INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
This overview gives a general idea of how the university’s campus conduct procedures work, but it should be noted that not all situations are of the same severity or complexity. Because of this, these procedures are flexible and are not exactly the same in every situation, though consistency in similar situations is a priority.
The student accountability procedures are intended to provide opportunities for students to be actively accountable for their behaviors as well as provide opportunity for learning, growth, and change. The procedures are administrative procedures rather than criminal, civil, or juvenile law procedures. This means that the procedures are primarily focused on determining responsibility for a violation of university policy or responsibility for harm done to another individual or group rather than the focus being on guilt or innocence (as in criminal law). When sanctions are necessary, the sanctions will be focused as much as possible on the repair of harm and rebuilding of trust (to individuals and groups that have been harmed) rather than on punishment. The university commits itself to accountability procedures that are fair, equitable, and impartial.
The Vice President for Student Life is responsible for the application of these procedures. Many times the procedures will be implemented by the Graduate Dean or Seminary Dean or by their designee.
PROCEDURES
Notice:
The campus accountability process begins with a report being given to a member of the campus community. A report of harm and/or violation of university policy may come from any source (victim/harmed party, student leader, staff, faculty, student) and may come through multiple formats including online (via incident report form), email, phone conversation, or face to face meeting. The most direct and efficient forms of report for graduate and seminary students are face to face conversations with the student’s Program Director, Dean, or Associate Dean. Other Graduate and Seminary faculty and staff or other students may also become aware of harm and/or violation of university policy. When members of the campus community become aware of harm done and/or violation of university policy, they are obligated to consult with the appropriate staff person to determine next steps. Once a report is received, in most cases, a university representative will contact the respondent (as well as harmed and otherwise impacted parties when appropriate) for an initial conference to explain the accountability process and gather information. Generally this first contact (via emu.edu email) will include a copy of the EMU Student Conduct and Conflict Worksheet for the student to look over before the initial inquiry.