CHAPTER 7 — CIVILIAN STUDENTS DISCIPLINARY SYSTEM
SECTION I — Purpose
A. General. The purpose of the disciplinary system is to create a positive learning environment, modify student behavior and develop self-discipline and personal responsibility in students in support of established community living standards and the principles of good citizenship on and off campus.
B. Applicability. These Rules and Regulations as well as the Norwich University Honor Code apply to all civilian students, including resident, commuter and architecture program (including Masters of Architecture), during the regular academic year and summer academic sessions, university breaks, holidays and vacations and while serving a suspension. The Dean of Students reserves the right to withhold a student’s registration and housing if there are any outstanding disciplinary sanctions or there is disciplinary action pending.
If a student’s actions or behaviors become questionable, the matter will be referred to the disciplinary system for resolution. The Dean of Students supervisory chain and residence life student leadership is responsible for enforcing University regulations and policies and must report infractions as soon as possible after the event (within 24 hours). The residence life student leadership is responsible for recommending disciplinary action to the Dean of Students and his/her staff for administering disciplinary measures in accordance with these rules and regulations.
SECTION II — Student Actions and Dean of Students Professional Staff Authority’s Responsibility
A. General. Each student must read the Norwich University Student Rules and Regulations and is subject to all regulations therein. The Dean of Students, Assistant Dean of Students, Director of Residence Life, Assistant Director of Residence Life, and student resident coordinators have the responsibility and authority to administer disciplinary actions for students under their supervisory authority. All leaders are encouraged to recognize those individuals who consistently meet and surpass community living standards with positive recognition. It is also necessary to assess disciplinary action against those students who fail to meet the standards and/or fail to adhere to the rules and regulations or any University policy. Dean of Students’ professional staff supervisors and residence life student leaders, in accordance with their level of authority, have the following administrative actions at their disposal:
1. Commendatory Actions
a) Complementary verbal recognition.
2. Corrective Measures
a) Verbal counseling/warning.
b) Written counseling/warning.
c) Restriction from a room, residence hall(s), or other buildings.
3. Major Disciplinary (Class 1) Offense:
a) Community restitution hours.
b) Restriction from co-curricular or extra-curricular representation/ activities.
c) Residential probation.
d) Denial of residential housing.
4. referral to the Dean of Students to convene an Administrative Disciplinary Hearing which may recommend sanctions upon a finding of guilty:
a) A letter of reprimand/admonishment.
b) Community restitution hours, restriction from co-curricular or extra- curricular representation/activities, residential probation, and/or denial of residential housing.
c) Disciplinary probation.
d) Suspension.
e) Dismissal.
B. Community Restitution Hours. Students who are assessed Community Restitution Hours (CRH) will be assigned a completion date and are responsible for coordinating completion of their work hours with the sanctioning official. Students who fail to complete their disciplinary sanctions by the assigned date will receive one reminder. The Dean of Students has the authority to prevent any student from registering and selecting housing for the following semester until disciplinary sanctions have been completed.
SECTION III — Major Disciplinary Actions
A. General. Students may be suspended or dismissed from Norwich University as provided for by these Regulations. The Dean of Students has final approval/ disapproval authority for all discharges, suspensions or dismissals. All hearings listed in this section are held in closed session as defined by Section IV, Due Process.
B. Major Disciplinary (Class I) Offenses. Students found guilty of committing major disciplinary (Class I) offenses may be assessed disciplinary action by designated Dean of Students’ professional staff authority and Residence Life student leaders (RCs), or an administrative disciplinary hearing convened by the Dean of Students depending on the severity of the offense. Class I offenses and sanctions for specific offenses are listed in Chapter 7, Index of Offenses. Class I offenses are defined as those violations of the University Rules and Regulations which, by the nature of severity of the offense, warrant a review or and possible disciplinary action assessment beyond the constraints of non-punitive action. In addition, any violation of University rules and regulations that is or is perceived to be in violation of Vermont State law may be referred to civil authorities.
C. Toleration of Violations. See Chapter 3.
D. Major Disciplinary (Class I) Summary Session. Designated Dean of Students’ professional staff and Residence Life student leaders in authority will exercise their administrative discipline punishment authority by conducting a Class I Summary
Session to adjudicate cases that involve violations of the rules and regulations that are not deemed to have the level of severity for which the potential sanction includes suspension or dismissal from the university. The Class 1 Summary Session will include the designated Dean of Students’ professional staff or student leader with administrative discipline authority and the respondent. It is strongly encouraged to have members of the respondent’s Dean of Students’ supervisory chain to provide information on the student’s record and provide recommendations as requested. A Dean of Students’ staff witness is recommended if members of the supervisory chain are not available. The designated Dean of Students’ professional staff or Residence Life student leader with administrative discipline authority will administer the Class I Summary Session using the procedures outlined in this document. The administrative discipline punishment authority will ensure the respondent is provided a fair and impartial hearing in which due process is provided as described below. It is very important to note the difference between the conduct of a Class I Summary Session and the conduct of an Administrative Discipline Hearing convened by the Dean of Students (Full Hearing Board or Dean’s Summary Session), or Norwich University Honor Board. Designated Dean of Students’ professional staff or Residence Life student leaders with administrative discipline authority exercising their level of authority may have significant involvement in organizational investigations and subsequently fulfill their administrative discipline authority responsibilities to adjudicate Class I Summary Sessions within their organization.
E. Administrative Discipline Hearings. An Administrative Discipline Hearing may be convened by the Dean of Students to hear major disciplinary (Class I) offenses that require members of the faculty, staff or civil authorities as witnesses and that could result in suspension or dismissal from the university. It will also hear such other cases as deemed appropriate by the Dean of Students. An Administrative Discipline Hearing is formed by one of two forums, a Full Hearing Board or a Dean’s Summary Session.
If a student enters a plea of “guilty” to an offense for which the potential punishment includes suspension or dismissal, (e.g., a third violation of the alcohol policy), the case will be referred to a Dean’s Summary Session.
If a student enters a plea of “not guilty” to an offense for which the potential punishment includes suspension or dismissal, the case will be referred to a Full Hearing Board. The board will hear evidence, determine guilt or innocence, and if guilt is determined, recommend an appropriate punishment to the Dean of Students.
1. Full Hearing Board. A full hearing board is comprised of individuals appointed by the Dean of Students from the staff, faculty and the civilian student population and consists of only three, five or seven members. The Dean of Students will appoint a president of the board, who will not be a voting member but will preside to present the case to the board and ensure due process is followed. One student observer from the class of the respondent is allowed to be present at open sessions of the board at the behest of the respondent.
a) The Administrative Discipline Hearing (Full Hearing Board) board president will submit a formal board report providing board findings and recommendations for punishment to the Dean of Students as the adjudicating official for all civilian students. The Dean of Students has the authority to uphold, rescind or amend, including increasing or decreasing a punishment, a punishment recommended by an Administrative Discipline Hearing (Full Hearing Board). In cases where guilt has been determined by a full hearing board, the Dean of Students will impose punishment after considering the board’s recommendation, precedent from similar cases, and any extenuating and mitigating factors relevant to the case being considered. For this reason, the punishment imposed by the Dean of Students may or may not follow the board’s recommendation.
b) All Administrative Discipline Hearings (Full Hearing Boards) will be conducted in accordance with NUSRR Supplemental Instructions for Administrative Discipline Hearing Board Procedures. These are procedures for internal use and will be maintained, reviewed, and updated annually by the DCD to ensure best practices.
2. Dean’s Summary Session. A Dean’s summary session consists of the Dean of Students and at least one Dean of students’ staff witness. The Dean of Students will review the facts of the case, listen to the individual statements and impose the appropriate punishment.
SECTION IV — Due Process
A. Introduction. Norwich University provides students with administrative due process which includes, but is not limited to, timely investigation; a hearing; cross- examination of available witnesses; warnings about self-incrimination, and the provision for appeal. The fundamental concept of fairness requires the provision of several of these tenets in our university due process. See Section B, below. In a particular case, the SVPSAT or Dean of Students has the authority to add additional due process steps or processes to the above if he/ she believes that it is central to fairness.
Note: The due process provided below is identical to those provided cadets participating in the Corps of Cadets. The Corps of Cadets due process is contained in Chapter 9, Corps of Cadets Disciplinary System, of this regulation.
B. Due Process Procedures. Due process is the term applied to the procedures that must be followed to bring a violator of these rules and regulations or civil law to justice. While all infractions and the ensuing corrective measures of these rules and regulations are purely administrative in nature (rather than judicial), due process will nevertheless be followed in all cases involving board action at Norwich. The steps in due process are as follows, and do not necessarily have to be followed in sequential order:
1. Conducting an impartial expeditious investigation to determine if the evidence supports the imposition of charge(s).
2. The following people cannot serve as a board member on an Administrative Discipline Hearing Board:
a) the person who investigates an alleged violation.
b) the adjudication official.
c) the appellate authority for that incident.
3. Notifying the individual of the potential charge(s) against him or her as soon as possible. He/she must be told at this time of his or her right to remain silent on matters that may be self-incriminating, that anything he/she says may be held against him or her, and that silence on these matters will not be taken as an indication of guilt.
4. Informing the respondent (charging session) if the investigation indicates that an infraction has occurred, and providing him or her with all the evidence that the investigation has disclosed.
5. Informing the respondent that he/she may choose any student he/she desires to advise him or her in the presentation to a Class I Summary Session. Only in the case of an Administrative Discipline Hearing (Full Hearing Board or Dean’s Summary Session), may he/she request the assistance of a member of the staff or faculty who does not possess legal qualifications. For all forums, the respondent’s identified advisor will be permitted to attend all open sessions of the hearing but will not be permitted to communicate to the adjudicating official/board. The respondent may quietly consult in the hearing room or ask for a short recess if they would like to communicate with their advisor. This consultation and/or recess will be granted for this purpose at the discretion of the adjudicating official/board president. Failure by the advising student or advising member of the staff or faculty to comply with these instructions will result in their dismissal from the proceedings. Recording devices other than that approved by the board president are not permitted.
6. Informing the respondent of his or her right to request voluntary resignation pending disciplinary or honor action. Such request must be made prior to appearing before an Administrative Discipline Hearing or Honor Board. If approved, the respondent will not be eligible for future readmission and cannot appeal the decision.
7. Providing the respondent with a minimum of 48 hours during business days [weekdays (Mon-Fri)] to prepare his or her presentation.
8. During the hearing, providing the respondent the right to be present at all open segments of the hearing.
9. Allowing the respondent to challenge any member of the Board for cause. The president of a hearing Board may not be challenged.
10. Providing the respondent with the right to present any material witnesses on his or her behalf, as to the facts in the case. And after the findings of the Board have been announced, allowing the respondent to introduce any mitigation or extenuation he/she feels relevant to the case, to include character witness statements. Allowing the respondent to have at a maximum one faculty member, one staff member, and one member of the student population, or any combination totaling three, attend the hearing to speak on his or her behalf. In addition, a maximum of three written statements are permitted for submission to the board.
11. Informing the respondent of his or her right to appeal should a finding of guilty be adjudged or if the student feels the sanction assessed in not in keeping with the NUSRR.
12. If an accused student fails to report for a scheduled hearing board the case will be heard with the accused student “in absentia” based on the evidence and witnesses provided.
SECTION V — Standard of Proof
A. General. The standard of proof for all administrative disciplinary actions conducted at Norwich University to include Class I Summary Sessions, Administrative Discipline Hearing Board (Full Hearing Board and Summary Session) and Honor Boards will be decided based on a preponderance of the evidence.
B. Preponderance of the Evidence. Adjudicating officials, administrative discipline hearing boards and honor boards must decide whether a case against the accused has been made under the Norwich University Student Rules and Regulations by a fair balance of the evidence, or as it is usually called—by a preponderance of the evidence. To understand the term—preponderance of the evidence—it is best if you conceive that you are weighing the evidence of the respective parties as in a balance. On one side you are weighing the case against the accused; on the other side you are weighing the evidence on behalf of the accused. If the evidence against the accused makes the down weight, your decision should be against the accused. However, if the accused’s evidence makes the down weight or if the scales hang even in your mind, then your decision should be for the accused. The preponderance of the evidence does not consist merely in having the greater number of witnesses. For it has been truly said that witnesses are to be weighed and not counted. Thus, one clearly knowledgeable witness may provide a preponderance of evidence over a dozen witnesses with murky testimony. In the last analysis, it is a question of credibility, and each individual adjudicating official or board member is the sole judge of that credibility. Another way to state preponderance of the evidence in a percentage form is that a preponderance of the evidence is over 50%, that by a preponderance of the evidence, over 50%, it is more probable than not that the infraction or offense occurred as alleged.
SECTION VI — Disciplinary System Procedures
A. Reporting Requirements. The residence life student leader supervisory chain will immediately inform the Dean of Students professional staff of incidents involving violence, hazing, bullying, assault, battery, stalking, sexual misconduct or assault, harassment, bias incident violations, violations of alcohol policy, possession of illegal substances or other serious breaches of state or federal law. Reports of lesser potential violations or information relating to the alleged violation should be reported to the supervisory chain as soon as practicable and followed up with a written report within 24 hours after making the initial report. Written reports will be recorded on a sworn statement form, incident statement form, Regimental Duty Office (RDO) Incident Report/Statement Form, NU Public Safety incident report, or other forms of memorandum annotated with the date/time written and an identifying signature. Reports should be forwarded to the designated Dean of Students adjudicating authority or Residence Life student leader in the supervisory chain.
B. Administrative Discipline Authority’s Responsibilities and Actions. The following steps provide a general outline of actions required of an investigating or adjudicating official. These steps should be applied with a full understanding and application of due process as described in Section IV, above.
1. Conduct an investigation to determine if there is evidence to supports one or more charges. Inform the accused of his/her due process rights as they relate to the investigation using the Due Process Checklist (NU Form 12.2).
2. Evaluate all the evidence to determine if reasonable grounds exist to believe the accused committed the alleged offense(s).
3. Complete a Disciplinary Charge Sheet (NU Form 12.3) at the appropriate level of authority based on the severity of the alleged violation(s).
4. Begin the charging action by informing the student of his or her due process rights using the Due Process Checklist (NU Form 12.2) (use the same form if the student was previously informed of these rights during the investigation and repeat the notification).
5. Inform the student of the alleged violations as indicated in the specific Class I charge(s) and read verbatim paragraph three of the Disciplinary Charge Sheet (NU Form 12.3). Provide the respondent with case materials and other evidence upon which the allegations are based.
6. Allow the respondent a 24 hour (one business day) period to plead to the charge(s) (unless waived).
7. Inform the respondent if you intend to adjudicate the case or intend to refer the case to a higher adjudicating authority. This decision is based on the discretion of the charging authority and the severity of the alleged violations as specified in the Index of Offenses (Chapter 7).
8. Provide and obtain appropriate signatures on the disciplinary charge sheet (NU Form 12.3).
9. Provide the respondent with a copy of the completed Disciplinary Charge Sheet (NU Form 12.3) and all applicable statements/evidence. Provide a 48 hour period (two business days) prior to conducting the adjudication of the case, unless waived by the respondent.
10. Adjudicate the case using a Class I Summary Session or Administrative Discipline Hearing (full hearing board or Dean’s summary session) as appropriate. Consider all relevant matters presented.
11. Render a decision: as a result of a Class I Summary Session or Administrative Discipline Hearing – Dean’s Summary Session. Complete the Disciplinary Case Disposition Form (NU Form 12.4). Provide the result to the respondent.
a) Conclude that the student did not commit the offence(s) alleged if there are not sufficient grounds for a finding of guilty. Inform the student and terminate the proceeding.
b) Conclude that the student committed one or more of the offences alleged.
1) Inform the student of the conclusion and the punishment imposed recorded on the Disciplinary Case Disposition Form (NU Form 12.4).
2) Inform the student of his or her right to appeal and annotate the Disciplinary Case Disposition Form (NU Form 12.4). Provide the student a copy of the form..
3) Provide student with formal letter detailing the punishment, provisions for appeal, and conditions for return as appropriate (Administrative Discipline Hearing – Dean’s Summary Session).
12. Render a decision: as a result of an Administrative Discipline Hearing – Full Hearing Board.
a) Conclude that the student did not commit the offence(s) alleged if there are not sufficient grounds for a finding of guilty. Inform the student and terminate the proceeding.
b) Conclude that the student committed one or more of the offences alleged.
1) Inform the student of conclusion and consider matters of extenuation and mitigation.
2) Full Hearing Board will inform the student that the recommended punishment will be forwarded to the convening authority.
3) Convening authority consider findings and recommendations from the board.
4) Convening authority will provide student with formal letter detailing sanctions, provisions for appeal, and conditions for return as appropriate.
13. Forward all case materials to the appropriate authorities.
14. Appellate authority will consider the appeal and provide a formal letter to the respondent regarding his/her final decision.
C. Failure to Appear. If a student fails to report to any Administrative Discipline Hearing (full hearing board or Dean’s summary session) the case may be heard without the student present based on evidence and witnesses provided. If a student cannot appear due to a cogent reason, the student should immediately notify the Office of the Dean of Students. During the school year and out of session periods students are obligated to monitor their Norwich email account on a daily basis. Notification by email constitutes official notification for information on due process, charging, administrative discipline hearings, and honor hearings.
D. Special Cases.
1. Suspected Class 1 offenses that are discovered within one month of reading day, in the fall or spring semester, and which could result in suspension or dismissal from the university will be adjudicated by an Administrative Discipline Hearing (Dean’s Summary Session) regardless of the plea entered by the student respondent. The Dean’s summary session will be convened as soon as possible after the completion of the investigation and due process for the accused. If necessary, a Dean’s summary session may be convened after the end of the final exam period. The appeal process is as described in Section VII of this chapter. A senior who is a candidate for graduation who has been charged with an honor or disciplinary violation during the last four weeks of classes will not have his/ her degree conferred or be issued a diploma until the case is resolved.
2. A senior who is a candidate for graduation and who has been found guilty of a Class I offense, with a penalty assessment of between 1 and 4, or an honor violation during the last four weeks of classes, will not participate in Commencement exercises, have his/her degree conferred or be issued a diploma until all sanctions are completed.
3. Request for a waiver of the walking stipulation of paragraph three must be presented in writing, in person, to the SVPSAT for timely action.
Note: If the Dean of Students is not available to adjudicate a case or hear an appeal or decides to recuse himself or herself from the case the SVPSAT will appoint a qualified interim official to exercise those functions and authorities. The SVPSAT may elect to adjudicate these cases and in that circumstance the appellate authority will be assumed by the President or his designee.
SECTION VII — Appeal
A. General. Under due process, a student adjudged guilty and punished under the provisions of a major disciplinary action has the right to have his or her case reviewed by the next higher judicial authority, acting as the appellate authority in the case, has several options available to him or her after reviewing the evidence in the case: uphold the finding and punishment imposed by the adjudicating official; uphold the finding and amend the punishment (decrease); or set aside both the finding and the punishment.
B. Appellate Authority for Disciplinary (Class I) Actions.
Adjudicating Official Appellate Authority
Resident Coordinator (RC) (Student) Associate Dean of Students (ADOS) or
Director of Residence Life (DRL) (Based on Organization)
ADOS, DRL, CCRL Dean of Students (DOS)
DOS SVPSAT (for punishments involving suspension or dismissal only)
Note: In extraordinary cases where the SVPSAT must recuse himself or herself, appellate authority will be assumed by the President or his or her designee. Otherwise, the SVPSAT makes these decisions for the President and the Board of Trustees, and his or her appellate decisions are considered final.
C. Appeal Process. A student has 48 hours (two business days) after the imposition of punishment to submit an appeal to the appropriate appellate authority. The appellate authority may approve an extension of time beyond the 48 hours if circumstances warrant an extension. An appeal must be typed, doubled spaced and hand delivered. In the case where an appeal cannot be delivered to the appellate, then the student making the appeal shall deliver the appeal to the adjudicating official. Any appeal initiated after 48 hours must be approved in writing by the Dean of Students for transmittal to the SVPSAT. All decisions rendered by the appellate authority are final. There is only one appeal in each case.
D. Requirements for Consideration of an Appeal. In order to be considered by an appellate authority, an appeal must include one or more of the following:
1. The introduction of new evidence that was not considered by the adjudicating official.
2. Reasonable grounds to argue that the evidence was insufficient for a finding of guilt.
3. Reasonable grounds to argue that due process was not provided.
4. The punishment imposed by the adjudicating official exceeds the normal penalty range prescribed by the Index of Offenses.
SECTION VIII — Refusal to Comply with Punishment
Once granted due process (to include the appeal process) and punished, a student does not have the right to refuse the punishment. If a student refuses to accept or comply with the punishment, the Dean of Students and the SVPSAT has the authority to put a disciplinary hold on a student’s account, suspend or dismiss the student from Norwich University.
SECTION IX — Effects of an Error to Norwich University Student Rules and Regulations
Failure to comply with any of the procedural provisions of these rules and regulations or the NUSRR Supplemental Instructions shall not invalidate a punishment imposed for a major disciplinary (Class I) offense, unless the error materially prejudices a substantial right of the student on whom the punishment is imposed.
SECTION X — Disciplinary Probation
The SVPSAT and the Dean of Students may place a student on disciplinary probation as a rehabilitative measure if found guilty of a Class I offense. The duration of the probation will be prescribed by the official imposing the probation. Any student who is found guilty of a Class I offense and is imposed a punishment of penalty numbers one through four while on disciplinary probation will be administratively separated from the University under the provisions of administrative separation.
SECTION XI — Separation from the University
A. General. The SVPSAT or Dean of Students have the authority to suspend or dismiss any student from the university. Suspensions may remain in effect for one calendar year. Dismissals are permanent. The administering official will instruct a student to remove himself or herself themselves from the university by a specific time and date. See Chapter 3 for additional information on separation from the university.
B. Administrative Separation. The Dean of Students may administratively separate any civilian student who consistently fails to maintain acceptable community standards, violates disciplinary probation, or who requires an inordinate amount of supervision. The SVPSAT will act as the appellate authority for administrative separation actions under this provision.
C. Immediate Interim Suspension. The Dean of Students or the SVPSAT may impose an immediate interim suspension whenever it is determined that a student’s behavior constitutes a danger to other students or property, or is unreasonably disruptive to the learning environment. An immediate interim suspension will remain in effect until completion of the disciplinary process. The results of the disciplinary process will determine the student’s standing. Immediate interim suspension will not be based on a presumption of guilt, but rather on the consideration criteria stated above. A student being considered for immediate interim suspension will be afforded the opportunity of an informal hearing with the administering official. The purpose of this meeting will be to inform the student of the reasons for the suspension and allow the student to indicate why his or her presence on university grounds does not meet the consideration criteria stated above. Students placed on immediate interim suspension will have no more than 24 hours to vacate Norwich University. The student will be responsible for all costs associated with travel, meals and lodging.
D. Dismissal. A student may be dismissed from the university if found guilty of specific major disciplinary (Class I) offenses, violations of these rules and regulations, university policies or honor code. In all cases, students will be afforded due process. A student dismissed for honor or discipline reasons will have their deportment file permanently annotated to reflect the dismissal and its cause. A dismissed student will not be readmitted to Norwich University nor have a diploma conferred by Norwich University.
E. Return to University Grounds. Students who have been dismissed, suspended or otherwise removed from Norwich University will not return to the university without written permission from the Dean of Students or SVPSAT. A student suspended from the university may be granted permission to return to campus for final examinations under the terms specified by the SVPSAT or Dean of Students if the suspension occurs within the last two weeks of regularly scheduled classes or if the individual concerned is a second semester senior or is being suspended with no expectation of returning to Norwich University. A suspended student who returns to the university without permission will not receive favorable consideration on an application for readmission and may be subject to civil action for trespassing.
SECTION XII — Dean of Students Professional Staff and Residence Life Student Leaders Administrative Discipline Authority
The following index prescribes the specific range of punishments each level of adjudicating official is authorized to impose as a result of major disciplinary actions (Class I):
1. Student resident coordinators may impose penalties from #7 through #6.
2. ADOS, DRL, or Assistant Director of Residence Life (ADORL) may impose penalties from #7 through #3 (including additional penalties as described in the Index of Offenses below).
3. The SVPSAT or Dean of Students may impose #7 through #1.
There are several alleged violations that fall into the Dean of Students scope of authority, for liability reasons, and will be investigated and acted on by the Dean of Students professional staff or a designated independent investigator. These alleged violations include but are not limited to the following:
• Violations involving violence.
• Hazing.
• Bullying.
• Assault.
•. Battery.
• Stalking.
• Sexual misconduct or assault.
• Harassment.
• Bias incident violation.
• Violations of alcohol policy.
• Possession of illegal substances.
• Other serious breaches of State or Federal law.
The residence life student leaders with adjudicating authority have the responsibility to immediately report the alleged violations involving these serious breaches to their Dean of Students professional staff supervisors.
A report of any major alleged disciplinary (Class I) action acted upon by the residence life student leaders with adjudicating authority must be submitted to the appropriate Dean of Students’ professional staff supervisor within 24 hours of such action.
SECTION XIII — Penalty Index for Major Disciplinary (Class I) Offenses
The following index relates penalty numbers to specific punishments for use in the Index of Offenses section.
Penalty # Punishment
1 Dismissal
2 Suspension
3 40 CRH
4 30-39 CRH
5 20-29 CRH
6 10-19 CRH
7 1-9 CRH
SECTION XIV — Index of Major Disciplinary (Class I) Offenses
The following index prescribes the range of punishments that may be imposed by the SVPSAT, Dean of Students, designated Dean of Students professional staff, residence life student leaders with adjudicating authority, or recommended by an Administrative Discipline Hearing Board depending upon the gravity of the Class I offense.
Class I Offense Abbreviation Penalty
Arson AR 1
Assault A 1 - 4**
2nd Offense 1 - 2
Assault and Battery AB 1 – 3**
Bias Incident Violation BIV 1 – 5*
Bringing Discredit on the University BDU 1 – 5**
2nd Offense 1 - 4
Bullying BU 1 – 4**
2nd Offense 1 – 2
Conduct Unbecoming a Student CUB 4 – 7**
2nd Offense 2 - 4
3rd Offense 1 - 2
Damaging University Property DUP 1 - 7**
Defamation DEF 4 - 7
2nd Offense 2 - 4
3rd Offense 1 - 2
Dereliction in the Performance of Duties DPD 3 - 7
Disorderly Conduct DC 4 – 7**
2nd Offense 2 - 4
3rd Offense 1 - 2
Disregard for the Safety of Others DSO 1 – 5**
2nd Offense 1 - 3
Disrespect DR 4 – 6**
2nd Offense 2 - 4
3rd Offense 1 - 2
Entry into Off Limits Areas EOLA 2 – 4**
2nd Offense 1 - 2
Entering Room in Barracks or Residence Hall
without Authority ER 2 – 4**
Failure to Comply with Fire and Safety Regs FCFSR 1 – 7
Failure to Comply with University Official FCUO 4 – 6**
2nd Offense 2 - 4
3rd Offense 1 - 2
Fighting FGT 1 – 5**
2nd Offense 1 - 4
Gambling G 4 - 7
Harassing Communication HC 1 - 7
Hazing H 1 – 4**
2nd Offense 1 - 2
Incomplete Official Report or Statement IORS 2 – 5**
2nd Offense 1-4
Infringement on the Rights or Privacy of others IRPO 6 - 7
2nd Offense 2 - 4
3rd Offense 1 - 2
Intimidation I 1 - 7**
Littering L 4 - 7
Lewd and Lascivious Conduct LLC 4 - 5*
2nd Offense 2 - 3*
3rd Offense 1 - 2
Loitering/Prowling/Failure to Identify LPFI 2 – 5**
Misuse of University Property MUP 5 - 7
2nd Offense 2 - 4
3rd Offense 1 - 2
Obstruction of an Investigation OI 2-7
Possession or Use of Firearms
on University Grounds PFUG 1 - 2
Possession or Use of Weapons or
Ammunition on University Grounds PWUG 2 – 5**
Possession or Use of Controlled
Substances or Drug Paraphernalia PUCSDP 1 - 2
Possession or Use of Prohibited Substances PUPS 1 – 3**
Possession, Use, or Sale of Fireworks PF 2 – 7**
Possession of MRE Heaters PMH 3 – 5**
2nd Offense 1 - 2
Use or Possession of a Fabricated
Explosive Device UFED 1 – 2
2nd Offense 1
Refusal to Comply with Punishment RCP 1 - 2
Refusal to Comply with No Contact Order RNCO 1 – 4**
Soliciting Business Without Authority SBA 4 - 7
Threat T 1 – 7**
Toleration of Violations
(Up to the level of the violation) TV 1 - 7
Vandalism V 2 – 4**
2nd Offense 1 - 3
3rd Offense 1 - 2
Violation of Alcohol Policy VAP
Possess, consume on campus $ 200.00 fine***
Disorderly Conduct under the
Influence of Alcohol VAPDC $200.00 fine*** and 3-5
Penalty Second violation of Alcohol Policy VAP2 $500.00 fine***
Third violation of Alcohol Policy VAP3 1 - 2
Furnishing Alcohol to Minors
(younger than age 21) VAPFM 1 - 2
Toleration of Violations –
Violation of Alcohol Policy VAPT $200.00 fine*** (sustained)
Violation of Acceptable Use Policy VAUP 1 – 7
Violation of Non-Discrimination/
Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and
Stalking Policy (Adjudicated by the EEO Office) 1 – 2
Violation of Conduct related to Non-Discrimination/
Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence,
and Stalking Policy 1- 4*
Violation of Residential Policy VRP 1 - 7
Violation of Tobacco Policy VTP 6 – 7**
2nd Offense 4 - 5
3rd Offense 3 - 4
Voyeurism VOY 1 - 3*
* Students found guilty of these violations are required to attend three hours of mandatory training/education on the Norwich University Policy on Non-Discrimination/Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and Stalking Policy and Community Standards of Conduct. The respondent will be required to pay a $200 fee for the cost associated with this training/education requirement. This additional requirement will be annotated by the adjudicating official on the Disciplinary Case Disposition Form (NU Form-12.4) and will be administered by the Norwich University Equal Opportunity Office.
** Students found guilty of these violations may also be sanctioned with no co-curricular or extra-curricular representation (NCCR) in events and contests for a minimum of 10 days at the discretion of the Dean of Students’ professional staff adjudicating the case. These sanctions will be annotated by the adjudicating official on the Disciplinary Case Disposition Form (NU Form-12.4).
*** A $200 fine penalty level does not trigger a previously enacted disciplinary probation and may only be imposed by a Student Affairs staff member when adjudicating a first violation of the alcohol policy. A $500 fine penalty level does trigger a previously enacted disciplinary probation resulting in administrative separation and may only be imposed by a Student Affairs staff member when adjudicating a second violation of the alcohol policy (including disorderly conduct under the influence). On the first violation of the alcohol policy, possess or consume on campus, a student may be required to complete an alcohol education program. The decision whether to refer the student is left to the staff member adjudicating the case. A second violation of alcohol policy will result in a mandatory alcohol education program being imposed. An alcohol education program is required for the alcohol violation of disorderly conduct under the influence. Staff members adjudicating these cases will refer the student to a licensed provider. Toleration of Violations - Violation of Alcohol Policy (VAP) will result in a fine of $200 for the initial offense and any subsequent offenses. Students guilty of toleration more than once will not be subject to an escalation of fines for repeated offenses.
Related article: Code of Conduct and Disciplinary System – Corps of Cadets
The full handbook edition is available for download here: 2019 Student Rules and Regulations (PDF 1.3MB)
