Off-Campus Judicial Sanctions

View the Judicial sanctions for off-campus incidents in PDF format. (Adobe Reader required.)

Students have repeatedly asked for clarity concerning the enforcement of University policy for both on-campus and off-campus violations. In response, the University has established minimum, mandatory sanctions for policy violations, including those violations that occur off campus. Please note that the off-campus sanctions will apply to resident students involved in policy violations that occur off campus.

The chart below details these sanctions and levels for off-campus incidents. These sanctions are issued on a per student basis, not per living unit. A student found responsible for additional policy violations (e.g., disorderly behavior or failure to cooperate with a University official or the police) would face additional sanctions. In most cases, parents receive copies of resolution letters. In cases where University Probation or University Suspension is possible, parents may be notified before a disciplinary hearing occurs.

* In general, a "small" gathering is less than 20 students subject to circumstances and documented behavior

** Formative Referral includes but is not limited to: Choices, BASICS, Reflection Papers, Referral to a Campus Resource, or a Retreat Program

*** AIM: Mandatory alcohol treatment group

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. Any student who receives a suspension from University Housing will lose eligibility to live in the Modular Apartment (Mods) area.
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. Any student placed on University Probation will lose eligibility to live in the Modular Apartment (Mods) area.
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). Any student who receives a suspension from the University will lose eligibility to live in the Modular Apartment (Mods) area. 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 pre-register 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.
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 Judicial 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. 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 or living in the Modular Apartment area during their senior year. Please see the Boston College Student Guide at www.bc.edu/studentguide for additional information.