Policy Statement
The College is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. To uphold academic integrity and community standards, the College may impose disciplinary suspension as a consequence for serious violations of the Standards of Conduct, Honor Code, criminal behavior, or other significant breaches of institutional policies.
Scope of Policy
This policy applies to all students enrolled at the College.
The policy applies to conduct occurring both on and off campus when such conduct adversely affects the College community or its reputation. It does not apply to academic suspensions related to poor academic performance, which are governed by separate academic policies.
Definition
Disciplinary Suspension is a temporary, involuntary separation of a student from the College as a result of a significant violation of institutional policies or the Standards of Conduct, Honor Code, criminal behavior, or other significant breaches of institutional policies.
During the suspension period, the student is prohibited from attending classes, accessing campus facilities, participating in College-sponsored activities, and utilizing College services. The duration of the suspension is determined based on the severity of the misconduct and may range from one academic term to multiple terms.
Reinstatement following a disciplinary suspension may be contingent upon the fulfillment of specific conditions outlined in the suspension notice, such as completion of educational sanctions, counseling, or a formal review process. A disciplinary suspension is recorded on the student’s disciplinary record and may be noted on the academic transcript in accordance with institutional policy.
Procedures:
- The student will receive a formal written notice from the College detailing the reason(s) for suspension.
- The student has the right to appeal the disciplinary suspension within a specified timeframe through the appropriate appeals process through the Office of Community Standards. For more information about appeal procedures, click here.
- If the appeal is denied, the suspension is final and takes immediate effect.
Academic Impact
- The student’s enrollment in all courses will be immediately withdrawn.
- Any grades for ongoing courses will be recorded as “W” (Withdrawal).
- Depending on the timing of the suspension and institutional policy.
Financial Impact
- Tuition and fees are non-refundable unless otherwise stated in the college’s refund policy.
- Any outstanding balances owed to the college must be paid in full.
- The student may lose eligibility for financial aid, scholarships, and grants, which may require repayment based on the terms of financial aid agreements.
- Housing and meal plan fees will not be refunded.
Returning Campus Resources/Revocation of Campus Access
- The student must return all college property, including but not limited to: Rhodes ID card, fob, parking decal, and room key (if the student is a residential student)
- Failure to return college property may result in financial holds or additional penalties.
- A student suspended from the College because of a conduct outcome is not permitted on campus at any time; this includes, but is not limited to, participation in college-sponsored events (on/off campus).
Removal from Residence Halls
- The student must vacate college housing immediately upon suspension.
- The student will not be permitted to store personal belongings on campus.
Removal from Registered Student Organizations
- The student can no longer hold membership in Rhodes College affinity groups, college-affiliated clubs, sports teams, and registered student organizations.
- This includes all events on/off campus sponsored by organizations or groups.
- Any leadership positions held within such organizations will be forfeited.
- The student will not be eligible to participate in college-sponsored extracurricular activities during the period of the suspension.
Transferring/Transcript Requests
- No credit may be transferred for work done at another institution during the period of academic suspension.
- The student’s enrollment in all future term courses will be dropped.
- Transcript will indicate “Suspended” from the College.
- Academic records may be shared with other institutions if required or requested.
- Disciplinary Suspension may impact future academic or professional opportunities, including transfer applications and background checks. For more information, refer to the Disciplinary Conduct Verification Policy.
Return to Rhodes and Class Registration
- To return to Rhodes, the student must submit written notification of their intent to return. This notification should be sent to the Office of Community Standards, or their designee, by October 1st for a Spring Semester or March 1st for a Fall Semester return.
- If there are pending outcomes to be completed, they must submit a written notification of their intent to return and documentation substantiating the completion of outcomes. The Office of Community Standards, or their designee, will review those, and an approval decision to return will be returned to the student.
- The student may apply for reinstatement following the completion of the suspension period.
- Upon return, the student may be subject to probationary status and additional behavioral conditions.