Student Conduct

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is medical amnesty?

  The health of our students is paramount. We don't want the threat of a conduct violation to deter a call for help when a life is in danger. So Bucknell University encourages students to immediately call for medical assistance when they or a friend is overly intoxicated. When the leadership of a recognized student organization makes a call for help for any student attending their event, the organization (and/or the individual calling) will not be subject to University code of conduct sanctions.

   

• Why are drinking games prohibited?

  By their nature, drinking games encourage the rapid consumption of alcohol. But these games come with dangerous risks from heavy intoxication that could lead to impaired judgment or alcohol poisoning.

   

• What's the standard outcome for an alcohol and/or subsequent alcohol violations?

  We handle each incident individually and we do not have standard outcomes. The impact and severity of a first-time alcohol violation inform the outcome. If a student is found in violation (or accepted responsibility), a Student Accountability Plan may include any of these actions:

  • A parent or guardian is notified of the violation.
  • The student is assigned educational reflection essays or complete online tutorials.
  • The student is required to pay restitution fees for damage or expenses as a result of the behavior.
  • The student is assigned service within the University or Lewisburg communities.
  • The student is required to write letters of apology.
  • The student is required to complete educational programming, including alcohol and other drugs evaluations, assessment or reflection activities.

   

• Are off-campus violations reported to the Office of Student Conduct?

  Yes. The Office of Student Conduct communicates regularly with the Buffalo Valley Police Department, Union County Sheriff's Department and the Pennsylvania State Police and receives reports of student citations. Off-campus locations include off-campus residences, local establishments that serve alcohol, study abroad locations and situations involving technology communication.

   

• Will violations be part of my academic transcript?

  Violations of the code of conduct are not indicated on academic transcripts. Some violations of academic policies may affect your transcript and should be addressed with your academic dean.

   

• Will violations be part of my student record?

  Outcomes of community standards meetings that result in educational resolution (for example, essays, tutorials or assessments) will not appear on a student or organization's conduct record. However, sanctions resulting in warning or probation will. Findings of responsibility in administrative or conduct committee board hearings are also part of a student's conduct record and are maintained in an individual student's file normally for a period of five years following the date of last attendance.

   

• Will anyone ever ask to see my conduct record?

  They may if they ask for a Dean's Certification. This document verifies a student's conduct record while at Bucknell University. Some professional and graduate schools and study abroad programs may require this certification The Office of Student Conduct, with written permission from the student, processes Dean's Certification requests.

   

• Why may a student be asked to attend a hearing if they were not there when the incident occurred?

  Occasionally incidents may be reported without the full knowledge of a student or the report may mention that student's involvement. For example, all residents of a room, suite or Mod, must make sure policies are not violated in their assigned space. If a conduct officer contacts you, you need to discuss the incident. Not being present may not relieve a student from responsibility.

   

• Who administers the Student Code of Conduct and Conduct Process?

  The Office of Student Conduct is responsible for administering the Student Code of Conduct. Students whose cases that could result in suspension or expulsion will have a formal hearing with a Community Conduct Board or an Administrative Hearing Officer.

   

• Why are there so many conduct officers?

  More Student Affairs staff involved in the conduct can share the investigation effort and speed up the overall process. Also, having more staff members on-hand reduces the number of cases one member manages. This guarantees that students facing conduct violations get quality time with their officer. Finally, for students with multiple incidents, they can work with different officers, reducing the risk of bias from one violation impacting the officer's decision in another.