PSU Student Handbook

Sanctions

If a student is found in violation of a policy he or she will receive one or more sanctions. Many factors are taken into consideration when sanctioning: the current violation, the past judicial record, previous sanctions that may exist, and the level of understanding the student demonstrates regarding the actions he or she displayed.

If more than one student is found responsible for the same or similar violations they may or may not receive the same sanctions. Sanctions may vary depending upon the degree of participation (i.e. a person who initiates (‘leader”) an incident may receive more serious sanctions than those who participate (“follower”)), the individuals past judicial record, previous sanctions that have been imposed, and the level of understanding the student demonstrates.

Due to the desire for creative sanctioning and individual student development efforts are made when possible to find educational sanctions that will provide an opportunity for a student to learn from his/her actions. However, there are certain policy violations that generally receive a standard sanction.

The PSU philosophy of sanctioning is one of progressive discipline. The severity of sanctions may be appropriately increased with the frequency or seriousness of a student’s behavior as well as the student’s demonstrated willingness and ability to alter their conduct to that which is acceptable.

Sanctions are intended to serve a remedial and educational purpose and to protect the rights of others to reasonably pursue their education.

Violation Levels

Violations of the Student Code of Conduct are generally grouped into three levels based upon their magnitude or seriousness. Multiple violations or the severity of a single violation may heighten the given sanction. Some acts of misconduct may fall within two or more standards of the Student Code of Conduct and Community Standards. In such cases, PSU has the right to impose all of the sanctions available for all of the violations.

Level 1 Violations:

Level one violations are generally a breach of the Student Code of Conduct which adversely affects a smaller community.

Level 2 Violations:

Level two violations generally are breaches of the Student Code of Conduct which adversely affect the PSU community at-large.

Level 3 Violations:

Level three violations generally are breaches of the Student Code of Conduct which include threatening statements and/or behavior and unwanted contact that may compromise the health and safety of the PSU community at-large or individuals, specifically.

Sexual Misconduct/Harassment Violations

All sexual misconduct and sexual harassment policy violations are very serious.  Students found in violation of these policies may face suspension or expulsion from Plymouth State University.  Furthermore, all violations of this nature are investigated by the Coordinator of Student Conduct and Community Standards or the Dean of Students; as these incidents may require a Title IX investigation, as required by federal law.