For complete and official College regulations, policies and procedures for students see the Student Handbook, pages 79-136.

Click on any question below, it will bring you directly to the answer, or scroll below to read all answers.

1. When is a disciplinary incident handled by the Dean of Students Office?
2. Am I in trouble if I have been called into the Dean of Students Office?
3. How do I bring a complaint forward?
4. What is the College policy on alcohol?
5. What types of hearing processes are available?
6. What penalties or sanctions might be imposed if I am found responsible?
7. What if I don’t agree with the outcome of a hearing?

When is a disciplinary incident handled by the Dean of Students Office?

The Dean of Students Office handles a range of complaints by and against students, including but not limited to:

• Campus incident outside a residence hall
• Incident with serious allegations
• Incident that may result in suspension or expulsion from the College
• Repeat offense
• Incident that occurs off campus
• Incident involving a student organization

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Am I in trouble if I have been called into the Dean of Students Office?

You may be called to the Dean of Students Office for a variety of reasons, many of which may not be for disciplinary reasons. It is important, however, that you respond promptly. In some cases, a dean may call you in simply because your name appeared on an incident report. This does not mean that there is a complaint against you, but rather that you may be able to provide information as someone who witnessed an incident or who has prior knowledge of a situation. If you are called in for a disciplinary reason, when you meet with one of the deans, you will be advised of any complaints made against you. If you are unfamiliar with the judicial process, the dean will explain it to you. Remember: respond promptly! If a complaint is made against you and you do not respond to the Dean of Students Office, a decision will be made without the benefit of your input.

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How do I bring a complaint forward?

• Against a student
  If you believe that a student has violated College policies, procedures, and/or regulations, you should make an appointment to discuss the incident with one of the deans. (For incidents that occur in the residence halls, please refer the matter to a member of the residential staff.) It is recommended that you write down the particulars of the incident while the events are still fresh in your memory. Depending on how you seek to resolve the matter, you may be asked to provide a written statement of your allegations. Recognizing that some incidents are very personal or sensitive, you are encouraged to bring a friend with you for personal support if you feel that it would be helpful. In cases of sexual assault or harassment, you may initiate the judicial process by first contacting Laura Lockwood, the director of the Women’s Center, or any of the deans. 
     
  • For more information on bringing a complaint forward see the Student Handbook. 
  • For more information on sexual assault crisis counseling and reporting assault see the Student Handbook.
         
• Against a faculty member
  Complaints against members of the faculty are handled through the Dean of the Faculty’s Office. However, students may approach the Dean of Students Office to report the incident and to seek guidance on how to proceed. 
     
  • For complete and official information on complaints against faculty members see the Student Handbook, or call the Dean of Faculty Office at x 2130.
      
• Against a member of staff/administration
  Complaints against members of staff/administration should be directed to the Office of Human Resources. However, students may approach the Dean of Students Office to report the incident and to seek guidance on how to proceed.
     
  • For complete and official information on complaints against administration and staff see the Student Handbook or call the Director of Human Resources at x2272.

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What is the College policy on alcohol?

In keeping with the College’s interest in fostering individual and mutual responsibility and in having access to college functions for all students, the Dean of Students Office has implemented several regulations governing the use and provision of alcohol. Among these regulations are the following:

• Undergraduates and others are expected to observe the various laws, statutes and ordinances which govern the provision of alcohol and the use of ID cards in Connecticut and Hartford. Under Connecticut law, it is illegal to provide or sell alcohol to anyone who has not reached the age of 21. No person under the age of 21 years may purchase or consume alcohol anywhere on campus, including fraternity houses and on their grounds.
• Hard alcohol may not be served at any social event.
• Alcohol is not permitted in First-Year residence halls.
• Alcohol may not be consumed in any public or common area.
• Intoxication in no way releases an individual from full responsibility for the consequences of his or her actions.
• Use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs is prohibited.

Whenever the use of alcohol gives rise to difficulties, members of the College staff are prepared to respond to those affected. The Health Center, the Drug and Alcohol Educator, Counseling Center, Dean of Students Office, and Chaplain are available to offer individuals confidential medical assistance and/or counseling.

For complete and official information on alcohol and drug policy see the Student Handbook.

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What types of hearing processes are available?

The judicial procedures employ several mechanisms to adjudicate violations and to resolve conflicts: 

• Informal procedures. In this case, the dean will arrange to meet with both the complainant and the individual(s) complained against (separately or together) and attempt to work out a resolution of the matter.
• Formal procedures. The dean will schedule a hearing before the Board of Inquiry (a hearing panel consisting of three students and two faculty members). The Board of Inquiry will determine responsibility and recommend sanctions to the dean.
• Arbitration. In arbitration cases, a three-member panel will meet with the complainant and respondent and seek to resolve the matter. The decision resulting from arbitration is final and may not be appealed.

For more information on procedures in grievances against students, including hearing procedures and hearing sequence, see the Student Handbook.

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What penalties or sanctions might be imposed if I am found responsible?

Depending on the severity of the incident, one or more of the following penalties/sanctions might be imposed:

• Fines and/or restitution.
• Pensums: assignments of extra work (may include work service).
• Restriction from participation in an activity or from a College space.
• Admonition: formal warning of the incurrence of serious blame.
• Censure: temporary or permanent notation on one’s academic record indicating that the student is not in good standing. Censured persons may be automatically suspended if they receive a second censure notice.
• Suspension: temporary separation from the College.
• Expulsion: dishonorable permanent separation from the College. (Note that suspensions and expulsions are permanently noted on the student’s academic record.) 

For more information about penalties see the Student Handbook.

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What if I don’t agree with the outcome of a hearing?

Either party to a complaint may appeal the decision of the hearing (except in cases of arbitration). All appeals must be made in writing and presented within the time specified by the decision letter. Appeals to a decision are heard by the Board of Reconsideration which is convened by the Vice-President for Student Services. Appeals of a decision are granted for the following reasons only:

• Procedural errors in the hearing of the case.
• Availability of new evidence/information that was previously unavailable.
• Fundamental unfairness of sanctions.

For more information about Appeals & Grievance Procedures see the Student Handbook. 

For complete and official information on College Policies and Procedures see the Student Handbook or contact Dean Christopher Card at x2156 or x2158. 

For information on Residential Guidelines see the Student Handbook or call the Office of Campus Life, x2305.