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Disciplinary action will be taken against students whose activities on campus violate institutional policy; it also may be taken if off-campus behavior adversely affects the institution in the pursuit of its objectives or violates existing federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
If activities of students result in violations of law, students are responsible for their actions and any consequences imposed by authorities outside the institution. When student behavior is in violation of law and of the Community Standards, the institution reserves the right to take disciplinary action independent of and in addition to any action by civil or governmental agencies. The institution may elect to delay on-campus disciplinary action pending resolution of criminal charges.
Investigation of Student Premises or Property
Except under emergency circumstances and as necessary to conduct repair and maintenance and secure College property, premises occupied by students and their personal possessions will not be searched unless authorization has been obtained from the Office of Student Affairs the Seminary Dean's Office, or an appropriate legal authority. Such authorization must be made before a search is conducted, must specify the reasons for the search, and must enumerate the objects being sought. Any search should be conducted in the presence of the student unless circumstances make this inappropriate.
Judicial Authority
Responsibility for administration of the disciplinary process rests with the vice president for student affairs or the Seminary Dean. Upon a complaint or allegation of student misconduct, a judicial body may be appointed by the vice president for student affairs, the Seminary Dean, or an authorized designee to investigate the charge and recommend sanction if a violation has occurred.
The term "judicial body" shall be used to identify any person or persons authorized by the vice president for student affairs or the Seminary Dean to determine whether a student has violated the Code of Conduct and to determine sanction.
In most cases at the Seminary, the judicial body used to hear a case shall be the Admissions and Standing Committee or a Grievance Panel. The best judgment of the vice president for student affairs, the Seminary Dean or authorized designee(s) will prevail to establish a judicial body to hear a case that best meets the needs of the circumstances involved.
In cases where a violation is admitted, a clear precedent exists, and there are no complicating factors, a decision will be issued by the Seminary Dean or an authorized designee. Cases involving denial of responsibility or conflicting evidence will be heard by the Admissions and Standing Committee or a Grievance PanelCommittee. In some cases, the individual accused may elect a hearing before a committee or an administrative hearing.
In all cases, the purpose of the judicial body is to determine whether a violation has occurred, and, if so, to assign responsibility and determine the nature of the sanction.
At the time a complaint is received or at any time thereafter, during, or at the termination of the proceedings, the College may drop disciplinary proceedings and leave the complainant to pursue remedies through the criminal or civil authorities.
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