Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a way that respects the cooperative standards of the Excelsior community and agrees with the University’s educational mission. This includes obeying federal, state, and local laws as well as University policies. Not knowing or understanding these standards and policies is not a defense or excuse. Any non-academic, student behavioral conduct incident reports filed are confidential and will only be shared with those involved in the case.
Possible violations of student behavioral conduct include, but are not limited to:
- Disruptive and/or disrespectful behavior
- Harassment (non-sexual)
- Falsification or alteration of non-academic documents
- Copyright infringement
- Misrepresentation
- Violation of University policies or applicable laws
- Failure to comply with reasonable and appropriate direction or requests given by University administration, staff, and instructional faculty
- Use of Excelsior University electronic platforms to:
- Advertise services or products for personal gain
- Link an Excelsior website to other sites without authorization
- Download illegal or inappropriate material
- Share proprietary, or confidential information about Excelsior sponsored activities, or attempt to hack, alter, damage, or destroy the integrity of electronic information, software or hardware associated with the Excelsior electronic systems
Procedure
Expectations
Students will treat the Excelsior University Community (staff, faculty, instructors, fellow students, alums, board/council members and others) with courtesy, decency, and respect. Students should report any issues with their peers to their instructor or academic advisor.
The Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Policy provides ample grounds to do so: “Students are expected to conduct themselves in a way that respects the cooperative standards of the Excelsior community.” This is echoed in the University’s Student Code of Conduct. While the policy delineates discrete violations, these are merely illustrative and are not meant to deprive staff or faculty from exercising their sound professional and educational judgement as to an appropriate response.
Prior to reporting student behavioral conduct to the ombudsperson, it is best practice to use professional judgement and decision making within your team to resolve matters. It is advised that documentation of behavioral violations, and actions are taken in response. Reported violations will be investigated when escalated to the ombudsperson. Students will be held accountable with consequences when deemed appropriate.
Level of Severity Scale
The level of severity will be determined based on a structured scale. Consequences will consistently correlate with the level of severity, which directly relates to the impact on those involved.
Lower Concern: Least serious, encompasses situations that may be handled informally leading to a prompt resolution. This is typically handled with faculty and staff leadership within units and schools. Examples: inappropriate language, aggressive or rude communication, and disrespect (verbal or written)
Moderate Concern: Involves an ongoing problem or a more serious matter. Examples: challenging authority, continued inappropriate language, aggressive or rude communication, disrespect (verbal or written), inappropriate confrontation, or persistent refusal to adhere to Excelsior policies or procedures.
Heightened Concern: Most serious level. It is at this level that the concern is raised to the Ombudsperson office. Examples: threats, bullying, continued disruption, as described above, after receiving a warning or suspension.
Reporting Procedure for Lower Concerns and Moderate Concerns
- Concerns can be sent to clas@excelsior.edu or cnhs@excelsior.edu. All incidents and communication will be documented in the student record.
Reporting Procedure for Heightened Concerns
- Send concerns in writing to: ombudsperson@excelsior.edu
- The Ombudsperson and Director of Student Success will discuss the matter with the complainant.
- A formal report will be created and a full investigation into the matter will be completed.
- Results will be shared with the complainant and student as part of a letter of warning, suspension, or convening of the hearing board in determining potential dismissal.
- All related documents and correspondence (letters of warning, suspension, dismissal, emails call summaries, or internal complaint reports) will stay on the student’s record.
Determination of Disciplinary Actions
Sanctions may include a letter of warning, suspension and/or notice of hearing board convening to determine dismissal. If the behavior reaches a level of heightened concern, or bypasses low and moderate concern, a hearing board will be convened. When disruptive behavior continues after a student receives the letter of warning, the student will face suspension as the next level of consequence. If the student is suspended, returns, and the disruptive behavior continues, a hearing board will be convened to determine potential dismissal. When a student is dismissed, they will not be allowed to return to Excelsior University in any capacity.
Sanctions
- Warning: Written notice of violation which is notated in the student’s internal record
- Suspension: Immediate removal of student from the course, activity or event, and temporary loss of services for the term in which the violation occurred (There could be financial aid implications for the student.)
- Dismissal: Permanent separation of the student from the University; Hearing Board intervenes
Hearing Board and Procedures
Hearings will be held virtually. Both the complainant and the student are permitted to attend the hearing; however, they will not be present simultaneously. The Hearing Officer is responsible for ensuring that the hearing follows the established hearing procedures. The Director, Student Success, will present the findings and answer questions. The hearing will proceed even if either party is absent.
The Hearing Board decides all cases using the preponderance of the evidence standard. The hearing board will recommend an appropriate resolution. Recommendations for dismissal will be sent in writing to the student’s college dean (CLAS or CNHS) for a final decision. The student will be sent written notification of findings, any consequences imposed, and the complainant will be copied. This closes the case with documentation.
Right to Appeal
A student who wishes to appeal against the outcome must do so within 10 business days of the notification of findings only if there is documented evidence that the hearing process was not followed. Appeals may be sent to studentsupport@excelsior.edu The Executive Director of Student Affairs will review the appeal, notifying the respondent of a decision within 10 business days of the date the appeal was received.
