Violations and Outcomes Framework
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Outcomes resulting from Honor Code and Code of Conduct violations become part of a student’s conduct record. Certain violation types and outcomes may be reported internally and externally, in accordance with the appropriate policies noted here: https://studentconduct.wfu.edu/student-conduct-process/student-conduct-record-disclosure-policy/
The outcome framework is a guide for decision-making. The nature of thesanctions are deleted upon graduation. Certain violation and specific circumstances will be considered when determining the actual outcome. Outcomes are issued on a case-by-case basis and may not be reflected here, depending on the nature and severity of the violation, the presence of mitigating or aggravating circumstances, or whether the student has had a prior conduct finding. Wake Forest facilitates learning through student conduct by providing tools and resources to assist students in learning from their experiences to make better decisions in the future. Wake Forest believes in supporting students while challenging their behaviors, decisions, and actions. Conduct Officers and Panelists are encouraged to consider educational outcomes which encourage critical thinking as well as outcomes focused on accountability for actions, behaviors, and decisions and the safety and security of the University community.
Educational outcomes can include learning-based opportunities, such as research and reflection; educational outcomes can also include opportunities to separate the student from the university for a period of time as a means to support reflection and education.
The following outcomes, or combination of outcomes (with or without modifications) may be assigned to any Student or Organization found to have violated the Code. Certain outcomes may result in a financial cost to the Student or Organization.
Outcomes may be deferred to subsequent dates, semesters, or years if a student leaves the University, goes on Continuous Enrollment Status, studies abroad, or is otherwise unable to complete required outcomes.
The Office of the Dean of Students may prevent course registration, including both adding and withdrawing from classes, or receipt of transcript in cases of non-compliance.
Any individual or combination of the below outcomes in this section may be applied to a Student or Organization when found responsible for violating the Code of Conduct.
“Behavioral Requirement or Educational Program” Requirement to attend, present, and/or participate in a program or sequence of programs related to the violation. Required activities may include, but are not limited to, mentoring, research papers, reflection papers, and workshops. The activities may be on campus, off campus, or on-line.
“Community Service” Assignment to work a specific number of hours at a community service site approved by the Office of Student Conduct and may be on or off campus.
“Restitution” Payment for damage caused to the University or any person’s property. Such payment may cover to restore or recover the value of the property destroyed, damaged, consumed, or stolen; it is not a fine.
“Restorative Actions” Requirement to engage in actions that attempt to make amends for the negative impact of a violation and to repair the harm that resulted from the misconduct. These actions may include activities such as letters of apology, drafting and implementing a plan of resolution, engaging in restorative justice conferences, or developing plans for reintegration.
“Activities Suspension” Limited participation in non-academic activities for a specified period of time, as identified by the Conduct Officer. This may include ineligibility to participate or hold office in any Organization at the University or to represent the university outside of the community. Participation in study abroad programs, non-academic conferences/retreats, Organizations, or intramural teams will be considered and may be limited by decision of the Conduct Officer. Work-study jobs are not suspended during this time. Any clarification concerning other activities that may be affected will be made by the Dean of Students or designee.
“Disciplinary Probation” A specified period of time official censure and heightened scrutiny of the student’s behavior during which a student is given the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to abide by the community’s expectations of behavior articulated in the Student Code of Conduct. If the student is found “responsible” for another violation of the Code during this period, serious consideration will be given to imposing an outcome of suspension. A student may be required to meet periodically with a Dean (or other University official) during their period of probation. A student on Disciplinary Probation is still in good standing and may participate in Organizations, leadership positions, campus employment, and study abroad programs unless otherwise indicated by the Conduct Officer.
“Disciplinary Warning” A specified period of time during which a student is given the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to abide by the community’s expectations of behavior articulated in the Student Code of Conduct. If a student is found responsible for another violation of the Code during this period, it may result in more severe outcomes. A student may be required to meet periodically with a Dean (or other University official) during this period.
“University Housing Probation” Official notice that, should further violations of the Student Conduct Code occur during a specified probationary period, the student may be immediately removed from University Housing. Regular probationary meetings may also be imposed.
“University Housing Reassignment” Reassignment to another University housing facility as determined by the Department of Residence Life and Housing.
“University Housing Suspension or Expulsion” Removal from University housing for a specified period of time up to, and including, permanent removal. Conditions for readmission to University housing may be specified. Under this outcome, a student is required to vacate University housing within 24-hours of notification of the action, though this deadline may be extended upon application to, and at the discretion of, the Dean of Residence Life and Housing. This outcome may be enforced with a trespass action if deemed necessary. This outcome may include a restriction to specified buildings or all University housing during the period of suspension or expulsion.
“On-campus Living Requirement” Removal from off-campus housing assignment to a University housing facility as determined by the Department of Residence Life and Housing.
“Residency Requirement Extension” Requirement to live on-campus beyond the specified residency requirement period. This requirement may be for a specified period of time up to a permanent extension throughout the duration of the student’s enrollment as an undergraduate student at the University.
“Suspension Withheld” A specified period of time during which the student is considered not in good conduct standing with the University. This outcome is assigned for violations serious enough to warrant suspension from the University, but the student is given an opportunity to remain enrolled at the University. During this period, if the student is found responsible for violating additional parts of the Student Code of Conduct, suspension may become immediately effective. A student may be required to meet periodically with a Dean (or other University official) and other actions deemed appropriate by the Conduct Officer may also be imposed, including (but not limited to) restitution, limiting or prohibiting participation in University-affiliated activities and organizations, and ineligibility for service as an officer or in a leadership role in Organizations or on University committees.
“Suspension Withheld” The student has been suspended for a specified minimum period of time; however, the suspension is withheld as long as the student agrees to undergo other alternative sanctions such as drug testing or a specified educational program. This is a serious sanction since any additional violation of the Code of Conduct or breaking the terms of the agreement to complete educational sanctions will result in immediate separation from the community.
“Suspension” Separation from the University for a specified minimum period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Suspension is intended to provide educational and reflective opportunities for the student to consider their actions, behaviors, and decisions while separated. Eligibility may be contingent upon satisfaction of specific conditions noted at the time of the suspension. During the suspension period, the student may not be present on university premises, at functions, events and activities without prior written approval from the Dean of Students or designee.
“Expulsion” Permanent separation from the University. The student may not be present on university premises and the student’s presence at any University sponsored activity or event is prohibited. This action may be enforced with a trespass action as necessary.
“Revocation of Admission and/or Degree” Admission to or a degree awarded from the University may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violation of University standards in obtaining the degree, or for other serious violations committed by a student prior to graduation.
“Withholding Degree” The University may withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the completion of the process set forth in this Student Conduct Code, including the completion of all outcomes imposed, if any.
The outcomes listed above may be applied in addition to the alcohol and substance use prevention educational outcomes identified below.
“AlcoholEdu”: An online interactive alcohol and drug education program.
“BASICS 1:1”: A single‑session, individualized intervention based in Motivational Interviewing for alcohol and other drugs using a multi‑faceted individual feedback report to inform behavior modification and goal‑setting.
“BASICS+”: A four‑session, individualized intervention based in Motivational Interviewing for alcohol and other drugs using a multi‑faceted individual feedback report to inform behavior modification and goal‑setting.
“Formal AOD Assessment”: Formal assessment conducted by trained, licensed clinical staff regarding problematic use of alcohol and/or other drugs. Includes referral to additional services/resources as indicated.
“Parental Notification”: In instances of alcohol and other drug violations, a student’s parents will be contacted by mail and/or phone unless deferral is approved by the Dean of Students or designee.
The following guidelines serve as a framework for use of the above identified alcohol and other drug offenses outcomes or programs. The Conduct Officer may use discretion to modify or add sanctions as deemed appropriate. While any individual allegation may be considered as “low-level” or another level, the Conduct Officer will determine outcomes based upon the totality of the conduct case, including allegations not related to AOD concerns, responses from the student during meetings, and any other relevant factors. hearing officer in his/her discretion.
| Allegation: Low-level Alcohol and Other Drug Violations | First Offense | Subsequent Offense(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Unauthorized Containers Purchase or Attempt to Purchase while Underage Underage Possession and/or Consumption Public Display Drinking Games Possession of Alcohol or other Drug Paraphernalia | Activities Suspension •AlcoholEdu •BASICS 1:1 and any recommended follow‐up from BASICS facilitator (could include formal AOD assessment if BASICS reveals high‐level use concerns) •BASICS+ and any recommended follow‐up from BASICS facilitator (could include formal AOD assessment if BASICS reveals high‐level use concerns) •Disciplinary probation •Drug testing, if applicable •Housing restrictions •Outcome-based reflection •Parental Notification •Substance Use Assessment: AOD Assessment with referral to appropriate level of care (includes BASICS 1:1, BASICS+, or treatment services as indicated) •Suspension •Suspension Withheld | •Activities Suspension •BASICS 1:1 and any recommended follow‐up from BASICS facilitator (could include formal AOD assessment if BASICS reveals high‐level use concerns) •Disciplinary Probation •Drug testing •Outcome-based reflection •Parental Notification •Suspension •Suspension Withheld |
| Allegation: Mid-level Alcohol and Other Drug Violations | First Offense | Subsequent Offense(s) |
|---|---|---|
| • Alcohol Misuse • Possession of Cannabis | • Activities Suspension • BASICS 1:1 and any recommended follow‐up from BASICS facilitator (could include formal AOD assessment if BASICS reveals high‐level use concerns) • BASICS+ and any recommended follow‐up from BASICS facilitator (could include formal AOD assessment if BASICS reveals high‐level use concerns) • Disciplinary Probation • Drug testing • Housing restrictions • Outcome-based reflection • Parental Notification • Substance Use Assessment: AOD Assessment with referral to appropriate level of care (includes BASICS 1:1, BASICS+, or treatment services as indicated) • Suspension • Suspension Withheld | • Activities Suspension • Drug testing • Housing restrictions • Outcome-based reflection • Parental Notification • Substance Use Assessment: AOD Assessment with referral to appropriate level of care (includes BASICS 1:1, BASICS+, or treatment services as indicated) • Suspension • Suspension Withheld |
| Allegation: High-level Alcohol and Other Drug Violations | First Offense | Subsequent Offense(s) |
|---|---|---|
| • Driving While Impaired • Illegal drug use (IV drug, crack, heroin, or methamphetamine use) • Criminal possession of illegal drugs, prescription and/or over-the-counter medication • Sale or Distribution of Illegal Drugs, Prescription and/or Over-the Counter Medication | • Activities Suspension • Disciplinary probation • Drug testing • Expulsion • Housing restrictions • Parental Notification • Substance Use Assessment. AOD Assessment with referral to appropriate level of care (includes BASICS 1:1, BASICS+, or treatment services as indicated) • Suspension • Suspension Withheld | Expulsion |
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Under “Behavioral Requirement or Educational Program” it may be useful to quantify how long the papers are with a range (ex: 3-12 pages).
The situations in which deferral would be granted, or at least examples of those instances, should be more clearly delineated. That way, students will know what they need to show if they believe their parents knowing would be unsafe/counterproductive.
Under “Parental Notification,” I think it may be useful to define what “deferral” means to make it more clear to the students.
The language on this sounds good, there should be in my opinion as many exemptions as possible made available so that this step is rarely taken.