STUDENT CONDUCT, DISCIPLINE AND GRIEVANCES
Information on Academics, Weather Closure, General Complaint Procedure, General Procedures for Grievances, Student Appeal Policy, Professional Affiliations can be found in the College Catalog.
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
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Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs
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, cannabis (including all forms of marijuana), tobacco, and non-medicinal narcotic or hallucinogenic drugs.
Being in the presence of alcohol on campus or the presence of the odor of marijuana on campus may result in disciplinary action. All prohibited items, including paraphernalia will be confiscated and discarded.
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.
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.
The Difference Between Marijuana and Cannabis
People often use the words “cannabis” and “marijuana” interchangeably, but they don’t mean exactly the same thing.
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The word “marijuana” refers to parts of or products from the plant Cannabis sativa that contain substantial amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the substance that’s primarily responsible for the effects of marijuana on a person’s mental state. Some cannabis plants contain very little THC. Under U.S. law, these plants are considered “industrial hemp” rather than marijuana.
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.
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 and Career Center 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 Student Development, the 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, Campus Safety or Title IX Coordinator 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.
7. 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).
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.
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.
Disciplinary Warning - A statement of the regulation is made to the student(s) with an official warning concerning future behavior.
Disciplinary Accountability - Students may be placed on disciplinary accountability for a timeframe between one semester and one year. Students on disciplinary accountability will meet regularly with Student Development Staff for the purpose of ongoing care and support. Students on disciplinary accountability may face an extension of Disciplinary Accountability, Disciplinary Probation, or a Disciplinary Dismissal if involved with any further infractions.
Disciplinary Probation - Students may be placed on disciplinary probation for a timeframe between one semester and one year. Students on disciplinary probation may be limited from participation in Student Leadership roles, extracurricular activities (athletics, missions trips, etc.), and will meet regularly with Student Development staff for the purpose of ongoing care and support. Students on Disciplinary Probation may face an extension of Disciplinary Probation, or a Disciplinary Dismissal if involved with any further infractions.
Disciplinary 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.
Disciplinary 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. Appeals Process
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 male and one female); one staff member; and two students. 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 within two days 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.
APPEALS, GRIEVANCES AND COMPLAINTS
Information about the Academic appeals process can be found in the College Catalog.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Vice President may then choose to take the grievance to the Academic Affairs Committee or the Student Affairs Committee.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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 Director of Disability Services, Director of Counseling 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.
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