September 13, 2009
Beginning fall quarter 2009, Ohio University introduced new sanctioning guidelines for students found in violation of sexual assault, violation A4e of the Student Code of Conduct.
The following was published by the Division of Student Affairs. Click here to view the full text on the website.
Ohio University, in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code (Chapter 2907), does not tolerate sexual violence. The Student Code of Conduct defines sexual assault as an A-level offense, category 4 (mental or bodily harm to others), subcategory e (sexual assault). In accordance with the law and our institutional philosophy, Ohio University has adopted the sanctioning protocol listed below for those students who are found responsible for an A4e (sexual assault) offense of the Student Code of Conduct.
There are three general questions that will be evaluated as sanctioning decisions are made. The appropriate sanctioning guidelines are included after each one.
Question 1: Was there a sexual assault violation? If yes, expectation is minimum 1-term suspension.
Question 2: Was there physical contact? If yes, expectation is minimum 1-year suspension.
Question 3: Was there penetration of any form? If yes, expectation is expulsion*.
*A presidential interim suspension will always be considered in these cases. A presidential interim suspension may also be used in other cases, depending on specific circumstances.
In addition to all three questions, consideration should be given to any additional factors that were involved. These may include, but are not limited to, the use of force or the premeditated use of drugs or alcohol. In cases where this applies, sanctions should be increased appropriately based on these circumstances.
Students who are eligible to return to campus after fulfilling a suspension will be expected to participate in an educational intervention and will not be permitted to have any form of contact with the other student(s) involved in the case for the duration of their enrollment at Ohio University.
September 12, 2008
ATHENS---As school gets back into swing for the 2008-2009 academic year, most students might not realize that there are several rule changes going into effect. One of the biggest rule changes that impacts students, especially those still living in on-campus housing, is the new marijuana protocol which was brought forth last year and went into effect the first day of Fall quarter of this year.
“While we have known the new rules for marijuana for several months, it is just now officially kicking in,” said Students Defending Students Director Lauren Vandermark, a non-profit student organization that represents those accused of student code-of-conduct violations in the University Judiciaries system. “We wanted to be proactive in making students aware of the change in policy so they know what to expect if they get in trouble, but also to prevent students from getting in trouble in the first place. Of course, if they still get in trouble for drug, alcohol, or any other code-of-conduct related offenses, we are there to assist them throughout the entire process.”
According to the new policy, a student found in-violation of an alcohol or marijuana-related offense will face six to nine months of disciplinary probation. If the same student commits another offense using the same substance for which they were previously in trouble, and are still on probation for that offense, they are eligible for immediate suspension. However, if the student gets in trouble a second time but with a different substance than the previous violation, the penalty will consist of an extended disciplinary probation anywhere from twelve months to the student’s entire academic career at Ohio University.
It is important to note that these guidelines are only applicable to marijuana and alcohol violations. More serious drug violations fall under a different area of the student code of conduct, and are managed according to separate guidelines.
“We recognize that the university has an interest in preventing illegal activities from taking place on its property,” added Vandermark. “While we don’t endorse drug or alcohol use, we recognize that it is an inevitable part of the college experience for some. We just want students to be informed of the consequences if they choose to break the rules because ultimately we are all adults, and therefore must be accountable for the decisions we individually make.”
Students Defending Students is available in Baker 305C and holds open office hours Sunday through Thursday, 6-9 p.m. Their website can be found at ousds.com, and when available, you can chat with a live representative through their AOL screen name, OUSDS.
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