Understanding the Community Standards Process

Overview

This section provides an overview of what students can expect when they are alleged to have violated the Canisius University Community Standards, including how concerns are reviewed, the conduct resolution process, student rights and responsibilities, and potential outcomes.

At Canisius University, non-academic misconduct refers to behaviors that may violate the university's Community Standards or other student life policies. These may include, but are not limited to, alcohol or drug violations, vandalism, theft, disorderly conduct, harassment, hazing, threats or acts of physical violence, disruptive behavior, and violations of residential community expectations. The Community Standards apply to student behavior both on and off campus when the conduct falls within the university's jurisdiction.

Rooted in our Jesuit tradition and commitment to cura personalis—care for the whole person—the Community Standards process emphasizes fairness, accountability, education, personal responsibility, and student development. The process is designed to provide students with an opportunity to be heard, reflect on their decisions, and understand how their actions impact the safety, well-being, and expectations of the Canisius community.

For a complete explanation of student rights and responsibilities, conduct procedures, potential sanctions, and appeal processes, please review the Canisius University Community Standards – Volume VI, Section 6.1.

How the Community Standards Process Begins

Students, faculty, staff, public safety, and members of the broader community may report concerns about potential Community Standards violations.

The Dean of Students Office, Director of University Housing and Community Standards, and Title IX Coordinator review reports.

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.

The notification may include:

  • A description of the reported incident or concern.
  • The specific Community Standards allegedly violated.
  • The name of the assigned hearing officer or university staff member.
  • Instructions for scheduling or attending a meeting.
  • Additional information about the Community Standards process and student rights.

Receiving a notice of alleged misconduct does not mean a student has been found responsible for a violation. Students have an opportunity to respond to the concerns and share their perspective before a determination is made.

Meeting with a Community Standards Hearing Officer

Most non-academic misconduct cases begin with a meeting between the student and an assigned Community Standards Hearing Officer.

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

During the meeting, the student will have an opportunity to:

  • Understand the alleged community standards violations.
  • Review and respond to the concerns raised.
  • Share their account of the incident.
  • Identify relevant witnesses or additional information.
  • Ask questions about the process and possible outcomes.
  • Learn about applicable university policies and expectations.

Students are expected to participate in the process and respond to official university communications. Failure to attend a scheduled meeting or respond to repeated communications may result in a decision being made based on the available information.

A student will not be found responsible solely because they did not attend a meeting.

Community Standards Resolution Options

  • The process used to resolve a case depends on the nature and severity of the alleged misconduct, the available information, and the potential outcomes.
  • Canisius University generally addresses non-academic misconduct through one of two processes.

Conduct Conference

  • A Conduct Conference is the primary method for resolving many alleged Community Standards violations.
  • During the conference, the assigned Hearing Officer reviews the available information, discusses the allegations with the student, and gives the student an opportunity to respond.
  • The Hearing Officer determines whether a violation occurred using the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard. This means determining whether it is more likely than not that the student violated the Community Standards.
  • If the student is found responsible, the Hearing Officer may assign appropriate educational outcomes or sanctions based on the circumstances of the incident.
  • Normally, the student receives written notification of the decision and any assigned sanctions within five (5) business days following the Conduct Conference.

Community Standards Hearing Panel

The university may refer certain cases to a Community Standards Hearing Panel based on the seriousness 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 hearing procedures and an opportunity to participate in a pre-hearing meeting.

During the hearing process, students have the opportunity to:

  • 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 available information and determines responsibility using the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard.

If the panel establishes responsibility, it determines the appropriate sanctions.

Advisors and Support Persons

  • Students participating in a Community Standards Hearing Panel process may select an advisor of their choice to provide assistance and support.
  • An advisor may help a student prepare for the hearing, understand the process, and provide guidance during meetings and hearings.
  • Under the Community Standards Hearing Panel procedures, advisors may attend designated meetings and hearings but generally do not speak on the student's behalf, question witnesses, or directly address the Hearing Panel.
  • 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 and severity of the violation, sanctions 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 specific outcome depends on the circumstances of the case and the applicable Community Standards.

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

Procedural Review and Appeals

  • Canisius University allows students to request a procedural review or appeal when permitted under the Community Standards.
  • Submit requests for procedural review and eligible appeals in writing within five (5) business days of receiving the written decision.
  • A procedural review of a conduct conference addresses whether the established procedures were properly followed.
  • For eligible appeals, grounds may include insufficient evidence to support the determination, an inappropriate sanction, or new relevant information that was not reasonably available during the original process. Appeals of Hearing Panel decisions may also raise procedural errors.
  • Not all Conduct Conference decisions are eligible for a full appeal. Eligibility depends on the sanctions imposed and the applicable university policy.
  • Students should carefully review their outcome correspondence for instructions on submitting a procedural review or appeal.

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 matters falling under Title IX and applicable sexual misconduct policies.
  • Students seeking to report these concerns or learn more about available supportive measures should contact the Title IX Coordinator.

More Information

Questions or Assistance

Email: @email 

  • For questions regarding a particular conduct matter, students are encouraged to contact their assigned Hearing Officer or the Dean of Students Office.
  • Our goal is to ensure that every student understands the Community Standards process, has an opportunity to be heard, and is supported in learning from their experiences as a member of the Canisius University community.