Student Handbook 2012-13

Incident Reports

Whenever a student violates a University rule or policy, a Residence Life or University Police staff member may file an incident report.  The student may receive a copy of this report upon request.  The incident report is used as documentation for disciplinary measures carried out by the University.

Disciplinary Measures

The University expects and encourages each student to exercise personal self-discipline and to live within the University community expectations in a responsible manner; however, for the student who chooses to act in a manner contrary to the standards set forth by the University, certain disciplinary guidelines have been established.  The disciplinary action taken in a particular situation may reflect consideration of the student’s previous experience, attitudes, as well as the welfare of the student, other students, and the University.

Disciplinary Responses

The following outcomes represent the spectrum of disciplinary responses the Office of Student Life might employ in the discipline process.  The response may be from any category outlined below in no particular order.

Admonition

An oral statement to the student that s/he is violating or has violated behavioral guidelines.

Warning

A notice in writing to the student that the individual is violating or has violated behavioral guidelines.

Loss of Privileges

Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time, including University events, intramural athletics, and campus celebrations such as Commencement.

Fines

Certain monetary charges may be assessed (for damage repair and/or punitive response) and are typically applied to the student’s account.  Specific amounts are listed throughout the Student Handbook or may be determined through the disciplinary process.

Assignments

(Community Service, Research Assignment, or Mentorship/Discipleship Sessions)

A student may be assigned a specific number of work hours (community service) as a disciplinary measure.  Failure to complete the work assignment within the required time limit and precisely as directed may result in additional disciplinary action.  Another option may include research and study assignments designed to learn more about the topic of the disciplinary response, or to further enhance one’s understanding of our faith and world around us.  In many cases, a student will be asked to interact in a mentoring relationship with a faculty or staff member of the student’s choice.

Disciplinary Probation

A written reprimand for violation of specified regulations and likely notification of parents.  The student may anticipate a more severe response (up to and including suspension) if the student violates the conditions stated in the written notice or is found to be violating any other institutional regulation(s) during the disciplinary probation period.  Disciplinary Probation is defined as being in poor standing with the University; therefore, students placed on disciplinary probation may be excluded from participation in leadership roles in student organizations, membership on an intramural or intercollegiate athletic team, and/or participation in other privileged institutional activities (e.g. study-abroad programs or pledging a society).  Written notice of probation is maintained in the student’s file in the Office of Student Affairs.

Suspension from Campus Housing

Separation of the student from on-campus housing (residence halls or apartments) for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return.  Conditions for return to on-campus housing may be specified.

University Suspension

Separation of the student from the University for a specified period of time, after which the student is eligible to return.  Suspension normally requires the student to leave campus immediately.  Suspension may occur if a student incurs consecutive or two concurrent probations.  Conditions for readmission may be specified.  Parents of students shall be notified of the suspension sanction by the Dean of Students or designated officer.  During suspension, the student is not permitted to be on LeTourneau University property except by prior permission from the Dean of Students.  Written notice of suspension is maintained in the student’s file.

University Dismissal

Dismissal is regarded as the last resort and means of permanent separation of the student from the University.  During dismissal, the student is not permitted to be on LeTourneau University property except by prior permission from the Dean of Students.  Written notice of dismissal is maintained in the student’s file.

In addition to the responses delineated above, staff members in the Office of Student Life may use other disciplinary actions when deemed necessary and appropriate.  These may include, but are not limited to, educational responses; parent notification; notification of faculty or coaches (or other staff members when appropriate); a chemical dependency assessment; restitution of personal or institutional damages; reconciliation to individuals or offended groups; and follow-up sessions with a student life staff person, faculty member, or other individual agreed upon by the student and the Office of Student Life.