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Sanction Overview

From The Code

Interim Suspension - Temporary separation of a student from the campus when the Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs believes such separation is necessary or from a classroom when requested by a faculty member under the University’s Classroom Disruption Policy:

  1. To ensure the safety and well-being of members of the University community or preservation of University property;
  2. To ensure the student's own physical or emotional safety and well-being;
  3. If the student poses a definite threat to, disruption of, or interference with the normal operations of the University or its members, or one or more classes as determined by the Classroom Disruption Policy.
  4. When a student possesses a gun on campus in violation of N.C.G.S. Sec. 14-269.2(b) Any student subject to interim suspension shall have an expedited right of appeal as provided in the appeal section of the Code of Community Standards & Civility.

Expulsion – Permanent separation from the University that can only be removed by written petition to the Chancellor and accompanied by supporting documentation for reinstatement. No petition for reinstatement made earlier than two (2) years from the date of the expulsion shall be considered. Expulsion is warranted in cases of falsified admission applications, possession of a firearm or any weapon of mass destruction and the illegal manufacture, sale, delivery, or possession with the intent to manufacture, sell or deliver any controlled and/or illegal substance, or in cases where the severity of the violation to the Code of Community Standards & Civility is deemed offensive to the community standards and the safety of the campus community.

Suspension – Separation from the University for a definite period of time, which coincides with the official ending of an academic semester or summer session. Suspension is required for possession or use of any weapon not referenced in expulsion above and for which permission to possess has not been granted by the Chancellor, registered with the WSSU Campus Police Department and stored according to specific directions from the Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs. A second weapons offense shall result in expulsion. A first offense for simple possession of a controlled and/or illegal substance will result in suspension. Suspension is also required in cases where the severity of the violation to the Code of Community Standards & Civility is offensive to the community standards and safety of the campus community.

Deferred Suspension – Deferred Suspension is used for offenses found serious enough to warrant suspension, but where the specific circumstances of the case mitigate the offense or for repeated offenses of a less serious nature. Deferred Suspension is a designated period of time during which a student is given the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to abide by the community's expectations of behavior articulated in the Code of Community Standards & Civility. During a Deferred Suspension, the student will be officially suspended from the University, but the suspension will be deferred, meaning that the student may continue to attend classes at this time, however, the suspension will be automatically enforced for failure to complete any assigned sanctions by the deadline and/or for any subsequent violations while on the open sanction, unless the Director the Office of Community Standards & Civility, Dean of Students, and/or Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs determines otherwise in exceptional circumstances. Students on Deferred Suspension may be limited in their abilities to represent the University on any athletic team other than intramurals, hold an office in any registered student organization, represent the University in any extracurricular activity or official function, or participate in any study abroad program. Deferred Suspension may also include the denial of specific University privileges, including but not limited to, attendance at athletic functions and residence hall visitation for a designated period of time. The duration of any Deferred Suspension period and the specific restrictions imposed will be determined by the resolution body on a case-by-case basis.

Disciplinary Probation – The loss, for a specified period of time, of designated social privileges which include, but are not limited to:

  1. Varsity sports
  2. Intramural sports
  3. Band(s) and choir(s)
  4. Cheerleading squad
  5. Fraternities and Sororities
  6. Participation in student organizations
  7. Serving in a leadership capacity in any student organization
  8. The right to represent the University in any specific activity
  9. Residency in University housing

Deferred Housing Revocation – Deferred Housing Revocation means that the student's housing contract will be officially revoked, but the revocation will be deferred, meaning that the student may continue to live in the selected residential hall, however, the revocation from the residential hall will be automatically enforced for failure to complete any assigned sanctions by the deadline and/or for any subsequent violations while on the open sanction, unless the Director of the Office of Community Standards & Civility, Dean of Students, and/or Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs determines otherwise in exceptional circumstances. Further violation of the policies can and will result in the permanent revocation of the student(s) housing privileges and the permanent cancellation of student(s) housing contract indefinitely. At which time student(s) will be removed from housing immediately, responsibly for all remaining charges/fines, and responsible for securing housing off-campus. The duration of any Deferred Housing Revocation period and the specific restrictions imposed will be determined by the resolution body on a case-by-case basis.

Housing Probation – An official notice provided in writing informing student(s) of the need to modify behavior to the Guide for Living on Campus and the terms set forth in the Housing Contract. Further violation of any policies can and will result in the revocation of student(s) housing privileges and the cancellation of student(s) housing contract. At which time student(s) will be removed from housing and responsible for securing housing off-campus.

Disciplinary Warning – An official reprimand provided in writing that advises of a student’s need to conform the student’s behavior to the Code of Conduct and further advises that any subsequent violation of the same nature by the student within a two (2) year period will automatically result in disciplinary probation.

Administrative Mediation – This method of resolving a dispute utilizes a third party to consult with those involved and recommends a solution which is binding on the parties. The parties involved will be held to the agreement. Should parties violate the agreement, they will be charged with Item 27: Failure to comply with University process, in the Code of Community Standards & Civility, plus any additional violations.

Restitution – Reimbursement of any cost incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the student’s violation of the Code of Community Standards & Civility.

Community Service – Volunteer service to an on-campus or off-campus department, division, faculty or staff member for a specific number of hours within a specified period of time. Community Service could be sanctioned through the Office of Career Services or the Office of Interpersonal Violence Prevention.

Educational – Includes referrals to the University Counseling Center, reflective essays, or participation in educational programming that addresses the violation. The referral to the University Counseling Center can be for an assessment and/or counseling for substance abuse, anger management, or psychological assessment. If a student has been found in-violation of alcohol or illegal substance usage, they will be sanctioned with having to complete an educational session via different electronic programs (ex. AlcoholEDU program, e-Toke Marijuana Screening, e-Chug Alcohol Screening).

Complete description of sanctions are located in the Code of Community Standards & Civility

Grounds For Appeal

The decision of a judicial body may be appealed upon the following grounds:

  • A Violation of Due Process
  • A material deviation from Substantive and Procedural Standards adopted by the Board of Governors

The student's notice of appeal must state at least one of the above grounds or it shall be dismissed without further action. The notice of appeal shall state the facts that support the request and the outcome desired.

An appeal to the Board of Trustees in the case of a suspension or expulsion or an appeal to the Board of Governors in the case of an expulsion is allowable only on the following grounds:

  • A violation of due process; or
  • A material deviation from Substantive and Procedural Standards adopted by the Board of Governors

Notice of appeal to the Board of Trustees or to the Board of Governors must be given within ten business days of receipt of the decision leading to the appeal.

A complete description of the Appeals process is located in the Code of Community Standards & Civility.