The Student Conduct System takes an educationally proactive and integrative approach to address community standards violations. Sanctions are educational devices designed to assist students in attaining the maturity required to live in community.

In the interest of clarity and transparency, the University has established minimum, mandatory sanctions for policy violations. Please note that no sanctions are imposed without a meeting with a professional staff member. The incident or conflict may then be resolved administratively with the staff member or at an appearance before a conduct board. At the time of this meeting, students will have the opportunity to review the incident report and to offer their perspective on the alleged violation. In order for the sanctions below to be imposed, a student must be found „responsible‟ for a violation of the Code of Conduct at a hearing.

Violations of the Code of Conduct impact all members of the Boston College community. Depending on the nature, severity, and impact (both on the individual and on the community) sanctions are imposed with progressing levels. In addition, a student‟s history of repeated violations will also be taken into consideration when arriving at a decision regarding the level of sanction.

Alcohol Violations (Minimum Sanctions):

Drug Violations (Minimum Sanctions):

Note: Examples of Drugs in Each Drug Class:
Class A: Heroin
Class B: LSD, Cocaine
Class C: Mushrooms
Class D: Marijuana
Class E: Non-prescribed use of Prescription Drugs

Off Campus Community Disturbance Violations
(Minimum Sanctions):

Note: In general, a “small” gathering is less than 30 guests subject to circumstances and documented behavior

1Menu items include but are not limited to: ADE Referrals, Formative Referrals, Reflection Papers, or Community Service
2ADE Referral: for alcohol and other drug education/treatment (Choices,
BASICS, or AIM)
3AIM: 10-week mandatory group program with individual component
4Roads Retreat: Off-campus retreat for students at risk
5Substance Abuse Program: drug education course (e-Toke)
6Formative Referrals: conversation with a member of the student formation program
7Community Restitution: educational program that includes service, written reflection, and a concluding group discussion
8Students placed on University Probation for a community disturbance violation may attend the Friday Night Heights program to reduce the sanction to Housing Probation (First time placed on University Probation only).

Explanation of Sanctions:

1. Fines: Certain offenses will result in monetary sanctions. Financial penalties will be applied to a student‟s account. Community
   restitution programs may be substituted for fines if approved by an appropriate administrator.
   
   
2. Restitution: Compensation to the injured party, payment for damages, and/or “court costs” for hearing appearances of Boston College
   Police when such appearances are key to a case and if the accused is found responsible.
   
   
3. Disciplinary Probation: A formal notification that the activity in question is unacceptable and that if continued or other inappropriate
   behavior follows, more severe action may be taken.
   
   
4. Housing Probation: Any similar or more serious violation of the University Code of Student Conduct while on this status will result in
   the mandatory imposition of a suspension or dismissal from University housing, the length being a minimum of the balance of the semester
   or one full semester.
   
   
5. Suspension from University Housing: Requires moving out of housing for the length of time specified at the hearing.
   
   
6. Housing Dismissal: Requires permanently moving out of housing. The student may not reapply for residency.
   
   
7. University Probation: A similar or more serious violation of the University Code of Student Conduct while on this status will result in
   the mandatory imposition of a suspension or dismissal from the University, the length being a minimum of the balance of the semester or
   one full semester.
   
   
8. University Suspension: Requires that the student no longer be present on any Boston College owned or leased property for the time
   specified at the hearing (minimum of one semester or the balance of the semester). In addition, in the case of graduating seniors, the University reserves the right to withhold, for a specified period of time, the awarding of their degree. While on suspension, a student may not take courses to advance his or her degree. Students cannot be readmitted until after the date their suspension ends, nor may they register or preregister for the following semester‟s courses. The graduation date will be adjusted upon readmission according to the length of the suspension. Please contact your academic dean‟s office for additional information. In addition, any student suspended from housing or the University or who has been placed on University Probation will be prohibited from participating in international study programs.
   
   
9. Dismissal from the University: Requires that the student completely sever any and all connection with Boston College.
   Please note that a record of disciplinary sanctions may impact a student‟s ability to be a Resident Assistant, student government officer,
   Orientation Leader, Student Conduct Board member, or other student leader position. Such a record must be reported on most law school
   applications, state bar examiner reports, medical school applications, graduate school forms, college transfer forms, and in some instances
   job applications, particularly for federal or state positions.

Please see the Boston College Student Guide at www.bc.edu/studentguide for additional information.