Cairn University governs its student body through a set of Community Standards. Christian values are emphasized by the University and are also woven into the Community Standards that the students must uphold. The Community Standards are located in Cairn University's Student Handbook. Students who violate community standards will be subject to the Student Discipline process, and if they are found to be in violation of Community Standards, the University will impose sanctions on them. The Office of Student Life handles all University disciplinary matters.
Cairn University Student Discipline
The Student Discipline process begins once a student's behavior is reported to a superior staff or faculty member. Sometimes this can just be done verbally, other times a Community Standards Infraction Report will be generated for record keeping and review. The Student Discipline process relies on methods of mentoring and accountability. The closest possible supervisor to the student will be placed in charge of discipline. Students will likely have a brief conference with their Resident Director, Dean of Students or other authority to discuss potential solutions to the issue. The director or dean will then make a determination of whether or not a violation occurred and assign a sanction. There is no particularly established method of hearings or judicial procedures, instead, the focus is on guidance for the student. When the authority is assigning sanctions, things like the student's intent, character, cooperativeness, and overall disciplinary history will be taken into consideration during the decision-making process.
Because of the mentoring and discussion-based nature of Cairn University's disciplinary process, parties outside of the students and authorities are not typically admitted into the disciplinary conferences. Even so, students can still greatly benefit from the counsel of an attorney. Attorneys are expert negotiators and will be able to direct students in proper methods of negotiation and argument that can be incredibly effective through the disciplinary process. Students armed with the same tactics and strategies used in courtrooms every day will feel more confident as they navigate the possibilities of their disciplinary conferences.
Cairn University Appeals
In the event of an unfavorable outcome, students have a chance to make an appeal. Appeals must be made within 2 days of the disciplinary response. The appellate authority depends on the initial party that heard the case. Appeals for cases decided by the Resident Director should be made to the Director of Residence Life, while appeals for cases decided by the Dean of Students should be made to the Senior Vice President of Student Affairs. The grounds for an initial appeal are disproportionate sanctions, violations of a student's rights, a decision not supported by evidence, or new evidence for consideration.
For appeals of expulsion or dismissal, there is a chance for secondary appeal. The appeal must be made to the University Provost. These appeals must be submitted by 4:00 PM exactly one day after the original appeal decision. The letter of appeal should address student's desire to appeal, their specific objections to the decision, and the evidence for appeal.
If you or your student is currently facing disciplinary action from Cairn University, contact LLF Law Firm today.
