Sanctions

Messiah University student conduct philosophy is grounded in the principles of education, personal growth and faith formation – all of which are central to the mission of the University. Discerning and applying appropriate sanctions helps to hold students accountable to our community standards while promoting their individual growth and learning. With the desire to be transparent about what sanctions students typically receive for Code of Conduct violations, the list below represents a general framework. The following variables will be considered to determine the range of sanctions and whether or not additional sanctions may be applied: a student’s truthfulness throughout the student conduct process, a student’s prior disciplinary history, and the impact of the violation on the community. While students are expected to encourage each other in their adherence to the Code of Conduct, a student who is present but not participating in the misconduct will normally not be held to the same level of sanctions as the participant. Sanctions may be applied in both administrative and formal hearing processes. The following list of possible sanctions is not exhaustive but it serves as a general guide in the student conduct process.

Possible Sanctions:

  1. Developmental/Educational Assignments: Sanctions may include, but are not limited to a personal essay or written reflection that addresses the issues relevant to one’s discipline case. In some cases students may be required to pursue a mentoring relationship.
  2. Letter of Reprimand or Warning: Written documentation of inappropriate behaviors or attitudes with a temporary record kept in the student’s file. Additional violations may lead to increased sanctions.
  3. Loss of Privilege: Loss of a privilege of participating in a University activity.
  4. Fines: A monetary fee imposed to deter and prevent activity detrimental to the community.
  5. Restitution: A monetary fee imposed to compensate for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service, monetary, or material replacement.
  6. Disciplinary Probation: A season of strong accountability indicating that the student is not in good standing with the University. Students on Disciplinary Probation may face increased sanctions including having their enrollment suspended should they be found responsible for any future Code of Conduct violations. Students may have to speak to their probationary status when going through the application process for professional licensure, etc. Notification of Disciplinary Probation is made to appropriate University officials. University-based financial aid may be reviewed, and students in university leadership positions will be required to step down from their positions of leadership. Students who have applied to study abroad programs, cross-cultural courses, practicums, field work, etc. may be subject to further review by appropriate University personnel. Programs may have additional sanctions related to Disciplinary Probation
  7. Withholding Degree: The University may withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until completion of the process set forth in the student disciplinary procedures, including the completion of sanctions imposed.
  8. Suspension: Involuntary separation of the student from the University for a specified period of time. A permanent record is kept in University disciplinary files. Academic advisors and Program Directors are normally notified. For short-term suspensions which permit the student to complete the semester, no refunds are issued for days missed. As determined by the Graduate Council Community Standards Sub-Committee, exams or assignments which are due in this period of time will be considered “0’s” and no credit will be given. Although absence from class is not excused, individual professors may take the initiative to permit students to make up work missed. For suspensions where the student is not permitted to complete the semester, any refunds are issued in accordance with the withdrawal policy.
  9. Expulsion: Permanent separation of the student from the University. A permanent record will be kept in University disciplinary and academic files.