The disciplinary process at FHSU strives to provide students with positive reinforcement for living within the guidelines for acceptable behavior. The standards of behavior are set forth in the Student Code of Conduct. The intent is to make discipline educational and not punitive.

The encouragement and development of self-discipline is a primary goal of the educational process. The judicial system established hereby is designed to further this process and, therefore, is not comparable to or a substitute for jurisprudence under the criminal code. Only under extreme circumstances will the process be viewed as a method of terminating the student's relationship with FHSU.

Students facing possible disciplinary action are assured that due process will be provided. This means they are told how the disciplinary process of the University functions, they will be made aware of the conduct alleged to have been in violation, they will have the opportunity to defend themselves by having witnesses appear on their behalf, they may have an advisor help them, and they may appeal the decision. Appealing a disciplinary action must be done within a defined span of time, but usually the disciplinary action will not go into effect until the appeal is heard. The exception to this practice occurs only when delaying action until after an appeal would significantly compromise the safety and well being of the University community.

Procedurally, discipline is handled as close to the level of the problem as is possible and reasonable. In other words, residence hall behavior concerns are normally handled by the Residence Hall staff and/or Residence Hall Judicial Boards; Greek conduct questions are handled by the house of which the accused is a member, Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, Greek Standards Review Board, etc. Local law enforcement authorities generally handle off-campus law violations. The University reserves the right to make a case-by-case determination as to whether some conduct which occurs off of the premises of the University may be addressed under this policy.

Violations of the Student Code of Conduct that do not fall under the jurisdiction of the judicial bodies listed above are normally handled by the Office of Student Affairs. This office also serves as the appellate body for Residence Hall Boards and the Greek Standards Review Board. The Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs is responsible for the coordination of administrative judicial programs and proceedings as described on the next page.

In extraordinary circumstances having a detrimental impact on the University community, the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee may determine that summary administrative suspension or dismissal is appropriate. If such a determination is made, the student will be so informed and provided with the opportunity to meet with the Vice President or his/her designee. After investigation and consideration of information presented by the student, if any, the Vice President or his/her designee will decide whether a sanction is warranted. This decision can be appealed to the President or his or her designee, whose decision will be final.