2.1 Definitions

The term “Advisor” refers to an individual provided by the University or selected by a Reporting Party or Accused Party, who is present at any meeting related to an investigation or disciplinary proceeding. An Advisor of choice may include an attorney retained by a Party at their own expense. An Advisor provided by the University will be trained in regard to University policies, procedures, and resources. Advisors may participate in University processes in an advisory capacity, but they may not take part directly in the investigation, meeting with the Hearing Officer, or appeal. If a party wishes to speak privately with their Advisor they may request a brief recess from the meeting or proceeding. The University has the right at all times to determine what constitutes appropriate behavior on the part of an Advisor. The Advisor may not be a fact witness or otherwise have any conflicting role in the process. For processes or procedures related to the Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy, Advisors will be required to complete the Rules of Decorum in advance of any hearing.

The term "Appeal Body " refers to any University official or group authorized by the University to hear appeals of decisions implemented by a Hearing Officer. See University Appeal Board (UAB) and Community Standards Appeal Board (CSAB).

The term "Campus" includes all land, buildings, facilities and other property in the possession of, owned, used or controlled by the University including adjacent streets and sidewalks.

The term “Community Standards” refers to University policies and standards of conduct provided to create a safe learning and living environment that is grounded in our Catholic Jesuit identity.

The term "Community Standards Appeal Board" (CSAB) refers to the panel authorized by the University to hear appeals of decisions made by a Hearing Officer involving non-suspendable violations. Each CSAB consists of, at a minimum, a three-member Student panel selected from a larger trained pool of Students. The CSAB reviews appeals of non-suspendable violations. CSAB appeal members receive annual training on the Community Standards process.

The term “Complainant” refers to any person or entity who submits a complaint alleging that a Student violated the Community Standards. This is a person who reports a violation and may also be referred to as a “Reporting Party.”

The term "Director of Student Responsibility and Community Standards, or designee" refers to the University official authorized to administer, enforce and facilitate the rules and procedures set forth in the Community Standards and other University policies, procedures, rules and regulations. The Director, or designee, is authorized to serve as a Hearing Officer or on the UAB and may impose any sanction in all cases.

A “Formal Investigation” may be utilized when an individual student alleges interpersonal violence, threats, or prohibited conduct by another student(s), when the preliminary information suggests that, if found responsible, the alleged Community Standards violations could result in suspension or expulsion from the University. More information about a Formal Investigation can be found in Section 2.8, Investigation and Hearing Procedures. 

The term “Hearing” refers to the meeting in which a Student is provided the opportunity to meet with a Hearing Officer and either take responsibility or not take responsibility for the alleged Community Standard violation(s) as provided in their notification letter. For those Hearings concerning violations that could result in suspension or expulsion from the University, a Student may have an Advisor accompany them.

The term “Hearing Officer” refers to an individual authorized by the University to determine whether a Student or organization has violated the University’s Community Standards and the appropriate sanction(s).

An “Informal Inquiry” can be utilized to gather more information about a specific report, but does not constitute a full and formal investigation. More information about an Informal Inquiry can be found in Section 2.8, Investigation and Hearing Procedures. 

The term "Report" refers to a written statement by the Reporting Party, identifying the Accused and setting forth information relative to the alleged Community Standards violation, which may include the dates, times, witnesses and a brief description of the alleged misconduct.

The term "Respondent" refers to the accused Student, group of Students, or University affiliated organization alleged to have committed a violation of the University's Community Standards.

The Term “Sanction, Outcome and/or Restorative Action” refers to the requirements that must be completed by the individual if found responsible for violating the University’s Community Standards. Outcomes, Sanctions and/or Restorative Action requirements may vary on a case by case scenario and are assigned to the individual by the Hearing Officer.

The "Student" refers to any and all persons enrolled at or taking courses through the University in any capacity. Persons who withdraw after allegedly violating the University Community Standards, those persons not officially enrolled at the University, but who maintain a continuing relationship with the University, those persons who have been notified of their admitted status to the University, individuals living in University owned/operated residential facilities, and those persons suspended from the University are also deemed "Students" under the Community Standards.

The term "Student Organization" refers to any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for University recognition or registration.

The term "University" refers to Saint Louis University and all of its affiliated schools, divisions, departments and related entities, campuses and controlled properties.

The term "University Activity" refers to any on campus or off campus event or function conducted, approved, sponsored or funded, in whole or in part, by the University or any Student Organization.

The term "University Appeal Board" (UAB) refers to the panel authorized by the University to hear appeals of decisions made by a Hearing Officer. Each UAB consists of a combination of faculty, staff, and/or Graduate Students. A minimum of three-members are selected from a trained pool of faculty, staff, and/or graduate Student representatives. Every effort will be made to have Student representation on each UAB; however, certain periods of the year make ensuring such representation difficult. UAB appeal members receive annual training on the Community Standards process. A decision from the UAB represents the final outcome in an appeal case.