Procedures for Exclusion or Dismissal for Cause

The dean of a college or his or her representative may initiate proceedings for exclusion or dismissal when he or she has reasonable cause to believe that a student has violated a university academic policy, has committed an offense which warrants such action, or notified of a decision of guilt. Grounds for exclusion or dismissal include, but are not limited to, the following: cheating, plagiarism, fraud, misrepresentation, and conduct which is disruptive to the educational process (e.g., abusive language, threats, disruptive talking, etc.).

The dean or associate dean will form a committee to hold an exclusion or dismissal hearing. The purpose of the committee is to recommend to the dean any sanctions that should be taken against the student.

• In the case of fraud, cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation, or similar offenses, the committee will consist of the dean (or associate dean), two faculty members, and a student from the college in question.
• In the case of disruptive conduct or other offenses related to the academic environment, the committee will consist of the dean (or associate dean), two faculty members, and a representative from student affairs.
• In the event a committee had been formed to hear an appeal of a second offense, said committee may be convened to act as the hearing committee on exclusion or dismissal.

The dean or associate dean of the student’s college shall provide the student with a written statement outlining the reasons for the exclusion or dismissal hearing, which is held to consider what action should be taken with regard to the student’s future at the university in light of the findings against the student and not to reconsider the student’s guilt or innocence in cases of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation, disruptive conduct, etc.

• The statement shall contain sufficient detail to inform adequately the accused of the time, date, place, and conduct serving as the basis for the complaint.
• The student shall also be advised that he or she has a right to appear before the committee and to present information and witnesses in support of his or her position concerning exclusion or dismissal. Alternatively, the student may present such information in writing.
• The accused student may make his or her presentation with the assistance of a faculty member, staff member, or another student, but legal representation will not be permitted at the hearing.
• The hearing on the matter shall be held within a reasonable period of time (normally within 15 days), but at least 10 days after the student has received notice of the charges.

Until final determination of the matter, the student shall be allowed to continue classes unless, in the opinion of the dean, the violation warrants immediate departure from the university. Within five days after the hearing, the committee shall make its recommendations to the dean of the student’s college. Included in the committee’s recommendation shall be a record of the deliberations (a full transcript is not required) and a justification for the committee’s decision.

A copy of these records shall be immediately forwarded to the provost. Should the dean of the college decide that the student shall be excluded for one or two semesters or be dismissed from the university, the student may appeal the decision to the provost within 10 days following receipt of the dean’s decision. After receiving the written appeal from the student, the provost may affirm, modify, or reverse the action previously taken by the dean.The decision of the provost is final.

Students from Loyola who have been excluded are not allowed to take coursework elsewhere. If they violate this restriction, the transcript may be requested but credit will not be given for the coursework nor will the grade point average be used to accept or reject a student who wishes to reenter Loyola. coursework taken after the period of the exclusion will be evaluated. However, the student is advised to follow the procedures for taking courses elsewhere as stated in this bulletin.