Department of Student Rights and Community Standards

Section 20. Range of Conduct Actions and Sanctions

20.1. Purpose of Actions and Sanctions: A variety of actions may be taken as a consequence of being found responsible for a violation of community standards. When determining these actions, all facets of the situation, including but not limited to the seriousness of the offense, prior history of violations, impact of the offense on others, the student’s class year, the student's academic program, and information regarding intent, may be considered. Because the purpose of University conduct processes and decisions is to uphold and promote community standards, a learning component is also part of the sanctioning process whenever appropriate.

Group Sanctioning: Sanctioning as a result of a group process will happen in conjunction with the hearing officer and the appropriate department including but not limited to (Department of Student Engagement; Athletics, Recreation, and Physical Education; relevant academic department, and/or the Dean of Students Office, etc. ). Depending on the factors listed above, sanction may include probation or suspension of group activities for a specified period of time in addition to educational sanctions. Given possible sanctions, outcomes may impact group/organization funding and/or University recognition.

Note: Findings of responsibility for Academic Integrity violations may be communicated with a student’s academic program/department and may have additional impact on a student’s ability to continue in an academic program. 

Graduate Students: Conduct violations resulting in Disciplinary Probation or higher or any academic integrity violation may be communicated to your academic program. Please contact the appropriate academic affairs or academic services dean (within your School) to determine if/how this may impact your ability to continue in an academic program regardless of academic standing.

Educational Sanctions may include, but are not limited to:

  • Failure in a course or on an assignment; reduction of a grade
  • Workshops on note-taking, proper citation, or writing a research paper
  • Training (in, e.g., conflict resolution)
  • Education on ethical decision-making
  • Education on alcohol and drug abuse
  • Restitution for damages*
  • Counseling/assessments
  • Family notification

University Restrictions: Measures that may be taken as a result of an investigation to protect the initiating party as well as the community. Such measures may include, but are not limited to, No Contact Orders, relocation of residence hall room, or restricting the responding party’s movements on, or access to, campus. In order to request a change to a University Restriction, a student must meet with a member of the Dean of Students Office Staff. See Section 21 for additional details.

20.1. Other Sanction Options: Educational Sanctions may be imposed in combination with other disciplinary action and may include a required completion date. Failure to complete any educational component, as with any other sanction, may result in further conduct action (see Section 2.2.), including:

  • 20.1.a. No Further Action: In cases where the student is found responsible and the discussion with the administrator or the hearing before the Board or administrator is regarded as sufficient in and of itself, further action may not be deemed necessary. The finding of responsibility, however, is noted in the student’s record in the DSRCS.
  • 20.1.b. Disciplinary Warning: The student may be warned in writing of the possible consequences of continuing inappropriate behavior. Additional conditions may be applied as appropriate.
  • 20.1.c. Residence Probation: A student who is placed on Residence Probation is not in good standing with the relevant living unit for a specified period of time, and conditions may be placed on the student’s actions. The status of Residence Probation reminds the student that the repetition of similar or other unacceptable behavior may be cause for removal from the residence halls. The Department of Community Living will be notified of students who are placed on Residence Probation, and this may impact the student’s participation in the housing lottery process.
  • 20.1.d. Removal from Living Unit: This action precludes the student’s continued residence either in a particular living unit or in any campus living unit. Such action would normally be taken after one serious violation or repeated violations related to the living unit environment, and is exercised in conjunction with the Department of Community Living.
  • 20.1.e. Loss of University Privileges: A student may be denied certain University privileges, including but not limited to early arrival on campus, extended stays in the residence halls, participation in campus activities or athletics, participation in a study abroad program for academic credit, representing the University in competition or in other official capacities, campus employment, and campus leadership opportunities. Loss of such privileges extends over a specific period of time, and is designed to reflect a specific community concern about the student’s behavior.
  • 20.1.f. Disciplinary Probation: A student who is placed on Disciplinary Probation is permitted to remain enrolled at the University, often under certain stated conditions depending upon the nature of the violation and the potential learning value of such conditions. The probation usually extends over a stated period, during which it is clearly understood that any such student is subject to further disciplinary actions, including suspension or dismissal, if they violate the terms of the probation or in any way fail to conduct themselves as a responsible member of the University community. Disciplinary Probation is a final warning to the student to help them reevaluate their behavior.
  • It is important to note that Disciplinary Probation is separate from Academic Probation.  Academic Probation is an official notation that satisfactory academic progress is not being achieved. Undergraduate students can find additional information on the Academic Services webpage. For graduate students, please refer to your graduate school’s administrators for more information.

  • 20.1.g. Suspension: Suspension is an involuntary separation of the student from the institution; it differs from dismissal (see Section 20.1.h.) in that it defines conditions under which return will be possible. Suspension may extend for a semester or until a designated date. While a suspension is in effect, degrees or certificates will not be issued and credit will not be granted for courses taken elsewhere. Following the suspension period, return to Brandeis requires initial approval of the SSAO or designee and then approval by the Committee on Academic Standing regarding academic suitability for readmission.
  • 20.1.h. Dismissal: A permanent, involuntary separation of the student from the institution.

Note: Parents/guardians may be notified when a student changes their status at the University either by voluntarily withdrawing or by being required to withdraw through the resolution of a formal adjudication process

20.2. Deferral of Sanction: Any sanction can be deferred for a designated period of time with the understanding that no further violation of policy can occur during this time, or the original sanction will be enacted immediately.

Note: Students may request that their file be reviewed to determine if an alternate sanction may be approved in place of a sanction which holds a financial impact. SRCS will be in contact with SFS who will help identify financial impact for the student. This will not be an option in situations where the University has incurred cost as a result of the incident.

*The University will not manage restitution as it applies to situations of alleged damage to personal property.