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Understanding the Philosophy
The Student Code of Conduct at TWU is designed to foster a respectful, gospel-centered community where accountability, restoration, and personal growth are prioritized. The process is not about punishment, but about helping students learn, reconcile, and thrive within the university’s values.
If You Are the Respondent
Being a respondent means someone has made an allegation that you have broken the Student Code of Conduct. This does not mean a decision has been made about your behavior, and you are not automatically in trouble. The university is looking into what has happened, and no conclusions are drawn until the investigation is complete.
- If you are unaware of or do not understand the allegations being made against you, you may ask for clarity.
- You can write a written response to the allegation, which helps clarify your side of the situation.
- You may be asked to meet within 24 hours of being notified of the investigation. This is to ensure a fair and timely process. If you cannot meet at the proposed time, you must provide alternative options. If you are unable to meet, the investigation may proceed without your input.
Investigation Steps
1. Initiation
- An incident report is submitted and reviewed by a Student Conduct Officer (SCO).
- The SCO determines if there are sufficient grounds to proceed, focusing first on supporting the reporting party and understanding the situation.
2. Investigation
- The SCO gathers information from all parties, including witnesses and documentary evidence.
- You will have the opportunity to share your perspective and submit a written response.
- The goal of the investigation is to learn about what happened from all perspectives and to support everyone involved.
3. Deliberation & Resolution
- The SCO or, in serious cases, a Student Conduct Panel, reviews all evidence using the “balance of probabilities” standard (what is most likely to have happened).
- The panel or SCO decides if a violation occurred and what sanctions, if any, are appropriate.
- The goal of the process is to promote growth, restoration, and accountability for everyone involved.
4. Sanctions (if applicable)
- Sanctions may range from warnings and educational assignments to probation, suspension, or expulsion, depending on the severity of the violation.
- The purpose of sanctions is to ensure the growth of the students involved and the safety of the community.
- You may be given options for active sanctions, allowing you to choose how to restore yourself to the community.
5. Appeal
- If you disagree with the outcome, you have the right to appeal the decision.
Your Rights and Supports
You must actively seek out the supports available to you. As a respondent, you have the following rights:
- The right to receive written notice of the alleged misconduct.
- The right to a timely Student Conduct Meeting after being notified of the report.
- The right to a support person of your choice (in consultation with the Director of Residence and Student Code of Conduct or their designee) to assist you during the process.
- The right to pursue your educational experience while the process is pending, free from harassment by the reporting party or their associates. If you experience inappropriate contact, notify the Conduct Officer immediately.
- The right to respond to opposing information.
- The right to provide witnesses and evidence pertaining to the case.
- The right to be informed as soon as possible of the outcome.
- The right to confidentiality to the extent possible.
- The right to on-campus emergency counselling sessions with a member of the Mental Health Services Team in appropriate circumstances.
- The right to seek off-campus medical and/or counselling support.
- The right to have legal counsel present if the conduct matter involves actual or potential criminal charges.
- The right to appeal the outcome of the Student Code of Conduct Proceeding.