The following Disciplinary Procedure is designed to preserve the Mission of Hillsdale College and the health and safety of its students. This policy outlines the basic structure of the Procedure for Student Discipline. The deans may use discretion in applying these procedures to unique situations, and may seek input from the president of the College, the Office of General Counsel, or outside counsel at any time. The president of the College may choose to effect any disciplinary decision,
at his discretion, including immediate removal of any student in appropriate circumstances.
- NOTIFICATION OF STUDENT VIOLATION: Disciplinary procedures are initiated when the Office of the Dean of Men or Dean of Women receives a report of an alleged violation of school policy. Reports of student violations are generated by, among others, resident assistants, house directors, security personnel, public safety officials, and other staff and students. The College will investigate each such report to determine whether there is a factual basis to support the allegation of a violation of College rules. The College reserves the right to include outside counsel as a neutral, third-party investigator in any investigation. The appropriate dean will notify a student of the violation and its consequences. The Deans’ Offices will share information regarding disciplinary matters with appropriate College personnel.
- CONSEQUENCES: Upon a finding that a College rule or policy has been violated, the administration reserves the right both to determine the severity of the violation and to choose the appropriate consequences. Such options include, but are not limited to, any combination of fines, counseling, training, revocation of off-campus housing permission, letters of apology, probation, and/or community service. More serious or repeat violations may result in suspension or expulsion.
- APPEAL PROCESS: Students subject to disciplinary action may formally appeal that action by obtaining an appeal form from the Dean of Men/Dean of Women and completing that form, which must present all relevant evidence. The deans, at their discretion, may request additional information or materials in addition to interviewing other individuals. The appeal includes a new review of the evidence as well as a review of the severity of the violation and the consequences. The severity and consequences may be: 1) reaffirmed; 2) reduced, completely or partially; or 3) increased. The appropriate dean will notify students of the administrative decision following the appeal. In instances of suspension or expulsion, within five business days of the disciplinary action, the student may file an appeal with the administrative office that supervises the dean who made the initial disciplinary decision. Any reversed decisions will result in a refund of any originally paid fines.
- SOCIAL PROBATION: Students may be placed on social probation when their behavior demonstrates a significant break in commitment to the Honor Code. Such instances may include, but are not limited to, the students having been cited, arrested, and/or convicted of violating a local, state or federal law, or having committed serious infractions of the Regulations for Proper Student Conduct and other College regulations and policies. Social probation typically requires students to remain free of violations for the remainder of the semester and possibly ensuing semesters, to pay fines, and to complete service hours. Violating the agreement of social probation may result in suspension or expulsion.
- SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION: Suspension means students will be removed indefinitely from enrollment as a student at Hillsdale College. The length of suspension depends upon the violation and the discretion of the appropriate dean. Expulsion means students will be removed permanently from enrollment as a student at Hillsdale College and their matriculation is terminated.The College reserves the right to deny readmission to any former student based on a suspension, withdrawal, or expulsion, or for any other reason.
- PARENT NOTIFICATION: Hillsdale College reserves the right to notify the parents of a student’s violation, regardless of the age of the student.