Honor Statement
Honor and integrity have been an integral part of Xavier University 's history. Our Honor System , though not officially stated until recently, is an institution that has always carried with it the underlying tenets of honor and trust. It is our belief that honor and trust are moral ideals that true “ Xavierites ” have and should display at all times during their matriculation at Xavier and beyond. Within the Xavier Honor System is a moral ideal by which students live and guide their lives. This ideal is absolute honesty to oneself, others, Xavier and in all aspects of life. We believe this principle is fundamental in ethical life, both during and after college.
The Honor System at Xavier is a tradition , an inheritance , and an opportunity all in one. It is a tradition , because it is and has been a valued, intangible possession of Xavier students since the University was founded. It is an inheritance because each entering class will receive it from the previous class as a gift to be proud of and respected. Above all, it is an opportunity because it allows the fullest possible expression of individual life in harmony with community life.
The objective of the Honor System is to develop the student spiritually, morally, and intellectually. This is promoted and encouraged by the freedom and responsibility the student gains by virtue of living within the Honor System . Students are personally responsible for their work, their actions, and their word . To ensure that individual liberty is protected and enforced, students must encourage adherence to the Honor Code by reporting any violations of which they are aware. In order to preserve an atmosphere of honor and trust at Xavier, it is necessary that all cases of dishonesty which is associated with academic or campus life be fully and immediately investigated, with proper disciplinary action taken. All members of the Xavier community must fulfill their obligation to the Honor System because it is vital to the spiritual, moral, and intellectual development of Xavier University of Louisiana.
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CODE OF CONDUCT
The authority over student behavior, academic and non-academic, rests with the Vice President of the respective division of the University. The Vice President for Academic Affairs delegates authority over academic behavior to the Dean of the college or school. In all other areas, whether on or off campus, the Vice President for Student Services delegates authority in matters of conduct to the Associate Vice Presi-dent/Dean of Students and the judicial system of the University. The Vice President for Student Services is responsible for formulating appropriate procedures and regulations concerning student behavior and for the judicial consideration of violations.
The Student Code of Conduct applies to all students enrolled at Xavier University and incidents occurring on campus and in most situations off the campus, if an infraction involves a student or a student organization that has an affiliation with the University. If an enrolled student is charged with a violation of the Code, he/she may have to resolve the charge(s) before registering for a subsequent term or receiving a transcript or diploma. If a student is granted withdrawal from the University, including a retroactive one, he/she may still be required to resolve the charge(s) arising from an alleged violation of the Code while enrolled. Incidents and events that violate this Code and that involve Xavier University students or organizations occurring at institutions part of a Xavier University consortium are subject to Xavier University judicial action.
Student Responsibility
The Act of voluntary registration at Xavier University by each student, for courses and/or housing, indicates his acceptance of the high traditions and principles of the institution and its requirements for conduct in harmony with standards of good taste.
Students are expected and required to abide by the laws of the city of New Orleans , State of Louisiana and of the United States . Xavier expects all students to conduct themselves as mature and responsible members of the academic community, as well as the local community, in accordance with accepted standards of social behavior, to respect the rights of others, and to refrain from any conduct which obstructs the work of the university or to be injurious to the welfare of the University or any of its members.
It is imperative that students become thoroughly familiar with the Student Handbook in order to avoid jeopardizing their relationship with the University and to fully understand their responsibility as citizens and members of the University community. A student who violates these general standards of conduct shall be subject to administrative action and disciplinary sanctions.
These guidelines are subject to change without notification.
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Alcoholic Beverages and Other Drugs
The University does not permit or condone the illegal possession, use, distribution, or sale of drugs, narcotics, or alcohol.
Federal, state and local laws prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21. Persons 18 years and older and under 21 shall not purchase or have public possession of an alcoholic beverage. [Summary of Act 33, RS 14.91.2, Sections .1 and .5]
The University will cooperate in criminal investigations pertaining to violations of laws concerning alcohol and the use, possession and/or distribution of illegal substances on or off campus. In all instances the university reserves the right to refer violations of law for appropriate disciplinary action on campus.
Alcoholic beverages will not be served at University-sponsored events for students. (All exceptions must be approved by the VPSS.) The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages and other drugs on campus or in buildings is strictly prohibited. Any infraction will result in disciplinary sanctions up to, and including, expulsion.
SPECIFIC REGULATIONS
The University has zero tolerance for illegal drugs, alcohol and weapons on campus. Anyone caught in the possession, use, or distribution of any of the above will be subject to immediate dismissal from the University.
The following are examples of misconduct; they are not intended to exclusively define misconduct and should be interpreted in the broadest terms. The following actions or any actions that violate the principles and standards stated or implied herein violate University standards of conduct, as do attempts to commit any of the following actions. Jurisdiction over violations of the Code of Conduct includes actions on University premises, at University-sponsored events, or elsewhere when a substantial, identifiable interest of the University is concerned.
Academic Dishonesty
Students may not engage in plagiarism, receive or give assistance during examinations, term papers, assignments, seminars, etc., or obtain without authorization an examination or parts of an examination before taking the examination. Students must adhere to university, college or specific course guidelines regarding the use and documentation of sources of information, specifically information accessed on the internet.
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Alcohol and Other Drugs – (Refer to section under Code of Conduct)
Change of Name
Any official name change with appropriate documents must be on file in the Registrar's Office.
Co-Ed Visitation
Xavier University does not permit unsupervised or unauthorized co-ed visitation in the living quarters of its residence halls.
Disorderly Conduct
Interference with the educational process or other University sponsored activities; disruptive activities and disorderly or unlawful behavior, such as excessive noise, unauthorized use of loud speakers, use of profanity, creating a disturbance, engaging in fights, assaults, riots, unlawful assemblies, damage/destruction of property, menac-ing/stalking/abusive/harassing or intimidating behavior; lewd or obscene conduct; causing physical harm or reasonable apprehension of harm; misuse of university resources (i.e.,unauthorized access or use of computer equipment, networks, software, data, or copiers, etc.), or the violation of any civil, municipal, state, or federal law on or off campus or failure to identify upon request or comply with directives of University Police or any University official while performing their duties is prohibited.
Firearms and Weapons
Use, possession, or storage of any weapon, including firearms, knives, firecrackers, explosives, or any other lethal weapon, and/or use of an item in such a manner that poses a potential hazard to the safety and health of others is prohibited.
Falsification of Records
The falsification of records (academic, health, etc.) through alteration, counterfeit, forgery or the misrepresentation of person or identity: the misuse of Identification, including transferring, lending, borrowing, altering, or otherwise misusing a student ID or meal card; and furnishing false information to the University is prohibited.
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Fire Equipment
Tampering with/damage of fire-safety equipment and false fire alarms are prohibited and are subject to prosecution under the civil laws of Louisiana. The use of fire doors except in emergencies is also prohibited.
Gambling
The playing of cards or any other games of skill or chance for money or other items of value is prohibited. Fund-raising activities must be cleared by the Office of Student Services.
Hazing
Excessive physical, financial demands, or mental abuse of students during rites and ceremonies of induction, initiation, or orientation into the life of any college group is prohibited. See Student Organization Guidelines for more information.
(University) Key Duplication or Possession
The unauthorized possession or duplication of any University key is prohibited.
Personal Business Enterprise
Use of the University's name for personal business enterprise or activity without authorization is prohibited.
Posting
All posting of flyers, banners, posters, and stickers on University property must be approved by the Office of Student Services.
Solicitors
Any unauthorized solicitation on campus is prohibited. Should there by any violation of this rule, each student's co-operation is requested in bringing it to the attention of the Residence Hall Managers, Student Services staff or the Vice President of Student Services.
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Theft
Theft and/or unauthorized use of University property or services, or property or services belonging to another member of the community, or the knowing possession or sale of stolen property is strictly prohibited.
Use of University Facilities
The property and facilities of Xavier University are available to students for educational, cultural, and social, etc. activities by organizations formally approved and recognized by the University. Activity Clearance and room reservation is through the Office of Student Services. Violation of University principles, policies, or rules concerning entry and use of university facilities, and vehicles is prohibited.
Student Discipline
The University reserves the right to request withdrawal of any student whose personal conduct indicates an inability to achieve minimum standards of progress for personal development in the University community. All decisions in these situations shall be made with regard for reasonable due process in each case. The Vice President of Student Services, or designee, shall have ultimate administrative responsibility.
SANCTIONS AND NOTIFICATION OF PARENTS
When a student is placed on academic censure, disciplinary probation, preliminary suspension, disciplinary suspension, permanent separation or loss of housing privileges, the student's parents or legal guardian(s) will be notified concerning the disciplinary action unless the student can prove independent status. The notification will specify when the violations involve the alcohol or drug policy. Students who do not complete sanctions by the assigned due date will not be returned to “good standing” status until the sanctions are completed.
For violations of the Academic Honor Code for which students are found responsible, the Judicial Administrator or Committee may recommend an “F” for the assignment or class involving the violation; the professor may choose to accept or reject this recommendation.
DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS
The following sanctions or other sanctions appropriate to the circumstances of a given case may be imposed, independently, or in combination, for violations of standards of conduct. The present demeanor and disciplinary record of the offender, the nature of the offense, and the extent of harm bear on the severity of the sanction.
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Academic Censure
Censure is the minimum sanction assigned for Academic Honor Code violations. A disciplinary record will be created and maintained in the Student Judicial Affairs Office. The file will contain all documents pertaining to the incident and judicial process. In addition, the hearing board or officer may recommend an “F” or other grade modification for the assignment and/or course in which the violation occurred.
Alcohol Education Class
Students found in violation of the Xavier University Alcohol Policy may be required to attend the alcohol education class, or other approved program, at a cost.
Campus Restitution Hours
Campus restitution hours are intended to benefit the individual and the campus. Any student who plans to enter a responsible plea is encouraged to propose a constructive or educational task to be considered by the judicial body hearing the case. It may include, but will not require, uncompensated university service. Those not wishing to perform campus restitution hours may request and will be given a sanctioning option. If the student does not complete the assigned campus restitution hours by the required date, the student's records will be withheld until verification of completion of the hours is provided to the Dean of Students. NOTE: Service provided through programs coordinated by the Xavier Volunteer Services office may not be used to satisfy a restitution hour requirement.
Disciplinary Censure
An incident may be considered to be minor and spontaneous in nature (no planning or pre-meditation) by the student. The reprimand is notification to the student that s/he has been found responsible for a violation and that any other violations of university regulations for which the student is found responsible will result in more serious sanctions. A censure remains in effect for one calendar year. If there are no additional violations during that time, the censure is not considered in subsequent violations.
Disciplinary Probation
A probationary status, imposed for a specific time period, during which a student is expected to show a positive change in behavior. The student must make every effort to modify his/her behavior in order to remain in good standing at Xavier University . In addition, if the student does not meet all special stipulations associated with the sanction, further judicial action will be taken, which may include suspension or expulsion from the University. A letter will be sent home to the parent(s) or legal guardians of a student placed on disciplinary probation with notification of probationary status. Alcohol and/or drug violations will be specified in this letter to the parents.
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Disciplinary Suspension
The removal of a student from the university, which permits the student to apply for readmission at the end of the sanction imposed. Suspension may be for a term, not to exceed one year or conditional, indicating that readmission is contingent on the fulfillment of certain conditions by the student. While a student is suspended, s/he is not to return to the campus, programs, facilities and activities of the university without written permission from the Dean of Students. If the student returns to the campus without written permission during the time period for which s/he has been suspended, his/her eligibility to return to Xavier in the future may be jeopardized. While a student is suspended for Academic Honor Code violations, s/he may not enroll in classes either on or off campus. It is expected that s/he will make every effort to rectify any previous misconduct by displaying irreproachable behavior in the future. If a student is suspended from the university, a letter will be sent to his/her parent(s) or legal guardians with notification of the suspension.
Educational/Developmental Sanctions
The administrative hearing officer or hearing board may choose to assign an educational project or task to be completed. The assigned task or project may be imposed to educate or raise the student's level of awareness regarding a specific issue. Some examples of these sanctions include papers, presentations, book reports, and program development and implementation.
Emergency or Interim Suspension
This suspension shall be invoked when university officials are faced with an immediate situation where the facts of which indicate that a student's continued presence on campus constitutes a clear and convincing danger to the normal functions of the university, to property, to others, or to the student.
Fines
Students may be required to pay a reasonable sum of money as a sanction for behavior that results in damage, destruction, or loss of property belonging to the University and others, or in increased maintenance or repair costs for the University or others. Proof of payment shall be required to clear the student's disciplinary record.
Loss of University Housing
Administrative hearing officers or Judicial Hearing Boards of the university may mandate that a student be removed from residing in university-owned or leased housing as part of an imposed sanction. If a student loses housing privileges, a letter will be sent to his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) with notification of his/her housing status. Room rent for the remainder of the student's housing contract period will not be refunded.
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Loss of Financial Aid
The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 state that any student who has been convicted of any offense under any federal or state law involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance shall not be eligible to receive any grant, loan or work assistance under this title during the period beginning on the date of such conviction and ending after the interval specified by law.
Official Warning
An incident may be considered to be mild in nature and outcome but one that could have negatively influenced/affected the community. The incident may have been a spontaneous action or a planned event. The official warning is notification to the student(s) that s/he has been found responsible for a violation and that any other violations will result in more serious sanctions. Official warning is a statement to the student(s) that s/he needs to reevaluate his/her behavior before serious action has to be taken.
Preliminary Suspension
A unique probationary status in which the student is expected to immediately exhibit a marked improvement in behavior or face suspension from the university. The sanction of disciplinary suspension was considered for the student but was not deemed necessary. If the student does not meet all special stipulations associated with the preliminary suspension or if s/he is found responsible of violating any other rule, regulation, policy or law, s/he may be sanctioned with disciplinary suspension from the university. If the student does not complete any stipulation of the preliminary suspension by the assigned date, his/her grades may not be released until the sanctions are complete. If a student is placed on preliminary suspension, a letter is sent home to his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) with notification of preliminary suspension status. Alcohol and/or drug violations will be specified in this letter.
Permanent Separation (Expulsion)
The student is permanently separated from the university. A permanent notation will be made on the official transcript and a letter will be sent to his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) notifying them of the separation. Alcohol and/or drug violations will be specified in this letter. The student is also barred from University activities, services, facilities and grounds.
The Vice President of Student Services reviews all recommendations for expulsion. Expulsion may be approved, altered, deferred, or withheld at the discretion of the Vice President of Student Services.
Referral for Counseling
If, in the opinion of the hearing officer or hearing/honor board, a student involved in a disciplinary situation will best be served by counseling, the student may be required to attend counseling sessions with a member of the Xavier University Counseling Staff or another professional off campus. The student will be responsible for all fees incurred by contracting the services of an independent professional.
Residence Hall Probation
An individual student, or group of students, may be issued a written notice that further violations would constitute grounds for loss of the privilege of residing in University housing. Appropriate residence life officials will be notified. A letter is sent home to his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) with notification of probationary status.
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Residence Hall Relocation
This is a recommendation to the Dean of Students from Residence Life that the student or group of students be required to move to another room, residence hall, or residence area because of his/her lack of willingness to live within the rules of his/her present residence hall, or uphold university policies. For individuals, this sanction will be recommended in situations where the hearing board or hearing officer feels the student would benefit from a change of environment in order to conform to acceptable group living standards. This includes university-leased housing as well.
Restitution
Reimbursement for damage or loss to person(s) or property or misappropriation of property, either through appropriate repairs or monetary compensation, may be imposed as a sanction.
Suspension of Social Privileges
An individual student, residence hall floor or suite, or student organization may lose social privileges that are specified with a particular sanction. The student or organization may not participate in extracurricular events or represent the university on or off the campus, except for activities that are required to meet class assignments. Level of participation in varsity sports will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
The administrative officer or judicial board may impose other sanctions deemed appropriate. The Dean of Students may issue a Statement of Concern to a student or organization for a minor violation occurring in class of otherwise observed and referred by a member of the campus community. Such statement shall be placed in the stu-dent/organization's official file and may be a basis for further disciplinary action.
All sanctions are subject to review by the Vice President for Student Services.
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