Rosemont College maintains order in its student body through the use of a Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is located in Student Handbook. Within its contents are also listed the Student Conduct Procedures, for use when a student violates the Code of Conduct. Students found to be responsible for violations will face sanctions imposed on them as punishment for their behavior.
The process begins when a member of the College community seeks to initiate a Student Conduct Referral against a student for a violation. The individual that wants to initiate the Referral must meet with a Student Conduct Administrator to determine if the case has the merit to move forward to a full Referral. If is deemed that a Referral has the necessary merit to move forward, the "referred student" will face formal violation charges. If a case does not have enough merit for a formal Student Conduct Referral, mediation may be suggested as an alternate solution. Mediation may also be suggested first, in order to prevent disciplinary actions.
Rosemont College Resolutions
Rosemont College's Student Conduct Procedures allow for two possible ways for resolving an issue.
Administrative Resolution
The first step is a meeting with the Student Conduct Administrator to discuss the violations. The Student Conduct Administrator informs the referred student of the violations they face and what potential outcomes there are. The Student Conduct Administrator will also try to make a determination of whether or not a violation occurred, by means of discussion with the referred student. From here, there are a number of potential actions that the referred student can take. If the referred student acknowledges their responsibility for the violation and agrees to the sanctions, the process will stop here, but they will also lose their right to make an appeal. If the Student Conduct Officer has decided that the standard of a preponderance of evidence has been met or the referred student agrees to responsibility, but the referred student does not agree with the sanctions, the Student Conduct Administrator will impose sanctions they deem to be appropriate, but the referred student can appeal.
Hearing Before Committee on Student Conduct
Hearings are a process to resolve more serious or complex issues between two parties: the referred party (the student facing charges) and the referring party (the party bringing the charges). A Hearing will be used when the referred party contests the referral, or faces sanctions of removal from their residence, suspension, or dismissal. Both parties will be notified of the hearing date. At hearings, both parties will have the opportunity to make opening statements. After this, both parties will call their supporting witnesses forward. Each party will have the opportunity to cross-examine one another's witnesses. After the presentations and cross-examinations, the Student Conduct Body will question the parties and witnesses, if necessary. Both parties will then make their closing statements. Finally, the Student Conduct Body will deliberate. Deliberations will use the standard of a preponderance of evidence, and will assign any sanctions if the student is found responsible.
Students are welcome to be accompanied into their hearings by an advisor of their choosing. Students with an attorney at their side will feel more confident as they go through the hearing process. Attorneys can also advise students on effective methods of presenting evidence and presenting closing arguments.
Rosemont College Appeals
In the event of an unfavorable outcome, students have a chance at making an appeal. Appeals must be submitted via the student's college email 7 days from receiving the decision letter. The grounds for appeal are procedural error, new evidence, and disputes of sanction severity.
If you or your student is currently facing disciplinary action from Rosemont College, contact Joseph D. Lento today.
