This page serves as an extension of the Community Standards Policy. It provides an overview on Carleton’s student conduct process, with special emphasis on social misconduct. For more detailed information about student conduct, social misconduct, sexual misconduct, or academic honesty and personal integrity, please review the community policies & guidelines in the Campus Handbook. 

Student Conduct Philosophy

Carleton students, as members of a residential community dedicated to learning, should act responsibly and respectfully, and hold themselves and others accountable. The student conduct system at Carleton is guided by the community standards policy and addresses violations through a private, consistent, yet individualized process.

Education and the development of the whole person is a guiding principle and recognizes students are developing skills and knowledge that should assist them to make positive life choices. Therefore, follow-up and sanctions associated with violations of community standards encourage students to reflect intentionally on incidents, identify areas for personal growth, and use campus and/or community resources to support this growth.

Responses to Alleged Violations of College Policy;

Incident reports are typically made by Security Officers and Residential Life staff. However, any member of the Carleton College community may file a report by filling out a Community Concern Form. The Dean of Students Office determines who will follow up with the student(s). As part of the investigation the staff member determines whether the alleged violation is an act of academic dishonesty and personal integrity, sexual misconduct, or social misconduct.

The College resolves allegations through both informal responses and formal disciplinary action. The resolution path is often based on the seriousness of the concern and whether the actions violate the Community Standards or other College policies.

Informal Response

The system of response to allegations of student misconduct is an educational one. The very nature of a residential college creates opportunities and challenges for young adults living in community, some for the first time. It is not unusual for young adults to occasionally exercise poor judgments, act insensitively or without thinking, or engage in inappropriate behaviors. Consequently, many minor incidents (e.g., excessive noise, roommate conflicts) are handled informally through conflict resolution, mediation, or simple agreements that the parties involved will cease and desist certain conduct. Such cases usually do not result in official disciplinary records or sanctions, but may be introduced at a later date if patterns of unacceptable behavior emerge.

Formal Disciplinary Action

When it is neither possible nor appropriate to resolve a conflict or disciplinary matter informally, the alleged violation is forwarded to the Dean of Students Office or Provost’s Office for action by staff. Students who violate College policies may be required to go through a formal disciplinary process.

There are three categories of policies that are covered within the Community Standards Policy: Academic Misconduct, Sexual Misconduct, and Social Misconduct. Each policy has a separate and distinct method of resolution. Follow the links below for information about each process.  

Once an investigation is complete, the appropriate authority determines whether a violation of College policy has occurred, based on a preponderance of evidence (i.e., whether it is more likely than not that a violation occurred). If a violation is found, sanctions may be assigned.

Sanctions for Social Misconduct

Disciplinary sanctions may be administered to students in violation of the Community Standards Policy. Sanctions may also be imposed upon groups and organizations as well as individuals. More than one sanction may be imposed at one time. Please note that when determining sanctions, every case is viewed individually, and any prior violations of Community Standards for Students will be taken into consideration.

Disciplinary Status Sanctions

Written Warning

A written notification to a student that their behavior violated campus policy and that continuation or repetition of such conduct may result in more severe disciplinary sanctions.

Residential Probation

Residential Probation is a disciplinary status for a specified period of time that implies any additional policy violations during the probationary period may result in further disciplinary sanctions. During the probationary period certain benefits, including but not limited to hosting privileges of social gatherings, may be denied to a student.

  • Students are put on residential probation status when found responsible for violations of the alcohol and drug policy, after repetitive violations, and/or for actions that show disregard for the broader residential community.
  • Written confirmation of residential probation is retained in a student’s record until graduation, and may be taken into account in judging the seriousness of any future violation, but is thereafter expunged.
  • In some circumstances, students on residential probation may be relocated within or be removed from campus housing.

Disciplinary Probation

Disciplinary Probation is a disciplinary status for a specified period of time that implies any future violation(s), of any kind, during that time, may be grounds for suspension, or in especially serious cases, expulsion from the College. Any additional policy violations that occur during the probationary period will result in further disciplinary sanctions.

  • Students are put on disciplinary probation status when found responsible for violations they were already on residential probation for, after repetitive violations, and/or policy violations of a more serious nature. Generally this change of status will be determined by the Dean of Students Office or a Hearing Board. 
  • Disciplinary probation is retained in a student’s record until graduation, and will be taken into account in judging the seriousness of any future violation(s) even if the probationary period has expired, but is thereafter expunged. It may also preclude a student from participating in certain programs or activities, or holding certain positions on campus.
  • Social benefits, such as hosting privileges of social gatherings, may be denied to students on disciplinary probation.
  • In some circumstances, students on disciplinary probation may be relocated within or be removed from campus housing. 

Suspension

Suspension is the termination of a student’s enrollment at the College for a specified period of time.

  • A suspension is recorded on a student’s transcript. Relevant information remains on the student’s record for five years after graduation and may be disclosed by the Dean of Students Office where authorized or required.
  • The Dean of Students (or their designee) may bar suspended students from campus and revoke other student privileges during the period of suspension. This includes, but is not limited to, access to campus facilities, access to College events, and/or access to Carleton email.
  • There may also be requirements the student needs to fulfill in order to return after the suspension period, which will be detailed in the determination letter.

Expulsion

Expulsion is a permanent termination of enrollment with no further opportunity to study at the College and loss of all student privileges.

  • An expulsion is recorded on a student’s transcript. Relevant information remains on the student’s record at the College for ten years following the expulsion and may be disclosed by the Dean of Students Office where authorized or required.
  • Expelled students are barred from campus and College events, absent express written permission from the Dean of Students.

Additional Sanctions

Chemical Health Assessment

Performed by a qualified chemical dependency counselor for the purpose of determining possible patterns of abuse. The student is encouraged to follow the treatment recommendation(s) provided by the counselor.

Educational Sanctions

Assignments at the discretion of the conduct officer aimed at further education or reflection around a behavior or choice made by the student.

Life Safety Fines

Fines assessed in response to violations of community standards that are safety concerns and could pose a threat to individuals’ lives.

Restitution

Reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of College or individual property.

Revocation of Privileges

May include exclusion from College housing, the loss of hosting privileges, or restricted access to College activities and programs on or off campus.

Other

Student Life Staff and Hearing Boards may choose to administer a sanction not mentioned above, in line with the student conduct philosophy.

Interim Measures

Interim Measures may be taken when there are concerns about a student’s safety or the safety of others while allegations are being investigated and before a final determination can be made.

Interim Suspension

 Carleton College administrators are authorized to temporarily suspend a student before a final determination can be made. This may be appropriate when immediate separation from the College is needed for a period defined by the Dean of Students to, among other things:

  1. Ensure the safety and well-being of people and property, or 
  2. Prevent disruption or interference of normal operations of the College.

No Contact Orders

Carleton College administrators are authorized to issue a No Contact Order (NCO) prohibiting contact between students where, among other things, the College determines there exists a reasonable concern that physical or psychological harm may result from such contact. (see the No Contact Order webpage for more information).

Housing relocation

Carleton College administrators are authorized to require a student to move to a new location when the College determines creating distance between students is needed to promote the safety and well-being of people and property, students are unable to remain in the same living community, or where otherwise deemed appropriate by the College.

Appeal Procedures for Social Misconduct

Students found in violation through administrative resolution may appeal within seven (7) days of receipt of the original disciplinary decision. After seven days the right of appeal is no longer available and the decision is final.

In the appeal process, the appealing student is denominated the “Respondent.” The Respondent must submit their letter of appeal to the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Community Standards to start an appeal. The Respondent must state all grounds for their appeal and indicate whether they are appealing the finding of a violation or the sanctions assigned, or both.

The Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Community Standards will review appeals by students who were found responsible for violations of the Community Standards which were adjudicated by a member of the Residential Life Staff. 

In cases where the Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Community Standards serves as the conduct officer, the appeal will be referred to the Judicial Hearing Board (JHB).

The Judicial Hearing Board

Composition of the Board

Two students appointed by the CSA; two faculty members appointed by the FAC (one of whom serves as the Hearing Officer & chairs the hearing); one staff member appointed by the President. Alternates: One Hearing Officer, two students, one faculty member, one staff member.

Coordination of the Hearing

The Dean of Students Office coordinates all hearings. 

Judicial Hearing Board Process

The following is an outline of the procedure for an appeal of an administrative resolution of social misconduct.

  • Any appeal must be made within seven (7) days of receipt of the decision. The student respondent should submit a letter of appeal to the Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Community Standards by this deadline.
  • An appeal letter should state whether the Respondent is challenging the finding of a violation, the sanctions, or both, and the reason for appealing.   
  • Appeals are heard by the College’s Judicial Hearing Board (JHB). The College will schedule a hearing before the JHB on any appeal(s) in a timely manner, when possible, depending on availability of all parties and JHB members.
  • The Social Misconduct Investigation & Administrative Resolution Report will serve as the formal charge. Respondents will receive a copy of the report and its exhibits prior to the appeal hearing.
  • JHB hearings are not open to the public. Any Respondent who appeals must attend the hearing. At the hearing, an appealing Respondent may:
    • Respond to allegations and offer testimony on the incident in question;
    • Call witnesses who can offer material testimony;
    • Present evidence pertinent to the case; and
    • Question witnesses and challenge evidence.
  • A Respondent must present their own case. A Respondent may have up to two advisors present at the hearing, but an advisor cannot speak or present the case on behalf of the Respondent and is restricted to providing support and limited assistance.
  • Once all testimony has been heard, the hearing is closed to participants and the JHB deliberates.
  • The JHB determines whether a violation of College policy has occurred by applying a preponderance of the evidence standard and by majority vote. The Hearing Officer votes only to break a tie. If a violation is found, the JHB determines appropriate sanctions.
  • The decision of the JHB is communicated to the Respondent at the conclusion of the deliberations. Written notice of the decision will also be provided on a later day.
  • The JHB decision is final and can be appealed only on the basis of procedural error or new information. This determination is made by the Dean of Students. If an appeal is warranted, the JHB re-hears the case.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Carleton College is committed to providing appropriate accommodations to students with disabilities so that all students have meaningful access to all College programs and services, including a hearing process.

Students with disabilities involved in a hearing process, including complainants, respondents, witnesses, or a support person, may be entitled to reasonable accommodations. Accommodation requests should be made at least one week before the accommodation is needed. Requests will be considered on shorter notice whenever possible.

The request will be reviewed by the Director of Accessibility Resources (or designee) who will determine whether the accommodation(s) will be granted. The Director may require the student to provide appropriate documentation from a qualified health care professional to support the request. The student will be provided with an interactive process to discuss the need for the accommodation.

Contact Accessibility Resources with requests for accommodations.