Rules & Procedures
Please consult VCU's Rules & Procedures for a complete text of the University's expectations.
These FAQ's serve as a quick reference, not a replacement for the policy.
What is the policy regarding Off-Campus Student Conduct?
If a student is adjudicated or convicted in either a civil or criminal matter stemming from an incident that took place off campus, the University may impose, at the discretion of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, University sanctions upon the student.
Can my case go through the courts and the University judicial process?
The University only adjudicates violations of the Rules and Procedures as a matter of addressing our expectation of our students. Therefore, a student may experience both the University judicial process and legal proceedings. 'Double jeopardy' is a legal concept that is not applicable to a University proceeding.
What is the policy regarding alcohol and drugs?
Students under the age of 21 may not procure, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages. Additionally, students may not manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use illegal or illicit drugs. University policy also regards being a student knowingly present in the presence of policy violations as a violation, even if the student is not engaging in the violation.
How will the Office of Judicial Affairs and Academic Integrity contact me regarding an alleged infraction?
Notification will sent via US Mail to the address on record with the University, and via VCU e-mail. E-mail is considered an official method for communication at VCU because it conveys information in a convenient and timely manner. Addresses and contact numbers should be given to the office when contacted.
What is the judicial process?
- The Office of Judicial Affairs & Academic Integrity receives and reviews the allegation.
- An appointment letter is sent to the student via US Mail and VCU e-mail.
- The judicial officer meets with the accused and witnesses as necessary and appropriate.
- The student can choose from three options for adjudication of the matter:
- Administrative adjudication — the judicial officer determines if the student is responsible and if sanctions should be imposed.
- University Hearing Board — a panel with faculty, staff and student representation determines if the student is responsible and if sanctions should be imposed.
- Withdraw from the University — the students opts to withdraw from the University before the judicial process runs its course; a hold is placed on the students future registration at the University.
If I did not commit the violation of which I am being accused, why do I need to respond?
The Office of Judicial Affairs and Academic Integrity will investigate all allegations of misconduct. The investigative process affords the student the right to respond to and refute the allegations. If it is determined that a student was not responsible for the alleged misconduct, the matter may then be closed with no action taken against the student.
What are the sanctions that may be imposed, if I am found responsible?
Sanctions that are available and can be used in any combination are:
- Censure
- University Probation
- Community service and/or an educational experience
- Interim Suspension
- Separation or Dismissal (transcript notation)
Can I appeal the finding or the sanction?
A student may appeal a determination of guilt and/or a sanction by the University Hearing Board decision. The appeal is heard by the University Appeal Board. The University Appeal Board issues a recommendation, which is reviewed by the University President. The President's decision is final.
Will my parents find out if I violate the University's policies?
When a student under the age of 21 is found guilty of violating alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substance laws or policies, the student's parents or guardians will be notified. The notification will include the information concerning the violation, the University sanction applied, and notification that the student has met with the Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Student Affairs to reiterate the University's expectations of future behavior.
What is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA,1974) affords students the right to consent to disclosure of their educational records or the personally identifiable information contained in their education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. A student can authorize, in writing, to have a designated person access confidential academic information. The parent or guardian can also show evidence via a tax return that the student is their dependent for the most recent tax year.
What judicial records are maintained and for how long?
All records of Censure and Probation will be kept for five years and then destroyed. If an individual receives additional sanctions (censure and probation) during this five-year period, records of all violations will be retained until there is a period of five years following the most recent incident. If an individual is separated or dismissed, complete records of the proceedings and all pertinent documents, including and records of previous censures or probations, shall be maintained permanently.
There is a hold on my registration, what does that mean?
The Office of Judicial Affairs and Academic Integrity may block your registration for several reasons, i.e. failure to schedule or attend a meeting regarding an alleged infraction or failure to comply with a sanction. In such circumstances the hold is removed once you schedule and attend your judicial meeting, or upon completion of the sanction. A hold does not mean that you are not allowed to return to the University, it means that you will not have access to update or change your schedule until the block is removed.