Informal Resolution

Informal Resolution allows students suspected of a violation of the Code of Student Conduct to resolve the violation administratively without participating in a formal hearing. Either of the following two approaches may be considered to achieve Informal Resolution:

Conduct Warning Letter and/or Fine

A student may receive a warning letter for some first-time violations as outlined in the Sanction Grid below. If a student receives a warning letter and/or fine, the student may either:

1. Request an informal resolution meeting with a Hearing Officer; or 
2. Accept the conduct citation letter as a written warning and pay any applicable fine imposed.

Informal Resolution Hearing

If an informal resolution is deemed appropriate, a student shall be provided with a notice to meet with a Hearing Officer. If the student accepts responsibility for the alleged violation(s), the Hearing Officer shall assign sanctions proportionate to the violation(s) utilizing the conduct sanctioning grid and professional discretion. A disciplinary record will be created reflecting Code violations and sanctions applied. There is no right to appeal an informal resolution. If the student does not accept responsibility for the alleged violation(s), the case shall be referred to the formal conduct process outlined above.

Residential Non-Conduct Process (Residential Students)

The goal of the non-conduct process is to ensure that community expectations are maintained within the Lincoln Memorial University residential community. The Director of Residential Accountability partners with students in navigating the accountability process to ensure that they can gain the skills and knowledge that allow them to positively contribute to their community and restore any harm that may have been caused to an individual or to the community.

Initial violations of the Railsplitter Community Standards Guide regarding Residential Misconduct are first addressed by the Director of Residential Accountability prior to the violation being addressed by the Office of Community Standards. For students who allegedly violate certain sections of the Code contained in Section 8.20 - 8.31 of the Railsplitter Community Standards Guide, the following process will occur:

■ Students will be notified of an alleged violation of Residential Conduct.

■ Students will meet with the Director of Residential Accountability to discuss restorative measures and develop an action plan for future behavior.

■ Potential outcomes to address alleged violations may include an informal conversation to review the area where misconduct has occurred and discuss options that offer informal resolution.

Low-level, introductory non-conduct meetings are utilized in first-time violations to promote policy education and restoration of the residential community. Repeat behavior could result in additional and corrective measures, including moving forward with a formal resolution through the Office of Community Standards.

Refer to the following guide to determine the number of times a non-conduct violation may occur before being addressed by the Office of Community Standards: