Abeyance: temporarily set aside; suspended. This can apply to any secondary sanction. The secondary sanction only applies if the student is found responsible for another violation. For example, a fine held in abeyance does not have to be paid unless you are found responsible for another violation of the code of conduct, community standard and/or university policy.

Advisor: An advisor is a North Park University employee identified by the student respondent or complainant as someone to provide support and assistance during the conduct proceedings. Advisors are only allowed to converse with the student respondent or complainant when present in conduct proceedings. The Chief Justice is considered the Advisor to the student respondent during a Student Conduct Panel proceedings.

Appeal: An appeal is not a re-hearing of the student conduct issue. A student must submit an appeal form within five business days of the student outcome letter. The burden of proof rests with the student to clearly demonstrate that an error occurred during the student conduct hearing process. A link to the appeal form will be provided in the Student Outcome Letter or can be obtained from the Center for Student Engagement located on the first floor of the Johnson Center.

Bullying is defined as repeated, intentional aggressive behavior directed at an individual or group, where there is a real or perceived power imbalance. It can take many forms, including:

• Physical (hitting, pushing)
• Verbal (name-calling, threats)
• Social/Relational (spreading rumors, exclusion)
• Cyberbullying (harassment via digital platforms)

Case: A case is created when incident reports are submitted and assigned a case number. Case documentation is maintained in the Division of Student Engagement (DSE), and all related correspondence contains the case number. Cases are handled on the basis of severity of the alleged violation(s) and the potential sanctions. A case can be dismissed and violation(s) dropped, assigned, or referred to an administrative hearing or the Student Conduct Panel (Panel). At times, when the university is not in session, a case may be handled administratively by the DSE.

Complainant: A complainant is the person who reports a possible violation of school policy. They may be directly affected or simply aware of the incident and may take part in the investigation or hearing.

Conduct file: A student’s conduct file contains all written and email correspondence, including incident reports, violation(s) and outcome letters, witness notification, hearing or panel notes, and appeal decisions. A copy of a student’s conduct file is made available to the student if a request is made in writing to the DSE. The conduct file is confidential and may be reviewed by designated DSE staff.

Conduct that Endangers: No student may engage in conduct that injures the student or others, or has the potential to endanger the safety, health or wellbeing of others, through direct action or negligent inaction. Conduct that endangers or injures another person on the basis of a protected category or characteristic (including but not limited to race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical ability, age, and ethnic or cultural origins) are prohibited and may constitute a violation of Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation. Such conduct will be reported to governmental authorities if required by law.

DSE: DSE refers to the Division of Student Engagement which includes the education programs, facilities, property, and employees.

Failure to comply: A student who fails to adequately meet expectations of the student conduct process will be considered as exhibiting a failure to comply.

It is a failure to act in accordance with instructions, requests, or orders of a university administrator/designee or official university documents. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Failure to appear at an accountability hearing or panel without proper and timely notification to hearing/coordinator officer
• Failure to fulfill sanctions rendered

Failure to comply as directed may result in suspension of ID access, loss of visitation privileges, increase of fine, and/or additional sanctions including dismissal from the university.

Fraudulent use of University resources: The university prohibits the direct or indirect unauthorized or fraudulent use of the university’s facilities, telephone system, email system, mail system, computer system, keys or student identification cards. The university also prohibits using any university facility, system, or security device for the commission of an illegal or unethical act.

Gambling: Gambling is defined as wagering or betting money or any item of value on an event with an uncertain outcome, with the intent to win additional money or valuables. In accordance with the laws of the state, the university prohibits gambling in any form on campus. A group or organization desiring to host an event including activities that could be interpreted as gambling such as bingo or casino night, must seek permission from the University, typically the student activities coordinator.

Guests: Non-NPU guests are defined as non-North Park students who are visiting or being accompanied by a North Park student in a residential space and/or University facilities and functions. Students who are not currently enrolled in classes are defined as non-NPU guests.

NPU guests are defined as other North Park students who are currently enrolled in the university.

Harmed parties: Harmed parties refer to the person and/or group directly affected by the actions of a student for incident(s) of misconduct.

Hazing: Hazing is prohibited. Hazing includes any act, on or off-campus, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, that:

• Endangers the health or safety of a student
• Causes humiliation or mental distress
• Coerces participation in illegal or degrading activities
• Is intended for initiation, admission, affiliation, or continued membership in any group or organization

The Anti-Hazing Policy can be found online.

Hearing officer (HO): Hearing officers are persons who make a decision about the student’s involvement in the alleged misconduct and issue appropriate sanctions.

Intimidation: Intimidation is the act of making someone feel afraid or threatened to control their actions, often through threats, gestures, or implied harm. Intimidation can be a single act and may be used as a tactic in broader patterns of abuse, conflict, or control.

Incident report (IR): Incident reports notify university officials about a potential violation(s) of the University’s Community Standards and/or Policies. Any member of the university community can submit an IR by contacting the Campus Safety Office or the Division of Student Engagement. Anonymous IRs will not be considered for formal conduct proceedings. The IR contains the date, time, location, names of individuals involved, and details of the incident. IR are submitted and are reviewed by the DSE. A determination is made regarding how the case will proceed.

Littering: To enhance the appearance of campus, protect the environment, and avoid health threats created by rotting food or debris, littering is prohibited. All members of the community are expected to put all trash and recycling materials in the bins provided around campus.

Obstruction: No student may intentionally interfere with and/or interrupt any function on campus, or university activity off-campus. No student may occupy any facility on campus beyond a time reasonably fixed and announced and/or posted by the university, when the effect of the occupation is to interfere with the conduct of any university activity. Furthermore, no student may willfully obstruct entry into, or exit from, any building, walkway or roadway by any form of a blockade.

The Office of Residence Life and Housing (ORLH): ORLH is the administrative unit responsible for overseeing all aspects of campus housing. This includes managing housing assignments, maintaining residential facilities, and supervising the professional and student staff who support residential life. ORLH professional staff often serve in different capacities in the student conduct process.

Off campus: Off-campus refers to any educational or co-curricular activity that involves students; takes place outside of university-owned or university-operated property; is organized and/or funded by an officially recognized campus-related entity, such as a university department, student organization, or affiliated program.

Pranks: Pranks, defined as mischievous or malicious tricks that cause, or have the potential to cause, damage, harm, or distress, are prohibited.

Preponderance of evidence: Preponderance of evidence means that the information, as a whole, supports the conclusion that it is “more likely than not” that the student engaged in the alleged incident.

Responsible and not responsible: A student who participates in an inquiry is found responsible or not responsible for the incident, rather than guilty or not guilty.

Sanctions: Students found responsible for an incident are given sanctions that focus on education, but the sanctions may also include restitution, and in some cases, a fine or restrictions.

Student: Anyone who has enrolled at the university, has initiated classes, and/ or is in the official capacity of a student, including student-at-large status.

The term does not include an individual who has applied for admission at the university but has not enrolled in classes at the university, nor alumni. This Community Standards of Conduct does apply to students during the academic year (including breaks and vacation periods), and all locations of the university (including online and study aboard instruction) and off-campus so long as enrolled as a student.

Student Conduct Notice (SCN): A SCN is prepared as written notification of the alleged violation(s) of the Code of Student Conduct, Community Standards, and/or University Policy and the type of hearing or panel, along with the date, time, location, and other pertinent information. All correspondence regarding all aspects of the Code of Student Conduct, Community Standards, and/ or University Policy is prepared by the DSE. Student Conduct Notices will be sent to the student’s North Park University email account. Other forms of communication may be used as necessary.

Student Conduct Outcome (SCO): The outcome of a conduct proceeding that notifies the charged student of charges, violations, findings, and/or sanctions. Student Conduct Outcomes will be sent to the student’s North Park University email account. Other forms of communication may be used as necessary.

Student Conduct Panel: The Student Conduct Panel shall have the authority to issue any and all sanctions as described in the Student Conduct Proceedings section. Referred to as the Panel in this section.

Student respondent: A student who is yet to be found responsible or not responsible for an incident of misconduct by student conduct proceedings.

A student respondent is provided with an opportunity to present supportive information and respond to the information presented by the complainant.

Threat: A threat is a statement or action that implies harm, danger, or punishment to someone, often used to influence or control their behavior.

Trespassing: University resources and facilities are meant to be utilized by the university community, but some limitations regarding hours of use and authorization do exist.

• No individual may enter a university building or property outside of its set hours of operation, unless they have obtained written permission to do
• Areas on campus marked as “no trespassing” or “authorized personnel only” must not be entered without explicit permission.
• No unauthorized persons are permitted on any campus roof or elevated exterior surface at any time.

Truthfulness: All members of the university community are expected to be both truthful and complete when providing information (written, verbal, or electronic) to the university or to any person employed by or acting for the university.

University: University refers to North Park University, which includes all education programs, facilities, properties, students, faculty, employees, officers, and trustees.

University Policy: University policies are official rules and guidelines established by North Park University to govern the behavior, responsibilities, and rights of students, faculty, and staff. While the University strives to include relevant student policies, students should also refer to the academic catalog and program-specific information for additional policies and/or details.

University Representative: A staff or faculty member assigned to represent the university and present violation(s) against the student respondent during Student Conduct Panel proceedings.

University Resource: A university resource is any service, facility, or support provided by a university to help students, faculty, or staff succeed academically, professionally, or personally. This includes but is not limited to academic advising, career services, and physical property.

Visitor: Someone who comes to North Park University temporarily, often for a specific purpose such as a meeting, tour, or event. Examples are, but not  limited to, a prospective student touring the campus or a contractor performing a service.

Witness: Witnesses are able to give a firsthand account of something seen, heard, or experienced in regards to the incident.

Assistant director and area coordinators (AD and ACs): Assistant Directors and Area Coordinators (ADs and ACs) are authorized to submit Incident Reports (IRs), serve as hearing officers, and impose the following primary sanctions: Warning, Student Conduct Probation Level 1, and Student Conduct Probation Level 2, along with any applicable supplemental sanctions.

Dean of Students: The dean has authority to serve as a hearing officer. The composition of the Student Conduct Panel and its members’ authority to hear the matter of student dismissal shall be determined by the dean. The dean shall develop procedural rules, consistent with the provisions of the Student Conduct Proceeding, for the hearing officer(s) and the Student Conduct Panel.

The dean has authority to direct the development and revision of policies of the Student Handbook and the Student Conduct Proceeding. The Dean of Students has authority to determine the conduct proceeding and authorize hearing officer(s) to hear each matter. The Dean is authorized to submit Incident Reports (IRs) and impose any primary or secondary sanctions.

Director of Residence Life and Housing: The director of Residence Life and Housing has authority to serve as a hearing officer. The director shall determine the conduct proceeding and authorize hearing officer(s) to hear each matter involving residence life and housing. The director of Residence Life and Housing is authorized to submit Incident Reports (IRs), and following primary sanctions: Warning, Student Conduct Probation Level 1, and Student Conduct Probation Level 2, along with any applicable supplemental sanctions.

Hearing officer: Hearing officers include professional staff members in the Division of Student Engagement. This can include, but is not limited to, the vice president for student success, the dean of students, designated DSE staff, and AD and ACs. Hearing officer(s) may conduct an information meeting, educational meeting, or accountability hearing by reviewing the evidence and meeting with the student respondent(s) and, if necessary, appropriate witnesses. The hearing officer(s) will deliberate in private, consult with appropriate University staff as needed, and make a decision about the student’s involvement in the alleged misconduct and issue appropriate sanctions.

Student Conduct Panel: The Student Conduct Panel shall have the authority to issue any and all sanctions as described in the Student Conduct Proceedings section. Referred to as the Panel in this section.

Resident assistants (RAs): Resident assistants have authority to submit IRs.

Vice President for Student Success: The Vice President for Student Success has full authority to review the decisions of hearing officer(s) and the Student Conduct Panel. The vice president shall oversee appeals and has final authority to support, veto, or amend any action in the Student Conduct Proceeding.

1. No person’s actions either directly or indirectly shall result in acts of dishonesty including, but not limited to, falsification of university documents, fraudulent behavior, forgery, bribery, attempted theft, unauthorized borrowing, or unauthorized use of any university, public or private
2. No person shall permit others to use or use another’s university identification and/or room key for their purpose of gaining entrance to a University facility, event, or use of the
3. No person shall refuse to provide their name and show appropriate identification, upon request, to a faculty member, staff member, or other university official performing their duty or acting in the interest of the
4. Failing to comply with the request and directions of a University official, including but not limited to Residence Life Staff, Campus Safety Officers, Event This also includes law enforcement, fire department, or other government officials acting in the performance of their duties.
5. Unbecoming conduct refers to those acts that may not be specifically identified by other policies or standards but that could reasonably be regarded as so improper or inappropriate by their nature and in their context that they are harmful to the reputation of both the student and/or the Students will be held accountable for actions or activities that are inconsistent or incompatible with the spirit of the community standards set forth in the Student Handbook, whether such actions take place on or off campus.
6. No person shall encourage others to violate the community standards and the policies of the
7. No person shall violate local statutes, Illinois laws, and federal
8. No person shall violate University policies

• No person shall smoke or use any tobacco product (this includes but is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes), or smoke, use, or possess a hookah in and/or on university See Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy for full definitions and details.
• No person shall be in the presence of, under the influence of, use, manufacture, distribute, dispense, and/or be in possession of an illegal drug and/or controlled substance on campus or in conjunction with institution-sponsored events, whether on or off
• No person shall possess containers, paraphernalia, or advertisements of illegal drugs and/or controlled substances on campus.
• No person shall be in the presence of, under the influence of, use, manufacture, distribute, dispense, and/or be in possession of alcohol on campus or in conjunction with institution-sponsored events, whether on or off campus.
  • No person shall possess containers (whether labeled or unlabeled), paraphernalia (as outlined in the Residence Life and Housing Policies) or advertisements of alcohol on campus.
• No person shall publish, broadcast, advertise, or otherwise communicate any promotion of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or controlled substances by any means. This includes, but is not limited to, posters, digital media, or social media platforms, while using campus property, campus services, or participating in university-sponsored events—regardless of location.
• No person shall organize, encourage, or participate in any form of gambling on university property or at any North Park event whether on or off campus.
• No person shall disrupt the university community or exhibit disruptive behavior that may infringe on the rights of others; this includes, but is not limited to, obstructing access, intoxication, streaking and/or fighting.
• No person shall shout or use profanity or vulgar language on university property or at officially sponsored campus events in any way that can be deemed harassing to another
• No person shall exhibit conduct that creates undue noise or interrupts the university community at any time. In residential spaces, quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m.
• No person shall interfere with the safe or clean environment of others, this includes but is not limited to littering or improper trash
• No person shall keep animals of any kind, except for water-living fish and those approved by the university as emotional support or service animals, in and/or on university building, facility and/or property. Exceptions may be made for official institutional and/or research/ teaching
• No person shall commit actions that endanger, either intentionally or unintentionally, students, other members of the university community, or the academic process.
• No person shall throw anything at a university building/property, out of a window, or off a roof. No person shall remove a window screen, glass, or frame. Neither shall they bring anything or person in or out through a window of any campus building.
• No person shall sleep in any public or community area.
• No person shall be involved with solicitation in and/or on any university property at any time, this includes solicitation through email.
• No person shall dress in a manner that disrupts the living, learning, or work environment. Inappropriate attire includes, but is not limited to: Nudity or clothing that exposes private areas; Clothing that displays hate speech or offensive imagery; Attire unsuitable for specific settings (e.g., being barefoot in laboratories).
• Students are responsible for the conduct of their visitors and guests, including those attending campus functions (on or off campus) or accessing University facilities and services. All visitors and guests must comply with Community Standards and University policies, this includes but is not limited to housing policies, visiting hours, overnight guest regulations, and the guest sign-in Nothing precludes the University from issuing a No Trespass Order to the visiting individual.
• No person shall host a gathering in their residence hall room, campus apartment, or house that exceeds the guest limit as outlined in the housing
• No infants or children age 10 or younger should be in any area of a student residential facility as outlined in the housing policies.

• No person’s actions (directly or indirectly) shall harass, abuse, harm or threaten to harm, and/or kill another person or group of people, either in a specific or general manner. This shall include, but is not limited to, harassment based on race, creed, ethnic origin, sex, age, political persuasion, sexual orientation, religion, or Refer to the Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation policy for full explanation. This takes into consideration, but is not limited to, any means of communication such as verbal abuse (vulgar language), intimidation, cyber bullying (harassment on social media sites), stalking, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or coercion.
• No person shall initiate, or participate in, hazing or any other type of initiation rite and/or tradition. See Anti-Hazing Policy for full
• No person shall cause destruction, damage, vandalize or abuse of any property, public or private. This includes but not limited to graffiti, tagging, or gang symbols anywhere on University facilities and
• No person shall display items imaging nudity in or on university facilities and properties. This includes exhibiting or being a part of any pornographic media (printed or electronic), viewing or reading of pornography or other inappropriate matter, and sexually explicit or pornographic mail, printed or electronic.
• No person’s actions either directly or indirectly shall violate the Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Social Media Policy and Guidelines. Refer to Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Social Media Policy and Guidelines. This includes but is not limited to viewing pornographic materials, sending unsolicited email messages to groups of people, or using University resources for any illegal, immoral, or unethical activity.
• No person shall misuse University resources; this includes but is not limited to using a University vehicle for unauthorized personal travel, using University funds for personal expenses.
• No person shall possess or use explosives or This includes, but is not limited to, firearms, ammunition, stun guns, knives, imitation weapons (including airsoft, water, and paint guns), firecrackers, fireworks, or other explosives anywhere on University facilities and property.
• No person shall circulate or initiate a report or warning concerning an impending bombing, fire, terrorist attack, or other emergency or catastrophe known to be false.
• No person shall set an unauthorized fire or flame on University This includes a bonfire or grill on a porch, patio, balcony, yard, or outdoor staircase of any campus residence and/or campus property.
• No person shall tamper with or damage any university property or equipment. This includes but is not limited to computers, emergency equipment, bulletin boards, furniture, windows, doors and door locks. This includes but not limited to exiting through emergency exits in a non-emergency situation, propping open fire doors that are to remain closed.
• No person shall possess, use, manufacture, distribute, or sell any flammable devices on university property and any campus This includes, but is not limited to, candles (with or without a wick), oil lamps, and incense or halogen lamps.
• No person shall possess a live Christmas tree or All decorations must be flame retardant and UL-approved.
• No person shall interfere with emergency services or procedures, nor fail to conform to established safety regulations, this includes but not limited to any University policy, and other health informed policies.
• No person shall have unauthorized entry, use, or occupancy of university facilities and properties.

Students will be notified of the alleged conduct charges being made against them within three to six business days, and under usual circumstances of an IR. In cases where the sanction is greater than a warning, the student will have a reasonable opportunity to prepare and to present information and a response to Community Standard or Policy violation allegations in a conduct proceeding appropriate to the nature of the case.

If any, the student will be notified of the sanction(s) imposed within three–six business days and under usual circumstances of the conduct proceeding.

During breaks and vacation periods, the conduct proceedings and/or sanctions may be streamlined to efficiently adjudicate the matter in the best interest of the student and/or the university. The dean of students or designee will alert the student if such a streamlined procedure is needed and/or appropriate. Deviations from designated procedures or timelines will not be a basis for sustaining an appeal unless significant prejudice results.

Accountability hearing

Primarily, accountability hearings are utilized for first offenders and repeated violation(s) of minor and/or moderate violation(s). Accountability hearings are held with one to two hearing officers. In most cases, the highest level of sanctioning will be suspension.

Educational meeting

An educational meeting focuses on providing information, campus resources and guidance regarding appropriate behavior, expectations, university policies and consequences of misconduct within the university. The goal is to inform students about university policies and expectations and promote a culture of respect, responsibility, and accountability.

Educational meetings aim to help students make positive choices and contribute to a safe and inclusive learning environment. Primarily, educational meetings are utilized for first offenders of minor violation(s) and students who invoked Medical Amnesty/Good Samaritan policy.

Informational meeting

An informational meeting convenes when the hearing officer needs to gather additional details before or after a hearing concerning a potential violation of community standards of conduct. This meeting can include witnesses to the incident, student and professional staff members from Residence Life and Housing, and university staff or faculty who were involved. The information collected during this meeting may inform the ongoing conduct proceedings.

The immediate suspension of the student, pending conduct proceedings, from the university or campus housing for a specified period of time at the discretion of the dean of students where it is believed the student’s presence would constitute serious disruption or danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the university, property, or others. Interim suspension is temporary and will remain until the conduct process is complete and a decision has been reached.

Allowable supportive information shall include the statements of witnesses with firsthand knowledge, documentation, and information developed

as part of the hearing officer’s investigation of the alleged violation(s), documentary supportive information including the student’s conduct file and record, and written witness statements without regard to whether the witness is present. However, no statement will be considered as supportive information unless the identity of the person making the statement

is disclosed. The technical rules of supportive information (evidence) applicable to the civil and criminal law cases shall not apply to the University Community Standards of Conduct proceedings.

Student Conduct Notice

Following the receipt of an Incident Report, the hearing officer shall prepare a Student Conduct Notice informing a student of alleged violations, the assigned hearing type, key details (date, time, location) and timeline for when the meeting should take place.

Student Conduct Outcome

Following the issuance of the conduct proceeding decision, the hearing officer or panel chair shall prepare an outcome letter, outlining the decision of the conduct proceeding, its rationale and detailing any follow up. The Student Conduct Outcome will be provided to the student respondent within five (5) business days after the final hearing in the case. Copies of the outcome may be shared with coaches, faculty advisors, activity advisors, and/or other University personnel. The outcome will also be retained in a confidential file in the DSE for a minimum period of seven years.

Student Conduct Panel Process

The Student Conduct Panel is primarily for serious offenses and/or egregious repeat violations and may result in suspension and/or dismissal from the university.

Composition

The Student Conduct Panel (also called “Panel”) is composed of two faculty members, two staff members (one being the Panel Chair), and two student representatives (one being the Student Government Chief Justice). The dean of students or designee will select the faculty, staff, and student representatives. If the student respondent or harmed party(s) are a resident student, efforts will be made to include a Residence Life staff member in the Panel composition, as appropriate. Panel members may decline participation in a particular Panel if they believe there is a conflict of interest. The dean of students or designee will select replacements for faculty, staff, or student panel members.

Within 48 hours after the student respondent and harmed party(s), if applicable, are provided with Panel member names, the student respondent and harmed party(s) may:

• Formally request the replacement of one Panel member upon explanation in writing to the dean of students or designee. If the request is granted, the dean of students or designee will assign a replacement or the same designation will be appointed according to the above guidelines.
• Formally request a Panel conducted only by staff and faculty members upon explanation in writing to the dean of students or designee. Harmed party(s) and student respondent must agree to a Panel made up of only staff and faculty members.

Panel chair

The Panel Chair (also called “Chair”) is the Director of Residence Life and Housing or the chair’s designee. The Chair moderates the Panel, prepares all post Panel correspondences to the student respondent and participates on the Panel as a voting member.

University representative

The University Representative makes all arrangements for the Panel proceedings, prepares all pre-Panel correspondence to the student respondent, and participates on the Panel as a non-voting member. The University Representative is not present for deliberations.

Chief justice

One of the chairs of the SGA Judicial Committee will be selected and will serve as the Chief Justice. The chairs of the Judicial Committee are the SGA Secretary and a representative selected by General Council. The SGA Judicial Committee is the SGA Secretary, SGA Communications Director, one senator of each class year, residence life representative, commuter representative, religious life representative and diversity representative.

The Chief Justice acts as the advocate to the Student Respondent. The Chief Justice role includes providing support and direct assistance to the Student Respondent before and during the Panel, but does not function as legal counsel. The Chief Justice is responsible for meeting with the Student Respondent at least 48 hours prior to the Panel to review the process and inform the Chair and/or Dean of Students or designee of any witnesses on behalf of the Student Respondent. The Chief Justice participates on the Panel as a non-voting member and will not be present for deliberations.

The Chief Justice may be given an opportunity to speak during the Panel proceedings and on behalf of the student. This would only occur after the Student Respondent has responded to the violations. The Chief Justice may not speak or address the University Representative during the Panel. Should the Chief Justice need to communicate to the Student Respondent during the Panel, they should do so in writing.

Student respondent

A Student Respondent is provided an opportunity to present supportive information and respond to the information presented by the complainant. The Student Respondent is not present for deliberations.

Witnesses

Witnesses are permitted at the Panel. It is the responsibility of the Student Respondent, Harmed Party(s), Complainants and the University Representative to contact their witnesses, and request their attendance at the panel. The student respondent is to notify the Chief Justice of the witnesses’ names at least 24 hours prior to the Panel date. The Chief Justice will then notify the Panel Chair of the Student Respondent’s witnesses. Harmed parties, complainants, and the University Representative may also invite witnesses to appear at the Panel and must notify the Panel Chair at least 24 hours prior to the Panel.

The Student Respondent, Harmed Parties, Complainants and University Respondents are both limited to three (3) witnesses.

Any additional witnesses are allowed only at the discretion of the Panel Chair.

If a witness is unable to attend the Panel, the witness may provide a written statement and discuss the statement with the Panel chair, chief justice and/ or dean of students or designee before the scheduled Panel. The Panel may proceed even if not all witnesses are present.

A character witness may provide a written statement and discuss the statement with the Chair and Chief Justice at least 24 hours prior to the Panel date and does not attend the Panel proceedings.

Process

The Panel Chair (or the chair’s designee) will inform the Student Respondent of their rights in the conduct process, The University Representative will present the violation(s) against the student, as well as any supportive information, Incident Reports (IR), and/or supporting documentation. A preponderance of the evidence (i.e., more likely than not) shall be the degree of proof required. The student respondent shall be presumed not responsible until found responsible.

The complainant, harmed parties, and Student Respondent shall have the opportunity to hear and present supportive information and statements, describe what happened, and supply dialogue in support of their respective positions. The Panel chair and/or Panel member may ask questions of the Student Respondent, complainant, harmed parties, and witnesses during the hearing. The Student Respondent shall have the opportunity to respond to the violation(s) as responsible or not responsible for the incident.

After the response to the violation(s), the Panel will meet in closed session to determine responsibility. If the student respondent is found responsible, the Panel will determine sanctions by the simple majority of votes of those present. If the student respondent is found not responsible, no further action is needed and the case will be closed. In the case of a tie vote, the Panel will continue discussing the case until a simple majority vote is achieved. The Panel Chair will communicate the case outcome and sanction(s) to all parties. Additionally, information on the appeal process will be provided.

The decision of the Student Conduct Panel is considered final, and the decision is effective immediately unless appealed to the Vice President for Student Success or designee. Refer to the Appeals Relating to Student Conduct and University Policy Violations section for additional information.

Warning

A warning is an official documentation of a student’s conduct violation. Future misconduct/violation(s) could result in more serious sanctions.

Student conduct probation

A formal notice of unacceptable behavior should be understood to mean that any further violation(s), even of a minor nature, could warrant immediate suspension or expulsion from the University. The duration of student conduct probation, typically not less than one semester, affects the non-academic status of the student and is utilized to demonstrate the capability of functioning in a way that does not violate the Community Standards of Conduct and/or University Policy.

Terms of probation may include, but are not limited to, two levels:

• Student conduct probation – level one: May include student being ineligible to hold office or leadership position in any organization or This includes, but is not limited to, all study abroad programs, intramural, Student Government Association, and club sport activities.
• Student conduct probation – level two: May include student being ineligible to participate in any organization or This includes, but is not limited to, all study abroad programs, intramural, Student Government Association and club sport activities, ineligible to represent the University in any official capacity; and/or loss of access to campus grounds/facilities.

For both levels, notification of student conduct probation may include parents, coaches, activity advisors, faculty advisors, academic deans, Campus Safety, and other appropriate personnel as permitted by law.

Deferred suspension

Deferred suspension is a designated period of time during which a student is given the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to comply with the university policies and expectations. During this designated period, the student may be ineligible to participate in any university organization or committee. This includes, but is not limited to, all study abroad programs, intramural sports, Student Government, and club sport activities, ineligible to represent the university in any official capacity; and/or loss of access to campus grounds/ facilities. If a student is again found responsible for violating the Community Standards of Conduct and/or University Policy, suspension and/or additional student conduct action will take place immediately.

Suspension

The temporary removal of the student from campus and University for a specified period of time with the understanding that the student may be returned to good student conduct standing at the completion of the suspension period.

Suspension also involves the following:

• Notation on the student’s conduct record
• Withdrawal from all enrolled courses according to the policy of the University
• Withdrawal from campus housing
• Forfeiture of deposits
• Responsibility for tuition, fees, and room/board charges
• Loss of financial aid based on federal regulations where applicable
• Loss of access to the University premises except when engaged in official business approved in writing by the dean of students or their designee
• Any other conduct sanctioning that is judged by the hearing officer or Panel to be of value to the student

Restrictions may be placed on the student as a condition of their return to campus and may include notification to the parents, academic deans, Campus Safety, or other appropriate personnel. Additionally, a formal letter requesting reinstatement and proof of satisfied conditions must be submitted to the Dean of Students upon conclusion of the specified suspension time period. The student may return to the university only with the express permission of the Dean of Students. Conditions may be imposed by the Dean of Students.

Dismissal

Expulsion, the most serious university conduct sanction, involves the following:

• Permanent separation from the University
• Forfeiture of all rights and degrees not conferred at the time of the expulsion
• Notification of student’s parent(s)/guardian(s), as permitted by law
• Withdrawal from all courses according to the policies of the university
• Withdrawal from campus housing
• Forfeiture of deposits
• Responsibility for tuition, fees, and room/board charges
• Loss of financial aid based on federal regulations where applicable
• Loss of access to the University premises, except when engaged in official business approved in writing by the Dean of Students or the dean’s

Revocation of Admission and/or Degree

Admission to or a degree awarded from the University may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violation of University standards in obtaining the degree, or for other serious violations committed by a student prior to graduation.

Withholding Degree

The University may withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the completion of the process set forth in this Student Code of Conduct, including the completion of all sanctions imposed, if any.

Educational activity/community service

Educational activities are required activities intended to involve the student in a positive learning experience related to the student’s unacceptable behavior. Educational activities allow students to reflect upon their inappropriate behavior, to understand why their behavior was inappropriate, and to educate other students, so they do not find themselves in similar circumstances.

This type of conduct action may include, but is not limited to:

• Engaging in a campus or community service project
• Attending or presenting a program related to the implications of the student’s conduct
• Writing a reflection paper
• Attending an ethics seminar and completing all seminar-related materials and assignments
• Conducting an interview
• Engaging in some type of personal assessment, behavioral plan, mediation, or counseling

Fines and restitution

Violation(s) that include damage to property may require restitution in the amount of the damages, in addition to other imposed fines and sanctions.

The University reserves the right to establish the amount of restitution and fines. The following is a general guide for fines.

• First violation (non-alcohol or non-controlled substance): $25.00 minimum fine, $100.00 maximum
• First violation (alcohol or controlled substance): $50.00 minimum fine, $100.00 maximum
• All subsequent violations (non-alcohol or non-controlled substance): $50.00 minimum fine, $100.00 maximum
• All subsequent violations (alcohol or controlled substance): $100.00 fine

Based on the details of the incident and the information presented during the accountability hearing, the hearing officer may exercise their discretion to assign a fine if deemed appropriate.

Restitution and/or fine(s) must be paid within 20 business days of issuing the outcome letter.

Restitution and/or fine(s) must be paid with a credit card in the Self Service platform or in cash or money order in the Division of Student Engagement (DSE). Any restitution and/or fine(s) outstanding after the due date may be doubled. Depending upon the circumstances, DSE may increase or decrease a fine as they deem fit.

Under the discretion of the DSE, monies collected through fines for violation(s) may be used for the support student programs and/or resources for high-risk/ need students.

Failure to pay fines and/or comply with sanctions as directed, may result in suspension of the student’s computer account (access to the North Park server, Canvas, and email), and an increase of the fine and/or additional conduct sanctions including dismissal from the university.

The University reserves the right to allocate the student’s housing deposit to cover all or some of the fines or restitution amount.

A fine held in abeyance does not have to be paid unless you are found responsible for another Community Standards for Conduct or University Policy violation.

Parent or legal guardian notification

Parents/legal guardians may be notified by the university of student conduct proceedings when a student, under age 21, is found in violation of the Community Standards of Conduct and/or University Policies, which include, but are not limited to, the alcohol policy and/or controlled substance policy.

Loss of privileges

Following the violation(s) of one or more Community Standards of Conduct and/or University Policies, the student(s) and/or student organization(s) may lose one or any combination of, the following privileges (without limitation).

Residence Life – Limitation of visitation

Restriction or loss of guest privileges and/or limitation on visitation privileges to other campus housing, and non-academic University facilities.

Residence Life – Administrative move

The student will be required to move to another room assignment within the residence hall system. Billing may be adjusted at the discretion of the DSE.

30/30 rule

A student is only allowed to be on campus thirty (30) minutes prior to the first class and thirty (30) minutes after the last class or scheduled appointment. Additional visitation privileges are at the discretion of the dean of students or Student Conduct Panel.

No-contact order

A student may be prohibited from communicating in any way and medium (i.e., through third parties, telephone, visitation, email, social networking sites, letters, etc.) with a named individual or group.

University no trespass order

The student is not allowed in any North Park building or on any property North Park University owns or leases. Should a student need to be on campus to conduct official college business, the student must receive approval from the Office of the Dean of Students in advance. If a student violates this order, the university may contact the Chicago Police Department to pursue a charge of criminal trespassing.

Residence Life – Loss of Apartment and House Eligibility

The student is not eligible to apply or live in a campus apartment or house for a future housing selection cycle. Loss of privilege to live in campus apartment or house. Students are still eligible to live in a residence hall and/or subject to non-compliance fee if they don’t qualify to live off campus.

Residence Life – Probation

A formal notice of unacceptable behavior in the campus housing should be understood to mean that any further/continued misconduct could result in further conduct action. Residence Life probation is for a specified period of time, typically not less than one semester, and is utilized to demonstrate the student’s ability to act in accordance with acceptable standards of on campus housing life.

Residence Life—Suspension

The student will be required to vacate their campus housing for a given time with the understanding that the student may move back in at the conclusion of that period. The student must surrender their key(s) and/or access on their student id limited for the time of suspension of residency. Visitation privileges in the residence halls may be suspended. Financial credit is not granted during the suspension.

Residence Life – Termination from housing agreement

The immediate removal of the student from campus housing results in forfeiture of fees and loss of visitation privileges in any university housing. In addition, this sanction could affect a student’s future housing agreement status with the Office of Residence Life and Housing (ORLH). A signed application and agreement for future terms could be rescinded or a refusal to accept any future housing application for a designated time could be imposed.