Grove City College governs its student body with a set of Community Standards. The Community Standards are located in The Crimson, the College's student handbook, and are based off of the College's Christian Values. Students who violate the Community Standards will be subject to review by the College's Student Conduct Process. If a student is found to be responsible for violations of the Community Standards, the College will impose sanctions as punishment. These sanctions can range from mild warnings to the most severe dismissal. The process begins when a report of a violation is filed against a student.
Grove City College Student Conduct Hearing
When a report of an alleged violation is filed to the Assistant Dean of Students. The Assistant Dean will contact the student in writing in order to schedule a meeting with them to the explain Student Conduct Process. The Assistant Dean will also present the allegations against the student, and provide the student with an opportunity to give their version of events. After their discussions, the Assistant Dean will make a decision using to standard of "more likely than not" to determine whether or not the student is responsible for violating the Community Standards. A decision will be made even if the student does not attend to provide an explanation.
After the initial meeting, the student and the Assistant Dean will meet once more to discuss the sanctions. Students will be given a Conduct Violation Assessment form to sign, indicating whether or not they agree to the sanctions presented or if they will seek an appeal. This decision cannot be reversed once the form is signed and submitted.
The College prefers to keep hearings between the Assistant Dean and the student involved in the events in question. These meetings are more informal, and meant to have the student explain themselves, however, these hearings are likely to result in sanctions. The goal of the Assistant Dean is likely to get the student to admit wrong-doing outright. Even if they are unable to attend a hearing, an attorney can still help a student from behind the scenes. Outside of the hearing room, an attorney will be able help students understand the consequences they may face and strategies they can use to make it through their hearings with a potentially better outcome.
Grove City College Appeals
Appeals are held by the Appeals Board, which will be made up of the co-chairs, who are faculty and staff, and up to 5 additional faculty members and up to 5 students. Students seeking an appeal must have indicated a desire to appeal when completing the Conduct Violation Assessment form. Prior to an appeal hearing, students must also meet with one or both of appeal board chairs to go over appeal process and provide an explanation for their rationale in writing. While there are no specified grounds for an appeal, the appeal must approved in order to move forward. Students will attend an Appeal Hearing to defend their appeal, after which, the Appeal Board will vote whether to uphold or deny the appeal. Students will also have an opportunity for a final appeal, if the initial appeal is denied. Final appeals are made to the Provost, within 24 hours of the decision of the Appeal Board.
If you or your student is facing disciplinary action from Grove City College, contact the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686
