Students who accept responsibility or are found responsible for violating the University Student Code of Conduct (UCSC) are assigned an inactive sanction (letters a-f below) along with one or more educational/developmental sanctions. Sanctions are designed to educate, foster development, encourage thoughtful decision making, and protect the Scarlet Raptor community.
In determining appropriate sanctions, the University considers:
- the nature of the violation including the impact on the community and its members
- the institutional sanctioning guidelines
- the student’s prior disciplinary history
- the individual student’s needs
Below is a list of potential sanctions that may be imposed for violations of the University Code of Student Conduct. This list is not all-inclusive:
Inactive Sanctions:
1. Reprimand: A reprimand formally indicates to a student that their behavior is unacceptable and that continuing that behavior shall warrant additional, more serious consequences.
2. Probation: Probation is a notice to a student that their actions are of such a serious nature that they may jeopardize their status as a student. The University shall refrain from suspending the student at this time, as long as the student meets all sanction requirements. Any additional incidents in which the student is found in violation of the Code of Student Conduct may result in Disciplinary Suspension with the possibility of additional sanctions. There are two types of Probation:
a. Term without Conditions: A term Probation without conditions stipulates the period of Probation, after which the student regains good standing with the University.
b. Term with Conditions: A term Probation with conditions stipulates the period of Probation and includes specific restrictions or requirements to be met during the probationary period. The probationary period shall continue until the Conduct Officer determines that the conditions have been satisfied. When the term is complete and all conditions have been met, the student will regain good standing with the University.
3. Disciplinary Suspension: Disciplinary Suspension is the temporary loss of student status. While on suspension, a student may not take classes, participate in University-sponsored activities, or be present on University premises. There are two types of suspension; students may be subject to one or both. In either case, a notation will remain on the student’s official University transcript through the duration of the suspension.
a. Term: A term suspension stipulates the period of suspension, after which the student may return to the University community as a student (if the student meets the academic requirements of the program of study).
b. Conditional: A conditional suspension requires that the student meet certain requirements before they can return to the University community. The conditional suspension shall continue until the Conduct Officer determines that the conditions have been satisfied. When the term is complete and all conditions have been met, the student may return to the University community as a student (if the student meets the academic requirements of the program of study). While on suspension, a student shall not be permitted to earn credits at any other institution for the purpose of transferring those credits and making progress towards a Rutgers degree.
4. Expulsion: Expulsion of a student from the University is a permanent loss of student status, unless the student has successfully petitioned for clemency. A student is precluded from registration, participation in any class, activity, or program of the University, and presence on University premises. The sanction of expulsion is permanently noted on a student’s official University transcript unless the student has successfully petitioned for clemency, and has completed their degree.
5. Loss of University Housing: Termination of student housing privileges, and exclusion from campus residence hall premises and activities. Loss of housing privileges is often permanent, but can be designated for a period of time at the discretion of the University. This sanction may be implemented when a resident student has either breached the terms and conditions of their housing contract, has engaged in inappropriate behavior on or off campus that severely impacts the University community, and/or has been suspended, dismissed, or expelled from the University. The termination can be enforced immediately, at the discretion of the University, and is typically carried out and overseen by the Residence Life staff on the student’s campus. The student losing housing privileges will not receive a refund of any housing fees paid, may be subject to a contract cancellation fee, and may be held financially responsible for the full cost of their housing for the remainder of the contract period.
D. Active Sanctions:
1. Restitution: Repayment to the University or to an affected party for damages resulting from a violation of this Code.
2. Fines: Fines are monetary penalties utilized as a deterrent to further student misconduct, and are put in place in cases involving the use of alcohol and other drugs. Conduct fine rates are approved by the Senior Student Affairs Officer (or their designee), on each campus.
3. Restorative Programs, projects, or assignments designed to mitigate the harm done to the affected parties and restore the University community. Restorative sanctions may include (but are not limited to) service, letters of apology, and restorative justice practices.
a. Service Hours – Service to the University or local community to be completed by a specified date. Locations and projects for completion of educational service must be approved by the Conduct Officer.
b. Alternative Resolution – Students may be sanctioned to nontraditional means of conflict resolution. These sanctions may vary from case to case and are imposed at the discretion of the Conduct Officer.
4. Educational Programs, projects, or assignments designed to educate a student or student organization about the consequences of their actions and to impart skills that may help the student or organization avoid future violations.
5. Other Sanctions: Other sanctions may be imposed instead of, or in addition to, those specified above. Restrictions or denials of University parking privileges may be imposed for violations of Department of Transportation policy. Students found responsible for misuse of University computers or networks may lose the privilege of accessing those computers and/or networks. For violations of academic integrity, appropriate academic penalties shall also be applied (see University Policy 10.2.13: Rutgers University Academic Integrity Policy). For sanctions for violations associated with University housing, please refer to the Residence Life Living Guide (Rutgers University–New Brunswick, Rutgers University–Newark, and Rutgers University–Camden). For sanctions for violations committed by student organizations, please refer to Standards of Conduct for Student Organizations. For violations associated with intercollegiate athletes or student organizations with national affiliations, non-University sanctions may apply.