Felician University promotes order through its Campus Conduct Code. The Campus Conduct Code is located within the Student Handbook. The Code lists a number of "violations" of the University's policies, which are punishable by a number of sanctions, the strongest of which being expulsion. The Code is in place to create rules and regulations that promote the safety and security of the learning community, as well as maintain a proper and esteemed learning environment.
Felician University Hearings
Whenever a student commits a violation, the disciplinary process will begin. Felician University allows for students and faculty alike to file complaints. Once a complaint is filed, the process will begin. When it is determined that the charges against a student have enough merit for a hearing, the student will be notified. At times, alternative resolutions may be available. There are two types of hearings that Felician University students may undergo.
Felician University Hearing by Student Conduct Board
Students may elect to have a hearing in front of a Student Conduct Board. The Board will be composed of students, faculty, and staff. It will also be led by a Student Conduct Board Advisor, who is a non-voting member, but will ensure that the process is properly followed. The Conduct Board will review the facts of the case, based upon what is brought to them, and vote upon the student's culpability for the incident. After they make the determination, they recommend sanctions to impose. The Student Conduct Board Advisor actually makes the final decision as to what sanctions will be imposed on the student.
Students are also welcome to the presence of an attorney at the hearing. Having an attorney at one's side will inspire confidence and give students a better idea of what consequences they may face and how the overall process can affect them.
Felician University Hearing by Conduct Board Advisor
Students may also elect for a hearing in front of a Conduct Board Advisor, however, doing so waives their right to a Student Conduct Board Hearing. A Hearing by a Conduct Board Advisor is also known as an Administration Hearing. These hearings are also typically limited to the student and the Conduct Board Advisor. The Advisor must hear out all facts of the case, and make a decision based upon what has been heard. The Advisor is also responsible for assigning any and all potential sanctions. There are no appeals allowed for resolutions arrived at through an Administration Hearing, so all decisions arrived at will be final.
Any academic concerns will be handled in a similar fashion by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Felician University Sanctions
Felician University will impose disciplinary sanctions if an accused student is found responsible for violating the Campus Conduct Code. 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. Possible sanctions, listed in order of severity, include:
- Warning
- Probation
- Loss of Privileges
- Fines
- Restitution
- Discretionary Sanction
- Residence Hall Suspension
- Residence Hall Expulsion
- College Suspension
- College Expulsion
- Interim Suspension
In addition to any of the above, Felician University will impose additional sanctions for academic integrity violations as deemed appropriate.
Regretfully, some Felician 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 Felician 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.
Felician 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. Felician 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 Felician University Student
Felician University and a student's attorney may be able to work together to achieve an agreeable resolution before Campus Conduct Code 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, may be able to serve as an a liaison between Felician University, the accused student, and other involved parties, in an effort to achieve a constructive resolution. Whether before or after Campus Conduct Code 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 Felician 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 Felician University in matters involving Campus Conduct Code disciplinary charges and/or academic disciplinary charges should not be confused with Felician 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 Felician 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 Felician University.
Felician University Appeals
Appeals are ruled by Felician University's Appellate Council. Appeals must be made on the grounds that there was unfair conduct in the hearing, there were insufficient facts to hold the student responsible, there were inappropriate sanctions for the violations, or there is new evidence to be considered. Appeals must also be submitted within 5 school days of decision. The Student Conduct Board Advisor will receive all appeals for them to be passed along to the Appellate Council. Successful appeals can result in either reduced sanctions or a remanded case.
If you or your student is currently facing disciplinary action from Felician University, contact university student defense attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
