Answers to commonly asked questions about Slippery Rock University judicial procedures appear below. Students are encouraged to review the Code of Conduct as published in the Green and White Student Handbook.

Why does Slippery Rock University enforce disciplinary rules?
Why do off-campus incidents get turned in to the judicial office?
Why do students have to pay for and take an alcohol class?
When and why are parents informed of disciplinary action?
Why does the judicial office put holds on student registration?
What disciplinary notations appear on a student's academic transcript?
Can an education major who gets cited for an alcohol violation still teach?
Does a student charged with violating the Code of Conduct need an attorney?

Why does Slippery Rock University enforce disciplinary rules?
Slippery Rock University represents a community. Like any community, certain standards must be established to instruct community members on what is permissable. As an institution of higher education, some rules relate to expectations for academic integrity and define cheating and plagiarism. Some rules explain what is permitted or not permitted in residence halls. Other rules emphasize that members of the Slippery Rock University community must comply with state and federal laws. By establishing these rules the university preserves the right to remove someone from the community who may be endangering the welfare of others.

 Why do off-campus incidents get turned in to judicial affairs?
Slippery Rock University is an integral part of the surrounding community including Slippery Rock Borough, Slippery Rock Township, and Butler County. Any incident of a disciplinary nature occurring in the surrounding community will affect the ability of the university to maintain positive relationships with local citizens. Any significant incident that implicates those involved as representatives of Slippery Rock University, regardless of where the incident occurs, are also subject to university disciplinary action. By taking disciplinary action, the university upholds the expectation that students demonstrate good citizenship.

Why do students have to pay for and take an alcohol class?
The Chemical Health Education and Counseling Program is a required component of alcohol and some drug related disciplinary offenses. The program costs $45 for the first referral and $60 for a second referral. The university has created this program as an educational response to violations of the law and university policy. Students who participate in the program learn more about laws relating to alcohol and other drugs and the impact that alcohol and/or drug use may have on their educational and occupational career. The program places particular emphasis on the culture of peer acceptance surrounding destructive alcohol and drug usage and balances issues of responsible decision making with legal obligations. Students referred to the program pay a fee for the program materials and the professional counselor that presents the workshops.

When and why are parents informed of disciplinary action?
Slippery Rock University policies have been established to notify the parents of dependent students of disciplinary action involving alcohol or drugs; sanctions of disciplinary probation; scheduling of a hearing to consider possible separation from the university; or suspension or dismissal decisions. Because the student is registered as dependent, the university has adopted the position that notifying the parents allows them the opportunity to advise their son or daughter in making appropriate decisions related to the disciplinary process.

Why does the judicial office put holds on student registration?
A hold is placed on a student's registration only if the student has failed to complete a requirement established through a disciplinary sanction. In most cases a registration hold signifies failure to complete the Chemical Health Program by the established deadline. Holds might also signify that required documentation of restitution or educational assignments has not been received. A student notified of a hold should contact the Office of Student Life at (724) 738-2092 to determine what actions are required to remove the hold.

What disciplinary notations appear on a student's academic transcript?
The only notation posted on a student's transcript for disciplinary action is the statement, "Separated Under Provision of Code of Conduct" for the period of time that a student is serving a disciplinary suspension or dismissal. There is no record on the transcript for any other type of sanction.

Can an education major who gets cited for an alcohol violation still teach?
In most cases, yes! This is a question where the answer depends on the circumstances. The more serious the circumstances, the more likely the incident could affect the teacher certification process. Students who desire to teach should understand the following factors:

• Teachers are held to high standards of conduct. Anyone who wishes to teach should adopt those high standards in order to demonstrate professional responsibility.
• Violations of the law are matters of public record. At Slippery Rock University the student newspaper, The Rocket, publishes the names of students who are arrested or cited by local police agencies. Students in the College of Education are routinely contacted to discuss any situation resulting in the publishing of their name in the police blotter.
• Disciplinary record checks are conducted as a matter of routine prior to the assignment of student teaching placements. The College of Education reserves the right to withhold or cancel placement of a student teaching assignment based upon a proper review of a student's conduct.
• Students must submit criminal record check documentation as part of their academic requirements and as part of any job application. Those criminal record checks will reflect information associated with a fingerprint record. Most citations for disorderly conduct, disorderly house, or underage consumption do not result in fingerprint records and, therefore, will not appear on the criminal records clearance form.
• The College of Education ultimately determines whether a student receives certification. Any questions concerning the eligibility of a candidate for student teaching or certification should be directed to the Dean of the College of Education, 105 McKay Education Building, (724) 738-2007.

Does a student charged with violating the Code of Conduct need an attorney?
No. The disciplinary process is educational in nature. The intent of proceedings is to determine the facts of a particular incident and to make an appropriate decision concerning those facts. Ordinarily a student will understand the process, the options available for resolving an incident, and any recommended outcomes. Students are encouraged to identify an advisor to assist them in making disciplinary decisions, particularly if a disciplinary hearing is scheduled. An advisor may be anyone of the student's choosing: a friend, a parent, a trusted faculty member, or an attorney. The role of the advisor is to consult privately with the student during any disciplinary proceedings. Advisors are not permitted to directly participate by asking questions or making statements during a disciplinary hearing. Students might consider consulting an attorney in those cases where significant criminal proceedings are pending for the same incident being reviewed through the disciplinary process.

For additional information concerning the Code of Conduct or to submit a question, please contact
The Office of Student Life
B-105 University Union
Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, PA 16057
phone: (724) 738-2092
fax: (724) 738-2624