Repeated or egregious violations will be considered aggravating factors in determining sanctions. Willful ignoring of written university directives shall constitute a forfeiture of University Housing if a student is found responsible.
The University reserves the right to take any action necessary to protect the campus community, consistent with applicable policies and procedures.
PROCESS:
Investigation and Standards of Information
The focus of inquiry in Community Standards proceedings shall be to determine whether the Respondent is or is not responsible for violating Community Standards. Respondents are afforded a presumption that the Respondent is innocent until KSU has established every element of the alleged violation. A presumption also exists that neither Complainant nor any witness has presented false testimony or evidence. Any Student charged with a violation of Community Standards is entitled to a hearing before an appointed University Official, Hearing Body or University Conduct Board as specified in this Community Standards. The Respondent and the University may agree to mutually resolve the charge(s) without an Administrative or UCB hearing. All mutual agreements are subject to the approval by the Vice President over Student Affairs or their designee.
KSU investigates all complaints filed with the Office of Community Standards and Care. An investigation begins when a complaint is received by the Office of Community Standards and Care. The purpose of an investigation is to determine if there is merit to charge a Student, Student Group, or RSO with a violation of Community Standards.
If a preliminary investigation indicates that Reasonable Suspicion of a violation exists, notice of any charge(s) will be provided to the Respondent as outlined (with appropriate differences for Conduct Violations or Serious Misconduct Violations). Those charged shall still be afforded a presumption of innocence until KSU has established every element of the alleged violation.
KSU reserves the right to investigate/adjudicate reports without an identified Complainant, and such action shall not necessarily invalidate a decision or proceeding, unless significant prejudice to the Respondent or the University may result. During investigative and hearing phases of a proceeding involving allegation of a Conduct Violation, formal rules of evidence shall not be applicable. Similarly, deviation from prescribed procedures shall not necessarily invalidate a decision or proceeding, unless significant prejudice to the Respondent or the University may result.
When decisions about a Student's responsibility for any violation of Community Standards are made, the University Official, Hearing Body, or UCB will use the Preponderance standard to evaluate the relevant information.
Community Standards for Students
Student(s) engaging in the following behaviors may be out of alignment with KSU's Core Values. If a Student, faculty member, or staff member has knowledge about a possible violation of these Community Standards, they should submit knowledge of this allegation in writing by completing an incident report form, which is available online or by visiting the Office of Community Standards and Care (KSU Student Center).
Note: Students who act in concert to violate University regulations share the responsibility for any resulting policy violation. Additionally, Students are responsible for the conduct of their guests on University property or at any University function including those sponsored or organized by Student Groups or RSOs.
KSU's Core Values guide this document's approach to community and student development. As such, behavior that may violate these Community Standards are organized in a way that reflects the most closely associated KSU Core Value: