2.0 Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities and Community Standards
- 2.1 Definitions
- 2.2 Policy Overview and Applicability
- 2.3 Professional Standards
- 2.4 Violation of Law and the University Community Standards
- 2.5 Conduct Occurring Off Campus
- 2.6 Residence Hall, University Apartments, and University-managed Rules and Regulations
- 2.7 Community Standards Violations
- 2.8 Investigation and Hearing Procedures
- 2.9 Supportive Measures and Interim Measures
- 2.10 Outcomes/Sanctions/Restorative Actions
- 2.11 Retaliation
- 2.12 Disciplinary Records
- 2.13 Family Notification
- 2.14 Interpretation and Revision
Preamble
Saint Louis University is committed to the preservation of personal dignity and the safety of its community members. All members of the University community share responsibility for fostering this environment by adhering to standards of conduct. Those standards of conduct are provided in the University’s Community Standards, which help create an educational climate of excellence that is rooted in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition. Saint Louis University Students are expected to strive for excellence, to develop their talents through discovery and reflection, and to be concerned for the cura personalis (care of each individual). Students are expected to contribute to the development and sustainability of their campus community through word and action. The Saint Louis University community is characterized by respect for the dignity of others and the pursuit of truth.
In order to demonstrate respect for the dignity of others, it is essential that Students assume responsibility for their behavior and that of their guests. When Students and/or their guests negatively infringe on the rights of others, the University may intervene and take disciplinary action when necessary. Processes initiated in accordance with the Community Standards and other University policies are integral to the educational mission of the University and are administered in a manner consistent with our Catholic, Jesuit Identity. Disciplinary actions taken under the Community Standards are not intended to imitate or to serve as a substitute for civil or criminal proceedings, but rather have been created to maintain and preserve the educational nature of the University and ensure an inclusive community.
Ethos Statement
As a Catholic and Jesuit institution, Saint Louis University holds a strong commitment to care for the whole person and the pursuit of truth. The expectations that accompany this commitment are that members of the community care for others as well as for themselves, and that members strive for excellence in their behavior and conduct as representatives of Saint Louis University. In particular, students are expected to honor the following commitments throughout their time as members of the community:
- A commitment to honesty and truthfulness in behavior and communication;
- A commitment to demonstrate respect to others, regardless of their role in the institution and regardless of differences of identity, background, or perspective;
- A commitment to the awareness, acknowledgement, and acceptance of responsibility for one's own words, actions, and behaviors and for the impact of those on others;
- A commitment to safeguarding the individual, communal, and university well-being to the best of one's ability.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Saint Louis University has a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In alignment with our Mission, the Office of Student Responsibility and Community Standards affirms our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our conduct and processes in the service of the Saint Louis University community.
In order to uphold our commitment, we strive to:
- Treat all students, regardless of their role in a Community Standards process, with respect and honor their diverse identities, backgrounds, and perspectives;
- Maintain policies and procedures that are accessible and transparent to all members of the community;
- Resolve Community Standards violations with fair, unbiased, and restorative processes that prioritize an ethic of Cura Personalis, or care for the whole person;
- Facilitate student reflection on how their words, actions, and behaviors impact peers and the wider university community through restorative and educational processes so that students may understand diverse perspectives;
- Provide and support accessible educational initiatives that encourage responsible action and well-being;
- Engage in continuing professional development to enhance knowledge and practice of principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities
In joining the SLU community, Students are afforded certain rights and assume certain social responsibilities that are critical for Students to have access to a safe place for learning and living in community, reverence toward diversity, and security of the campus environment.
- The Right to Learn, which includes the right of access to diverse ideas, the right of access to facts, the right to express diverse ideas and opinions, and the right to discuss those ideas with others.
- The Right to Exist and Peaceful Coexistence, which includes the right to be free from violence, force, intimidation, threats, and abuse, allowing all Students to be who they are and move about freely.
- The Right to Free Speech, and Expression with Civility, consistent with the University’s Catholic, Jesuit heritage, which includes a commitment to providing an environment wherein even the thorniest of matters can be explored openly and argued productively. Students, however, not only have a responsibility to assure that speech and expression do not infringe on the safety of others or impede institutional functions, but also have the opportunity to freely express their disagreement, provided that such expression neither impairs other, including differing, viewpoints or expression, nor interferes with normal functions of the University.
- The Right of Privacy, which includes the right to be free of unauthorized search of personal property. This right to privacy, however, does not supersede a Student’s contractual agreement to follow University Policy while attending SLU or when living in University Housing. In the interest of protecting University persons and property, which includes the residence halls and/or University-owned/managed housing, there may be times when it is necessary for University personnel to enter and/or search student spaces in University-owned and/or managed properties, (See Section 5.0, Housing & Residence Life Handbook).
- The Right to Report, which empowers Students to be free to report any action that they believe unduly interferes with their rights and learning environment and the right to receive a reasonable response according to University Policy to that report. Any person who, in bad faith, files a false complaint or provides false information to University officials investigating a complaint shall be deemed to have violated this Policy. This is not in any way meant to discourage legitimate complaints or consultation.
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The Right to Appeal, which empowers Students to submit an appeal regarding an outcome of a Community Standards Hearing. Students may exercise this right by submitting an appeal to the Office of Student Responsibility and Community Standards for all Community Standards Hearings or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX/Title IX Coordinator for all cases involving the Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
All Saint Louis University programs and activities are open to all Students without regard to sex, gender, gender identity and expression, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, veteran status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other protected classification (See the University Harassment Policy, 1.11).