University Judicial System

Responsible behavior is expected of all Piedmont students at all times. Violations of the Student Code of Conduct may result in varying degrees of consequences. The University is not designed nor equipped to rehabilitate persons who pose a threat to the campus community or disrupt the learning environment. It may be necessary, therefore, to separate those individuals from the campus and end their relationship with the University.

When a student is observed violating a campus policy, a campus official (e.g., residence life professional staff member, resident assistant, faculty/staff member, Campus Police officer) will complete an incident report, available from the Office of Student Life. Students who witness a violation of campus policy should contact a campus official for assistance.

Process Definitions:

Incident Report: Any report filed with a University official that indicates potential violation of University policy, These reports should be submitted through the University’s reporting system by the observing party as soon as possible.

Reporting Party: Individual/Organization who completes and submits an incident report alleging potential policy violation or concern for well-being

Case Manager: University faculty/staff trained to serve as a member of the student conduct case management team. Generally only one case manager is assigned per case, but in cases where larger numbers of individuals are involved multiple case managers may be assigned.

Complainant: Individual(s)/Organization(s) impacted by allegation(s)

Respondent: Individual(s)/Organization(s) allegedly involved reported concern(s)

Violation: Any instance which involves the voluntary or involuntary breaking of University policy/policies. The nature of the violation(s) determines which University Officials will respond.

Outcome: Determination of whether the individual is deemed Not Responsible or Responsible of the alleged violation(s). The Student Conduct process starts under the notion that any student is Not Responsible until evidence and University conduct proceedings determine the outcome.

Sanction: If an individual/organization is found responsible for violating University policy/policies, certain expectations, restriction of privileges, or separation from the University may be appropriate. Potential sanctions based on violations are outlined in a chart below. *Note: This chart serves as a guide for students to understand the outcomes for possible actions, these are not designated automatic outcomes.

Informal Hearing: Meeting with a designated University case manager to review the incident in question. This could include the complainant and/or respondent meeting separately with the case manager to allow for a better understanding of the incident and allegations in question.

Informal Resolution: For allegations that do not rise to the level of potential temporary or permanent separation from the University, a student may choose to accept responsibility in the Informal Hearing and proceed to the informal resolution phase where sanctions are discussed and assigned according to the frequency and severity of violation being addressed.

Interim Actions: Based on the report, it may be determined that interim actions such as a no-contact directive be implemented. These actions are used on a case-by-case basis in accordance with University policy. Interim actions may include but are not limited to temporary restriction to specific University activities, facilities, or resources, temporary restrictions on communication with specific parties. Interim actions are determined with the consideration of all members of the campus community’s safety and well-being as priority.

Formal Hearing: This process is generally reserved for cases in which a respondent’s actions may call for temporary or permanent restriction and/or separation from University resources or the University itself. Any respondent reserves the right to have their case heard during a formal hearing if they do not wish to participate in the informal process.

Formal Hearing Board: A panel of trained university officials chaired by one of the senior case managers for the University or their designee. A formal hearing board is utilized on an as-needed basis, with representatives from Student Life, Academic Affairs, and Athletics (where applicable). Formal Hearing Boards are primarily utilized in cases where there are violations that could warrant temporary or permanent restriction of University resources or temporary or permanent separation from the University, but a student always has the right to request a formal hearing be called to consider the case.

Standard of Evidence: This is the determination on which a University conduct official will find a student not responsible/responsible. Piedmont University uses the Preponderance of Information standard also referred to “more likely than not”. This means that the case officer is to decide based on the incident report, evidence provided, and respondent’s information and evidence indicate if it is more or less likely that the alleged violation occurred. If the answer to that is no, then the outcome is Not Responsible. If the answer is yes, then the outcome is Responsible.

Preliminary Investigation: Upon receipt of an incident report, the Office of Student Life will designate a case manager to review the report and determine if there is merit to the information provided in the report. To determine the validity of a report, the case manager may need to speak with parties directly and indirectly involved, review camera footage, student ID scans, dining hall access, etc.

Advisor: A person who assists the parties during the conduct process. In all student conduct matters, the Complainant(s) and the Respondent(s) may have the assistance of an advisor.

Witness: An individual (character or observational) called by either complainant, respondent, or the conduct case manager that has the ability to provide relevant information that is helpful during the investigative or hearing processes.

EXPECTATIONS

DUE PROCESS

As part of the Code of Conduct, each student alleged to have violated the code of conduct is entitled to the following:

Notification of the incident report received, allegations, and initial meeting date, time, and location no less than 2 days before the meeting.
Both the complainant and the respondent have the right to an advisor to be present at any report-related meetings. Advisors may not obstruct the process in any form and the case manager may dismiss an advisor deemed to be a disruption.
Both the complainant and the respondent have the right to present evidence, witnesses, and any additional information they believe may be relevant to the complaint. Witnesses may not obstruct the process in any form and can be dismissed by the case manager if deemed to be a disruption.
Respondents have the right to know the sanctions possible should they be determined responsible. This information can be found by reviewing the sanctioning guidelines provided in this handbook.
Respondents retain the right to appeal the outcome of their hearing if it meets one or more of the appeal criteria outlined below.

ROLE OF THE ADVISOR

It is the duty of the advisor to ensure their advisee is informed and properly guided throughout the conduct process, including investigation, hearings, or appeals.

The selection of an advisor is at the discretion of each student. Anyone who is not a current Piedmont University student can serve as an advisor.

Each student is entitled to an advisor for any student conduct-related matter. If a student wishes to have an advisor but does not know of one, the case manager will provide a list of advisors trained by the University,

Students do not have to use a University-provided advisor, but any external advisor is at their own expense.

The complainant(s) and respondent(s) are permitted to have one advisor each.

The advisor is only permitted to communicate, verbally or in writing, with their advisee. At no time may an advisor directly address any other party in the room other than the case manager/hearing board chair. If the advisor becomes disruptive to the process, the case manager/hearing board chair has the discretion to dismiss them.

PROCEDURES

Student disciplinary matters are reported to the Office of Student Life and Leadership. The Vice President of Student Affairs, the Director of Residence Life, and Assistant Directors of Residence Life are the primary campus officials who address policy violations along with the support of campus police. The Vice President of Student Affairs and Director of Residence Life, as the senior case managers, reserve the right to designate additional individuals for support in the Student Conduct process. If a violation is academic in nature, then the respective college’s academic dean or their designee may be included. It is the goal of the university to deal with all disciplinary matters in a timely manner and include a meeting with the student to discuss what occurred, if any violations occurred, and discuss possible sanctions. In all student conduct matters, the burden of proof rests with the University.

Students found responsible for Student Code of Conduct violations will be adjudicated and assigned sanctions. Through the code of conduct process, students will participate in either an Informal or Formal Hearing process. Each of those processes are outlined below. While all referred students are encouraged to participate in the conduct process, the University will adjudicate all cases and render a decision regardless of referred student participation. All conduct proceedings are considered private and only the care manager/hearing board members, involved parties, their advisors, witnesses and authorized University faculty/staff are allowed to be present.

INFORMAL HEARING:

The informal hearing is an official proceeding of the Piedmont University Student Discipline system. It is an informal hearing with the intention to determine:
1. what occurred
2. if what occurred is a violation of University regulations, and
3. to impose an appropriate sanction if a violation has occurred.
An incident report is received by the Office of Student Life. The incident report is reviewed by a member of the student conduct case management team. If additional information is needed, a case manager may conduct a preliminary investigation through contacting the complainant, reporting party, or potential witnesses to gather the information to determine if the report merits moving forward.
If a report is determined to have merit and warrant further review, the alleged student (respondent) will receive a letter via email outlining the alleged violations of the code of conduct as well as the date, time, and location of their informal hearing with a conduct case manager. This letter will also notify the student of their right to an advisor and how to notify if they would like an advisor assigned.
The respondent attends the meeting with the assigned case manager. The case manager starts with a review of the incident report(s) and alleged violation(s) in question. Following the incident review, the respondent is given the opportunity to determine if they wish to accept responsibility or not, if they are ready to proceed based on the information presented, or if they wish for the process to be moved to a formal hearing.
1. If the respondent accepts responsibility during the review portion of the hearing, the informal hearing can proceed to the informal resolution phase.
2. If the respondent rejects responsibility during the review portion of the hearing, the process continues as follows.
The case manager will ask questions based on the report and any evidentiary information provided through the report or preliminary investigation.
The respondent is given the opportunity to respond to the allegations and any evidence presented. This may include bringing in a witness or providing evidence that supports their position.
The case manager will ask follow-up questions based on the information provided by the respondent. After all questions have been asked and answered, the respondent will have an additional chance to share any information they believe is relevant to the allegation.
The case manager will make a determination of Not Responsible or Responsible based on the Preponderance of Information Standard considering all information presented by the incident report, any evidence/preliminary investigation notes, and information/evidence provided by the respondent and/or their witness(es).
1. If found not responsible, the case manager will notify the respondent verbally and through a letter sent via email and close the case.
2. If found responsible, the case manager will review the sanctioning guidelines and assign sanctions based on the severity and frequency of the violation for the respondent.
The case manager will notify the respondent of the outcome and the sanctions verbally, creating the Informal Resolution. The case manager will email the respondent a copy of their outcome letter to include sanction instructions and deadlines within two (2) business days of the completion of the informal hearing.
Once the case manager emails the respondent their outcome letter, the respondent has three (3) business days to appeal the outcome and/or sanctions. The appeal must meet one or more of the criteria and be submitted in the manner outlined below under “Appeals Process”.

FORMAL HEARING:

The formal hearing is an official proceeding of the Piedmont University Student Conduct process. Formal hearings are generally reserved for serious offenses where temporary or permanent restriction to University resources or facilities may be in question. It is a hearing with the intention to determine:
1. what occurred
2. if what occurred is a violation of University regulations, and
3. to impose an appropriate sanction if a violation has occurred.
An incident report is received by the Office of Student Life. The incident report is reviewed by a member of the student conduct case management team. If additional information is needed, a case manager may conduct a preliminary investigation through contacting the complainant, reporting party, or potential witnesses named in the report to gather the information to determine if the report merits moving forward.
If a report is determined to have merit and warrant further review, the alleged student (respondent) will receive a letter via email outlining the alleged violations of the code of conduct as well as the date, time, and location of their initial review meeting. This letter will also notify the student of their right to an advisor and how to notify if they would like an advisor assigned.
During the initial review, the case manager will cover the information alleged in the incident report and the investigation process with the respondent. If the respondent is ready, the case manager may go ahead and collect an initial response from the respondent regarding the allegations as well as providing the respondent with an opportunity to share any witnesses/individuals not named in the report that the case manager should speak with.
Following the initial review, the case manager will conduct a series of interviews with witnesses, involved parties, and individuals requested by the complainant and/or respondent. This information is compiled for the formal hearing board chair. This process should take no longer than ten (10) business days without notification provided to the respondent on the

Procedures during Student Conduct Conference

Student Conduct Conferences shall be conducted by the guidelines listed below. Accused students subject to less severe sanctions may be afforded but are not guaranteed the guidelines outlined below. These guidelines are as follows:

1. Student Conduct Conferences will be conducted in an orderly manner. The student conduct conference is typically conducted in private and may involve joint conferences where two or more students are charged in the same fact pattern. In student conduct conferences involving more than one accused, students may be permitted in the student conduct conferences concerning each student to be conducted either separately or jointly

2. The respondent student is expected to attend the entire portion of the student conduct conference at which information is received (excluding deliberations) provided the accused student and the accused student’s advisor appear at the designated time and do not inhibit the proceeding. Admission of any other person, other than an advisor or witness, to the student conduct conference shall be at the discretion of the Dean of Students or the designated hearing officer.

3. The Hearing Officer will review the violation with the student.

4. The student will enter plea to each charge violation(s) and sign the document indicating their plea. There will be no finding of responsibility solely because a student remains silent during a student conduct conference. Accused students are responsible for presenting their own information.

5. The responding party will have an opportunity to be heard in their own defense, either by oral testimony or written statement. If an accused student with notice, does not appear at a student conduct conference, the information in support of charges shall be presented, considered, and a decision may be made. Reasonable accommodation can be requested in order to provide access for students with disabilities. If a student withdraws from the university after an alleged violation, the hearing shall be held in their absence and possible sanctions shall be enacted, if found responsible. All findings and recommendations must be supported by evidence of policy, rule, or regulation violations by the responding party.

6. Pertinent records, exhibits, student impact statements and other written statements may be accepted as information for consideration. Student impact statements and other documents determined at the discretion of the chairperson shall be reviewed during the sanction phase only.

7. The focus of inquiry in student conduct proceedings shall be the determination of whether a violation of University rules occurred and, if relevant, collect information to inform factors that are considered for issuing sanctions. In all initial student conduct proceedings, the burden of proof shall rest with the University, and said burden of proof shall be by a preponderance of the information. Preponderance of the information is defined as the greater weight and degree of credible information admitted in the conference. A determination shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the accused student violated the Student Conduct Code.

8. The accused student shall be informed of the outcome of the Student Conduct Conference in writing. Records of the outcome will be kept by the Dean of Students in a secure place. FERPA will be followed in regard to access to student conduct records.

9. At the conclusion of the hearing, the student conduct committee's hearing officer will prepare in writing the findings and sanctions, as well as any recommendations in the Student Conduct Hearing Report Form. These findings and recommendations will be forwarded to the Dean of Students within 72 hours of the hearing's completion. This time limit may be extended in extenuating circumstances with the approval of the Dean of Students or Vice President of Student Affairs. If sanctions are imposed, a copy of the student conduct report shall be sent to the Dean of Students.

10. Student conduct standards as outlined in the Student Handbook shall be administered by the Vice President for Student Affairs and/or designee. Violations of Residence Life or campus rules that are specified in the Residence Hall or University Housing Contracts will be within the jurisdiction of Residence Life and/or Campus Police.

11. The focus of student conduct proceedings is to determine whether the University’s standards of conduct have been violated. To this end, student conduct proceedings attempt to balance an understanding and knowledge of the students’ needs with the needs of the University community.

12. Individuals may bring a complaint against a student for alleged violations of the Student Conduct Code. Any complaint should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place. Such complaints may be submitted to the Student Life Office.

13. An investigation may be initiated to determine if the complaint has merit. Complaints may result in charges, a form of alternative dispute resolution, or dismissal of complaint. These decisions are made at the sole discretion of the University.

14. All charges shall be presented to the accused student in written form. The accused student will be given at least one (1) University business days to prepare for a conference. In all student conduct proceedings, the accused student shall be presumed not responsible until it is proven that a violation of the University rules occurred by a preponderance of the information standard.

Appeal Process

A student may appeal an assigned sanction when:

• The student was not accorded their procedural rights as outlined in this Handbook;

• New evidence that was unknown or unavailable at the time of the initial hearing has become available which would have significantly altered its results; or,

• The sanction imposed is substantially disproportionate to the offense (including any consideration of the student’s prior offense(s)).

The appeal must be submitted in writing within three calendar days of the date on the sanction letter to the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Student Conduct Violation Codes

The following code violations, while not all-inclusive, provides examples of some of the behaviors that, if students choose to violate the codes, the student has chosen to be subject to possible accountability measures through the student conduct process and/or measures involving law enforcement that can result in sanctions which includes but is not limited to probation, suspension, or expulsion from Piedmont University. All guidelines apply to university-sponsored events and activities, on or off campus.

Academic Dishonesty

Plagiarism, cheating, legitimate collaboration, or any other action that would injure, damage, or endanger any person or property or prevent the class from continuing is strictly prohibited.

Aiding and/or Inciting

Aiding, persuading, and/or procuring another person(s)to commit any act of misconduct in the college community or environment; persuading or aiding another person to breach the peace on university premises; gathering of groups of students on/ off of the premises in such a manner as to cause damage to public or private property or injury to persons, or interfering with the orderly functioning of the university or with the normal flow of traffic or ordinary procedures in not permitted. (See section entitled Disorderly Assembly)

Alcohol/Drugs/Other Substances/Intoxication/Underage Drinking

Possession, use, sale, gift, or other transfer of intoxicants in any form or manner on the University campus is strictly prohibited (see Piedmont Village exception). Any student present during the violation of this policy may also be subject to judicial action. Students under the age of 21 who have consumed alcohol or anyone who has used illegal drugs are in violation of state law and subject to arrest and/or sanctions.(See section entitled ALCOHOL and DRUGS)

Animals, including Pets

Piedmont University is responsible for assuring the health and safety of all employees. In keeping with this objective, Piedmont University does not permit students to bring their household pets to campus. To request accommodations regarding the help of a service animal, please visit the office of Accommodations to complete the necessary steps. Animals/pets are not permitted to be on university grounds, including athletic events and/or university sponsored events, or university owned facilities unless given permission by the Dean of Students or Vice President of Student Affairs. (See section entitled Pet Access). Service animals when accompanied by the owner are excluded from this prohibition. (See section entitled ESA and Service Animal)

Arson/Fire

Creating fires of any kind is not permitted or the use of fireworks. Approved university sponsored activities are excluded from this prohibition.

Assault

Intentionally or carelessly causing physical harm or endangering the health or safety of another person, including but not limited to simple and aggravated assaults, sexual assault or fighting.

Classroom and General Campus Violations

These violations may warrant fines and/or student conduct conference or conduct hearing that may result in sanctions that include but is not limited to suspension from class, facility, residence hall or the university.

• Violating campus parking rules

• Gambling (See section entitled GAMBLING)

• Wearing inappropriate dress attire as defined by the University Dress Code Policy

• Violation of fitness center, cafeteria, Lion’s Den, Student Commons Gym rules

• Excessive noise or loud music

• Use of any tobacco products/electronic cigarettes/smokeless tobacco

• Failure to have a valid college ID card while on university property or failure to present it to a college official when requested

• Selling any unauthorized items

• Propping open or using unauthorized exit doors in any building

Contempt of Student Conduct Hearing Notice

Failure to appear for a student conduct conference or student conduct hearing after receiving notification of a scheduled hearing or conference, willful disrespect of the student conduct standards and procedures, or failure to comply as sanctions imposed by student conduct hearing officer will subject the student to the possible forfeiture of due process rights, fine, probation, suspension, or expulsion.

Damage or Destruction of Property (Vandalism)

Abuse, damage, destruction, or defacing of college, state, federal, public, or private property. (See section entitled Damage to Property)

Disorderly Conduct

Any act that disrupts peace or interferes with normal operations of college activities. This behavior involves intentionally disrupting teaching, research, ceremonies, student conduct proceedings, or other activities, interfering with a student or university official's duties, or withholding critical information from an authorized university agent's investigation. Disrespecting others, such as instructors, administrators, housing staff, RAs, campus police/security, athletic personnel, university staff, faculty, and guests. (See section entitled DISORDERLY CONDUCT)

Failure to Comply

Failure to follow the directives of college officials while performing their duties, or failure to identify oneself to college officials when questioned.

Forgery, Dishonesty, Fraudulent Acts and/or Misrepresentation

Forgery of names, signatures, and official documents. Forgery, deceptive conduct, misrepresentation, and/or dishonesty include, but are not limited to, altering or misusing university documents, records, student identification cards, and fraudulently issuing worthless checks to the university. Lying or knowingly providing false information to the university or university officials is not permitted.

Guest Behavior

Students are responsible for the behavior of guests they invite or enable to visit the school. If a guest is found in violation of the Code of Conduct while in the company of a student host or with their knowledge, charges will be issued against both the guest and the host student/student organization or club.

Harassment (Verbal and/or Physical and/or Sexual Harassment)

Excessive physical annoyance or verbal abuse on college grounds or during university-sponsored events. Verbal attacks, disparaging comments or statements, bullying, gang-like activity, discriminatory remarks, or any behavior that causes another member of the campus community to be fear or anxious are all prohibited. Any unwanted and uninvited sexual approaches, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, visual, or physical activity or communication having sexual connotations that the victim finds offensive. The university takes such acts very seriously and will not be tolerated. Individuals who make false charges will face student conduct action.

Housing Violations

Any behavior that violations the University’s Housing Contract or published Residence Life policies (see 2025-2026 Housing Contract for more information).

Safety Code Violations

Any behavior that endangers the safety or property of the university community. False fire or bomb alerts of any kind, theft, removal or tampering with security cameras, fire extinguishers, safety equipment, exit signs, smoke alarms and detectors, fire hoses, and sprinkler systems. Failure to follow evacuation instructions or obstructing the evacuation of a building during a fire, fire drill, or any other form of emergency is a violation of college fire safety or standard safety requirements.

Solicitation

Unauthorized selling, money collection, and marketing of unapproved events/sales by print or electronic notification on campus within university buildings or university property is prohibited unless the Director of Residence Life or the Director of Student Life grants permission. Students may not serve as soliciting agents for businesses. (See section entitled SOLICITATION)

Theft and Failure to pay fees

The unauthorized use, taking, or withholding of anything valuable from another person, school organization, or department. Failure to pay fees, deferred fees, traffic penalties, library penalties, bookstore charges, housing costs, or other financial responsibilities to the College will result in an administrative hold on the student's record initiated by the appropriate department. Students who provide bad checks or a debit/credit card with inadequate money will be subject to record holds, collection agencies, and/or student conduct action.

Threatening and or Unsafe Behavior

Students' conduct or behavior that endangers their health or safety or those of others. This conduct behavior includes, but is not limited to, threats made orally or through the writing of text messages, the use of social media sites with the intent to injure or harm oneself or others, the playing of practical jokes, abductions, kidnappings, or any other behavior that may endanger members of the campus community.

Trespassing and/or Unauthorized Use/Entry of College Facilities and/or Property

Unauthorized use of college property, admission into a facility, or staying in a room or office after being directed to leave are prohibited. This may include unauthorized use of college computers, accounts, and networks, as well as tampering with equipment or vehicles.

Violation of University Policies

Violation of university policies, code of conduct, student organization, facility rules and regulations

Violations of Law

See section entitled VIOLATION OF OUTSIDE LAW

Weapons/Firearms

The use, possession, or display of weapons, knives, firearms, or explosives on the premises of the university. (See section entitled WEAPONS and see section entitled EXPLOSIVES)

Sexual Misconduct

The College prohibits all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct. Sexual misconduct is a broad phrase that refers to any non-consensual sexual action that is conducted by force or intimidation, or that is otherwise inappropriate.
Sexual misconduct can encompass actions like sexual assault, rape, harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and any other non-consensual behavior with the intent or effect of threatening, intimating, or coercing another person or people. For more information on the university's Title IX policy located on the university website.

Sanctions and Penalties

University Sanctions: Any member of the Piedmont University faculty, staff, or student body who violates the Code of Conduct shall be subject to corrective disciplinary actions and penalties up to and including expulsion from university academic programs, termination of employment, and referral to the appropriate state, federal, or local authorities for prosecution in the courts.

State, Federal, and Local Sanctions: In addition, depending on the nature of the crime, persons convicted of violating federal and state laws prohibiting the unlawful use, possession and distribution of illegal alcohol or drugs may face sanctions such as heavy fines; incarceration for various periods of time, including life; forfeiture of assets; and suspension or loss of drivers, business, or professional licenses.

The following are possible disciplinary actions which may be assigned for an infraction of the Code of Conduct. This list is not exhaustive and may modified to meet the particular circumstances of any given case.

Community Service- A specified number of hours of work to be performed by the student to give back time taken away by the action of the party involved in the violation. Assignments of Community Service hours will be emailed following sanctioning. They may include: student Life and Leadership/Housing/Student Success Center, Maintenance/Daniel Hall or off campus entities pre-approved by the Director of Residence Life or Vice President of Student Affairs.

Counseling-Students may be required to receive counseling by a Piedmont University counselor, local provider, or community support group depending on the circumstances of the violation. They may request that the student meet a specified number of sessions for issues including, but not limited to, anger management, substance abuse, and personal circumstances.

Citation-Written documentation for violation of a state or federal law

Disciplinary Suspension- Temporary severance of the student's relationship with the University for a specified period of time.

Drug Testing-Random summons to look for the presence of one or more illegal or prescription drugs

Drug Testing Consequences-The threshold for THC/Cannabinoids (regardless of source marijuana or CBD supplements) as 150 ng/ml. Therefore, Piedmont University has established the following departmental guidelines for those who are tested. Any traceable amount of THC in their system under 150 ng/ml will be treated as a first offense sanction. For those that have 150 ng/ml will be treated as a second offense level or above sanction. Failure to submit a drug test will be considered a positive test and may also be subject to additional athletic sanctions.

Disciplinary Probation-A student might be given a period of time where if further violations occur there could be additional and more serious sanctions. Violations pertaining to conduct regulations while on probation may result in severe disciplinary sanctions, to include suspension or expulsion from the institution. Notice to the student that any further, major disciplinary violation may result in suspension. Disciplinary probation might also include one or more of the following: the setting of restrictions, the issuing of a reprimand, or restitution.

Education Assignment-Assignment given to help educate and prevent continued behavior. These can be in the form of written, practical, workshop, training, or online.

Expulsion- Permanent severance of the student's relationship with the University. This severance includes being barred from campus.

Fines- A specific financial penalty charged to the student responsible. Students may be fined for damages or tampering with university property depending on the severity of the violation.

Health and Safety Check-Randomized entry into a space to identify any potential hazards or safety violations in the campus owned space.

Immediate Suspension- The student may be required to leave the campus immediately if, in the opinion of the Vice President of Student Life and Leadership, the student's presence on campus would be detrimental to the institution. Suspension without a hearing shall continue until the disciplinary process is completed. Best efforts will be made to schedule and complete the disciplinary process as promptly as possible.

Limited Suspension- A student may be denied certain privileges for a specified period of time. These privileges may include, but are not limited to, class attendance, housing, parking on campus, participation in extracurricular activities, ID card privileges, access to institutional facilities, and access to the campus.

Pets-Piedmont University is responsible for assuring the health and safety of all employees. In keeping with this objective, Piedmont University does not permit students to bring their household pets to campus. To request accommodations regarding the help of a service animal, please visit the office of Accommodations to complete the necessary steps.

Reprimand-(either written or verbal)An official written or verbal notification that a student’s behavior is in violation of university regulations or standards and clarifies expected behavior in the future. Behavior will warrant consequences if repeated.

Restitution- Reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of property. This may take the form of appropriate service, apology, or other compensation.

Room Entry and Searches-The university reserves the right and the students as part of their housing agreement, agree to allow the University to enter student rooms for the purpose of:

Health and safety inspections
Enforcing University policies as outlined in the student handbook, code of conduct and residence life housing contract
Facility improvements and routine maintenance.
Managing rooms in the event of an epidemic or emergency that jeopardizes the well-being of the occupant or other students.
Maintaining a quiet environment where residents may sleep and study
Unscheduled/reasonable suspicion room inspections to ensure policies in the student handbook and housing contract are being followed

Room Change – Requirement to vacate a residence hall or assigned space for violation of residence hall policies and/or other institutional policies. Student are not allowed to visit any residence hall or be in the vicinity of a hall when assigned this sanction.

Sanctions Chart

The following are the recommended sanctions for each conduct violation within the Student Code of Conduct. Note that depending on the situation additional sanctions can be implemented in addition to those listed below and is to only be used as a guide of possible sanctions.

Violation	1^st Offense	2^nd Offense	3^rd Offense
Alcohol Possession/ Use	Community service (min.5 hrs.), Alcohol education course	Disciplinary Probation, Counseling, community service, BASICS Course ($150)	Loss of housing privileges, Police Citation
Underage Alcohol Possession/Use	Police Citation, Alcohol education course, community service hours	Disciplinary Probation (min. 1 semester), Counseling, community service hours, BASICS Course ($150), Police Citation	Suspension from housing one or more semesters, Possible Expulsion, Police citation
Drug Possession less than 1 ounce:	Written Reprimand, educational sanction; community service hours (min.5hrs.), Athletics notified if applicable	Disciplinary Probation (min. 1 semester), Random drug testing, Random Health and Safety checks; Athletics notified if applicable	Suspension from Housing one ore more semesters, Possible expulsion, Citation, Athletics notified if applicable
Drug Possession/ Use: Marijuana	Written Reprimand, educational sanction; community service hours (min. 5hrs.), Athletics Notified if applicable	Disciplinary Probation (min. 1 semester), Random drug testing, Random Health and Safety checks; $250 fine Athletics Notified if applicable	Suspension from housing one or more semesters, Possible Expulsion, citation; Athletics Notified if applicable
Drug Possession/ Use: Other drugs	Written Reprimand, educational sanction, community services hours (min.5 hrs.); Athletics Notified if applicable	Disciplinary Probation (min. 1 semester), drug testing, Random Health and Safety checks; $250 fine: Athletics notified if applicable	Suspension from Housing one ore more semesters, Possible expulsion, Citation, Athletics notified if applicable
Drug Paraphernalia Possession/ Use	Educational Sanction, counseling, Athletics Notified if applicable	Disciplinary Probation (min. 1 semester), Random drug testing, Random Health and Safety Checks	Suspension from Housing one or more semesters, Possible expulsion, Criminal Trespass Citation
Intent to distribute: Marijuana	Expulsion
Intent to distribute: Other drugs	Expulsion
Tampering with Fire Safety Equipment	$500 fine and fire safety course	Disciplinary Probation, Community Service, $1,000 fine	Suspension from Housing one or more semesters, Possible expulsion, Citation, fine
Fire Safety (not exiting a building, ?)	$100 fine	$150 fine, Community Service, First safety Training	Suspension from Housing one or more semesters
Solicitation	$150 fine	Community Service, Disciplinary Probation	Suspension, Possible Expulsion
Damage to Property	Fines vary
Disorderly Conduct	Written Reprimand, Educational Sanction	$250 Fine, Disciplinary Probation	Suspension, Possible expulsion
Harassment	Suspension, Possible Expulsion	Indefinitely excluded from campus
Hate Crime	Expulsion
Hazing	Expulsion
Theft	Expulsion
Weapons	Expulsion
Explosives	Expulsion
Violating Campus Motor Vehicles	Fines vary	Fines vary	Parking privileges redacted
Gambling	Written Reprimand, Educational Sanction	Fine, Counseling Intake	Disciplinary Probation

Up one level

Code of Conduct