Monmouth University outlines its Student Code of Conduct in Section 3 of the Student Handbook. The Student Code of Conduct lists a number of behaviors that jeopardize or endanger the safety and security of the University's learning environment. Students who commit code violations are subject to Monmouth Universities Discipline Policies and will face sanctions if they are deemed responsible for violations.
Discipline Policies
The disciplinary process begins when charges are filed against a student. Any member of the University Community can file charges against any student or organization. Charges are filed with with the Office of Student and Community Services. Depending on the nature of the charges, the investigation will be conduct by the Office of Student and Community Services, Judicial Affairs, or Residence Life. If further action is necessary, the office that conducted the investigation will present the student with a written notification of their charges. Students are also given the opportunity to respond to this with a written defense statement as well. The Office of Student and Community Services will make the determination if a hearing is necessary for the case.
Disciplinary Hearings
Monmouth University Disciplinary Hearings will take place in front of the University Disciplinary Committee or a Judicial Hearing Panel, depending on the nature of the charges and the student's request. The University Disciplinary Committee will consist of 2 students, 5 faculty, and the Vice President for Student Life and Leadership Engagement, or a designee. The Judicial Hearing Panel consists of 1 member of the administration, 1 faculty member, and 1 selected member of the student body. Students facing charges may elect to have their hearing in front a Judicial Hearing Panel by way of a request. Students can also waive their right to a hearing and agree to whatever charges they are facing, as well as accept any sanctions that would normally accompany them
Hearings will be led by a chairperson who is responsible for ensuring that procedure is followed. During the evidence presentation phase students will get the chance to question witnesses. The panel or committee hearing the case can also question the witnesses for further information. After the process has concluded, the panel or committee will deliberate and make a decision based upon the standard of "more likely true than not true" that a violation occurred. The decision and the panel or committee's recommended sanctions will be forwarded along to the Vice President, who makes the final determination.
Disciplinary hearings at Monmouth University are kept between the charged students, witnesses, and University officials, however, an attorney will still be able to assist from behind the scenes. Students who receive help and counsel from an attorney will feel more confident and have a better understanding of what they may expect at the hearing. Attorneys will also strongly prepare students for their hearings and can have a strong influence on the outcome.
Monmouth University Sanctions
Monmouth University will impose disciplinary sanctions if an accused student is found responsible for violating the University's Student Code of Conduct. More than one of the sanctions listed below may be imposed for a violation, and the full range of sanctions is available depending on the nature and severity of the violation. Sanctions may be imposed but held in abeyance upon certain specified conditions. Possible sanctions include:
- Warning
- Restitution
- Education/Work Assignment
- Fines
- Disciplinary Probation
- Residence Hall Probation
- Residence Hall Suspension
- Residence Hall Expulsion
- Assignment of a Grade
- Suspension
- Expulsion
- Consultation and/or Assessment
- Letter of No Contact
- Interim University or Residence Hall Suspension
In addition to any of the above, Monmouth University will impose additional sanctions for academic integrity violations as deemed appropriate.
Regretfully, some Monmouth University students, despite their and their parents' best intentions, proceed with the University disciplinary process without a full understanding of the possible consequences, both immediate and long-term. Those unfamiliar with the realities of the disciplinary process often do not realize until it may be too late that Monmouth University imposes suspensions and expulsions as a sanction more often than would be expected; even in disciplinary matters that may seem to be less serious. The stakes are very high, and some consequences are unforeseen; even sanctions lesser than suspension or expulsion can greatly jeopardize a student's academic and professional goals.
Monmouth University sanctions for Title IX sexual misconduct violations, which include sexual harassment and sexual assault, stalking, and intimate partner violence, will always be severe, and Title IX sexual misconduct violations can have lifetime consequences. Monmouth University will also promptly impose interim measures as deemed necessary to protect the complainant before the final outcome of a Title IX investigation and disciplinary proceeding involving Dating, Relationship or Sexual Misconduct or Violence.
Experience Matters - An Experienced Attorney's Role When Representing a TCNJ Student
Monmouth University and a student's attorney may be able to work together to achieve an agreeable resolution before Student Code of Conduct disciplinary violations and/or academic misconduct charges are filed in certain instances. If charges have already been filed against a student, the accused student's attorney, also in certain instances, will be able to serve as an advocate between Monmouth University, the accused student, and other involved parties, in an effort to achieve a constructive resolution. Whether before or after Student Code of Conduct charges and/or academic integrity charges are filed, in working towards the prospect of an agreeable resolution, the extent of an attorney's involvement will be at the discretion of Monmouth University Every student's case is unique; an experienced attorney will understand what the University may be receptive to, and will approach the matter accordingly.
An attorney's involvement at Monmouth University in matters involving Student Code of Conduct charges and/or academic disciplinary charges should not be confused with Monmouth University disciplinary cases involving Title IX sexual misconduct allegations. In Title IX student disciplinary proceedings, an experienced attorney must work both as the point of contact between the accused student and Monmouth University as well as behind the scenes to defend against sexual misconduct and sexual assault allegations.
An experienced student discipline defense attorney will understand and use the most effective strategies when handling a student's case at Monmouth University.
Monmouth University Appeals
In the event of an unfavorable outcomes, students will be entitled to an appeals process. Appeals must be made on the grounds of procedural error, violation of any rights exhibited in the student code, new evidence, or inappropriate sanctions for the charges. Appeals must be made within 7 days of receiving the decision of the hearing, and are to be made to the Vice President for Student Life and Leadership. If this appeal is unsuccessful, a secondary appeal can be made to the President of the University within 7 days following the Vice President's decision.
If you or your student is currently facing disciplinary charges from Monmouth University, contact university student defense attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
