Student Conduct Policy and Procedures for Off-Campus Programs
Purpose
Messiah University students who are engaged in University -sponsored educational opportunities off-campus or outside the United States (e.g. study abroad, cross cultural courses, university sponsored service trips, etc.) are responsible for upholding student conduct standards outlined in the Messiah University Community Covenant, Community Standards and Student Handbook. It is expected that students will also comply with any additional student conduct conditions agreed to relevant to the educational opportunity.
This Policy provides for the administration of student conduct process available for complaints of misconduct or violations of student conduct standards when a student is enrolled in an educational opportunity off-campus. The purpose of this policy is to provide procedures for the immediate address of student conduct issues because of the unique circumstances involved in conduct issues while engaged in an off-campus educational opportunity.
Applicability
All students enrolled in Messiah University programming or those students enrolled in a domestic or international off-campus opportunity (such as semester-long off-campus programs, cross-cultural courses, service teams, etc.) approved by the University are subject to this policy.
Definitions
Student - For the purposes of this policy, a "student" is a person formally enrolled in Messiah University or a student participant in a University -sponsored educational opportunity.
Off-campus educational opportunity - For the purposes of this policy, an "educational opportunity" is a program, course, or experience that is conducted by Messiah University or sponsored through a relationship with Messiah University that involves travel off-campus (both domestic and abroad).
Procedures
Pre-Departure Form. Prior to the start of any off-campus educational opportunity subject to this policy, each student must read and sign the following form, as applicable: Study Abroad Contract for semester-long international programs, Off-Campus Programs Contract for semester-long domestic programs, or Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability for non-credit off-campus programs. A copy of the signed form must be kept on file for the duration of the off-campus educational opportunity in the Agape Center for Local and Global Engagement
Applicability and Notice. While engaged in the off-campus educational opportunity, the student will be responsible for following all other Messiah University standards regarding student conduct. The student code of conduct applies to all aspects of the off-campus educational opportunity occurring on or off premises secured by Messiah University and/or its partnering organization for hosting the educational opportunity, including, but not limited to, all program -sponsored activities.
Oversight. The office of the Associate Dean of Students will be responsible for ensuring the implementation of this policy in coordination with the Agape Center for Local and Global Engagement and/or program administrators. The office of the Associate Dean of Students conduct is responsible for the periodic review of this policy to ensure consistency with current University procedures and the minimum requirements of due process.
Administrative Process for Violations
Venue. If the violation occurs off-campus or outside the borders of the United States, the on-site educator and/or program staff member will be responsible for determining the appropriate venue to hold any necessary disciplinary process.
Offenses. The student will be deemed to be in violation of the student code of conduct while engaged in an off-campus educational opportunity in the following situations:
- Behavior in violation of Messiah University Community Covenant, Community Standards, Student Handbook, or any additional student conduct conditions agreed to relevant to the educational opportunity;
- Behavior in violation of the terms of sanctions previously imposed under this policy;
- Behavior deemed detrimental or disruptive to the University community, the off-campus educational opportunity, and/or prohibited by local, state, federal, or international law.
Procedural Standards. In the event that the on-site educator and/or program staff member receives a complaint of an alleged violation or determines for him/herself that such alleged violation has occurred, the on-site educator and/or program staff member shall normally ensure that the certain minimum requirements are met before rendering a final determination:
(1 The student shall have notice of the alleged violation prior to any action; and
(2) The student shall have the opportunity to respond, explain and defend against the alleged violation prior to the rendering of a decision.
In an extreme or dangerous situation, however, the on-site educator and/or program director may in his or her absolute discretion dispense with such standards and render a decision in the case.
Standard of Review. The on-site educator and/or program staff member will serve as the hearing officer and evaluate the evidence and shall determine by a preponderance of the evidence if it is more likely than not that the accused student engaged in behavior that is in violation of this standard.
Impartial Hearing. If the student wishes to dispute the impartiality of the on-site educator and/or program staff member making this determination, prior to the rendering of a decision, the student must contact the Associate Dean of Students at Messiah University Grantham Campus. In extreme cases, the Associate Dean of students may preside over the process through remote technology and serve as the hearing officer. This decision is in the absolute discretion of the Associate Dean of Students.
Sanctions. Upon review of the materials and facts as presented, if the hearing officer determines that the student is responsible for violating student conduct standards, the hearing officer will apply sanctions to the student as appropriate. Sanctions may be considered in consultation with the on-site educator and/or program staff member and/or the Director of Education Abroad and/or the Director of International Programs. Sanctions include but are not limited to:
- Written warning / probation. A student will generally be placed on formal probation and given a written warning for his/her first offense unless their behavior has been considered detrimental or disruptive to the University community, the off-campus educational opportunity, and/or prohibited by local, state, federal, or international law. The hearing officer will determine the appropriateness of this sanction and terms of the probationary period.
- Additional sanctions. The on-site educator and/or program staff member may determine additional sanctions at his/her discretion including, but not limited to, suspension of field trip privileges, access restrictions, and restitution in the event of damages to property.
- Immediate removal. A student may be immediately dismissed and removed from the program when he/she violates the terms of probation imposed subject to (1) above, for behavior deemed detrimental, disruptive and/or dangerous to him/herself, other students, the off-campus educational opportunity, or for actions prohibited by local, state, federal, or international laws. Any travel or related costs incurred as a result of being removed from the program will be at the expense of the student.
Appeals
A student wishing to appeal must submit a written or e-mailed appeal to the Vice Provost/Dean of Students (or stated designee) within five business days of the date of the decision. The criteria for granting appeals are as follows:
- A procedural error or irregularity materially affected the decision of the hearing officer or body;
- Previously unavailable evidence is produced which will materially affect the decision of the hearing officer or body;
- The decision is unsupported by a preponderance of the credible evidence; or
- The sanction imposed is too severe in relation to the disciplinary violation