Misconduct
The below list of misconduct behaviors does not represent an exhaustive list of possible violations, rather it seeks to give examples of common misconduct behaviors. Members of the ACU community who become aware of misconduct behavior should complete the online Incident Reporting Form.
- Dishonesty, misrepresentation or furnishing false information, forgery, or misuse of academic or administrative materials.
- Cyber-bullying and harassment, including but not limited to the following examples:
- Repeatedly sending offensive, rude, and insulting messages via discussion board, text message, email, or other messaging service;
- Cyberstalking, which includes repeated threats or online activity that makes a person afraid for his or her safety;
- Denigration and humiliation, which refers to posting derogatory information about someone and/or digitally altered photos;
- Name-calling;
- Flaming and the use of insulting or offensive language;
- Impersonation (hacking another’s email or social media to post embarrassing material);
- Outing and trickery (sharing another’s secrets or tricking someone into revealing embarrassing information); and
- Any form of threatening communication, abuse, or intimidation.
- Conduct, in speech, written communication, or behavior, that is racist, sexist, ageist, or that is otherwise prejudicial against a particular community or social group.
- Disruption or obstruction of the normal operations of the university, including unauthorized use of any of the University’s facilities, informational or material properties, and resources.
- Failure to comply with university staff, including complying with sanctions, success plans, written communication, or verbal communications
- Conduct that is disorderly, lewd, lascivious, indecent, unprofessional, or otherwise inappropriate, or that constitutes a breach of the peace., including
- Violation of the University’s policy that prohibits bringing alcohol, recreational drugs, or firearms onto University property.
- Violation of state, local, or federal law
- Violation of any university policy or procedure outlined in the Student Handbook, Academic Catalog, ACU Online Learning Covenant, or Programmatic Handbook
Academic Integrity
Although the above list of academic integrity violations does not represent an exhaustive list of possible violations, it seeks to give examples of academic integrity violations. For a full list of violations, definitions, and procedures please refer to the ACU Academic Integrity Policy. Students who become aware of violations should contact the faculty member, Program Director, or Dean.
All members of the University community who become aware of violations of the Code of Conduct have a responsibility to report them to the appropriate authority. For violations of an academic nature, the appropriate authority is the relevant Program Director or Dean.
Other violations committed by students may be reported to the appropriate Program Director or Dean, or in the case of sexual assault or harassment, to the University’s Title IX Office.
Violations can also be reported anonymously in accordance with ACU’s Whistleblower Policy.
Communication with the University
Electronic Communication
Email is considered an official form of University-related communication. It is recommended that students check their email daily in order to stay current with University-related communications. Students have the responsibility to recognize that certain communications may be time-critical. Failure to check for messages and failure to receive messages due to full mailboxes, spam filtering, or auto- forwarded email are not acceptable excuses for missing official University communications. Students must maintain and provide the University with an email address other than their Abilene Christian University-issued email address
Contact Information
All students should regularly review and update their contact information to ensure the University has a valid mailing address, telephone number, and email address. Abilene Christian University maintains this information as part of the student record and requires students to update their contact information regardless of whether they have requested nondisclosure of directory information.
Student/Faculty Communication
All student and faculty interactions are to be conducted in Canvas via discussion or inbox. Students can link these interactions to the acu.edu as well as mobile app. Students are expected to check their canvas and acu.edu email account regularly to stay abreast of updates and communication. Students should anticipate a faculty response to questions related to assignments or general course information within 48 hours – this does not relate to the time for assignment grades to be posted.
Building Relationship with Faculty
Faculty are one of the most valuable resources available to you, so don’t be afraid to ask him or her a question. Here are some tips to help you get the answers you need:
- Be positive. When you ask your instructor a question, set the right tone by being formal and polite.
- Be specific. General details make it difficult for your instructor to respond to your needs.
- Be prepared. Look at your syllabus at the beginning of the week and ask questions long before an assignment’s due date.
Above all else, remember that your faculty is your advocate and by design will be giving you feedback to help you get better. While interpreting constructive criticism can be difficult, it will increase your ability to complete the program successfully. Faculty comments should not be taken personally. Your program is journey – follow the tips above to help him or her help you.
Online Interaction Tips
Writing Tone
The tone of your writing — how you come across to the reader — is important. When drafting any discussion post, remember the acronym WRITE:
- Warmth: Always consider the intent of your writing. If you think a post sounds rude, your reader will probably think so, too.
- Responsiveness: Your classmates all log in to class at different times. By responding to a question from another student as soon as you see it, you can build positive relationships with your peers.
- Inquisitiveness: Seek to learn from classmates and your instructor. By asking questions, you show that you care about what they think.
- Tentativeness: When you express an opinion, use phrases like “from my point of view” or “my understanding is” to show other students that your opinion is yours — and not the final word on the topic.
- Empathy: Remember the golden rule — treat classmates the way you would like to be treated.
Email Communication
Whenever you write an email or communicate with classmates and faculty, consider these six pieces of advice:
- If you find yourself in a heated class debate, make sure you only respond when you’re calm and collected.
- Say what you really mean — sarcasm doesn’t translate to the computer screen.
- Type in sentence case — using all capital letters it appears as if you’re yelling.
- Keep subject lines short — long ones get cut off on mobile devices.
- Stick to two paragraphs, keeping the most important information in the first.
- Forward email messages only when they relate to coursework. Jokes, virus warnings and chain letters are spam that will annoy your recipients.
Example of an unprofessional email communication to a faculty member:
Hey,
How could I possibly get a C on this week’s assignment? I followed all of the directions to a T, and you still marked me down. This grade is UNFAIR! I want you to look at it again and grade it fairly this time!
Example of a professional email communication to a faculty member:
Hi, Dr. Smith.
I have a question about my grade on this week’s assignment. I received a C, and I thought I followed all of the directions very well. I would appreciate getting some clarification from you so I can improve my work next time. Can we schedule a time to talk about this?
Thank you, Jane
Hearing Process
Notice of Hearing
If the misconduct warrants a hearing, the Senior Director of Student Success or designee will notify the student in writing of the allegations against him or her and the date and time of the hearing. The Senior Director of Student Success or designee makes every attempt, when possible, to schedule the hearing and notify the student within five business days of receipt of the referral. The hearing provides the student with an opportunity to respond and present his or her version of events, facts, and evidence in his or her defense.
Hearing Procedure
Conduct hearings are a closed, confidential process and recording is prohibited. However, all parties are permitted and encouraged to take thorough written notes for their records. Although rare, the Senior Director of Student Success may request another university employee to be present at a hearing as a witness or to serve alongside them as an additional hearing officer. Additionally, a student may bring a single advisor with him or her to the hearing after completing a FERPA release form and notifying the Senior Director of Student Success three business days prior to the hearing. The notification must include the name of the advisor and his or her relationship to the student. The advisor is to be present for support purposes only and is not presenting on behalf of the student. An advisor who causes disruption to the process will be asked to leave the proceedings. Further, the student is not to bring outside witnesses to the meeting. Statements from outside witnesses can be submitted for the Senior Director of Student Success consideration as part of the review process. Generally, a hearing will proceed as follows.
- The Senior Director of Student Success will lead introductions for all participating parties ensuring the provision of names, titles, and role in the process.
- The Senior Director of Student Success will review the general procedures for the meeting and answer any questions the student may have.
- The Senior Director of Student Success will direct questions to the student regarding the report of misconduct.
- The student will provide truthful and full responses to the Senior Director of Student Success.
- The student may present evidence that was not submitted with the referral to the Senior Director of Student Success. Determinations as to the relevance of the evidence are at the discretion of the Senior Director of Student Success.
- The Senior Director of Student Success will close the meeting by reviewing the notice of outcome and appeal policy.
Notice of Outcome
After reviewing all evidence and information regarding the allegation, the Senior Director of Student Success will use the preponderance of evidence standards to determine responsibility and appropriate sanctions.
- If the Senior Director of Student Success finds that the facts do not support the allegation(s), the student will be found not responsible and notified of the outcome.
- If the Senior Director of Student Success finds the facts support the allegation(s) against the student, the student shall be found responsible, and the Senior Director of Student Success will assign sanctions.
The Senior Director of Student Success will notify the student, using the student’s University-issued email address, of the decision through a formal decision letter. Additionally, the student’s Program Director and any parties involved in the completion and review of sanctions will also receive a copy of the decision letter. Decisions are not final until this letter is sent to the student. The Senior Director of Student Success will seek to issue its decision within three business days after the hearing but may require additional time to render the decision.
Sanctions
Sanctions are determined based on the severity of the violation, past conduct history, and any aggravating or mitigating factors. One or more of the following sanctions may be imposed on any student for any single violation of University policy and/or rules. Sanctions include but are not limited to those outlined below.
Status Sanctions
Sanctions are determined based on the severity of the violation, past conduct history, and any aggravating or mitigating factors. One or more of the following sanctions may be imposed on any student for any single violation of University policy and/or rules. Sanctions include but are not limited to those outlined below.
- Warning: The student receives a written notice stating he or she violated University policy and/or rules. The written notice specifies that inappropriate and unacceptable actions have occurred and that more severe disciplinary action will result should the student be involved in other violations while the student is enrolled at the University.
- Suspension: The student is separated from the University for a specified period. Separation includes physical and electronic removal from the University. During the suspension, students do not have access to Canvas, and security deactivates the student’s ID badge. The Registrar’s Office withdraws the student from all classes for the specified term(s). Students who are suspended enter inactive status for the specified period and are not eligible for a refund for incomplete courses outside the University’s Refund Policy. Students should check with Financial Aid to determine whether their student loans will enter into repayment during their suspension. Upon satisfaction of the specified period of suspension and any other outstanding sanctions, the is eligible to return to the University.
- Dismissal: The student is withdrawn from their program and permanently separated from the University. Separation includes physical and electronic removal from the University. The student does not have access to Canvas, and security deactivates the student’s ID badge. The student is barred from being on campus, and the student’s presence at any University-sponsored activity or event is prohibited. The Registrar’s Office withdraws the student from all classes for the term. Students who are dismissed enter inactive status, are not eligible for a refund for incomplete courses outside the University’s Refund Policy, and should check with Financial Aid to determine when their student loans will enter into repayment.
Educational Sanctions
- Educational Program: Requirement to attend, present, and/or participate in a program related to the violation. It may also be a requirement to sponsor or assist with a program for others on campus to aid them in learning about a specific topic or issue related to the violation for which the student was found responsible.
- Community/University Service: Requirement for a student to complete a specific supervised University service.
- Behavioral: Includes required activities such as but not limited to seeking academic counseling, mental health counseling assessment, personal counseling, and writing a letter of apology.
- Research Projects: This includes required activities such as but not limited to writing papers or creating educational materials and bulletin boards.
Restrictive Sanctions
- Banning/Trespass: The student’s privilege to be present at or utilize certain buildings, facilities, classrooms, and the like are restricted. Temporary exceptions to banning/trespass for University-related business may be granted upon request.
- Eligibility Restriction: The student may be deemed ineligible to hold any office in any student organization recognized by the University or hold an elected or appointed office at the University, or the student may be deemed ineligible to represent the University to anyone outside the University community in any way including participating in the study abroad program, attending conferences, or representing the University at an official function, event, or intercollegiate competition.
- Loss of Privileges: The student will be denied specified privileges for a designated period.
- Confiscation of Prohibited Property: Items whose presence is in violation of University policy will be confiscated and will become the property of the University. Prohibited items may be returned to the owner at the discretion of the Professional Misconduct Committee.
Restorative Sanction
- Apology: The student will compose an apology letter
- Restitution: Compensation for damage caused to the University or any person’s property. This is not a fine but, rather, a repayment for destroyed, damaged, consumed, or stolen property.
Failure to Follow Through on Conduct Sanctions
All students, as members of the University community, are expected to comply with conduct sanctions within the time frame specified by the Senior Director of Student Success decision letter. If a student fails to follow through on conduct sanctions by the date specified, whether by refusal, neglect, or any other reason, the Senior Director of Student Success will send a Notice of Noncompliance. Noncompliance may also result in a registration hold being placed on a student’s account or suspension/dismissal from the University. The Senior Director of Student Success tracks the completion of all sanctions in cooperation with relevant parties and departments.
Appeal Process
Right to Appeal
Any student may appeal the Senior Director of Student Success decision to the appropriate Vice President only if it meets any of the following criteria:
- The Senior Director of Student Success failed to comply with the procedural requirements outlined herein and/or elsewhere in this Catalog/Handbook.
- There is relevant and material evidence that, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, could not have been produced or was improperly excluded at the hearing before the Senior Director of Student Success.
- The evidence presented at the hearing was insufficient to justify being found responsible for a policy violation.
Requesting an Appeal
To request an appeal, the student must provide to the Senior Director of Student Success a completed Appeal Request Form along with a written statement of the basis for his or her appeal within five business days from the date the decision letter is emailed to the student’s ACU email address. If the Senior Director of Student Success has not received the completed form and written statement (email or letter is acceptable) within the specified time frame, the decision of the Senior Director of Student Success will be final, and no further appeals are available to the student. If an appeal is filed (and meets one of the three criteria above), the Senior Director of Student Success, within 10 business days, will forward to the appropriate Vice President or their designee the student’s completed Appeal Request Form and written statement, along with copies of all materials provided to the Senior Director of Student Success, and the written decisions of the Senior Director of Student Success. However, if the appeal does not meet the standards outlined above, the student will be notified their request for appeal is denied.
Role of the Vice President
Upon receipt of the Appeal Request Form, the VP or their designee will review the student’s file and written statement. The VP is not required to meet with the student but may do so if there are questions regarding the evidence the student provided. The VP may meet with the Senior Director of Student Success if additional information or clarification is needed.
Decision of the Vice President
Upon receipt of the request for an appeal, the VP or their designee has the authority to uphold, overturn, or modify the decision of the Senior Director of Student Success. The VP/designee will seek to notify the student of the decision within five business days from receipt of the student’s appeal letter. The student will receive the decision letter via the student’s University-issued email address. Once a final appeal decision is rendered by the VP/designee, the student does not have access to the appeal process for the same issue again
Academic Progression during the Appeal Process
Upon receipt of the request for an appeal, the VP or their designee has the authority to uphold, overturn, or modify the decision of the Senior Director of Student Success. The VP/designee will seek to notify the student of the decision within five business days from receipt of the student’s appeal letter. The student will receive the decision letter via the student’s University-issued email address. Once a final appeal decision is rendered by the VP/designee, the student does not have access to the appeal process for the same issue again.
Additional Misconduct Policies
Faculty Role in Violations
Faculty may address instances of academic dishonesty as outlined in the ACU Academic Integrity Policy. Faculty may also submit reports of misconduct behavior using the form provided above. Prior to making a referral, faculty may consult with the Senior Director of Student Success regarding misconduct concerns to determine appropriate course of action.
Student Success Plan
In lieu of a formal hearing process, at the Senior Director of Student Success’ discretion, an incident of misconduct may result in the development of a Student Success Plan. Failure to follow through on a Student Success Plan by the date(s) specified, whether by refusal, neglect, or any other reason, may result in a registration hold being placed on a student’s account, referral for a formal hearing, or dismissal from ACU. The Senior Director of Student Success or designee will track the completion of all requirements in cooperation with relevant parties and departments.
Interim Measures
The Senior Director of Student Success may place students on an interim suspension, limit electronic or physical access, and/or place a registration hold on the student’s account in order to protect the health and safety of students or the community, preserve University property, pursue an investigation and/or hearing, protect academic integrity, or prevent disruption of or interference with the normal operations of the University.