The Code of Student Conduct Sanctioning Guidelines have been developed by a representative committee of faculty, staff, and students to offer general sanctioning guidelines for violations of the Code and to ensure a level of consistency among hearing officers and hearing panels when issuing sanctions. While it is sound practice for hearing officers and hearing panels to sanction within the established guidelines, the following recommendations are not designed or intended to be prescriptive. Hearing officers and hearing panels are empowered by the Code to utilize their professional judgment when weighing relevant aggravating or mitigating factors, if any. These officers may determine if any deviation from the minimum standard sanctions outlined in the attached sanctioning grid are appropriate.