Dean of Students

The Dean of Students Office supports and empowers undergraduates as they develop fully, realize their potential and achieve their personal goals. We provide experiences that challenge students to grow holistically, preparing them to contribute to the University community and beyond.

We assist students in resolving educational, personal and other concerns that affect the quality of their academic and community life. When contacting our office, students can expect to have an answer to their question, a solution to their problem or an effective referral to the office or professional who can help.

We educate the University community on student needs, trends and issues, and we are committed to recognizing and celebrating the achievements and contributions of our students.

We oversee the following programs:

CARE team
Counseling Services
Health Services
Leaves of absence (including medical)
Off-campus living
Parent and family resources and education
Residence Life
Sexual assault awareness and bystander programs
Student advocacy
Student conduct
Student Engagement
Title IX
Wellness and prevention programs

Student Code of Conduct

Our students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner suitable to our community. The student conduct process supports our mission and provides a framework within which behavioral standards are applied and reviewed. A full list of student code of conduct violations is available in the student handbook.

What happens when I'm documented for violating the student code of conduct in a residence hall?

If you're documented in a residence hall, a report is initiated and reviewed by our office the following business day. The case is then assigned to a student conduct hearing officer for a student conduct conference or forwarded to a student conduct hearing panel. Student conduct hearing officers can be a professional staff member/administrator in the Office of Residence Life or an administrator in the Dean of Students Office.

What happens when I'm documented for violating the student code of conduct off campus?

Students are held to behavioral standards both on and off campus. If you are documented for an off-campus incident by local or state police, we are notified the following business day. The case is then assigned to a student conduct hearing officer for a student conduct conference or forwarded to a student conduct hearing panel.

What is a student conduct conference?

A student conduct conference is an initial meeting to provide you, the responding student, with the opportunity to discuss the allegation(s) and review documentation that led to the charge(s). You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the incident or University policies. The hearing officer will then make a determination of responsibility.

What happens if I'm found responsible for violating the student code of conduct?

If you are found responsible, the hearing officer conducting the student conduct conference will discuss and impose sanctions. Sanctions may be assigned immediately, or the hearing officer may ask you to return for a follow-up meeting in which sanctions will be discussed and assigned. An outcome letter will be sent to your Salve email address once sanctions are assigned.

What happens if I'm found not responsible for violating the student code of conduct?

If you are found not responsible, there is no further action needed. The hearing officer may have an educational conversation with you regarding the incident and how to avoid similar incidents in the future.

What is the student conduct hearing panel?

In cases where responsibility for the alleged violation(s) may result in high-level sanctions including, but not limited to, suspension or dismissal, a respondent will be automatically forwarded to a student conduct hearing panel. A student conduct hearing panel is a hearing heard before three University employees who are trained in conduct policies and procedures.

What is a hearing panel coordinator?

A hearing panel coordinator is a staff member who meets with a respondent who is forwarded to a student conduct hearing panel prior to the hearing. The hearing panel coordinator will review the allegations with the respondent, walk them through the hearing process and answer any questions the respondent may have prior to their hearing. The hearing panel coordinator is also present at the hearing to oversee the process.

What are my possible sanctions?

Sanctions range from warnings, fines and/or educational and developmental sanctions to suspension and expulsion. A full list of potential sanctions is in the student code of conduct section of the student handbook.

What happens if I don't complete my sanctions?

If you are assigned a sanction (such as an educational reflective essay) and do not complete it, you may be assessed a judicial fine and/or charged with failure to comply with requests from University officials, and additional sanctions may be imposed.

Will my parents/guardians find out if I violate the student code of conduct?

We notify parents/guardians of students under age 21 regarding alcohol and/or drug violations. A copy of the outcome letter you receive as a student is also mailed home. Depending on the severity of the incident, a phone call may also be made.

Can I appeal a student conduct conference or student conduct hearing panel outcome?

The dean of students reviews all requests to appeal, and an appeal must be based on either a procedural error or new information. The full appeals procedure is in the appeals section of the student handbook.