitted, reapply, or be placed on a waiting list for a residence hall room until the suspension is concluded. During a period of suspension, a student is not permitted on the University property without the express permission of the Dean of Students or designee. Failure to obtain this permission may result in arrest by University Police. If a suspended student violates any University regulations during the suspension period or the conditions of the suspension, that student will be subject to further action in the form of Expulsion from the University. This action may be deferred to become effective after a certain date.
5. Expulsion from the University – permanent termination of the student status without the possibility of readmission to the University. An expelled student is not permitted on University property and must leave the campus on the date determined by the hearing officer. The student will be restricted from visiting the University in the future, which may include a criminal trespass warning, meaning the student will be subject to arrest if the student sets foot on campus.

Corrective and Educational Sanctions

As mentioned, sanctions are a developmental and educational tool, with the purpose of redirecting the student’s behavior towards a pattern that fits the mission and values of the institution and in some cases to restore the damage that resulted in the disciplinary action of the student. Such sanctions are crafted with the individual student in mind and determined by considering the nature of the misconduct, student’s conduct history, and mitigating or aggravating factors. Below is a short list of some examples of corrective and educational sanctions; it is not an exhaustive list. Students must actively participate in sanctions that call for them to be with others in shared space (e.g., Alcohol or Marijuana group check-ins, Individual check-ins for Alcohol and Other Drugs, Engagement Hours, etc.). Lack of participation may prevent a student from successfully completing the sanction.

1. Alcohol Check-in Group – a 90-minute interactive group that is designed to be non-judgmental in order to enable students to make their own decisions about alcohol consumption. Discussions led by a Counseling and Health Services staff member will include facts and tips to minimize the negative effects of alcohol and ways to stay safe. Each group will have up to 25 students. All meetings are confidential and only the student’s participation and completion of a sanction will be reported back to the Community Standards office.
2. Individual Check-ins for Alcohol and Other Drugs – individual check-ins include two (2) 50-minute meetings with staff, along with completing the eCheckup To Go questionnaire between meetings. The supportive, non-judgmental meetings focus on discussing the student’s alcohol and/or drug use, giving personalized feedback, and developing strategies to help the student make informed decisions about alcohol and/or drugs. All meetings are confidential and only the student’s participation and completion of the sanction will be reported back to the Community Standards office. Failure to show or cancel an appointment at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment may result in a fine. Additionally, failure to show or cancel at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment twice may result in your inability to complete the sanction. You will then have to contact Community Standards for an alternative assignment.
3. Individual Plan – individualized plans are customized to each student to assist in their overall development. These individual plans include, but are not limited to, engagement, career, behavioral, etc.
4. Marijuana Check-in Group – a 90-minute interactive group that is designed to be non-judgmental in order to enable students to make their own decisions about marijuana consumption/usage. Discussions led by a Counseling and Health Services staff member will include facts and tips to minimize the negative effects of marijuana and ways to stay safe. Each group will have up to 25 students. All meetings are confidential and only the student’s participation and completion of a sanction will be reported back to the Community Standards office.
5. Suspension from the residence halls – prohibition of the student from living in or visiting the residence halls for a specified period of time not to exceed one year. The student may not be readmitted, reapply, or be placed on a waiting list for a residence hall room until the suspension is concluded. This sanction may also include suspension from the residence hall for specified time periods, such as weekends.
6. Expulsion from the residence halls – permanent prohibition of the student from living in or visiting the residence halls without the possibility of readmission to the residence halls.

Often students ask what the university sanctions are for violating the Alcohol and Drugs Policy. In compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Acts Amendments of 1989, the Community Standards office publishes the following procedural guidelines to the alcohol violations. The sanctions for drug violations may be more severe based on type of substance involved.

Other Sanctions

1. Revocation of Admission or Degree – Admission to the University or revocation of a degree awarded from the University may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or another violation of the Student Conduct Code committed during the course of obtaining the degree or for other serious violations committed by a student after admission or prior to graduation.
2. Withholding Degree – The University may withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the completion of the disciplinary process set forth in the Student Conduct Code, including the completion of all sanctions imposed if any.

Student Organization Sanctions

The following sanctions may be imposed upon any student organizations found to have violated the Student Conduct Code. Note that this is not an exhaustive list of sanctions:

1. Those sanctions listed above.
2. Loss of Recognition – Loss of all University privileges for a designated period of time. Loss of recognition for more than two consecutive semesters requires a student organization to reapply for University recognition. Conditions for future recognition may be specified. Students may not continue to participate or associate in a student organization or accept further members during any Loss of Recognition.
3. Disciplinary Hold – a hold may be placed on the student organization’s ability to use all or specific University privileges.