Disciplinary Sanctions

Although not intended to be all-inclusive, the following are possible sanctions that may be imposed, either singularly or in combination, upon a student for infractions of College policies. Please note that students who fail to follow through on an assigned disciplinary sanction may be referred to the college hearing board.

Reprimand: When a student is reprimanded, oral and written notification shall be made to the student warning that continuation or repetition of the specified conduct may be the cause for further disciplinary action. A reprimand becomes part of a student’s disciplinary record in the Office of the Dean of Students, but is not a part of the student’s academic record.

Restriction: A restriction upon a student’s privileges for a period of time may be imposed. This restriction may include, but is not limited to, denial of the right to represent the College in any way, the denial of the use of the facilities or denial of the opportunity to participate in co-curricular activities.

Reprimand with Restrictions: A reprimand may include restrictive conditions, the terms of which shall be furnished, in writing, to the student.

Educational Sanction: The conduct officer may confer with the student and prescribe a project or class beneficial to the individual, campus or community. This project or class may be given alone, in conjunction with other sanctions or in substitution for other sanctions if the project is successfully completed.

Fine: A student may receive a monetary fine as a consequence of a policy violation.

Restitution: A student who has committed an offense against property or another person may be required to reimburse the College or other owner or injured party for damages, misappropriations of property or injuries received. Any such payment in restitution shall be limited to actual cost of repair or replacement and/or financial restitution for physical injury, such as medical bills. Failure to pay will result in a disciplinary withholding of a student’s records and/or a “hold” being placed upon the student’s further enrollment.

Enrollment Hold: Should a student not respond to a request to meet with a conduct officer or the Assistant Dean of Students, such officer may either place a hold on the student’s opportunity to enroll in subsequent semesters or may declare a default by the student and impose disciplinary sanctions. The student must be notified in person or through the mail at least five (5) College working days prior to sanctions being imposed.

Cancellation of Enrollment: In instances where the Assistant Dean of Students has placed a hold on a student’s enrollment for failure to comply with sanctions resulting from a prior informal or formal hearing, such hold may be cleared with the condition that the student’s enrollment will be canceled for failure to meet the conditions of the clearance.

Graduation Hold: Should a student not respond to a request to meet with a hearing officer or the Assistant Dean of Students or if a student does not comply with already imposed disciplinary sanctions, then the Dean of Students may place a hold on his or her participation in graduation exercises and his/her diploma.

Disciplinary Probation: A student on probation is deemed not in good standing with the College, and his/her enrollment as a student on probation may be conditioned upon adherence to the rules and regulations. Any student placed on probation will be notified of the terms and length of the probation (which often includes meetings with a probation mentor and written reflection). The probation will occur during times the student is scheduled to be on campus. Any conduct in violation of the probation may result in a College Hearing Board hearing, which can lead to the imposition of additional restrictions, suspension or expulsion.

Disciplinary Suspension: If a student is suspended, the suspension is effective immediately, he/she is deprived of student status and must carry out total separation (student shall not visit attend events, or otherwise enter college property) from the College for a specified period of time. Students who choose to violate their suspension and return to campus without express permission from the Dean of Students will be escorted from college property, and may face arrest/legal action. A student placed on suspension will be withdrawn from classes. Conditions of readmission shall be stated in the letter of suspension. Such order of suspension shall remain a part of the student’s disciplinary record in the Dean of Students’ Office. If a student is suspended, the date of the suspension is the board or administrator decision date. This date is non-negotiable, and all college processes will be based on this date. No additional refunds will be given to the student, and the student will receive grades of W for current courses.

Involuntary Withdrawal from the College: Provisions for administrative withdrawal related to a psychological or physical health problem are addressed separately under the Counseling Center and Health Center sections of this handbook.

Loras College is committed to protecting student safety and preserving the integrity of our learning environment. There may be times when separating a student and the college becomes necessary to preserve student safety and/or the learning environment. When a student engages in behaviors that violate the College’s code of conduct, the behavior is addressed as a discipline matter through the student conduct system. There may be times when a student’s observed conduct, actions, and/or statements indicate a threat to the health or safety of the student or someone else, and/or cause a disruption to the campus community. In these instances, the college may choose to use an involuntary withdrawal process to address the safety issue and/or disruption to the community.

The involuntary withdrawal process is to be used in cases where a student situation exceeds the College’s services or resources. In these instances, typically students will be afforded the opportunity to voluntarily withdraw from the institution. If the student chooses not to voluntarily withdraw, the College may involuntarily withdraw a student
in situations where:

• The student is unwilling or unable to carry out self-care obligations
• The student has physical or mental health needs requiring a level of care that exceeds what the College can provide
• The student represents a risk of seriously affecting the health or well-being of any other student or campus community member
• The safety of others is threatened by the student
• The student consumes an inordinate amount of staff/faculty time and/or resources
• The student creates conditions disruptive to the campus community

The college designates the Threat Assessment Team, coordinated by the Dean of Students Office, to make determinations regarding involuntary withdrawal. The decision, which is not intended to be disciplinary, is made on a case-by-case basis using all available incident reports, conversations with faculty, staff and students, the Dean’s Offices, the expert opinion of appropriate professionals, and anyone else considered to have relevant information.

The Threat Assessment Team will review the student’s medical information; nature, duration, and severity of any threats to self or others; the probability the student may follow through on the threat; whether or not there are alternatives to sufficiently mitigate and threat/involuntary leave; whether or not the student can carry out self-care obligations; and/or the amount of College faculty/staff time or resources required and whether or not the student’s situation can be resolved by the College in a reasonable amount of time or effort.

Within a reasonable amount of time, the Threat Assessment Team will make a decision regarding the withdrawal, and the Dean of Student’s Office will present that decision to the student in writing. If there is a determination of involuntarily withdrawal that is based on medical factors, the withdrawal will be labeled a medical withdrawal. A determination of involuntary withdrawal based on any other factors would be recorded as an involuntary withdrawal. If a student receives notification of medical or involuntary withdrawal, it will contain information indicating whether or not re-enrollment at the College is possible, and if possible, any conditions that would need to be met by the student prior to re-enrollment. A hold will be placed on the student’s account by the Registrar indicating this information. The date of withdrawal should reflect the student’s last date of class attendance.

A student wishing to re-enroll in the institution should notify the Dean of Student’s Office of the intent to re-enroll and complete an application for reinstatement form available at the Dean of Students Office, 540 Alumni Campus Center. The Threat Assessment Team will review applications for reinstatement related to involuntary withdrawal, and will determine on a case-by-case basis the request for re-enrollment. Approval for re-enrollment may only be granted if the Threat Assessment Team determines that, in its judgement, the issues that caused the involuntary withdrawal are no longer present or have been safely mitigated or managed.

Reasonable deviations from this procedure will not invalidate a decision unless significant prejudice to a student occurs. Please note that the involuntary withdrawal process does not release the student of any legal, disciplinary, housing, meal plan, or other student responsibilities or financial obligations to the College. No additional refunds will be given to the student, and the student will receive grades of W for current courses.

Disciplinary Expulsion: Expulsion normally entails a permanent separation from the College (student shall not visit, attend events or otherwise enter college property at all in the future). Students who choose to violate their suspension and return to campus without express permission from the Dean of Students will be escorted from college property, and may face arrest/legal action. The imposition of this sanction shall become a part of the student’s permanent disciplinary record. If a student is expelled, the date of the expulsion is the board or administrator decision date. This date is non-negotiable, and all college processes will be based on this date. No additional refunds will be given to the student, and the student will receive grades of W for current courses.

Student Sanctions Related to Violation of the Alcohol Policy

Loras College recognizes that with rights come responsibilities. With this in mind, the following sanctioning information outlines how students who violate the alcohol policy will be held accountable. The examples given are not to be interpreted as all-inclusive.

Description of Violations (apply to all students regardless of age or location of incident)

Minor Violations: Underage possession or consumption of alcohol, drinking in public/non-approved locations (any age), being present at a location where alcohol is being consumed and where it is a violation to possess alcohol (i.e. traditional halls).

Serious Violations: Student exhibits any of the following behaviors: Staggering disorderly conduct, vandalism, verbally disruptive, fighting, intoxication, vomiting but coherent and conscious, consumption of large quantities of alcohol (defined by the Loras College philosophy on low-risk drinking that follows) regardless of physical appearance (including participation in drinking games or possession of structures that promote high-risk drinking such as bars, beer bong tables, drinko boards, beer battleship games or other similar items), a second minor violation or a second off-campus arrest.

Severe Violations: Student exhibits any of the following behaviors: Vomiting and/or incoherent; unconsciousness; needed or received medical attention (including treatment by EMTs and/or a visit to the hospital); lost control of bodily functions; memory loss; a pattern of alcohol abuse; possession of kegs, bulk, common source or other large containers; repeated minor or serious alcohol violations or a third off-campus arrest.

Standard Minimum Responses: FIRST OFFENSE

These are recommended minimum sanctions. More severe sanctions may apply to individuals who have a prior judicial file, and/or where there are additional policy violations of other behavior standards.

Minor Violations:

• $100 fine
• Written reprimand
• Group alcohol education course

Serious Violations:

• $150 fine
• Disciplinary probation (up to eight [8] weeks)
• Notifying parents/legal guardian via letter if student is under the age of 21
• Written educational reflection

Severe Violations:

• $200 fine
• Disciplinary probation (up to sixteen [16] weeks)
• Deferred cancellation of housing
• Referral for off-campus assessment and a three-night education course
• Notifying parents/legal guardian via letter if student is under the age of 21

Standard Minimum Responses: SECOND OFFENSE

Minor Violations:

• $150 fine
• Disciplinary probation (up to eight [8] weeks)
• Notifying parents/legal guardian via letter if student is under the age of 21
• Group alcohol education course

Serious Violations:

• $200 fine
• Disciplinary probation (up to sixteen [16] weeks)
• Deferred cancellation of housing
• Referral for off-campus assessment and three-night education course
• Notifying parents/legal guardian via letter if student is under the age of 21

Severe Violations:

• Recommend suspension or expulsion to the College Hearing Board or
• Notifying parents/legal guardian via letter if student is under the age of 21and referral to off campus assessment agency and complete required treatment

Standard Minimum Responses: THIRD OFFENSE

Minor Violations:

• $200 fine
• Disciplinary probation (up to sixteen [16] weeks)
• Deferred cancellation of housing
• Referral for off-campus assessment and three-night education course
• Notifying parents/legal guardian via letter if student is under the age of 21

Serious Violations:

• Recommend suspension or expulsion to the College Hearing Board or
• Parent/guardian letter if student is under the age of 21 and referral to off-campus assessment agency and complete required treatment

Severe Violations:

• Recommend suspension or expulsion to the College Hearing Board or
• Notifying parents/legal guardian via letter if student is under the age of 21 and referral to off campus assessment agency and complete required treatment

Sanctions External to the College

Possession of alcoholic/intoxicating beverages by someone under 21 years is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than thirty (30) days, a fine, or both. There are also state laws concerning driving under the influence of alcohol, charging money for alcohol without a liquor license, and/or using a false driver’s license to obtain beer or other alcohol beverages. Depending upon the number of previous convictions or gravity of the circumstances, you may be charged with a felony or misdemeanor for such an offense. It is most likely that you will also forfeit your driving privileges in the event you are convicted of such an offense.

State of Iowa legislation reads, in part: “No person shall sell, give or otherwise supply alcoholic liquor or beer to any person knowing or having reasonable cause to believe said individual to be under legal age, and no person or persons under legal age shall individually or jointly have alcoholic liquor or beer in his/her or their possession or control; except to the extent that a person under legal age may handle alcoholic beverages and beer during the regular course of his/her employment by a liquor control licensee or beer permitted under this chapter.” (Code of Iowa, Section 123.47) “No person shall sell, dispense or give to any intoxicated person, or one simulating intoxication, any alcoholic liquor or beer.” (Code of Iowa, Section 123.49) “Any person who violates any of the provisions of section 123.49 shall be “Guilty of a simple misdemeanor.” (Code of Iowa, Section 123.50)

There are also Dubuque ordinances similar to those described above. If drugs are involved, the city will most likely defer to the state or federal authorities because their penalties are more severe. If alcohol is involved, an individual may be convicted of violating both local and state law and punished according to both laws. Courts do not excuse individuals convicted of these offenses from a prison sentence to go to college or work. A conviction for such an offense is a serious blemish on the student’s record, which could prevent the individual from entering many careers or obtaining certain jobs.

Further information regarding these local, state and federal laws may be found in the Campus Safety Office where copies are available to students and employees. Students and employees are encouraged to review this information. The above-referenced examples of penalties and sanctions are based on the relevant laws at the time of adoption of this policy statement. Such laws are, of course, subject to revision or amendment by way of the legislative process.

Student Sanctions Related to Violation of the Drug Policy

Please note that violations involving any quantity of illicit drugs or other controlled substances will be referred to the college hearing board for review. Definition of Violations:

Minor Violations: Possession of any drug paraphernalia or objects that could be used as drug paraphernalia (e.g. bongs, pipes or cans/bottles used for smoking marijuana). Hookahs may also be investigated as drug paraphernalia. The odor of drug use may also be considered a minor violation.

Serious Violations: Possession and/or use of marijuana, illicit drugs or other controlled substances regardless of quantity (including residue); or a second “first level” violation.

Severe Violations: Distribution and/or possession of large quantities of marijuana and/or any illicit drug. Repeated violations of other lower-level offenses.

Standard Minimum Responses: FIRST OFFENSE

(These are recommended minimum sanctions. More severe sanctions may apply to individuals who have a prior judicial file)

Minor Violations:

• $150 fine
• Off-campus drug counseling session
• Disciplinary probation (up to sixteen [16] weeks)
• Deferred cancellation of housing
• Notifying parents/legal guardian via letter if student is under the age of 21

Serious and Severe Violations:

• Recommend suspension or expulsion to College Hearing Board or
• Notifying parents/legal guardian via letter if student is under the age of 21, educational sanction, and/or referral to off campus assessment agency and complete required treatment

Standard Minimum Responses: SECOND OFFENSE

Minor Violations:

• $300 fine
• Disciplinary probation (up to thirty-two [32] weeks)
• Notifying parents/legal guardian via letter if student is under the age of 21
• Cancellation of housing
• Referral to off-campus assessment agency/complete any recommended treatment programs

Serious or Severe Violations:

• Recommend suspension or expulsion to College Hearing Board or
• Notifying parents/legal guardian via letter if student is under the age of 21, educational sanction, and/or referral to off campus assessment agency and complete required treatment

Standard Minimum Responses: THIRD OFFENSE

Minor, Serious, or Severe Violations:

• Recommend suspension or expulsion to College Hearing Board or
• Notifying parents/legal guardian via letter if student is under the age of 21, educational sanction, and/or referral to off campus assessment agency and complete required treatment

Drug Use and Abuse Prevention

Loras offers many opportunities and choices. Each decision made can greatly impact your future. Choices relating to alcohol and other drug use can affect a person’s safety, academics, health, relationships and the lives of others in the Loras community. Frequently, alcohol and other drug misuse result in sexual assaults, increases in vandalism, discipline problems, decreases in academic performance, injuries, medical problems, death including overdoses, suicides, traffic fatalities and impaired driving abilities as well as physical and psychological dependency. Absence from work, erratic job performance, safety hazards and a decrease in job productivity are just a few problems experienced by persons who are impaired by using alcohol and other drugs. Each person must become aware of the issues related to alcohol and other drug use in our community. The following section provides information concerning health risks, College sanctions, legal consequences and area-support services regarding these concerns.

Health Risks Associated with Other Drugs

Narcotics (Opium, Morphine, Codeine, Heroin, Hydromorphone, Meperidine, Methadone)

• Possible effects: Euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils and nausea.
• Effects of overdose: Slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma and possible death.
• Withdrawal syndrome: Watery eyes, runny nose, yawning, loss of appetite, irritability, tremors, panic, cramps, nausea, chills and sweating.
• Risk of physical dependence: High
• Risk of psychological dependence: High

Depressants (Chloral Hydrate, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Methaqualone, Glutethimide)

• Possible effects: Slurred speech, disorientation, drunken behavior without odor of alcohol.
• Effects of overdose: Shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma and possible death.
• Withdrawal syndrome: Anxiety, insomnia, tremors, delirium, convulsions and possible death.
• Risk of physical dependence: Moderate to high
• Risk of psychological dependence: Moderate to high

Stimulants (Cocaine, Amphetamines, Phenmetrazine, Methylphenidate)

• Possible effects: Increased alertness, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse rate and blood pressure, insomnia and loss of appetite.
• Effects of overdose: Agitation, increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions and possible death.
• Withdrawal syndrome: Apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression and disorientation.
• Risk of physical dependence: Possible
• Risk of psychological dependence: High

Hallucinogens (LSD, Mescaline and Peyote, Amphetamine Variants, Phencyclidine)

• Possible effects: Analogues, illusions and hallucinations, poor perception of time and distance.
• Effects of overdose: Longer, more intense “trip” episodes, psychosis and possible death.
• Withdrawal syndrome: Withdrawal syndrome not reported.
• Risk of physical dependence: Unknown
• Risk of psychological dependence: Unknown, high for Phencyclidine and analogs (i.e., PCP)

Cannabis (Marijuana, Tetrahydrocannabinol, Hashish, Hashish oil)

• Possible effects: Euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, increased appetite and disoriented behavior.
• Effects of overdose: Fatigue, paranoia and possible psychosis.
• Withdrawal syndrome: Insomnia, hyperactivity, decreased appetite occasionally reported.
• Risk of physical dependence: Unknown.
• Risk of psychological dependence: Moderate.

Drug/Alcohol Counseling and Rehabilitation Programs

The Counseling Center has drug/alcohol counseling for students and employees and can make referral for needs not able to be met through that program. There also are other programs offered throughout the community. A number of such programs are listed below. Seeking alcohol or drug treatment, or receiving a referral for services is confidential, and will not, alone, result in disciplinary action. Individual privacy will, of course, be maintained in any counseling/rehabilitation process.

Drug/Alcohol Use and Abuse Prevention

Loras offers many opportunities and choices. Each decision made can greatly impact your future. Choices relating to alcohol and other drug use can affect a person’s safety, academics, health, relationships and the lives of others in the Loras community. Frequently, alcohol and other drug misuse result in sexual assaults, increases in vandalism, discipline problems, decreases in academic performance, injuries, medical problems, death including overdoses, suicides, traffic fatalities and impaired driving abilities as well as physical and psychological dependency. Absence from work, erratic job performance, safety hazards and a decrease in job productivity are just a few problems experienced by persons who are impaired by using alcohol and other drugs. Each person must become aware of the issues related to alcohol and other drug use in our community.

Drug/Alcohol Counseling and Rehabilitation Programs on Campus

The Counseling Center can assist with drug/alcohol counseling for students and employees and can make referral for needs not able to be met through that program. There also are other programs offered throughout the community. A number of such programs are listed below. Seeking alcohol or drug treatment, or receiving a referral for services is confidential, and will not, alone, result in disciplinary action. Individual privacy will, of course, be maintained in any counseling/rehabilitation process.

Loras College Resources
Counseling Center, 473 Alumni Campus Center
563.588.7085
Loras College Health Center, 474 Alumni Campus Center
563.588.7142

Drug/Alcohol Counseling and Rehabilitation Programs - Additional Resources

Substance Abuse Services Center 563.582.3784
270 Nesler Center
Dubuque, IA 52001

Turning Point Treatment Center 563.589.8925
250 Mercy Drive
Dubuque, IA 52001

Alcoholics Anonymous-Dubuque Area Intergroup 563.557.9196
24-Hour Referral Service 1593 Main Street
Dubuque, IA 52001

National Resources

National Institute on Drug Abuse
1.800.662.HELP
M-F, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

National Council on Alcoholism
1.800.622.2255
24 hours a day

Substance Abuse Information and Treatment Referral
1.800.662.HELP
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Reach-Out Hotline
(Alcohol, drug crisis intervention, mental health and referral)
1.800.522.9054