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Student Conduct and Discipline Statement

All West Coast University (WCU) community members assume the responsibility for knowing and abiding by the Academic Honor Code and Student Conduct Code. The Codes were designed to provide insight and guidance into the expected behaviors and decisions of students, as well as to support and foster a safe, respectful and ethical learning environment. The Codes are not intended to be exhaustive. The University jurisdiction and Codes cover all students (including those applying), events and activities on University grounds, as well as events or activities related to the WCU community on or off campus. Off campus conduct that violates WCU policies and procedures or suspected or actual violations of the law outside of a WCU activity or event may result in disciplinary proceedings. If violating conduct that occurred while the student was enrolled at WCU is discovered after graduation or after a degree has been awarded, the degree or certificate could be rescinded. If a student’s conduct or suspected conduct does not conform to the Codes, University officials will follow a course of action deemed appropriate up to and including dismissal from a course and potentially from the University. Students may also be held accountable for their guests’ behavior while in association with WCU.

In addition, student organizations are held to the University and professional standards and codes of conduct. Individuals, as well as student groups, may be held responsible for behavior that violates WCU policies and procedures.

Students enrolling/enrolled, as well as guests and visitors, at WCU assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the University’s function as an educational institution of higher learning. The University expects all University community members to conduct themselves as responsible individuals, considerate and respectful of the rights and interests of others and uphold the rights, freedom and safety of others at all times. The University’s mission reflects an intention to partner with students in their preparation for a professional career, and part of the educational experience for students pertains to the kind of behavior that is acceptable in professional settings. Honesty, integrity, respect and safety of self and others is an integral expectation of student conduct.

The following list includes examples of Conduct Code violations that are subject to disciplinary action; the list is not intended to be exhaustive.

  1. Suspicion, Charges or Violations of Federal, State or Local law on or off campus.
  2. Violations or attempted violations of WCU codes, policies, rules and regulations.
  3. Violations or attempted violations of Clinical Affiliates policies, rules and regulations.
  4. Abusive Behavior; including but not limited to
    1. Verbal Abuse, including but not limited to hostile or aggressive manner, profanity, derogatory or inflammatory language, defamation, coercion.
    2. Behavior that poses a threat or danger to self and/or others, or potentially disrupts the WCU community, including but not limited to hazing, bullying, sexual harassment, hate violence, intimidation, harassment, violence, assault in any form, stalking, threats (even in jest).
  5. Disorderly and/or disruptive conduct; including but not limited to
    1. Obstruction of teaching, University activities and events on or off campus, individual or group activities (on or off campus) that violate/disturb others rights and/or safety, activities and events on University property. Accordingly, the use of cell phones or any technology that is not intended for the express benefit of the learning experience and approved by the faculty is prohibited. Disruptive behavior, including conversations unsanctioned by the faculty, is also unacceptable.
  6. Dishonesty of any kind; including but not limited to
    1. Academic (see the Academic Honor Code for more information)
    2. Falsifying information
    3. Forgery
    4. Alteration or misuse of documents records or ID’s
    5. Fraud
  7. Failure to comply with directions or requests from University officials.
  8. Failure to comply with conduct and/or disciplinary procedures and processes.
  9. Property damage/vandalism or attempted property damage/vandalism.
  10. Theft or attempted theft.
  11. Endangerment of self or others.
  12. Unauthorized entry into University property.
  13. Misuse of University property.

Sanctions for the violations or attempted violations are handled on a case by case basis. The sanction imposed is based on the nature of the violation, disciplinary history, circumstances surrounding the violation, precedent, impact of possible sanction, and motivation. When appropriate, disciplinary sanctions will include an educational aspect, designed to assist students with personal and professional growth and development. Sanctions are imposed in order to promote campus integrity and safety. If a student fails to comply, further disciplinary action may occur; including but not limited to suspension or dismissal from the University. Under certain circumstances, sanctions may be postponed and/or suspended. Furthermore, the University may place a hold on the students file, withhold or postpone awarding of a degree or rescind the degree awarded.

In the event of a violation or attempted violation of the Codes, one or more of the following sanctions may be imposed. The list of sanctions is not intended to be exhaustive. In addition, a copy of the disciplinary action will be placed in a student disciplinary file.

  1. Warning (verbal or written)
  2. Restitution
  3. Loss or restriction of privileges
  4. Forfeiture of Financial Assistance
  5. Probation
  6. Suspension
  7. Dismissal
  8. Educational Activity; the list is not intended to be exhaustive
    1. Reflection paper
    2. Class
    3. Documentation of specific goals and evidence showing achievement towards goals
    4. Community Service
    5. Research Paper
    6. Presentation

In the event of extraordinary circumstances or an emergency situation, the Campus Executive Director, working in consultation with University Administration Leadership, may temporarily by-pass the judicial conduct process and/or impose immediate conduct sanctions, including, but not limited to suspension or dismissal, as necessary to protect the University community. An extraordinary circumstance may be characterized by, but not limited to, dangerous or disruptive behavior to self or others, credible threats of harm to self, others, or campus facilities. If deemed warranted for campus safety, sanctions could occur prior to the start of the student judicial conduct process and without prior notification; however, if further investigation of the precipitating facts indicates that the situation does not warrant continued emergency action, the conduct process will be initiated as soon as possible to allow the accused student the benefit of due process.