Student Conduct Procedures

Last updated: August 10, 2020

The Student Code of Conduct for Western Connecticut State University (“WCSU” or “University”) provides the procedures for the investigation, definitions of terms, and resolution of complaints regarding student conduct, including those involving sexual misconduct, as defined herein.

The WCSU Title IX Coordinator can assist in explaining the student conduct process, but will and work with the Director for the Office of of Judicial Affairs, on actions related to student misconduct from non-academic matters. Please note that there can be multiple investigations that occur between the WCSU Title IX Coordinator and the Director for the Office of Judicial Affairs.  The Student Code of Conduct provides an equal, fair, and timely process (informal administrative resolution or a formal adjudication) for reported victims and accused/reported students.

Reported victims of sexual misconduct shall have the opportunity to request that an investigation or disciplinary proceedings begin promptly; that such disciplinary proceedings shall be conducted by an official trained annually in issues relating to sexual misconduct and shall use the preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not) standard in making a determination concerning the alleged sexual misconduct.

Both the reported victim of sexual misconduct and the accused/reported student are entitled to be accompanied to any meeting and/or disciplinary proceeding relating to the allegation of sexual misconduct/violence by an advocate, advisor or support person of their choice, provided the involvement of such an advocate, advisor or support person does not result in the postponement or delay of such meeting as scheduled and provided such an advocate, advisor or support person may not directly address the Hearing Body, question witnesses and/or otherwise actively participate in the hearing process or other meeting(s) pertaining to a report of sexual misconduct and each involved student shall have the opportunity to present evidence, question all involved parties (only about relevant actions/matters related to the allegations) and witnesses on her/his behalf during any disciplinary proceeding.

The Hearing Body are selected members of the WCSU community (i.e., represented by students, staff and faculty) who are trained to evaluate disciplinary matters as it pertains to the Student Code of Conduct.  These individuals receive formalized training prior to the start of their service.

Both the reported victim and accused/reported student are entitled to be provided (at the same time) with written notice of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding, normally within one (1) business day after the conclusion of such proceeding, which notice shall include the following:

1. The name(s) of the accused/reported student(s),
2. A listing the violation(s) committed, if any; and
3. Any sanction(s) imposed upon the accused/reported student(s).

Sanctions may range from a warning to expulsion, depending upon the behavior and its severity of the violation(s). The reported victim shall have the same right to request a review of the decision of any disciplinary proceeding in the same manner and on the same basis as shall the accused/reported student(s); however, in such cases, if a review by any reported victim is granted, among the other actions that may be taken, the sanction of the disciplinary proceeding may also be increased. The reported victim and the accused/reported student(s) are entitled to be simultaneously provided written notice of any change in the results of any disciplinary proceeding prior to the time when the results become final as well as to be notified when such results become final.

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the accused/reported student(s) and the reported victim have the right to keep their identities confidential.