Overview

Canisius University's Community Standards process promotes accountability, fairness, personal growth, and responsible decision-making while maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive campus community.

Rooted in our Jesuit tradition and commitment to cura personalis — care for the whole person — the process provides students with an opportunity to be heard, reflect on their decisions, understand their responsibilities, and consider how their actions affect others.

The Community Standards address non-academic student misconduct, including but not limited to alcohol or drug violations, vandalism, theft, disorderly conduct, harassment, hazing, threats or physical violence, disruptive behavior, and violations of residential community expectations.

The Community Standards may apply to student behavior both on and off campus when the conduct falls within the university's jurisdiction.

Receiving a notification about an alleged Community Standards violation does not mean that a student has been found responsible. Students have an opportunity to respond to concerns and share their perspectives before a determination is made.

For complete information about student rights, responsibilities, procedures, and potential outcomes, please review the Canisius University Community Standards – Volume VI, Section 6.1.

How the Community Standards Process Begins

Students, faculty, staff, campus safety, and members of the broader community may report concerns involving potential violations of the community standards.

Designated university personnel review reports and refer them to the appropriate office for follow-up.

Depending on the nature of the concern, the matter may be referred to Community Standards, Title IX, Residential Experience, the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), or another appropriate university office. The Associate Director for Residential Experience, Director of University Housing Operations and Community Standards, or another designated university official may be assigned to review and respond to the matter.

When a report indicates that a student may have violated the Community Standards, the student will typically receive an official notification through their Canisius University email account using Maxient, the university's student conduct management system.

Students are expected to regularly monitor their university email and respond to official communications.

Preparing for Your Community Standards Meeting

Most Community Standards matters begin with a meeting between the student and an assigned Hearing Officer.

For residential students, a Hall Director or another designated Residential Experience and Housing Operations staff member may conduct the meeting.

The meeting reviews the reported concern, gives the student an opportunity to respond, and determines appropriate next steps.

What to Expect During Your Meeting

During the meeting, the Hearing Officer will generally:

  • Explain the reported incident and alleged Community Standards violations.
  • Review relevant information about the concern.
  • Give the student an opportunity to share their perspective.
  • Discuss any relevant witnesses or additional information the student wishes to provide.
  • Explain applicable university policies and community expectations.
  • Answer questions about the process, possible outcomes, and next steps.

How to Prepare

Students are encouraged to:

  1. Review their notification carefully. Understand the reported concern, alleged violations, and any instructions provided.
  2. Reflect on the incident. Consider what occurred, who was involved, and any information that may help explain the situation.
  3. Gather relevant information. Bring any available documentation or identify witnesses who may have relevant information.
  4. Prepare questions. Students may ask about the process, expectations, possible outcomes, or available support.
  5. Attend and participate. The meeting is an opportunity to share information and ensure that the Hearing Officer has an informed understanding of the situation.

Students are encouraged to communicate openly and honestly throughout the process.

What If I Do Not Attend My Meeting?

Students are expected to respond to official university communications and participate in scheduled meetings.

If a student fails to respond to repeated communications or does not attend a scheduled meeting, the university may review the matter and make a determination based on the information available.

A student will not be found responsible for a violation solely because they failed to attend a meeting.

Students who have scheduling conflicts or questions about their meeting should contact their assigned hearing officer as soon as possible.

Community Standards Resolution Process

The process used to resolve a matter depends on the nature of the allegations, available information, and applicable university procedures. Canisius University generally uses two primary approaches to resolve alleged non-academic misconduct.

Conduct Conference

A Conduct Conference is the primary process for addressing many alleged Community Standards violations.

During the conference, the assigned Hearing Officer reviews the available information, discusses the concern with the student, and gives the student an opportunity to respond.

The Hearing Officer determines whether the student is responsible for a violation using the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard, meaning it is more likely than not that a violation occurred.

Following the conference, possible outcomes include:

  • No Further Conduct Action: The available information does not establish responsibility, or the matter is otherwise resolved without disciplinary sanctions.
  • Finding of Responsibility: The Hearing Officer determines that a Community Standards violation occurred and assigns appropriate educational outcomes or sanctions.
  • Additional Review: Further information, additional meetings, or another appropriate resolution process may be necessary.

Students normally receive written notification of the decision and any applicable sanctions within five (5) business days following the Conduct Conference.

Community Standards Hearing Panel

Certain matters may be referred to a Community Standards Hearing Panel based on the nature of the allegations, potential sanctions, or broader implications for the university community.

The Hearing Panel consists of three trained members of the Canisius University community, including a designated chairperson.

Students referred to a Hearing Panel will receive information about the procedures and participate in a pre-hearing meeting to review their rights, responsibilities, and expectations.

During the hearing process, students have the opportunity to:

  • Understand and respond to the allegations.
  • Present relevant information and statements.
  • Identify witnesses in accordance with hearing procedures.
  • Be accompanied by an advisor of their choice.
  • Participate in the hearing process as outlined in the Community Standards.

The Hearing Panel evaluates the information presented and determines responsibility using the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard.

If the panel determines that a student is responsible for a violation, it also determines the appropriate sanctions.

Students receive written notification of the decision and information about any available appeal process.

Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Advisors

The Community Standards process is intended to give students a fair, impartial opportunity to respond to allegations and understand the university's expectations. Students participating in the process are expected to communicate honestly, respond to university notifications, and follow applicable procedures.

Advisors and Support Persons

  • Students participating in a Community Standards Hearing Panel process may select an advisor to help them prepare for and navigate the hearing process.
  • Advisors may provide guidance and support during designated meetings and hearings. However, advisors generally do not speak on the student's behalf, directly address the Hearing Panel, or question witnesses.
  • Students with questions about having an advisor present during a Conduct Conference should contact their assigned hearing officer for guidance regarding the applicable procedures.

Outcomes and Educational Sanctions

When a student is found responsible for violating the Community Standards, Canisius University seeks to assign outcomes that promote accountability, learning, and responsible decision-making.

Depending on the nature of the violation and the circumstances of the case, outcomes may include:
  • Written warnings.
  • Educational assignments or programs.
  • Restitution or community service.
  • Loss of certain university privileges.
  • Residence hall probation or reassignment.
  • University probation.
  • Suspension or removal from university housing.
  • University suspension or expulsion.

The university recognizes that the Community Standards process is an opportunity for students to reflect on their decisions, understand the impact of their actions, and contribute positively to the campus community.

Students will receive written notification explaining the decision, any assigned sanctions, completion expectations, deadlines, and applicable review or appeal procedures.

Procedural Review and Appeals

Students may have the opportunity to request a procedural review or appeal a Community Standards decision in accordance with established university procedures.

Procedural Review

Students who participate in a Conduct Conference may request a procedural review to determine whether the established procedures were properly followed.

Requests must be submitted in writing within five (5) business days of receiving the written decision.

Appeals

Eligibility for an appeal depends on the type of resolution process, the decision, and the sanctions imposed.

Depending on the applicable procedures, grounds for appeal may include:

  • Insufficient evidence to support the determination.
  • A sanction that is not appropriate for the established violation.
  • New relevant information that was not reasonably available during the original process.
  • Procedural errors in a Hearing Panel process.

Appeals must generally be submitted in writing within five (5) business days of receiving the written decision.

Not all Conduct Conference decisions are eligible for a full appeal. Students should carefully review their outcome letter for eligibility requirements, submission instructions, and applicable deadlines.

For complete information, consult the Community Standards Procedures.

Matters Involving Sexual Misconduct or Interpersonal Violence

Reports involving sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or other sexual and gender-based misconduct may be addressed through separate university policies and procedures.

The Canisius University Title IX Coordinator coordinates the university's response to concerns falling under Title IX and applicable sexual misconduct policies.

Students seeking to report these concerns or learn more about supportive measures and available resources should contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Questions or Assistance

Students who receive a Community Standards notification and have questions about their meeting, the process, or available resources are encouraged to contact their assigned hearing officer or the Community Standards Office.

Community Standards
Email: @email

Dean of Students Office
Phone: 716-888-8303

Additional information is available through the following resources:

The Community Standards process is intended to help students understand their responsibilities, learn from their experiences, and contribute to a respectful and supportive Canisius University community.