Conduct Sanctions

A written warning is a formal letter issued by the Office of Community Standards or a designee to a student or student organization indicating that they have been found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct. Written warnings are typically issued for first-time offenses and serve as a formal, written reminder of the University’s community standards and expectations. This sanction is intended to alert the individual or group that further violations may result in more serious disciplinary action.

A disciplinary warning is a formal letter from the Office of Community Standards, or a designee, to a student or student organization indicating they have been found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct. A disciplinary warning will be in effect for a specified time period. If the student or student organization is found responsible for another violation of the Student Code of Conduct during this sanction period, an additional sanction may be imposed.

Disciplinary probation is a formal notice that a student’s or student organization’s status at the University is jeopardized due to one or more violations of the Student Code of Conduct. This sanction will be in effect for a specified period of time. If the student or student organization is found responsible for another violation of the Student Code of Conduct during this probationary period, additional sanction may be imposed that may include “removal from University housing,” “suspension from the University,” or “expulsion from the University.”

While on disciplinary probation, a student is not permitted to serve as a member of the Student Council or a standing University committee, as an executive board member of a student organization, or on the residential life or orientation staff.  Student organizations on disciplinary probation may face restrictions on leadership roles, participation in University sponsored events, or eligibility for funding or recognition. Additionally, students should be aware disciplinary probation may also affect their eligibility to study abroad.

Suspension from the University is a student’s temporary separation from the University, without financial reimbursement, for a specified period, after which the student may resume their studies at the University without applying for readmission. A suspended student may not engage in University activities, use any University facilities, or utilize any University facilities.

Dismissal from the University is a student’s separation from the University, without financial reimbursement, for a specified period, after which the student may resume their studies only after an interview with the Dean of Students or their designee and after compliance with any other parameters imposed due to the dismissal. Reinstatement of student status is not guaranteed. While on dismissal status, the student may not engage in University activities, use any University facilities, or utilize any University facilities.

Expulsion from the University is a student’s permanent dismissal from the University without financial reimbursement and without the right to return. Expulsion results in the forfeiture of all rights and degrees not conferred prior to the time of the expulsion. An expelled student no longer has the privileges of matriculating and may not engage in university activities, use any University facilities, or utilize any University facilities. Expulsion from the University may also be noted on the student’s academic transcript.

For a definite or indefinite period, a student is restricted from all or a portion of any University premises, University-sponsored activity, or University resources.

Stayed Disciplinary is a letter from the Office of Community Standards, or designee, to a student indicating the student is responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct, but that enforcement of any sanction is being suspended if the student follows the prescribed behavioral and/or performance expectations outlined in the letter. If the student fails to adhere to the behavioral and/or performance expectations or is found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct again during this sanction period, the sanction that would have been imposed but was stayed, or potentially a more severe sanction, may be imposed.

A sanction requiring a student or student organization to complete a designated number of service hours with an approved campus or local organization. Community service is assigned to help students reflect on the impact of their behavior, contribute positively to the community, and engage in meaningful, values-based work. All community service must be per-approved by OCS and verified upon completion. In some cases, students may be asked to submit a short reflection to reinforce the learning outcome of the sanction.

An assignment requiring the student to explore the policy they violated, consider the effects of their behavior on themselves and others, and articulate what they have learned. This may take the form of a written essay, a research project, a presentation, or another format appropriate to the case.

A payment to the University or to an individual for physical damage caused to private or University owned property. Restitution is used to cover the direct cost associated with repairs or replacement items.

A student or student organization may lose specific Clark-related privileges for a designated time period. This may include, but is not limited to, loss eligibility to have a car on campus, access to residence halls or other campus facilities, use of University-owned equipment or space, access to Clark technology or electronic systems, or participation in certain events, programs, or University-sponsored activities. This sanction may also include removal from leadership roles, student employment positions, or participation in student groups, clubs, or organizations.

A student is required to move from their current on-campus housing assignment to a different residence hall or room. This may be implemented to address behavioral concerns, reduce conflict, or support the safety and well-being of individuals or the Clark community. Relocation decisions are made by OCS in consultation with Residential Life & Housing.

A student is permanently removed from campus housing. The student will not receive a refund for housing fees and will lose the privilege of visiting any university-owned residential facilities. This sanction is typically imposed when a student’s continued presence in the residential community poses a risk to others or disrupts the living environment.

A student is required to participate in counseling sessions and/or educational programs focused on substance use and its effects. This may include individual or group counseling, workshops, or online courses. Participation is intended to promote understanding, responsible decision-making, and healthier choices. Some programs may involve a fee for service, which the student is responsible for covering.

An interim suspension may be imposed by the Dean of Students or their designee for any of the following reasons:

• To ensure the health, safety, or well-being of the members of the University community
• To ensure a student’s own personal health, safety, or well-being
• If a student, student group, or organization poses a substantial threat of disruption or interference with the normal operations of the University

While the interim suspension status is in effect, a student may be denied access to classes, activities, and facilities until the conduct process has been completed. A student who seeks to appeal an interim suspension should follow the appeals process outlined on page 11.

A no-contact order is an administrative directive issued by the University that prohibits one or more students from initiating or having any form of contact with another student. This includes in-person interactions, phone calls, text messages, emails, social media communication, and third-party contact. No-contact orders are not disciplinary in nature (unless issued as a sanction) and are issued to promote safety, reduce conflict, or prevent escalation of conflict.

A no-contact order is issued by the Dean of Students or their designee by email.

A no-contact order will remain in effect until the Office of Community Standards provides written notice of its termination to the involved parties via email, or until one or both parties are no longer affiliated with the University.

An intentional violation of a no-contact order is considered an additional violation of the Code and may result in disciplinary action. A student who believes another student has violated a no-contact order should file a report in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Student Code of Conduct. Incidental interactions between student’s subject to a no-contact order is typically not considered an intentional violation of the no-contact order.

An administrative disciplinary hold is placed on a student’s academic record if the student has not completed a disciplinary sanction or has withdrawn from the University while a report is pending but before it is adjudicated through the conduct process.

RSOs may be held accountable for violations when any of the following conditions apply:

• The violation was sanctioned by an officer of the RSO, or was known to officers beforehand.
• The RSO funds financed the venture which led to the violation or in which the violation was facilitated.
• The RSO substantially supported, sponsored, or endorsed the violation.
• The violation occurred during any RSO-sponsored activity.
• Members of the RSO knew of the violation and did not take reasonable steps to prevent it.
• The RSO knew of the violation and failed to report the incident or chose to overlook or minimize the actions or behaviors of their members.
• A reasonable person would understand the behavior to fall within the RSO’s activity scope.
• The violation demonstrated a pattern of misconduct by the RSO’s members

Office of Student Leadership, Identity, and Community Engagement (SLICE) oversees all recognized student groups/organizations, including club sports (RSOs). The Office of Community Standards coordinates adjudication of alleged violations by RSOs.

In cases involving RSOs, the Respondent may be an individual(s) student acting on behalf of the organization and/or the RSO itself.

Responsibility determinations are based on a preponderance of the evidence (whether it is more likely than not the RSO is responsible for violating University policy). Records are maintained according to the University’s retention schedule.

The Student Organization Conduct Standards process includes the following steps:

1. A report: A report is filed with the Office of Community Standards (OCS), which will coordinate the Conduct Process.
2. Initial meeting: During the initial meeting, the OCS staff member or their designee will explain the conduct process and inform the RSO executive leadership of the alleged violation(s). The RSO’s executive leadership will be provided the opportunity to accept responsibility for the alleged violation(s) during the initial meeting but is not required to do so.  See Initial meeting on page 9 for more information about this process.
3. Evidence gathering: This process involves collecting evidence to assess the validity of the report.
4. Hearing: If the OCS determines that formal conduct proceedings are warranted, the executive board of the student group/organization will be notified by OCS. Either an Administrative Hearing or UCB Hearing will be scheduled within a reasonable time frame. See Administrative Hearing or UCB Hearing on page 10 for more information about this process.
5. Outcome: The determination of responsibility and sanctions will be communicated to the RSO within seven business days.  Sanctions for RSO conduct may include revocation or denial of University recognition, as well as other appropriate sanctions pursuant to the sanctions outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
6. Appeal: The RSO may appeal using the appeal procedures detailed on page 11.

During the procedures, the University may impose interim measures on the student group/organization, including, but not limited to, interim suspension of the student group/organization and/or prohibition of activities, use of university facilities, access to storage space, access to university space, or ability to engage.