18. The term may is used in a permissive sense, imparting a choice.
19. The term Preponderance of Evidence means the standard of proof employed in the conduct process to determine if a student is responsible for violating the Code. This standard is satisfied if there is sufficient information to conclude that it is more likely than not that the alleged Code violation occurred.
ARTICLE II: STUDENT CODE OVERSIGHT
The Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students or designee has the responsibility for maintaining and implementing the Code of Student Conduct, and shall be responsible for the administration of the conduct system and procedural rules for the management / administration of the Campus Hearing Board processes that are consistent with provisions in the Code.
Decisions made by the Campus Hearing Board and / or the Administrative Hearing Officer shall be final, pending the normal appeal process.
ARTICLE III: PROSCRIBED CONDUCT A. Jurisdiction of the University Code of Student Conduct
The University Code of Student Conduct shall apply to conduct that occurs on university premises at all Gwynedd Mercy University campuses, at university sponsored activities, and to off-campus conduct that adversely affects the university community and / or the pursuit of its mission or objectives. Each student shall be responsible for their conduct from the time of acceptance to the University through the actual awarding of a degree, even though conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment( and even if their conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded). The Code shall apply to a student’ s conduct even if the student withdraws from school while a disciplinary matter is pending. The Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students or designee shall decide whether the Code shall be applied to conduct occurring off campus, on a case-by-case basis. The University Code of Student Conduct applies to guests of community members. Student hosts will be held accountable for the misconduct of their guests.
There is no time limit on reporting violations of the Code of Student Conduct; however, the longer someone waits to report an offense, the harder it becomes for university officials to obtain information and witness statements and to make determinations regarding alleged violations.
Though anonymous complaints are permitted, doing so may limit the University’ s ability to investigate and respond to a complaint. Those who are aware of misconduct are encouraged to report it as quickly as possible to the Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students, the Office of Residence Life or to the Office of Public Safety.
Off-Campus Behavior and Responsibility Students at Gwynedd Mercy University are members of both the University community and the communities surrounding the University. All members of the University community have the obligation to adhere to the policies of the University and laws of the federal, state and local jurisdictions.
The University’ s practice is to hold students responsible for behavior off campus. Student behavior, both positive and negative, reflects upon the University. The University reserves the right to investigate, and if deemed appropriate, take disciplinary action on complaints received concerning off-campus student behavior from the police, neighbors, property owners, other students, faculty, staff, and the public at large. Students whose behavior off campus is contrary to public law and / or the Code will be subject to disciplinary sanctions.
All students must be aware of the following:
• The University may discipline students for incidents that occur off campus.
• The decisions of the University and Magistrate / Courts are independent and mutually exclusive.
• The University may discipline students in all cases where a citation or arrest takes place.
• The University will not delay issuing a decision in a case because of a pending case before the Magistrate or Courts.
Complaints Against Student Groups
Members of recognized and unrecognized student organizations, groups and teams may be charged as an organization and / or individually with violations of the Code. The organization / group / team will be represented by the organization’ s president, captain or identified student spokesperson at any disciplinary hearing.
Complaints Against Non-Students
Persons who are not students, but who violate Federal, State or local laws, or university policies while on campus or at campus sponsored events, may be subject to arrest or may have their campus visitation privileges immediately and permanently revoked. University officials may file criminal charges against guests or other visitors who violate laws while on campus. Campus hosts will be held responsible for their guests’ behavior.
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