About Intake Meetings

What does the charge letter mean?

If the Community Standards Committee receives information that there may have been a policy violation, then we need to follow up on that information. This charge letter is a way to let you know what the alleged policy violations are. It also highlights information in the student handbook that may be helpful to you. This letter does not mean you are automatically responsible for a violation, but there is information that needs to be discussed.

Why is there a Community Standards charge instead of other options?

Other options are for lower-level, first time incidents. The following are typical reasons for Community Standards charges: previously had other actions taken or Community Standards charges, severity of incident, higher level alcohol incident (i.e. amount, hosting), failure to comply, or other similar circumstances.

What happens next?

You will have an intake meeting with a Community Standards Committee member. This meeting allows you the opportunity to ask questions, clarify information, describe circumstances, and accurately share information related to this incident.

What will we talk about in this meeting?

First, the staff member will review the Community Standards process with you so you know what options you have and can make informed decisions. Second, you have an opportunity to read the reports associated with the incident. Third, you will have a conversation about the alleged policy violation and issues surrounding this incident. Finally, you will be asked to either admit or deny violating the policy.

How should I prepare for this meeting?

It is recommended that you review the student handbook for Community Standards information. If you have further questions before your meeting, you can also call the Community Standards Office at x4270. We encourage you to take ownership for the choices you have made and be honest about your involvement in a situation. An open dialogue allows an opportunity for mutual respect between you and the staff member. What happens if I admit violating a policy? The staff member you are meeting with will determine the appropriate sanction using the guidelines in the student handbook.

What happens if I deny violating a policy?

You will have the opportunity to share your information in a Community Standards Council (CSC) hearing. A typical hearing board will consist of three students, one faculty, and one staff member. During your initial meeting, the staff member can share more information about hearing procedures and answer any questions you may have about the CSC.

If I deny, does it have to automatically go to a CSC hearing?
If the information in your initial meeting clearly shows that you are not responsible, then charges can be dropped or alternative actions may be taken. All other situations will go before the CSC so the information can be considered before a board of your fellow community members.

Are all sanctions punitive?

It is our hope that the Community Standards process is an educational experience. The conversations you will have are intended to address campus expectations and discuss educational concepts related to accountability. As a student at DePauw you have many rights and freedoms, as well as increased responsibility. Sanctions are designed to address educational issues as well as support campus standards.

How are sanctions determined?

The student handbook provides general sanctioning guidelines. Specific sanctions are determined based on the severity of the incident, the presence of any previous violations, and the specific details of your incident. Sanctions are tailored to address the individual circumstances of your incident.

What if I feel I am not responsible for violating this policy?

Then share this perspective at your initial meeting, clarify what the charges mean, and ask questions about the policy. One of the reasons to have a Community Standards system is to provide students a process that offers them procedural rights and a mechanism to hear their perspective.