What is the College's student conduct process?
The process is outlined online in the Conduct Process section of the website. When a student is alleged to have violated the Student Handbook, the student will receive an email with a scheduled appointment with our office. During that appointment the process is explained in great detail so that a student understands their rights, what allegations they face and what courses of action they may take.
What does it mean if a student receives an email from Student Rights & Responsibilities?
A student receives an email when they are alleged to have violated one or more of the Kenyon College’s regulations. If a student is alleged to have violated the Student Handbook then the email sent to the student will contain information regarding which specific regulation(s) the student may have violated. Additionally, the email will include a scheduled appointment time within the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities. Attached to this email will be a list of student rights that apply throughout the student conduct process.
This incident happened off-campus, so why is the College involved?
In order to maintain a safe living and learning community, both on and off-campus behavior of students can be considered. A more comprehensive and detailed explanation of jurisdiction and student responsibility on and off-campus can be found in the Student Handbook.
What is the burden of proof & standard of evidence used in the student conduct process?
The standard of evidence used in the student conduct process is preponderance of the evidence. This means that the determination of responsibility is based on whether the evidence shows that it is “more likely than not” that a violation occurred. The student is presumed to be innocent and the burden of proof rests with the College, such that the College must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that a violation occurred.
Does a student need to hire an attorney for the student conduct process?
It is not necessary to hire an attorney. You may consult an attorney; however, an attorney may not serve as an advisor during the student conduct process. During the student conduct process an advisor must be a member of the member of the administration, faculty or student body who is not party to the case.
What happens if a student fails to attend their scheduled meeting?
If a student misses their scheduled meeting, a second meeting will be scheduled. Should the student also miss their second meeting, a decision on the case will be made and they will receive an outcome letter via email. The student will then have three business days to appeal that decision to the dean of student development.
If the violation also involved an alleged crime, can the student also be prosecuted through the criminal courts as well as being referred to the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities?
Yes. The same set of facts may results in an investigation by both the College and the police or courts.
Do disciplinary sanctions appear on a student's transcript?
If a student is sanctioned to suspension or dismissal, a permanent notation will be added to the student’s transcript.
Will disciplinary actions while a student is at Kenyon be shared with future graduate schools and employers?
If a student is sanctioned with probation, deferred suspension, suspension or dismissal, this will create a disciplinary record for the student that may be released to graduate schools and employers if the student provides a release. One year following graduation, all disciplinary records are purged except those involving incidents that resulted in suspension or dismissal from the College.