What is the process?
In all situations, the first step is a complaint filed by an individual or Unit, which conducts an investigation, and reviews the issue through a formal fact-finding process. In every case, the University makes every effort to apply standards of fairness and consistency in the determination of administrative actions. Stanford protects individual students' confidentiality and does not disclose public information about individual administrative sanctions. However, administrative actions can and often are made public when student groups are charged with a policy violation.
Residential Education has the authority to review and take administrative action if a case involves an alcohol infraction that occurred in a campus residence hall.
When individuals or student groups are found in violation of the alcohol policy, they often face disciplinary and other administrative actions. These processes can take place with or without a public safety citation or arrest.
Does it sometimes seem mysterious how some students lose their housing for an alcohol infraction, and others don't? Wonder why one student group is put on probation, while another isn't for similar circumstances?
Here is a behind-the-scenes attempt to explain the differences, and demystify what goes on behind the scenes.
How administrative actions regarding alcohol infractions are determined?
The bottom line: Just as Stanford Police have the duty to enforce State and Federal law by education, citation and arrest. The University has the duty to enforce its policies by administrative actions, and educational and/or disciplinary sanctions.
Residential Education
The Behavioral Expectations/Contracts for students can be found in:
Possible Administrative Actions for Violations:
- Meet individually with RD
- Parents can be called
- Required attendance in the Alcohol Education Seminar
- Referred to Counseling and Psychological Services
- Placed on Housing Probation
- Removed from Housing
What typically happens when a student is found in violation of law or policy?
First, the RD meets with the student. Depending on circumstances, the student might be referred to a mandatory Alcohol Education Seminar Process with the Office of Alcohol Policy and Education; might be considered for administrative actions; and/or might be referred for further evaluation, counseling and/or treatment. Let’s take a look at some hypothetical scenarios.
First offense which caused no imminent harm (or threat of harm) to self, others or property
SITUATION A: Chris got busted for his first alcohol offense, Minor in Possession (MIP) on campus. A day or so later he got called in to see his Residence Dean. The RD was understanding and talked things over with Chris. Chris was clearly reminded that the offense was a breach of his Residence Agreement, as well as the University Student Alcohol Policy. The RD then referred Chris to the Stanford Alcohol Education Seminar Process. Chris first met with an Alcohol Educator, who interviewed him and enrolled him in a 3-hour education seminar with other students in similar circumstances. After successful completion of the seminar, Chris would have comepleted his requirements from the University unless he messes up again. Chris would still need to pay any fees incurred legal infraction and court fees. He would also have to appear in court to deal with his MIP.
SITUATION B: The same scenario occurred with Lisa. Lisa met with her RD, and then the Alcohol Educator. However, due to concerns about her drinking patterns, she was also referred to CAPS for a more in-depth evaluation as many people were deeply concerned about her drinking. She might attend AA meetings as well.
- Individual students who are charged with Fundamental Standard or honor code violations may be referred to the Office of Community Standards.
- Student groups who are charged with a policy violaiton may go before the Organization Conduct Board.
- The Dean of Student Life reviews all Community Standard cases and Organization Conduct Board findings for accuracy, consistency and appropriateness.
The Organization Conduct Board has criteria for determining administrative actions like alcohol probation or alcohol suspension. The criteria includes:
- Seriousness of conduct in the incident(s)
- How the group managed the incident(s)
- Actions of the group since the incident(s) occurred
- Recent behavioral history of the group (typically a 3-year period)
- Mitigating factors
The following information outlines behavioral expectations and contracts within each setting/unit and the possible course of action leading to potential sanctions for individuals and groups, followed by examples of problematic and egregious behaviors witnessed at Stanford.
Individuals
Examples of Problematic Behaviors:
- Violence
- Assault
- Heavy Drinking Behavior
- Vandalism
- Theft
- Alcohol Citation and Arrest (Drunk in Public, MIP, DUI, etc.)
- Illegal Activity
Possible non-University imposed Consequences of Criminal Violations include:
- Fine
- Community Service
- Required attendance in the Santa Clara County Alcohol Education Program
- Jail
Examples of Problematic Behaviors:
- Cited with a ticket
- MIP (Minor in Possession of Alcohol)
- Arrested and Detained
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
- Drunk in Public (DIP)
- Violence
- Resisting Arrest
Student groups and residences
- Examples of Problematic Behaviors:
- Failure to comply with University Party Planning Guidelines
- Hazing
- Service to Minors
- Violations of Alcohol Policy
- Any action that results in the threat of harm to self, others or property
- Illegal Activity
- Fundamental Standard Violations
FIRST OFFENSE, WHICH CAUSED HARM TO SELF, OTHERS or PROPERTY
Situation C: Terry got busted for his first alcohol offense. He was arrested for being Drunk in Public (DIP). He broke several windows, and it is unclear whether he deliberately punched another student. His Residence Dean called him in and they reviewed the allegations. They discussed the fact that his conduct not only was in violation of the Residence Agreement and the University Student Alcohol Policy, but also the Fundamental Standard and state battery laws.
Terry's parents were called as well because it was a serious alcohol-related incident involving harm to himself and others.
Terry was referred to the Alcohol Education Seminar Process, and it is likely that further administrative and/or legal action followed (see next section). He, of course, will need to appear in court and pay any legal fees or property damage fees associated with the incident.
After the first offense
Jenn meets again with an RD for a second MIP violation. She usually will not be given the option of repeating the Alcohol Seminar. Jenn will more typically be referred for further administrative actions, or for a medical/psychological evaluation, and perhaps counseling and treatment.
Office of Community Standards
The Behavioral Expectations/Contracts for students can be found in:
• University Student Alcohol Policy
Possible Administrative Actions for Violations (after the formal Community Standards process):
• Community Service
• Suspension
• Required attendance in the Alcohol Education Seminar
• Expulsion (requires approval of the Provost)
Stanford University Department of Public Safety
Students are expected to abide by the law. Laws related to alcohol can be found in:
• California Penal Code
Possible administrative actions for violations (after the formal Organizational Conduct Board process):
• Alcohol probation or suspension
• Party Probation or suspension
• Conduct probation
• Required alcohol education
• Suspension recognized group status (VSO only)
• Dissolution/Loss of University recognition (VSO only)
• Loss of Housing for Greek Organizations (Greek only)
• Dissolution/Charter revoked (Greek only)
• Reprimand
• Restitution
• Monetary fine
Residences (Houses, Dorms, Suites, etc.)
The Behavioral Expectations/Contracts for students can be found in:
Possible administrative actions for violations:
• House Meeting with RD
• House Meeting with Associate Dean of Residential Education
• Placed on Party or Social Probation
