The purpose of disciplinary sanctions for violations of the Code is to educate students about responsible behavior as members of the Howard University community, to maintain order, and to protect the rights of others.
Students found “Responsible” for violating the Code are notified of any sanctions by ODSSS, which also monitors compliance with the sanction. There is no set sanction for any particular offense, with the exception of automatic expulsion for a felony conviction. Disciplinary Hearing Boards and Administrative Hearing Officers evaluate each case individually. Sanctions will be determined individually and should reflect the nature and severity of the offense.
1. General Terms
Parents of minor or dependent students who receive a disciplinary sanction may be notified of that action by the University.
The University reserves the right to apply any sanction for a violation of the Code that, in its sole discretion, appropriately addresses the gravity and frequency of the offense. One or more sanctions may be imposed for any offense. Prior offenses are cumulative and any student found guilty of the same offense or a second offense of equal or greater magnitude, may be suspended or expelled from the University. However, evidence of prior violations of the Code may be considered after a determination of “Responsible” has been made as part of the process of determining sanctions. Sanctions are imposed under the Code without regard to student classification, prospective graduation date, the time in the semester or term when the violation occurs, scholarship status, or any other factor.
Students who have not completely fulfilled their sanctions may be allowed to participate in General Mandatory Registration for the subsequent semester if all other financial and academic conditions have been met. However, their registration will be canceled if they fail to comply with all the stipulations of the sanctions within the time limit set.
The imposition of sanctions will be a matter of record in the ODSSS.
2. Types of Disciplinary
Sanctions One or more of the following sanctions may be imposed for any violation of the Code. The failure to perform a sanction, as directed, can lead to the imposition of more severe sanctions, up to and including suspension or expulsion.
The identified sanctions do not represent the full range of sanctions which may be imposed against a student found “Responsible” for a violation of the Code.
Disciplinary Warning or Reprimand
A disciplinary warning or reprimand is an official written statement of censure. It is used when a student’s behavior is unacceptable but is considered to be minor and/or unintended. It includes a warning that any other violation of the University’s Code for which the student is found guilty will result in more severe disciplinary action. The written statement shall be delivered to the student.
Letter of Apology to the Aggrieved Party
A student may be required to write a letter of apology to the aggrieved party. A draft copy of the letter must be provided to ODSSS for prior approval.
Requirement to Seek Counseling
This sanction may be imposed when a student is found guilty of engaging in disrupting or uncivil behaviors. In such case, the student shall be required to provide evidence to ODSSS of attendance and completion of counseling by a qualified professional.
Participation In, or Conducting, Special Workshops, Classes or Seminars
A student may be required to participate in, or to develop, advertise and present special workshops or seminars related to a Code violation. In such a case, the student may be required to present a typed summary of the activity to the ODSSS.
Research Assignments
A student may be required to complete a research assignment on a topic related to the Code violation within a specified deadline.
Mandatory University or Community Service
A student may be required to perform work assignments at the University or in the local community.
Restitution
Restitution is reimbursement to compensate for personal injury, property damage, or misappropriation of University or other personal property. It may be in the form of money or services, subject to the discretion of the Hearing Officer or Disciplinary Hearing Board.
Disciplinary Probation
Disciplinary probation may be imposed for a specified period of time. A student who is under disciplinary probation will not be permitted to participate in intramural, intercollegiate or club sports, or student clubs and organizations. Such a student may not represent the University in any public function, competition, or performance, hold office in a student organization, or be eligible to join a fraternity or sorority.
Students receiving scholarships for any activities enumerated above may have that scholarship suspended or terminated. Decisions regarding scholarships will be made by the Vice President for Student Affairs in consultation with the Dean for Special Student Services and other appropriate University officials.
Limited Term Suspension
A suspension is appropriate in cases of serious misconduct or in cases when a student has violated a condition of disciplinary probation or has failed to meet the stipulations of lesser sanctions. A student may be suspended from the University for the remainder of the semester, or summer session, in which the sanction is applied, or any portion thereof, for the next semester, or for any other additional periods determined appropriate by the University.
Suspensions are recorded on the student’s permanent record (official transcript). Students suspended from the University are required to return their student identification cards, room keys and other University property and shall be barred from the campus for the duration of their suspension. Exceptions may be granted to this prohibition by ODSSS if it first determines that the barred student must enter University property for the purpose of conducting official business. If a student returns to the campus without permission during the period of suspension, his or her eligibility to be re-admitted to Howard University is jeopardized and such persons may also be charged with unlawful entry and, thereby, made subject to arrest.
Indefinite Suspension
Indefinite Suspension provides for all conditions described in Limited Term Suspensions but does not give a specific date for the consideration of readmission of the suspended student. This sanction is used in cases of extremely serious misconduct when evidence of rehabilitation must be presented by the student and accepted by the Vice President for Student Affairs before the student is readmitted to the University.
Expulsion
Expulsion is the most severe sanction that the University may impose. Expulsion is permanent dismissal from the University. In addition, the student is not eligible for readmission to the University and permanently barred from Howard University owned or operated property and from all Universitysponsored events. Students expelled from the University are required to return any student identification cards, room keys, and other University property and must leave campus immediately upon notification of being expelled. If an expelled student returns to the campus, he or she will be charged with unlawful entry and may be arrested. An expelled student’s relationship with the University is severed permanently.