What to Expect if You Are Being Investigated: Student Code of Conduct at TWU

Understanding the Student Conduct Process

At Trinity Western University, the Student Code of Conduct exists to support a safe, respectful, and Christ-centered community where students can learn, live, and grow together.

The student conduct process is guided by four commitments:

  • Fairness through a clear and consistent process.
  • Accountability when community standards may have been violated.
  • Student learning and development through reflection and personal growth.
  • Restoration and community well-being whenever appropriate.

The purpose of the conduct process is not simply to determine whether a policy violation occurred. Rather, it is an opportunity to understand what happened, hear from those involved, consider the impact on individuals and the community, and determine an appropriate path forward.

We recognize that receiving communication from the Student Conduct Office can be stressful. For many students, uncertainty can create anxiety and confusion. We are committed to communicating clearly and respectfully so that you understand what to expect, what your rights are, and how you can participate meaningfully in the process.

A report being received does not mean a conclusion has been reached. Decisions are made only after information has been gathered and reviewed.

If You Are the Respondent

Being a respondent means information has been received indicating that you may have engaged in conduct that could violate the Student Code of Conduct.

Being named as a respondent does not mean that a decision has already been made, nor does it automatically mean you are "in trouble." The purpose of the conduct process is to gather information, hear from those involved, and make a fair decision based on the available evidence.

Your participation is an important part of the process. Meeting with a Student Conduct Officer provides an opportunity for you to:

  • Share your perspective.
  • Clarify information.
  • Provide relevant evidence.
  • Ask questions about the process.
  • Help ensure that decisions are based on the fullest understanding of the situation possible.

You can expect to be treated with dignity and respect throughout the process and to have an opportunity to be heard before a decision is made.

If you are unaware of or do not understand the allegations being made against you, you may ask for clarification.

You may provide a written response to the allegation, which can help communicate your perspective and any information you believe is important for consideration.

You may be asked to meet shortly after being notified of an investigation in order to facilitate a timely and fair process. If you are unable to attend a proposed meeting time, you should communicate with the Student Conduct Officer as soon as possible to discuss alternatives. If you choose not to participate, the investigation may proceed based on the information available.

What You Can Expect From Us

Throughout the conduct process, you can expect:

  • To be treated respectfully and professionally.
  • To receive information about the process in a clear and understandable manner.
  • To have an opportunity to share your perspective before decisions are made.
  • To have decisions made using established procedures and standards.
  • To ask questions about the process at any time.
  • To access available support resources.
  • To be held accountable, when appropriate, through a process focused on fairness, learning, and community well-being.

Investigation Steps

1. Initiation

  • An incident report is submitted and reviewed by a Student Conduct Officer (SCO).
  • The SCO determines whether there is sufficient information to proceed under the Student Code of Conduct.
  • The initial review focuses on understanding the reported concerns, supporting those impacted, and determining the appropriate next steps.

2. Investigation

  • The SCO gathers information from all relevant parties, including witnesses and available documentation.
  • You will have an opportunity to provide information, share your perspective, and submit a written response.
  • The purpose of the investigation is to understand what occurred from multiple perspectives and gather the information necessary to make a fair and informed decision.
  • The investigation seeks to understand not only actions and events, but also circumstances, impacts, and contextual factors that may be relevant.

3. Deliberation and Resolution

  • The SCO or, in serious cases, a Student Conduct Panel reviews the available information using the balance of probabilities standard, meaning what is more likely than not to have occurred.
  • The SCO or Panel determines whether a violation of the Student Code of Conduct occurred.
  • If a violation is found, an appropriate response is determined based on the nature of the conduct, the available information, relevant circumstances, and community impact.
  • The goal of the resolution process is to promote accountability, learning, personal growth, community well-being, and, when possible, the repair of harm.

4. Accountability Measures (If Applicable)

If a violation is found to have occurred, accountability measures may be assigned.

  • Accountability measures may range from warnings and educational assignments to probation, suspension, or expulsion depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
  • The purpose of accountability measures is to support student learning, encourage personal responsibility, promote community safety, and reinforce community expectations.
  • When appropriate, accountability measures may include educational, developmental, or restorative components designed to help students reflect on their actions, understand impacts, and strengthen their connection to the community.
  • In some situations, students may be provided options regarding how they satisfy certain educational or restorative requirements.

5. Appeal

  • If you disagree with the outcome, you may appeal in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
  • Appeals provide an opportunity to review whether procedural errors, new information, or other grounds specified in university policy may have affected the outcome.

Your Rights and Supports

You are encouraged to access the supports available to you throughout the process. As a respondent, you have the right to:

  • Receive written notice of the alleged misconduct.
  • Participate in a timely Student Conduct Meeting after being notified of the report.
  • Be accompanied by a support person of your choice (in consultation with the Director of Residence Life and Student Code of Conduct or their designate).
  • Continue your educational experience while the process is pending, free from harassment, retaliation, or intimidation.
  • Respond to information being considered in the investigation.
  • Provide relevant witnesses and evidence pertaining to the matter.
  • Be informed of the outcome as soon as reasonably possible.
  • Have your information handled confidentially to the extent permitted by law and university policy.
  • Access appropriate on-campus support resources, including counselling services where available.
  • Seek off-campus medical, counselling, legal, or other professional supports.
  • Have legal counsel present when the matter involves actual or potential criminal proceedings.
  • Appeal the outcome of the Student Code of Conduct process in accordance with university policy.
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