Sanctions

A student and/or student organization found responsible for violating the Code of Conduct will be sanctioned based on the specific violation(s). Factors such as past disciplinary action will be taken into consideration when sanctions are imposed. Since students have the right to appeal (based on specific criteria – see Appeals section), generally sanctions shall not be implemented until the appeal process has been exhausted. However, in cases where the health, safety, or well being of a particular student or the College community is threatened, the Dispute Resolution Coordinator may authorize immediate implementation of any sanction(s) and offer to expedite the review. She or he may also authorize immediate implementation of the sanction(s) during the final examination period.

The following list is intended to suggest the range of sanctions that may be imposed on a student or student organization, either individually or in combination. The list is not all-inclusive; it provides a sample of the types of sanctions that may be issued.

1. An Official Reprimand is a documented warning that unacceptable behavior has occurred. Further similar behavior or another violation of the Code of Conduct may result in more serious action.


2. Educational Sanctions are designed with the intent of teaching the student why the behavior displayed is unacceptable within our community. Oftentimes, educational sanctions are specific projects or actions, such as researching a specific topic, writing a reaction paper, interviewing College officials or other persons, designing and/or presenting community awareness programs, or participating in a service project. Students may also be required to attend counseling session(s), develop or comply with a behavioral contract, or participate in a referred learning experience.


3. Restitution could involve providing an appropriate service or monetary or material replacement for the loss, damage, or injury caused as a result of the misconduct.


4. Loss of Privileges for a specified period of time, including use of the Dining Commons, membership in student organizations, or participation on an athletic team. Students may be assigned to another floor or residence hall or area or lose their guest or visitation privileges.


5. Disciplinary Probation restricts the activities of a student or student organization. A student on disciplinary probation is not viewed as "in good standing" by the College, which could have further implications for scholarship recipients. Further violations of the Code of Conduct that occur while a student or student organization is on probation generally result in more serious disciplinary action, such as suspension or dismissal from the College.


6. Threat of Loss of College Housing is a warning to students that any further Code of Conduct violations could result in immediate removal from College housing.


7. Threat of Disciplinary Suspension is a serious warning to students that failure to comply with a prior sanction or behavioral contract as well as further policy violation(s) will result in immediate suspension from Keene State College.


8. Loss of College Housing is invoked when a student has been found responsible for a serious violation(s) or a previously warned student willingly broke his or her contract with the Office of Residential Life and Housing or has not fulfilled previously imposed sanctions. A student who loses housing is not eligible for financial reimbursement or other special considerations. In addition, such student(s) will not be permitted to live in College-owned housing for the duration of their time at Keene State College.


9. Disciplinary Suspension is the loss of the privilege of attending Keene State College for a specified period of time, normally not less than one semester or more than two years. During the period of suspension, the student is not eligible for a statement of "good standing." A suspended student is banned from campus; she or he may not attend classes or attend or participate in any College function during this period, except as stipulated by the Dispute Resolution Coordinator. A notation of "Disciplinary Suspension" is entered on the student’s transcript. Students suspended for a semester or more must apply to the Director of Admissions for formal readmission to the College. When suspended, the student is ineligible to register or attend classes at any University System of New Hampshire (USNH) institution for the duration of the suspension.


10. Disciplinary Dismissal – constitutes the final separation from Keene State College and renders the student ineligible for readmission at any time in the future. In addition, the student is permanently banned from the College premises and may never receive a statement of “good standing.” Students who are dismissed for disciplinary reasons may be only allowed on campus for legitimate campus administrative business with the prior approval of the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs.
    
    The notation of "Disciplinary Dismissal" is entered on the student’s transcript and becomes a part of his or her permanent record. The student is ineligible to register or attend classes at any USNH institution for two years following the date of the dismissal from Keene State College.


11. Deactivation of a Student Organization means that the group has lost recognition by the College for either a specific period of time or permanently. In addition, all sanctions listed above may be applied to a recognized student organization. Upon completion of the period of deactivation, an organization may have the opportunity to make a new application for College recognition. Often, the organization must show that it has complied with the sanctions or agreements associated with the deactivation.
    
    Failure to satisfactorily complete a sanction places any student or student organization in jeopardy of receiving additional disciplinary action. Any sanction that has not been completed at the time of a student’s departure from the College shall be considered outstanding. If or when the student attempts to return to the College, approval must be granted by the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs prior to returning to classes.

Interim Suspension – In certain serious circumstances, a student or student organization may be suspended or face restrictions in activities prior to a hearing. This might occur in an effort to ensure the health, safety, or well being of members of the College community or to preserve College property; to ensure the suspended student’s physical and emotional safety and well being; or to prevent the disruption of, or interference with, the normal operations of the College.

When a student or student organization is placed on interim suspension, the student will receive requisite notice and a hearing will be scheduled as soon as is practical. The Vice President for Student Affairs shall be notified of such action.

During an interim suspension, a student or student organization may be denied access to the residence halls and residential areas, the College campus (including classes), and/or other College activities or privileges. In addition, the accused student may be required to refrain from engaging in social and/or other specified types of interactions with certain individuals. A student with pending disciplinary charges who is ineligible to register or attend classes at Keene State College is ineligible to register for or attend classes at any other USNH institution for as long as the charge remains pending.