Judicial Process
Standards and procedures have been established by the university to protect its educational purpose, to provide for the orderly conduct of its activities, to protect the victims of crime, and to safeguard the interests of the university community. These disciplinary procedures used by the university are considered part of its educational process and reflect its philosophy of education and evaluation.
Hearings or appeals conducted as a part of this process are not courts of law and are not subject to many of the rules of civil or criminal hearings. Because some of the violations of these standards are also violations of law, students may be accountable to both civil authorities and the university for their actions. Disciplinary action at the university will proceed normally regardless of any civil or criminal proceeding.
Every student enrolled at Point Loma is expected to grow in behavior and experience towards a leadership role on campus. Point Loma Nazarene University expects all persons to be treated with respect and dignity. Students are expected to conduct themselves at all times, on- and off-campus, in a responsible manner that reflects credit on themselves and on the university in terms of morality, honor, and good citizenship abiding by the regulations of the university.
When situations arise which call for disciplinary actions, the university will follow fair and reasonable procedures. Goals of the university include:
- Informing students of violations of university policy
- Provide fair and reasonable hearing
- Provisions for appeal
The university may impose such penalties as judged appropriate, ranging from warning to expulsion. In addition to the provisions for termination, because of misconduct, the university must reserve the right at the end of any semester or other academic term to deny the re-enrollment of any student when such action is deemed to be in the best interest of the university or the student.
Disciplinary councils and committees supporting residence halls, Public Safety and chapel have specific responsibilities for administering behavioral expectations. The following councils and committees have the responsibilities for decisions regarding discipline:
- Chapel Behavior Committee
- Traffic Review Committee
- Traffic Appeal Committee
- Residential Life Committees
- University Judicial Council
The university Judicial Council, made up of students, staff and faculty, is charged with the task of handling severe behavioral concerns. When students are referred to this council or appeal to this council, the question the council must consider is whether or not the student should remain as a member of this community. The recommendation to remove a student from the university for disciplinary reasons is the responsibility of the Judicial Council.
Student Appeals
Point Loma Nazarene University expects all persons to be treated with respect and dignity. All students who wish to appeal a decision/consequence(s) of the Judicial Process will be afforded an opportunity to have their concerns heard through the Student Appeal Process. It is expected that all appeals will be submitted in writing within the prescribed timelines and include all information, documentation and support statements to be considered.
The first step in seeking remedy is to contact the university employee most directly involved in the concern.
Councils and Committees, made up of staff, faculty and students, have the responsibility of administering university disciplinary procedures. Students charged with breaking university policy will have charges reviewed by specific councils and committees. The decisions made by these disciplinary committees initiate corrective action. They may include activities to contribute to the community and/or more severe actions.
Councils and Committees have a wide range of action they may take to help students conduct their behavior more consistent with the policies of the university. Decisions of each committee or council can be appealed.
Process for Appeals
In disciplinary situations students may appeal once and to one level higher than the body responsible for initial disciplinary action.
- The final appeal for traffic and parking is with the Traffic Review Committee.
- The final appeal for alcohol, drug and tobacco first offenses is with the Dean of Students.
- Appeals of decisions made by the Dean of Students are made to the Judicial Council.
- The final appeal for persons removed from the university is with the Vice President for Student Development.
A student’s failure to appear at the time designated with any university disciplinary body will result in immediate dismissal. In these cases, the student must show cause to re-enroll at the university to the council, committee or administrative official responsible for initiating the hearing.
Timeline for Appeals
In the event a student has reason to appeal a discipline-related decision, the appeal must be filed in writing and submitted to the appropriate person/council within designated timelines as outlined.
An appeal of a Resident Director, disciplinary council or committee to the designated official must be submitted in writing by 4:00 p.m. one school day from the date of the decision by the Traffic Review Committee, or the Chapel Behavior Committee. An appeal to the Vice President for Student Development must be submitted to the Vice President for Student Development within two (2) school days after notification of the decision by the Judiciary Council or Dean of Students. All appeals must be written and include copies of all documentation, information, and written support statements to be considered in the appeal. A traffic citation may be appealed to the Office of Public Safety within 10 calendar days of the citation.
Ombudsman – Student Advocacy
Students may request a university employee ombudsman or advocate to assist and advise them while he/she is involved in the discipline or appeals process as outlined.
The University reserves the right to refer any violation to appropriate law enforcement.