Student Conduct, Discipline and Grievances

Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures

Academic Integrity

This policy applies to all students who are seeking academic credit: (courses, internships, and projects). Each student is responsible for his or her own work and is expected to remain honest in all academic activity. Academic dishonesty is a serious violation of both academic standards and Biblical teaching.

Academic dishonesty includes:

1. Cheating on assignments and tests: inappropriately choosing to use or attempting to use non-approved materials, information, aides, or other assistance to complete an assignment or test. Students may not take examinations or evaluations in place of another student.
2. Plagiarism: The student is responsible for knowing the legitimate use of source material in written papers. (Direct quotes and paraphrased material must be properly cited; information gained that is not common knowledge will need to be acknowledged and properly cited.)
3. Fabrication, Forgery, and Obstruction:
   • Any act which violates the rights of other students from completing their academic assignments (deliberately withholding information; willful harm to another student’s work).
   • Submitting a fabricated or forged explanation of absence to a instructor. Providing fabricated, forged, or obstructed information to college offices for student information or records.
   • Submitting a paper or project in which part or the entirety was done by someone else. (This would not include designated group assignments in which the student is a participant.)
4. Multiple Submissions: 
   • Submitting the same (or essentially the same) paper or project in more than one course without prior consent of the instructor.
5. Computer Misuse:
   • Students may not use the institutional computers, the internet, or software programs in disruptive, unethical, or illegal behaviors in completing their academic program.
   • Students may not monitor or tamper with student, college personnel, or faculty electronic communications.

1. Policy Procedures

Students involved in academic dishonesty will be penalized by the instructor. The penalty may include reduced credit or no credit on the assignment/test, additional assignments, or other measures deemed appropriate by the instructor.

The instructor may refer a student directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs who may invoke a penalty that could include no credit on the assignment/test, academic failure in the course, suspension, or dismissal from the College.

1. PENALTY - Steps regarding the assignment of a penalty:
   1. The instructor contacts the student to discuss the Academic Integrity Policy and its violation.
   2. If the instructor does not believe the violation warrants official action, the instructor will provide at least cursory training regarding academic integrity and may invoke a penalty which could include reduced or no credit on the assignment/test, additional assignments, or other measures deemed appropriate.
      • The instructor will be required to send the student an email documenting the action taken.
   3. When the instructor believes the violation warrants official academic action, the instructor will submit documentation of the offense to the Office of Academic Affairs and determine what course of action to pursue.
      • The instructor will be required to send the student an email documenting the action taken.
      • A copy of the email is placed in the student’s file in the Office of Academic Affairs.

a. If the instructor does not believe the offense was intentional or severe (example: direct quotes and paraphrased material was not properly cited; information gained that is not common knowledge is not acknowledged and properly cited) the student may receive the following penalty.

1)  Warning

a. Penalty assigned by the instructor which may include reduced or no credit on the assignment/test, additional assignments, or other measures deemed appropriate and/or,

b. May require the student to complete the academic integrity tutorial in Canvas and meet with the Director of Library Services to discuss the incidence of plagiarism or academic dishonesty.

2)  First Offense - Failure of the assignment

3)  Second Offense - Failure of the course

4)  Third Offense- Referral to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who may invoke a penalty that could include suspension or dismissal from the College.

b. If the instructor believes the offense is severe (example: submitting a paper or project in which part or the entirety was done by someone else, cheating on an assignment or a test, etc.), the student may receive the following penalty:

1)  First Offense - Failure of the assignment

2)  Second Offense - Failure of the course

3)  Third Offense - Referral to the Vice President of Academic Affairs who may invoke a penalty that could include suspension or dismissal from the College.

Reminder: If the instructor believes the plagiarism violation warrants official academic action, the instructor will be required to send the student an email documenting the action taken. A copy of the email is placed in the student’s file in the Office of Academic Affairs.

B. RECONCILIATION PROCESS - A student who feels that the charge is unjust or that the penalty is unfair may make an academic appeal after following the steps below.

1, The student will contact the instructor within 10 business days of being notified of the offense to set up a conference.

2, If the initial conference with the instructor does not bring about a satisfactory result, the student must submit a written request within 10 business days to the department chair.  

• The request must include detailed factual data and other information the student deems pertinent to their case. This must consist of an account of the reconciliation procedures and why the attempted resolution was unsatisfactory.
• The department chair will call a meeting with the instructor and the student.
  • If the department chair is the instructor involved in the reconciliation, the student may request the meeting in writing directly with the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

3. If the student feels the second conference with the instructor and the department chair does not bring about a satisfactory result, the student may submit a written appeal within 10 business days to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

• The request must include detailed factual data and other information the student deems pertinent to their case. This must include an account of the reconciliation procedures and why the attempted resolution was unsatisfactory.
• The Vice President of Academic Affairs will call a meeting with the instructor and the student.

4. If the student feels the third conference with the instructor and the Vice President of Academic Affairs does not bring about a satisfactory result, the student may submit a written appeal to the Academic Affairs Committee within 10 business days.

5. The request must include detailed factual data and other information the student deems pertinent to their case. This must include an account of the reconciliation procedures and why the attempted resolution was unsatisfactory.

C. APPEAL PROCESS - Steps for an appeal to the Academic Affairs Committee

1. After receiving the student’s request for an appeal to the Academic Affairs Committee, the Vice President of Academic Affairs will request a written statement from the relevant instructor stating their rationale. The instructor must produce this written statement within 10 business days from the request.
2. The Academic Affairs Committee will review the student petition and instructor’s statement and may request additional information from all parties involved.
3. The Academic Affairs Committee may invite the student and the instructor to issue a statement in front of the Committee.
4. The Committee will communicate their decision in writing to both the student and instructor within 10 business days of their decision.
5. The decision of the Academic Affairs Committee shall be final.
6. If a student receives the notification of academic dishonesty at the end of the semester, the student may submit a written appeal to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The student must submit the appeal within 10 business days after grades are posted for the semester. The student must request that the appeal be submitted directly to the Academic Affairs Committee. This would bypass the reconciliation process listed above.  

Conflict Resolution

As believers in Christ committed one to another, we encourage all students having difficulty with a fellow student to provide constructive feedback privately and directly to that person if you are comfortable doing so. When meeting with the person, we encourage you to take the following steps:

1. State the constructive purpose for your feedback - if you have no constructive purpose then do not meet.
2. Describe specifically what you have observed - what the behavior has created for you, others, and/or the College as a whole.
3. Describe your reactions - how it affects you, makes you feel.
4. Give the other person an opportunity to respond - this makes it a two-way conversation.
5. Offer specific suggestions - include what you have prepared ahead of time with anything gained from the other person’s response.
6. Summarize and express support - review what will happen from this day forth and help the person know you will help in any way possible.

If meeting with the individual is not comfortable for you or does not provide restoration and/or resolution, your next course of action would be to inform your RA, Resident Director or other trusted professional employee of the College to ask for assistance in mediating the conflict. We wholly trust and believe that by following these basic Biblical principles, God will provide restoration of the relationship, as well as personal and spiritual growth.

Disciplinary Policies

 A. Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs

Crown College is operating in conformity with the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997. The following summarizes Crown’s policy and program:

• It is the policy of Crown that the College be free of alcohol and illicit drugs. The unlawful use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs by students of Crown is prohibited and violates this policy as well as the College’s standard of conduct.
• Crown College students who are enrolled will abstain from all possession or use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and non-medicinal narcotic or hallucinogenic drugs (including marijuana).
• The Crown College Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Information can be found online at www.crown.edu/admissions/consumer-information.html
• The Crown College Counseling and Career Center provides individual treatment and counseling programs for drug and alcohol abuse to students of the Crown community. Referrals of students, faculty, and staff are also made to external organizations providing substance abuse programs.
• These policies apply to students while they are under the jurisdiction of the College; that is, while they are enrolled in a College program or residing in College approved housing. They are also required to maintain this standard during the summer, between semesters, and when on break or vacation. Students violating this policy are subject to disciplinary actions up to, and including, dismissal from the College in accordance with College policies and procedures.

B.  Entertainment

Each student is expected to live according to the Crown College Community Covenant. Consequently, Crown students commit themselves to use discernment in abstaining from activities that are morally offensive or degrading. This includes movies, streaming of movies or television shows, computer games and gaming platforms, internet usage, and any other form of entertainment, including recreational and social activities. Tangible evidence of maturing Christian convictions and discernment is exercising careful judgment based on Scriptural standards when making choices in leisure activities (1 Cor. 10:23, Phil. 4:8, Col. 3:1-17)

We will hold each other accountable to these commitments (Galatians 6:1, Matthew 18). For any infraction of these standards, appropriate action will be taken to reconcile, discipline or dismiss from the College any student who does not conform to the expressed principles, policies and expectations of the College.

 1. Movies, Television, and Gaming

Crown College reserves the right to prohibit movies of any or no rating if their content is contrary to the Crown College Community Covenant and the College’s Mission and policies. Crown College faculty or staff members may use their discretion in showing any movie with an R rating or below on campus for educational purposes. All community members are expected to abstain from NC-17 and X-rated movies and Adults Only 18+ games (on and off campus).

Crown College prohibits the public showing of movies in common areas without the proper license in accordance with copyright law.

C. Hazing/Pranks

The Crown community has a primary goal of helping one another grow into genuine Christlikeness. Members of the community have covenanted together to promote intentionally supportive, encouraging relationships that are helpful and edifying. Therefore, pranks and hazing are not permitted at Crown College.

A prank is defined as any willful act by one or more students directed against any other student(s) that endangers their mental health and/or physical safety, or damages, destroys, or removes property. A prank is considered hazing if the act is intended as an initiation into, or as a requirement for, on-going affiliation with a group, team, or organization.

Pranks and hazing can include (but are not limited to) any physical activity that can be deemed dangerous, requiring the consumption of unusual, non-edible items, nudity or degrading dress, “kidnappings,” or any act that may compromise the dignity or cause embarrassment or shame to the targeted student. Any organizers and/or participants in such activities will be subject to disciplinary action.

D. Pornography

Pornography is pervasive in our society and is one of the more addictive and destructive forces impacting young men and women. Statistically, a high percentage of college students will have been exposed to pornography prior to their first year at college. Given the immoral, addictive, and destructive nature of pornography, students should refrain from using, possessing, distributing, or purchasing pornography, pornographic materials, or materials that objectify men or women in any way. This includes but is not limited to, internet sites, movies and television programs, video and computer games, print materials (books, magazines, comic books, photographs), and posters. This includes the use of the College’s computing and networking resources in the viewing or communicating of inappropriate materials in any form. Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary process.

We encourage students who struggle with addiction to pornography to seek support, guidance, wise counsel and accountability from pastors, counselors, mentors, and peers. The Campus Chaplain and Counseling Services are prepared to help and support students who struggle in the area of pornography.

E. Pregnancy Policy

Scripture urges believers to seek wise and godly counsel when faced with significant or difficult life choices. Therefore, should a Crown College student become pregnant while unmarried, she is encouraged to communicate with Residence Life staff, Counseling and Career Center, and/or Health Services. The College wants to assist those involved in an unplanned pregnancy while at Crown to consider the options available to them within the Christian moral framework. These include marriage of the parents, single parenthood, or offering the child for adoption.

Student Development personnel stand ready to help those involved as they consider the meaning of their actions, deal with the consequences, and experience the forgiveness that comes from repentance. The College is committed to responding in a redemptive manner, seeking to balance compassion with accountability. Students can be expected to be treated with Christian love as they deal with their new circumstances.

Every effort will be made to ensure confidentiality, but the life and health of the mother and child and the spiritual well-being of the parents and the Crown College community are the primary concerns. Continuation of on-campus residency and/or enrollment as a student at Crown College will be considered as to what is best for all those involved.

F. Sexual Assault Policy

Sexual assault conflicts with Crown College’s community standards and is prohibited by law. Therefore, such behavior will not be tolerated, and all reported cases of sexual assault will be taken seriously and investigated promptly.

A report of an alleged sexual assault should be reported to Student Development or Campus Safety as soon as possible. The report will be investigated, appropriate persons interviewed, and information assembled regarding the alleged incident. Victims of sexual assault also have the option of notifying the civil authorities either through help from Student Development, the Counseling and Career Center, Campus Safety, or on their own. Resources of existing counseling options both on campus and in the community can be obtained at the Counseling and Career Center, Health Services Office, and Student Development. Victims will also be told of the option of changing academic or living arrangements, if necessary.

If you have been the victim of sexual assault, it is important to preserve any evidence surrounding the incident. It is recommended that the victim not clean herself/himself (it is important that no baths, showers or douching take place until medical personnel have treated the victim) or change clothes. It is also recommended that the specific area where the assault took place not be disturbed. Evidence is crucial as it may be necessary for the proof of criminal sexual assault. For any on-campus disciplinary action, the victim and accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding. Both shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding alleging a sexual assault.

Students violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or dismissal and possible referral for prosecution.Students violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or dismissal and possible referral for prosecution.

G. Sexuality

Crown College strives to enhance and strengthen a biblical sexual identity for its students. The College does not tolerate involvement in, participation in, or promotion of sexually immoral behavior such as premarital sex, cohabitation, adultery, any sexual behavior outside the marriage of one man and one woman, or the use or display of pornographic, obscene, or suggestive materials of any kind (including materials found on the Internet).

Disciplinary Procedures

A. Challenge of Discipline

As members of the body of Christ, and as those designated to uphold the community standards of the College, we seek to be people who equally value the Biblical call to truth and justice with the mandate to extend mercy and grace to all people. Justice calls us to hold those accountable who violate community standards and the law of the land. Justice also calls us to protect the innocent. Mercy calls us to see ourselves as fellow sinners in need of God’s grace who encourage the community to remember Christ’s example of offering hope rather than condemnation. Therefore, it is with these mandates held in tension that the College seeks to provide a disciplinary process that values truth and justice while offering hope to individuals who find they need to be restored to the community.

B. Disciplinary Actions and Outcomes

While the faculty and staff at Crown College seek to foster growth in students, ideally this growth will also take place with peers holding each other accountable. In most cases, accountability will begin at the level closest to the infraction. Each infraction is handled contextually and may involve the Resident Assistant, Assistant Resident Director, Resident Director, Dean of Students, or other trusted members of the community as deemed necessary by the Dean of Students. Decisions made by the Dean of Students may be appealed in writing to the Vice President of Student Development by submitting a written letter of appeal before 4:30 pm on the business day following the student being notified of the disciplinary decision the student is choosing to appeal. Final disciplinary authority and responsibility for misconduct is delegated to the Student Affairs Committee.

The following discipline terms represent the various categories of disciplinary sanctions. Implementation of a student disciplinary decision shall be delayed until final disposition of the case, except in extraordinary circumstances.

Warning - A statement of the regulation is made to the student(s) with an official warning concerning future behavior.

General Probation - Any student involved in the disciplinary process will automatically be placed on general probation. Students on probation may be dismissed from the College if involved with any further infractions.

Suspension - The student must leave the campus and is not allowed to attend classes for any time period between one day and one semester. The suspension will be followed by a period of probation.

Dismissal - The student is terminated from the College and restricted from the College premises. Students dismissed from the College for student life reasons, whether before or after the last day to drop classes, will receive grades of W, WP, or WF. (See the Crown College Catalog for more details.) In the event a dismissed student wants to return as a student, he or she must re-apply to the College.

 C. Goal and Guidelines for Discipline

Community standards of behavior are essential in maintaining order and creating an environment that is conducive to the educational process and personal transformation. As a God-centered community, we are mandated to confront inappropriate behavior with the goal of correction and restoration. To that end, any violation of the law or behavioral standards supported by witnesses and/or evidence will be addressed by faculty/staff. Scripture is the guide for establishing standards of behavior, and Scripture must direct our response to individuals who violate these established standards. 

Consequences will be applied to inappropriate behavior. Faculty/staff seek to deliver consequences that are commensurate with the misconduct. Consequences received by a student will contain an educational element, an opportunity for restoration to the Crown College community and, should it be necessary, restoration to the Body of Christ.

 D. Student Affairs Committee

A student has the right to appeal a disciplinary decision made by Student Development staff.  The purpose of the Student Affairs Committee (SAC) shall be to serve as the final appeals committee for disciplinary decisions made by the Dean of Students.  The SAC is comprised of the following members: The Vice President of Student Development (VP/SD), the Title Nine Coordinator; two faculty members; one staff member; and two students who are recommended by Student Senate and approved by the Committee chair. Appeals are negated if law enforcement is involved.

Appeals are to be made directly to the VP/SD by submitting a written letter of appeal before 4:30 pm on the business day following the student being notified of the disciplinary decision the student is choosing to appeal.

The VP/SD will convene a hearing involving the SAC, the student appellant, and the Dean of Students.  This hearing will be scheduled at the earliest possible time given the schedule of the hearing participants.  The hearing is closed to all other individuals, including attorneys.  The SAC, at its discretion, may choose to involve other members of the Crown College campus community to offer relevant testimony.

The decision of the SAC will be rendered within two (2) full working days of the appeal hearing and be considered final. The VP/SD will communicate the decision of the SAC to the student appellant and the Dean of Students. 

The student appellant will not be eligible to represent the college in any activity while s/he is the subject of an appeal of a disciplinary decision involving suspension, dismissal, or expulsion.  Pending final decision of the SAC, the student appellant may continue to attend classes and reside in on campus housing unless the Dean of Students determines that the student’s presence would be detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of members of the Crown College campus community. 

Appeal, Grievances, and Complaints

A. Academic Appeals

Academic Appeal: An appeal is a request regarding an academic policy, procedure, and/or regulation. The central focus of an appeal is the institutional policy and the considered merits of its waiver. 

Process: 

1. Academic appeals are most appropriately handled on an Academic Petition form (available online or at the Registrar’s Office. This form requires both the approval of the student’s advisor and the Registrar. 
2. If the advisor does not approve the petition, the petition, can still be forwarded to the Registrar for a decision.  The Registrar can approve or deny the request or refer the petition directly to the Academic Affairs Committee.
3. If the request is denied by the Registrar, the student can request that the appeal be forwarded to the Academic Affairs Committee. 
4. The Academic Affairs Committee will review the petition and may request additional information from all parties involved.
5. The decision of the Academic Affairs Committee shall be final. 

B. Non-Academic Appeals

An appeal is a request to waive a decision that has been or will be properly applied. Appeals may concern student life, financial affairs policies, and regulations. At each level of appeal, both the appeal and the decision must be in writing in the appropriate form. The investigation may include personal appearances by parties involved in the appeal.

For specific policies on appeals regarding participation in commencement activities, class absences, and general academic policies, students should refer to those sections of the College Catalog.

C. Student Grievances

A grievance is a complaint of alleged unfair or discriminatory practice or decision by faculty, administration, or administrative staff. The central focus of a grievance is not a policy, but rather the action of the one against whom the grievance is filed. A grievance must be supported by evidence that the unfavorable decision is in violation of institutional policy or practice, or that the person has been treated in a different way than other persons in like circumstances have been treated.

Process: 

1. A student wishing to file a grievance may do so by requesting reconsideration of the unfavorable decision in the form of a letter stating the grievance and submitting the letter to Student Development.
2. After receipt of the letter, a written response will be given to the student no later than five class days after receipt of the form.
3. If the student is not satisfied with the response, the student may resubmit the grievance to the appropriate Vice President of the faculty or staff member involved.
4. The Vice President may then choose to take the grievance to the Academic Affairs Committee or the Student Affairs Committee.
5. The committee will then make a recommendation to the appropriate Vice President for their consideration. A written response will be given to the student no later than five class days after receipt of the form.
6. If the student does not receive a response within five class days at any level in the grievance process, the student may appeal to the next higher level. Those hearing the grievance at the higher level shall secure the written opinion of those who failed to respond at the lower level.

D. Complaints

Complaint: A complaint is an expressed concern about an issue or service that does fit into the category of a grievance or appeal.

Procedure: Complaints or concerns can be reported using the Crown College Complaint form. A link to the online form can be found on the main Crown College Website.  A current Crown Login is required to access the form. This form is routed to the appropriate person or office best equipped to resolve it. The person filing the complaint will be contacted regarding how the issue will be addressed. 

Involuntary Medical Withdrawal Policy

Crown College provides a range of support services to address the medical and mental health needs of students within the context of the campus community. On occasion, students may experience medical or psychological health conditions requiring a level of care that exceeds what the College has resources to provide. In such circumstances, some students may be advised to consider a voluntary withdrawal. In situations where a student is unable or unwilling to carry out substantial self-care obligations, or presents a substantial risk of self-harm or harm to others, and the student declines to voluntarily withdraw, the decision whether to impose an involuntary withdrawal will be made by the Individualized Risk Assessment Team. The student may appeal this decision in writing to the Vice President of Student Development within 24 hours of being informed of the outcome.

In the uncommon circumstance that the College considers involuntary medical withdrawal, the Individualized Risk Assessment Team - which includes the Health Services Coordinator, Director of Disability Services, Dean of Students, and a Resident Director - will convene. The Team will consider each situation on a case-by-case basis, examining multiple risk factors, the nature, duration and severity of the risk, the likelihood that potential harm will occur, and whether accommodations can sufficiently mitigate the risk. The Team may inquire into a student’s current condition, including the request of professional recommendations from attending health professionals.

A member of the Team will notify the student that the College is considering imposing an involuntary withdrawal and the basis for the consideration. The student will have the opportunity to appear before the committee personally or via a representative to provide relevant information. If the student fails to attend the meeting to which s/he has been notified, the Team will proceed toward a decision. In the rare case that a student is removed immediately due to emergency circumstances (as deemed by the College), the Team will still meet to discuss the situation. 

Student Appeal Policy

An appeal is a request to waive a decision that has been or will be properly applied. The central focus of an appeal is the institutional policy and the considered merits of its waiver.

Appeals may concern academic and student life, financial affairs policies and regulations, admission to and retention of students in academic programs, academic inequities, and forms of academic discipline. At each level of appeal, both the appeal and the decision must be in writing in the appropriate form. The investigation may include personal appearances by parties involved in the appeal.

For specific policies on appeals regarding participation in commencement activities, class absences, and general academic policies, students should refer to those sections of the College Catalog.

Academic Appeals

Academic Appeal: An appeal is a request regarding an academic policy, procedure, and/or regulation. The central focus of an appeal is the institutional policy and the considered merits of its waiver.

Process:  

1. Academic appeals are most appropriately handled on an Academic Petition form (available online or at the Registrar’s Office. This form requires both the approval of the student’s advisor and the Registrar.  
2. If the advisor does not approve the petition, the petition, can still be forwarded to the Registrar for a decision.  The Registrar can approve or deny the request or refer the petition directly to the Academic Affairs Committee. 
3. If the request is denied by the Registrar, the student can request that the appeal be forwarded to the Academic Affairs Committee.  
4. The Academic Affairs Committee will review the petition and may request additional information from all parties involved. 
5. The decision of the Academic Affairs Committee shall be final