The University has adopted Standards of Conduct which require students and their organizations to lead in matters of behavior with ethical and moral integrity. Augsburg strives to provide a community that protects each student’s freedom to learn and that seeks the orderly resolution of human problems while honoring the fundamental rights of all. It is the goal of Augsburg University to create and maintain a respectful environment for members of the University community, including students, staff, faculty, administration, and visitors. Such an environment is congruent with the University mission and values and, as such, serves to enhance the teaching-learning process.
Augsburg University expects its students to be responsible in their personal behavior and to comply with all established standards for student behavior. To this end, adjudication procedures have been established to review the case of any student who is accused of violating the University’s Standards of Conduct and to give that student an opportunity to explain the behavior in question.
The questions below are those frequently asked by students who are participating in the conduct adjudication process. The information below is aimed to help students understand the process; it is not intended to replace any language in the Student Guide. The Standards of Conduct is the official document that outlines the conduct adjudication process.
I received a letter alleging that I have violated University policy. What does this mean?
This means that the University received a report that you engaged in conduct that may have violated University policy. As a result, the University is conducting an investigation into the report and inviting you to participate in the process.
Please note: At the time you receive this letter, it does not mean that you are being held responsible for any policy violations. Receiving a letter simply means that the University received a report of misconduct involving you, that it is obligated to investigate the report, and that you are being asked to participate in the investigation.
Respond and schedule a meeting with an investigator (also known as a “conduct officer”). You will be invited to participate in the investigation and asked about your experiences surrounding the report. The conduct officer may ask you questions and engage in reflection surrounding the incident.
Do not respond. If you do not respond, the University will still conduct an investigation using the evidence it has, and will make a determination without your input.
A No Contact Directive (NCD) is issued by the University as a measure to stop communication between two parties who may be impacted by allegations of misconduct. If an NCD is issued, both parties are expected to cease communication with each other, including in person, over phone, via email, via text, via social media, via third party, and through any other means. An NCD may be extended if a student is found responsible for a police violation.
A summary removal from housing is a decision to temporarily remove a student from their on-campus housing prior to the completion of an investigation. This is imposed when there has been a threat to the health, safety, or well-being of members of the University residential community. A removal from housing may be extended if a student is found responsible for a policy violation.
While summary removed from housing, a student is prohibited from being in the residential areas of the residence halls, but can still attend classes and engage with University services and activities.
A summary suspension is a decision to temporarily suspend a student from the University prior to the completion of an investigation. This is imposed when there has been a threat to the health, safety, or well-being of members of the University community. A suspension may be extended if a student is found responsible for a policy violation.
While summary suspended, a student is prohibited from being on campus or contacting other members of the University community outside of the Dean of Students Office, Public Safety, and their conduct officer.
With whom will I be meeting in my conduct meeting?
You will meet with a conduct officer, who is a trained staff member from Augsburg University. This staff member usually works in Campus Life, the Dean of Students Office, Multicultural Life, Public Safety, and/or Residence Life.
Who can I bring with me to my meeting with a conduct officer?
You are allowed to bring one advisor (or support person) with you to your meeting with a conduct officer. This advisor could be a parent, a friend, a faculty member, or an attorney. You and your advisor will need to sign paperwork in advance authorizing them to be present during the meeting.
Can I have someone speak for me or meet with a conduct officer on my behalf?
No. You must represent yourself and speak on your own behalf. An advisor is only present at a conduct meeting to support a student. If an advisor does not adhere to this requirement, the conduct officer has the right to ask the advisor to leave the conduct meeting.
What happens after my meeting with a conduct officer?
The conduct officer will review additional testimony and evidence, and then write a letter addressed to you that summarizes your meeting, their decision, the rationale for their decision, and any sanctions assigned, if applicable.
When would I be found responsible for a policy violation?
You would be found responsible if the investigation determines the likelihood that you committed a violation is greater than 50% (referred to as a “preponderance of evidence”). The conduct officer reviews your testimony, the testimony of others, submitted reports, photos, texts, emails, documents, screenshots, recordings, and other evidence to determine whether a student is responsible or not responsible. Additionally, the conduct officer reviews the credibility of testimony or evidence provided, such as whether one’s testimony is congruent with other testimony or evidence, or whether one’s testimony was consistent or changed.
If there is not a preponderance of evidence that it is more likely than not that you engaged in the alleged misconduct, you would be found not responsible.
What happens if I am found responsible? Will I be kicked out of school?
The University’s conduct process is educational in nature. Most policy violations do not result in serious sanctions, such as suspension or expulsion, but instead require the student to engage in education or reflection on their conduct. Some policy violations also require that students pay a fine (e.g., alcohol or other drug violations, fire safety violations, unauthorized animal violations, etc.).
What happens if I do not complete the sanctions assigned to me?
If you do not complete your sanction by the assigned deadline, you will be required to pay a fine by the University. Moreover, if you were found responsible for an alcohol or other drug policy violation, and you are under 21 years of age, your parent/guardian will be notified.
Will other people (e.g., parents/guardians, coaches, etc.) find out about any disciplinary action?
Generally, no, except in certain circumstances. These include:
A student’s coach will always be notified if they are a student-athlete.
A student’s parent/guardian will be notified in the event that (1) the student is under 21 years of age, (2) the student was found responsible for an alcohol or drug policy violation, and (3) the student failed to complete sanctions by the assigned deadline.
Can I request my record be expunged? If so, what does that mean?
Yes. You may email deanofstudents@augsburg.edu to ask that a part of or all of your disciplinary record be expunged. The University is under no obligation to expunge a student’s record; if the University chooses to expunge a student’s record, it is done so out of courtesy, not out of an obligation by law. Additionally, some cases are not appropriate for expungement.
If a student’s record is expunged, that record still remains on file by the University for 7 years before it is destroyed. However, the University will not release these records to third parties (e.g., employers, other colleges/universities, etc.).
