Student Rights and Responsibilities

Conduct Sanctions and Fines

Part of our mission is to support safe, inclusive, and educational learning environments to aid in student success. One way we do this is by assigning sanctions to students or organization who violate the Code of Student Conduct or other University policies. A sanction is any requirement or status imposed as a result of accepting responsibility or being found responsible for violating the Code of Student Conduct.

The Code of Student Conduct does not mandate a set sanction for any violation. Sanctions for misconduct are determined on a case by case basis utilizing the following criteria;

  • The nature of the offense
  • The severity of any damage, injury or harm resulting from the offense
  • The student's or organization's current demeanor
  • Past disciplinary record, if any

A sanction may be something a student or organization has to complete or it may be a status imposed sanction for a period of time.

Status Sanctions

Status sanctions apply for a period of time and represent a student or organization's disciplinary status. Status sanctions are progressive in nature.

  • Disciplinary Reprimand – A written warning citing behavior being unacceptable
  • University Censure – A period of warning during which future violations of the Code of Student Conduct will likely mean progression to more severe disciplinary action
  • Disciplinary Probation - A period of time during which a student’s continued enrollment is evaluated and the student is no longer in good conduct standing and may be precluded from certain leadership and award opportunities. Should a University Hearing Body find a student in violation of the Code of Student Conduct during the period of disciplinary probation; a hearing may result in imposing a lengthy suspension or an expulsion from the University.
  • Deferred Suspension - In rare situations, a student may be placed on deferred suspension. This is a period of time during which a student's continued enrollment is clearly in jeopardy. The student is able to remain enrolled and attend classes during this time. Should a hearing body find a student in violation of the Code of Student Conduct during the period of deferred suspension; the body will automatically consider imposing a lengthy suspension or an expulsion from the University. 
  • Suspension – Potential outcome of a hearing, separation of the student from the University for a specified period of time. The student will not participate in University-sponsored activities and will be barred from University property. 
  • Expulsion – Potential outcome of a hearing, permanent separation from the institution. The student will be barred from University property. 

Restrictive and Other Sanctions

  • Loss of Privileges - Driving on campus, event attendance, parking, etc.
  • Trespass – Not allowed in certain areas of campus
  • No Contact – Ability to interact with certain individual(s) is taken away. Under the terms of this directive, the student must have no contact whatsoever including physical, verbal, mail, phone (cell or landline), e-mail, text messages, instant messages, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and other social networking sites, or communications through third parties. You are prohibited from approaching, sitting near, or speaking with certain individual(s). This applies in any setting.
  • Housing Removal or Relocation – Ability to live in certain area restricted or taken away.
  • Restitution – Student must pay back damages to university property.  

Fines

In cases where students are found in violation of the Alcohol Policy and Cannabis/Controlled Substance Policy, a set of sanctions and fines has been established. The following schedule applies, but aggravating factors may be present resulting in increased sanctions. Fines are placed on a student's account and appear as a conduct fine. Additional information on cannabis, including medical marijuana, can be found here.

  • Alcohol possession/consumption in violation of State law or campus time/place/manner restrictions $150.00
  • Kegs and other large alcohol quantities $200.00
  • Cannabis possession/use; possession of drug paraphernalia $150.00
  • Cannabis delivery or possession with intent to deliver $500.00
  • Other controlled substance possession/use $300.00
  • Controlled substance delivery or possession with intent to deliver $500.00
Repeat Offenses

Repeat offenses (i.e., same violation within 12 months of prior incident) will result in a doubling of a fine from the previous amount. Example: A student is found in violation of alcohol possession on August 29, 2018, fined $ 150.00. A repeat offense on February 3, 2019 would result in a fine of $300.00. A repeat offense on September 12, 2019 would result in a $600.00 fine.

Educational Sanctions

In many situations, students will be required to complete an educational sanction focused on enhancing personal and community development.  Part of the mission of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities includes supporting educational opportunity both inside and outside of the classroom and to enhance the personal growth of students. One way we do this is by assigning educational sanctions focused on development.

  • Interventions - Workshops, appointments, counseling, decision-making meetings, etc. Some educational interventions may require a fee.
  • Projects or Activities – Purpose statements, reflections, letters to self or others, service projects, etc. If you were assigned an educational sanction requiring a submission, you can submit here. 
Examples

This is not an exhaustive list of every sanction a student can be assigned but reflects common sanctions assigned. A Conduct Officer or Hearing Body may assign other educational sanctions if appropriate for the student.

Apology Letter: Create an apology letter to the appropriate party. The letter should utilize the “Six Essential Elements of an Effective Apology” found here. The letter should be a minimum of 500 words. Submit the letter here.

Fictitious ID Paper: Write a paper explaining the legal consequences of having a fake ID in Illinois and the impact of these consequences on future aspirations. The paper should be a minimum of 500 words. Submit the paper here.

Goal Development: Develop 4 -5 goals and submit. At least one personal, educational, and professional goal each should be detailed. Each goal should follow the SMART format and be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. More about SMART Goals can be found here. Goal development should be a minimum of 500 words. Submit goals overview here.

Letter to Future Self: Create a letter addressed to your future self. The letter should focus on reminding your future self about goals, values, and aspirations. The letter should be a minimum of 500 words. Submit the letter here.

Letter to Mentor: Develop a letter addressed to a mentor. The letter should outline the violation, impact on others, and what has been learned through the process. The letter should be a minimum of 500 words. Submit the letter here.

Public Service Announcement: Develop and create a public service announcement focused on a given topic, policy, or procedure. PSA can be a short video, social media postings, or poster campaign. Your Conduct Officer will provide specifics on requirements. Submit the PSA here.

Personal Reflection Paper: Complete a paper reflecting on an agreed upon topic, such as decision-making process, policy understanding, or purpose of a policy. The paper should be a minimum of 500  words. Submit reflection here.

Student Organization Involvement Plan: Research and explore at least four different student organizations found at Western Illinois University. Utilize Purple Post to learn about the organization’s goals, meeting times, and upcoming events. Identify how involvement in each of the four organizations may benefit a student at Western Illinois University. Involvement plan should be a minimum of 500 words. Submit the plan here.

Top 10 List: Create a top 10 list of things students should know about an agreed upon topic such as a certain policy, program, or event. The list should be geared towards other students at Western Illinois University and provide details. The list should include 10 items and be a minimum of 500 words. Submit the list here.