Violations of the Graduate Student Code of Conduct
Violations of the Graduate Student Code of Conduct impede the ability of the University to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and fulfilling its mission. Accountability to community standards is an educational endeavor intended to foster students’ personal growth. As responsible citizens of our community, students are expected to uphold University guidelines and standards. Our standards are in place to support the mission of the University; when standards are violated; appropriate intervention takes place to maintain focus on educational objectives. We aspire to a redemptive, relational model in our discipline procedures while recognizing that the particular context of each matter should also be reflected in our intervention. We follow a redemptive model found in Matthew 18:12–17, a process that begins with confrontation in a personal relationship. In some cases, the process may involve a disciplinary hearing. Disciplinary procedures are designed to educate students, to promote restoration and community responsibility, and to treat students justly. Disciplinary procedures which follow do not include academic violations. Academic violations are typically handled by respective academic departments.
All non-academic related violations of the Graduate Student Code of Conduct should be reported to the Dean of the School of Graduate & Professional Studies. Academic violations should follow the Academic Integrity guidelines.
University Disciplinary Jurisdiction: The University may exercise disciplinary jurisdiction over student conduct which occurs on or off University premises (including online University communities such as academic forums or communication) and which adversely affects the University community and/or the pursuit of University objectives. The conduct may involve a violation of local, state, or federal law or violation of Graduate Student Code of Conduct. A student may file complaints through local law enforcement and/or University process.
Violation of Law and University Discipline: University disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with a violation of law which is also a violation of University standards without regard to pending civil litigation or criminal arrest and prosecution. University disciplinary proceedings may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following any off-campus civil or criminal proceedings.
Investigation: Upon receiving information that a student has allegedly violated the Code of Conduct, the Dean of School of Graduate & Professional Studies or designee will investigate the alleged violation. The Dean or designee will dismiss the allegation as unfounded or summon the student for a meeting in an effort to better pursue the violation or report. Other University officials may be consulted as necessary.
Messiah University Summons: Any student may be summoned (via email, letter, etc.) for purposes of the investigation and/or to discuss the allegations. This written request will specify a place or means for the meeting and a time with a reasonable expectation of timeliness for the meeting to occur. If a student fails to appear or respond without good cause, as determined by the Dean, the student’s enrollment status may be altered or cancelled until the student complies with the summons, or the University may proceed with a disciplinary hearing. Failure to read mail or e-mail is not considered good cause for the failure to respond to a summons. (See Messiah University Policy on Communications). At this meeting the student is also provided with the Student Conduct Procedures as outlined here.
Disposition: The student must choose one of two decision-making approaches: (1) an administrative decision made by the Dean of School of Graduate & Professional Studies (or designee) or (2) a formal hearing by the Graduate Council Community Standards Sub-Committee. This option may not be available depending on the nature of the policy violation; severity may inform the process without student permission.