Furman University

Student conduct procedures

Introduction & philosophy The university's rights and responsibilities Preponderance of the evidence Accused rights Victim rights Witnesses Support person The student conduct process Housing and residence life policy violations	Traffic and parking violations Student organization policy violations Student organization disputes Academic irregularities Cultural life program policy violations Student conduct records Student conduct record expungement Reporting suspected violations Student conduct flow chart

Student conduct code introduction and philosophy

Furman University views its role in the administration of institutional policy as one of both ensuring fairness and providing an educational opportunity for the student. This approach protects the campus community by providing a system of educational and punitive sanctions for those violating university policies and also encourages growth and development of students through supporting the practice of responsible behavior in a community. The educational approach infers a need for understanding and self-discipline on the part of the student, as well as a respect for the rights and privileges of others. The university is not a sanctuary where students or student groups may escape the responsibilities imposed by law upon all citizens. The university does not condone the violation or attempted violation of federal, state or local law. Student conduct action may be taken on the basis of any conduct, on or off campus. Alleged violations may be referred to the appropriate criminal court and, if the conduct in question also appears to violate any university regulations, to the appropriate university official, national office or judicial body.

The basic philosophy and principles which guide the student conduct process at Furman University are:

• The process is necessary and effective when it is applied in the learning experience of a student and/or for protection of the community of which they are a member.
• When student conduct action becomes necessary, that action should be handled expeditiously and thoroughly.
• The education of students concerning the policies of the university, emphasizing the need to live by those rules in a community of people, is promoted in residence hall meetings, conduct hearings and during any other contact made with individuals charged with violating university policy.
• In conduct hearings involving students who are accused of violating university policies, consideration will be given to all information relevant to the case. This is to ensure that a fair process and appropriate consideration are extended to all students.

The university's rights and responsibilities

As a private institution, Furman University reserves the right to refuse re-enrollment to a student whose personal or academic adjustment has been unsatisfactory. Enrollment for each semester is legally a separate contract with a student; thus acceptance for one semester does not necessarily imply acceptance for succeeding terms. Students are expected to recognize the right and obligation of the university administration to establish and enforce policies which it believes to be in the best interest of the community as a whole. The university reserves the right to amend its rules, policies and procedures at any time.

Each educational institution has a responsibility to provide an environment which is conducive to freedom to learn on the part of its students. In order to provide such conditions, Furman University has developed policies and procedures designed to safeguard this freedom.

Each student has the right to expect from university officials nondiscriminatory treatment without regard to race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable state or federal law.

Students are guaranteed freedom of inquiry and expression. Special interest groups are free to organize according to regulations in the constitution of the Student Government Association.
Students are guaranteed the right of peaceful assembly to the extent that such does not interfere with the educational process and is not in conflict with federal, state or local laws or Furman regulations.

Each student has a right to expect that all records pertaining to his/her association with the university shall be confidential according to requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The Act states that each student is guaranteed an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the accuracy of information contained in any file or record to which he/she has access. A request for a hearing should be made to the Vice President for Student Life or their designee.

Students identified as being in violation of university rules and regulations are guaranteed the right to be dealt with according to procedures designed to guarantee fundamental fairness listed in the Student Conduct Code.

Each student has a responsibility to respect the rights of every other student and to support the right of Furman University to establish institutional standards designed to achieve its goals and objectives.

Preponderance of the evidence

There is a major difference between a criminal process and the student conduct process regarding the use of evidence.  In order for the student to be found responsible, a preponderance of the evidence must exist.  This means, that unlike a criminal system where responsibility must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt, in a student conduct system there must only be enough evidence to tip the scales (i.e. 51% or "more likely than not") before a student may be found responsible for violating the Student Conduct Code.

Accused rights

Students who are charged with violating the student conduct code are entitled to the rights listed below.

• To have a written statement of the charges.
• To have a written notice of the date, time and place of the hearing.
• To have a minimum of 48 hours to prepare for a hearing before the Student Conduct Officer, Student Conduct Board or Discipline Committee.
• To have the opportunity to meet with a Student Conduct Board or Discipline Committee Advisor prior to the hearing to discuss the adjudication process.
• To have the hearing postponed for good cause (request for postponement must be made no less than two days prior to the scheduled time of the hearing and must be made in writing to the assigned conduct officer).
• To have the right to have a support person from within Furman's faculty/staff/student university community (to exclude parents/guardians and attorneys) to be present during the hearing process.
• To hear and respond to the information that supports the charges against him/her.
• To obtain witnesses in his/her own behalf.
• To question witnesses.
• To provide information in his/her own behalf.
• To receive nondiscriminatory treatment without regard to race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable state or federal law.
• To have case information be held in confidence by university student conduct officers as well as Student Conduct Board and Discipline Committee panel members.

Victim rights

The Student Conduct Process does not replace or relieve any requirement of civil or criminal law. This means that victims may bring complaints to the appropriate university official and also file criminal or civil complaints. Victims are encouraged to report violations of law to proper authorities on or off campus.

Furman University is committed to the safety and well-being of all its community members. The university strives to create an environment that is free of acts of violence, harassment, and infringement of rights of privacy and property. The Office of Student Life is committed to assisting students, whether an accused student or victim of an alleged incident, in identifying resources which, based on personal needs, will further support them throughout the student conduct process.

A victim of an alleged incident does not have to be a member of the university community. If an alleged incident occurs off campus, even if the person involved is not a member of the University community, they may have the right to file a complaint with Office of Student Life and/or University Police. This is possible when the behavior is considered to have a substantial University interest, or in other words, the accused is likely to endanger others, repeat the behavior, or interfere with the educational process and operation of the university.

Victims of alleged sexual misconduct and/or physical assault violations are also afforded the following procedural rights during the investigation of the alleged incident and in any subsequent official student conduct hearing.

• To be treated with dignity and respect and in a non-judgmental manner.
• To assume the role of witness if an alleged incident is referred for adjudication.
• To be notified of the progress of the case, including initial contact with the alleged assailant and outcomes related to any university student conduct proceedings. Concerning these outcomes, the victim and charged student must respect the privacy rights of all involved.
• To have a support person from within Furman's faculty/staff/student University community (to exclude parents/guardians and attorneys) to accompany them throughout the hearing process.
• To be informed of counseling services available. To request campus housing relocation or other steps to prevent unnecessary or unwanted contact or proximity to an alleged assailant. When feasible, requests will be accommodated.
• To remain present during the entire proceeding of any Discipline Committee panel.
• To not have their past sexual history discussed during the hearing.
• To be informed immediately of the outcome of the hearing as permitted by the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990.
  
• To have all reported acts of sexual misconduct held in the highest confidence by the university. The names of victims will not be released to any other party without the written consent of the victim. The names of accused students will only be released as permitted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

Witnesses

The Student Conduct Board, Discipline Committee and individual Conduct Officers may request that any witnesses provide testimony during a conduct hearing. A witness is any individual who has personal knowledge of the case being adjudicated (i.e. student, roommate, teammate, resident assistant, police officer, etc.). Parents/guardians may not serve as witnesses. Character witnesses are not permitted. A support person may not serve as a witness. Both victims and accused students have the right to provide witnesses in their case and must notify the assigned conduct advisor within 48 hours prior to the hearing. A witness may contact the Dean of Students or other conduct advisor prior to the hearing to discuss the adjudication process.

Support person

Accused students have the right to have a support person from within Furman's faculty/staff/student University community (to exclude parents/guardians and attorneys) be present during the hearing process. The support person may not communicate with any hearing officers, panel members, witnesses or other involved students throughout the hearing process. It is not assumed that the support person either believes or disbelieves the accused student's perspective on the incident.  The support role is intended to comfort the victim or accused student throughout the conduct hearing.  A support person may contact the Dean of Students or other conduct advisor prior to the hearing to discuss the adjudication process.

The student conduct process

Student conduct code violations

Alleged violations of the student conduct code are adjudicated by the Vice President for Student Life or their designee, the Student Conduct Board or the Discipline Committee, depending upon the seriousness of the alleged violations and/or the circumstances of the case.

• Adjudication process for student conduct code violations

1. Student conduct action may be taken on the basis of any conduct, on or off campus, which is in violation of the university's student conduct code or state and federal laws.
2. The responsibility for the investigative work necessary to substantiate a charge begins with the person reporting the alleged violation, and is continued in cooperation with the Office of Student Life, University Police, or others as appropriate.
3. A student will be sent a copy of the incident report containing the alleged violations and notifying them of the student conduct code charges for which they may be held responsible at least 48 hours prior to a hearing.
4. A student will have the opportunity to have a hearing (see Student Conduct Process flow chart) to discuss the alleged violations of the student conduct code by meeting with:
   • the Student Conduct Board to discuss any incidents involving alleged "conduct violations."
   • the Discipline Committee to discuss any incidents involving alleged "major conduct violations."
5. If a student fails to schedule an appointment with or appear before the designated conduct officer or board as instructed, said officer or board will determine the outcome of the case in the student's absence based on all information available at that time.
6. If, in the judgment of the Vice President for Student Life or their designee, it is in the best interest of the student being charged and/or the university for the Discipline Committee to hear a case, no alternative process will be offered. 
7. If a student conduct code violation occurs at a time when either the Discipline Committee or Student Conduct Board cannot meet, an Interim Administrative Panel will adjudicate the case regardless of the plea entered.

• Interim adjudication process for student conduct code violations

1. The Student Conduct Board and Discipline Committee are not available during the summer, between semesters, during exam periods and during the beginning and end of the semesters.
2. In such instances, an Interim Administrative Panel of 2-3 members (appointed by the Vice President for Student Life or their designee) will hear the case.
3. The panel members may be comprised of administrators, faculty, staff and/or students.

• Student conduct board hearings

The purpose of the Student Conduct Board is to address violations of the Student Conduct Code. The primary goal of the board is to educate students about the University’s expectations regarding standards of behavior for all students. The system is also in place to help students understand the reason behind institutional policies and regulations and encourage them to consider what it means to be responsible members of the Furman University community and be accountable for their actions.

Student Conduct Board panels are comprised of two students and a staff member. Each panel of the Student Conduct Board is chaired by a student. A member of the Division of Student Life serves as an adviser during panel hearings. When an alleged violation is heard before the Student Conduct Board, the panel is responsible for determining whether or not a violation of the Student Conduct Code has occurred as well deliberating appropriate sanctions.

Student conduct board hearing procedures

1. The student will be given at least 48 hours to prepare for the hearing.
2. The student being charged as well as the person bringing charges has the right to have a support person of his/her choice who must be a member of the university community (faculty, student or staff member). Attorneys and parents/guardians are prohibited from attending student conduct hearings.
3. The student may speak on their own behalf and may present supporting evidence and witnesses.  The student may also question witnesses and hear witness testimony.
4. The student will be presented all evidence against him/her.

• Discipline committee hearings

The Discipline Committee is a joint faculty/staff/student committee that adjudicates alleged serious violations of the Student Conduct Code. The Discipline Committee is comprised of faculty members who are appointed by the President of the University or a designee, staff members who are appointed by the Vice President for Student Life or a designee, and student members through application and selection to the Student Conduct Board.

The purpose of the Discipline Committee is to address violations of the student conduct code. The primary goal of the board is to educate students about the University’s expectations regarding standards of behavior for all students. The system is also in place to help students understand the reason behind institutional policies and regulations and encourage them to consider what it means to be responsible members of the Furman University community and be accountable for their actions.

When an alleged violation of the student conduct code is serious enough to appear before the Discipline Committee, randomly selected panels are drawn from the pool of faculty, staff and student members to hear the case. Each panel of the Discipline Committee is composed of two faculty, one staff, and three students and is chaired by a faculty member. The panel will determine whether or not a violation of the Student Conduct Code has occurred and will deliberate appropriate sanctions.

Discipline Committee hearing procedures

1. The student will be given at least 48 hours to prepare for the hearing.
2. The student being charged as well as the person bringing charges has the right to have a support person of his/her choice who must be a member of the university community (faculty, student or staff member). Attorneys and parents/guardians are prohibited from attending student conduct hearings.
3. The student may speak on his/her own behalf and may present supporting evidence and witnesses. The student may also hear and question witnesses.
4. The student will be presented all evidence against him/her.
5. A recording of a Discipline Committee hearing will be made for use only in the case of appeal and will remain as property of the university. At the end of a two-year period, recordings will be destroyed.

• Sanctions/parental notification

Listed below is a range of sanctions for violations of the student conduct code. A combination of those listed may be deemed appropriate.  A student's prior conduct record will be considered during the sanctioning phase of the student conduct process.

Warning/probation/suspensions

• Reprimand/official warning
• Monetary fine
• Restitution
• Work and/or service hours
• Disciplinary probation
  • Housing probation, imposed for a specific time period during which any further student conduct actions or violations of Housing and Residence Life polices will result in immediate suspension from campus housing
  • University probation, imposed for a specific time period (minimum of one academic term). Any student conduct code violations during this probationary period will likely result in suspension from the University
• Suspension (from the University and/or from Housing)
  • Removal of a student from the University will permit the student to apply for readmission at the end of the sanction imposed. While a student is suspended, s/he may not return to the campus or participate in any programs or activities of the university without written permission from the Vice President for Student Life or their designee. If the student returns to the campus without written permission during the suspension period, his/her eligibility to return to Furman may be jeopardized.
• Loss of university housing
• Expulsion from the University

Additional potential sanctions

• Alcohol education
• Counseling
• Educational sanctions
• Housing relocation
• Substance abuse testing

Parental notification

Furman University values the involvement of parents and guardians in the educational process. Parents will be notified when their student is found responsible for violating the alcohol or drug policy, is placed on disciplinary probation, suspended, expelled or loses housing privileges.

The student's parents or legal guardian(s) will be notified concerning the student conduct action unless the student can provide documentation of independent status. The parents of students 21 or older found responsible for violating Furman's campus alcohol policy may also be notified depending on the violation.

• Appeals procedures for student conduct code violations

Appeals of cases conducted by the Student Conduct Board or the Discipline Committee will be heard by the Student Conduct Appeals Board. The Student Conduct Appeals Board will consist of the Vice President for Student Life (Chair), the Faculty Chair of the Discipline Committee, two student members of the Student Conduct Board, and a student member of the Student Government Association (appointed by the SGA president). Appeals of cases conducted by the Interim Administrative Panel will be heard by the Vice President for Student Life or designee.

The review of the appeal will be based on the criteria noted below and will not be a re-hearing of the original case. Students may appeal if any of the following criteria have been met:

1. Substantial new evidence can be provided related to the specific case which was not available at the time of the original hearing.
2. A substantial violation of the hearing procedure occurred.
3. The sanction(s) levied is excessive and does not follow the Student Handbook guidelines.

All appeals must be submitted in writing to the Vice President for Student Life.  The appeal letter must be attached as a Word document in an email to the Vice President.  Appeals should be submitted within 72 hours after receipt of the electronic sanction letter and must specify which of the three appeal criteria is being considered and include the following:

1.  For substantial new evidence: 

• Source of the new information;
• Name of the person(s) who can present this information (if applicable);
• Reason(s) why this information was not presented at the original hearing; and
• Reason(s) why this information may contribute to a decision other than that which was originally made.

2.  For a substantial hearing procedural violation:

• Must cite the specific procedural errors;
• The reason why the procedural errors were not mentioned during the original hearing; and
• The reasons why correction of the errors can contribute to a decision other than that which was originally made.

3.  For an excessive sanction:

• Must include specific information indicating why the sanction is deemed unreasonable.
• Presumptive sanctions by definition will not be considered excessive.

In all cases, the decision by the designated appeals officer or the Student Conduct Appeals Board is the final decision of the University.

Housing and residence life policy violations

Alleged violations of Housing and Residence Life policies are adjudicated by the Associate Director of Residence Life or their designee.

• Adjudication process for Housing and Residence Life policy violations

1. Students will be sent an electronic copy of the incident report, notice of the alleged Housing and Residence Life violations for which they may be held responsible, as well as the sanctions when it is clear a violation has occurred.
2. Students have the right to choose to meet with a Housing and Residence Life official to discuss policy violations and sanctions.

• Sanctions

Listed below is a range of sanctions for violations of Housing and Residence Life policies. A combination of those listed may be deemed appropriate.  A student's prior conduct record will be considered during the sanctioning phase of the student conduct process.

1. Reprimand/official warning
2. Monetary fine
3. Restitution
4. Work and/or service hours
5. Educational sanctions
6. Counseling referral
7. Housing relocation

• Appeal procedures for housing and residence life violations

Appeals of Housing and Residence Life cases will be heard by the Director of Housing and Residence Life or their designee. All appeals must be received in writing to the appropriate appeals officer (provided in the sanction letter) within 72 hours after the hearing has occurred and must include the following information:

1. Reason(s) why this information may contribute to a decision other than that which was originally made.
2. If the appeal is for an excessive sanction, then the appeal must include specific information indicating why the sanction is deemed unreasonable.

In all cases, the decision by the Director of Housing and Residence Life or designee is the final decision of the university.

Traffic and parking violations

The University Police enforce Furman’s Traffic and Parking Regulations.

• Appeal procedures for traffic and parking citations
  

Appeals of citations are reviewed by Furman’s Traffic and Parking Committee. The Committee will meet with a student(s) to review the appeal and make a ruling. To appeal a citation, use the “Ticket Appeal Form” on the University Police Department’s website. An appeal must be made within 5 days of the date of the citation.

Student organization policy violations

Alleged violations of Student Organization policies are adjudicated by the Vice President for Student Life or their designee. Student organizations who are members of governing councils will be subject to any conduct regulation of the appropriate council. Any governing council decision will be reviewed by the Vice President for Student Life or their designee who may increase, decrease or alter the sanctions imposed by the council. Cases involving student organizations are not considered confidential under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); therefore, the university does not protect the confidentiality of the records regarding the conduct and/or sanctioning of student organizations.

• Sanctions

The following student conduct sanctions may be imposed upon student organizations when they have been found in violation of the student conduct code. All sanctions may be imposed individually or in combination. Student conduct sanctions are imposed for the purpose of holding student organizations accountable for their actions and the actions of their guest(s), whether on campus or at any organizational event. Failure to satisfactorily complete a student conduct sanction may result in more severe sanctions.  An organization's prior conduct record will be taken into consideration during the sanctioning phase of the student conduct process.

1. Reprimand: An official statement to the student organization explaining that they have violated a university regulation. Any further misconduct could result in additional student conduct action.
2. Restitution: An organization may be required to make restitution when the organization has damaged or destroyed university or personally owned property. Restitution may also be in the form of work/service hours or other educational activities.
3. Restriction of Privileges: Restrictions placed upon a student organization which limits University privileges for a specified period of time. These limitations may include, but are not limited to, the following:
   • Denial to represent the university in any capacity
   • Denial to maintain an office or other assigned space on university property
   • Denial to receive or retain university funds
   • Denial to participate in intramural sports
   • Denial to sponsor, co-sponsor, and/or participate in any social event or other activity
   • Denial to sponsor any speaker or guest on campus
   • Denial of membership recruitment activities
   • Denial of the use of university facilities
   • Denial of advertising on campus for organizational activities
   • Denial of soliciting and/or selling any items on campus.
4. Disciplinary probation: A specified period of review and observation during which a student organization is under official warning that its misconduct was considered serious. Subsequent violations of university rules, regulations, or policies could result in more severe sanctions, including suspension or expulsion. During the probationary period, a student organization is deemed "not in good standing" with the university and may be subject to specific limitations upon its behavior or university privileges.
5. Suspension of organizational recognition: The denial of privileges of a recognized organization for a designated period of time, which will be no less than one semester. Any organization whose recognition is suspended must:
   • Cease all organizational activities.
   • Vacate any appointed or elected office with that organization's governing body for the duration of the organization's period of suspension.
   • Surrender balances of all organizational funds granted by the Student Government Association.
   • Vacate office or housing space assigned by the university from the date of the notice of suspension. Space vacated due to suspension may be reassigned to other eligible university organizations. In the case of housing, individual members will be reassigned provided space is available. There will be no university housing contract cancellations.

6. Expulsion of organizational recognition: Permanently excludes the organization from the university without any recourse to reapply for recognition. Any organization whose recognition is permanently revoked must:

• Cease all organizational activities.
• Vacate any appointed or elected office.
• Surrender balances of all organizational funds granted by the Student Government Association.
• Vacate office or housing space assigned by the university from the date of the notice of expulsion. Space vacated due to expulsion may be reassigned to other eligible university organizations. In the case of housing, individual members will be reassigned provided space is available. There will be no university housing contract cancellations.

• Appeal procedures for student organization policy violations

Appeals of Student Organization conduct cases will be heard by the Vice President for Student Life or designee. In all cases, the decision by the Vice President for Student Life or designee is the final decision of the university.

Student organization disputes

The Student Judicial and Arbitration Board (SJAB) provides a means for solving disputes among students and student organizations that do not involve violations of the student conduct code. The primary goal of the Student Judicial and Arbitration Board is to interpret the Student Government Constitution and ensure the constitutionality of the actions of any student organization and/or student organization member.

• Student judicial and arbitration board hearings

• Appeal procedures for student judicial and arbitration board hearings

Appeals of Student Judicial and Arbitration board cases will be heard by the Vice President for Student Life or designee. In all cases, the decision by the Vice President for Student Life or designee is the final decision of the university.

Academic irregularities

Alleged academic irregularities are adjudicated by the Office of Academic Affairs (refer to administrative policies).

Cultural Life program policy violations

Alleged violations of Cultural Life program policies are adjudicated by the Associate Dean and University Registrar and include two types of student misconduct:

1. Attempting to secure credit for attending a CLP event without being personally in attendance for the entire duration of the event, or attempting to help another student to secure credit for attending a CLP event when that other student has not been personally in attendance for the entire duration of the event.
2. Disruptive behavior at a CLP event. This category includes, but is not limited to, noisy or otherwise distracting activities, abusive behavior toward other persons in attendance, and refusal to obey promptly any instructions from the faculty or staff event sponsor.

• Violations of type 1

1. Any person having reason to believe that misconduct of Type 1 has occurred shall report that fact in writing to the Associate Dean and University Registrar together with any evidence tending to support or corroborate the allegation of misconduct. The Associate Dean and University Registrar may gather further evidence by interviewing all involved parties to determine if the matter should be forwarded to the Associate Academic Dean.
2. After review of written charges, the Associate Dean and University Registrar may forward this information to the Associate Academic Dean, who shall provide the accused with a copy of the allegation, a copy of the written evidence submitted and a summary of other evidence presented. The accused shall reply in writing to the Associate Academic Dean and shall have the right to speak with the Associate Academic Dean concerning the charges brought. If the accused does not reply within seven days, the Associate Academic Dean may proceed to a hearing. The Associate Academic Dean may suspend credit for CLP events, including events for which credit had previously been awarded, pending final adjudication of the case.
3. After receiving a reply from the accused, the Associate Academic Dean may determine that no misconduct has occurred. If so found, the Associate Academic Dean shall dismiss the charges and close the case.
4. If the accused admits responsibility, the Associate Academic Dean shall proceed to impose such sanction as deemed appropriate. Sanctions may include but are not necessarily limited to revocation of any or all CLP credits earned, increase in the number of CLP credits required for graduation, suspension from the university for a fixed period, and/or permanent dismissal from the university. The imposition of the sanction may be delayed if, in the sole judgment of the Associate Academic Dean, such delay would be in the best interests of the university.
5. If the accused does not admit responsibility and the Associate Academic Dean declines to make a finding of no misconduct, the Associate Academic Dean shall, as soon as possible, forward the allegation and the supporting evidence, together with the reply of the accused, to the Vice President for Student Life or their designee for a hearing before a panel of the University Discipline Committee. If the Discipline Committee panel makes a finding of responsible, possible sanctions could include, but are not limited to, revocation of any or all CLP credits earned, increase in the number of CLP credits required for graduation, suspension from the university for a fixed period and/or permanent dismissal from the university.
6. If the request for a hearing is made at a time when, in the judgment of the chair, the Discipline Committee panel cannot meet, the Vice President for Student Life or designee and the Associate Academic Dean jointly shall adjudicate the case.
7. The Vice President for Student Life or their designee shall transmit to the Associate Academic Dean the decision of the Discipline Committee panel and the sanction imposed. The Associate Academic Dean may increase, decrease or alter the sanction imposed by the Discipline Committee panel if it is in the best interests of the university to do so. The decision of the Associate Academic Dean shall be made within 24 hours of the receipt of the decision of the Discipline Committee panel and shall be communicated to the accused student as quickly as possible.
8. The accused student may appeal the verdict of the Discipline Committee panel and any penalties imposed. Such appeal shall be submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean within 48 hours after notification of the decision and penalty is transmitted to the student accused. The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean shall act on the appeal in such manner as deemed appropriate. The decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean shall be final.

• Violations of type 2

Violations of Type 2 shall be treated as violations of individual conduct regulations according to the procedures published herein, with the following exceptions:

1. With personal knowledge of such a violation, the Associate Academic Dean shall have the right summarily to exclude an offending student from the CLP event at which the violation occurs and to withhold CLP credit for attendance at that event. The decision of the Associate Academic Dean may be appealed within 24 hours to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean .
2. In imposing penalties for violations of Type 2, the Discipline Committee panel may, at its discretion and in addition to other penalties, revoke CLP credits and/or increase the number of CLP credits required for graduation. Any appeal of such a penalty shall be made to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean , whose decision shall be final.

• Other appeal procedures

1. Requests for individual exceptions to CLP regulations not involving allegations of student misconduct shall be referred to the Appeals Committee for action according to its normal procedures.
2. Requests for general changes to CLP policy shall be referred to the CLP Committee for action according to its normal procedures.

Student conduct records

The university maintains a file in Division of Student Life Office for each student found responsible for a student conduct code violation. Access to the file is limited to the student and to the University's student conduct officers, who may, at the student's request, reveal its contents to other University departments, employers, schools and others. The Division of Student Life is also required to provide access to a student's file when subpoenaed by a court or federal agency, or as otherwise required by law or to other persons defined by FERPA as having a "need to know".  Files for students are maintained for seven years from the date of the student's last date of attendance.

Student conduct record expungement

Minor infractions are expunged from a student’s record following graduation. The University may allow an earlier petition (see Student Conduct Record Expungement Request) if a student can demonstrate with documentation that he/she is applying to professional or graduate schools or if there are other meritorious reasons that justify an early review of the student’s record. If an expungement is requested and granted prior to completion of degree requirements, the expungement will be deferred. During this deferment period, the record of the violation will not be disclosed to external third parties by Student Life except as required by law, but will be maintained internally for disciplinary purposes. Should the student have another violation of the Student Conduct Code during this deferment period, the deferred expungement may be voided. An expungement request is unlikely to be granted during the same semester in which the incident occurred. Expungement is not a pardon and does not eliminate or modify in any way any sanction(s) in the matter.

Factors that will be considered by the Student Conduct Record Expungement Committee include, but are not limited to:

• The nature of the violation(s);
• The number of violations;
• Whether or not the student completed sanctions in a timely manner;
• The student’s attitude and demeanor at any relevant time throughout the process;
• The student’s reason(s) for requesting the expungement; and
• Any other factor which the Committee believes is reasonable and appropriate.

The record will NOT be expunged if the record involves any of the following:

• personal injury;
• significant property damage;
• violation of the drug free campus policy;
• violation the firearms/weapons policy;
• intentionally setting a fire on campus;
• sexual misconduct;
• harassment;
• criminal behavior; or
• suspension or expulsion. 

Under ordinary circumstances, the Student Conduct Record Expungement Committee will review the request and inform the student of the decision within 10 business days. The decision is FINAL and not appealable.

Reporting suspected violations

Any member of the Furman community may report a violation of university policies by contacting the Office of Student Life (864.294.2202) or the Office of Housing & Residence Life (864.294.2092). A report may also be filed with the University Police department (864.294.2111). The incident will be investigated, and if disciplinary charges are warranted, it will be referred to the appropriate student conduct officer or student conduct board.

Anonymous reports may also be submitted through the University Police.

Students will not be penalized or discriminated against in any way for reporting incidents, but any student who knowingly files a false or malicious complaint may be charged with failing to comply with the university student conduct process.