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Disciplinary Sanctions for Individuals

University Warning

Formal notice that a student’s actions violated a University policy, that such actions are not acceptable in our community, and that further misconduct, or any other violation of a University policy, may result in more impactful disciplinary action. Students are thus expected to reflect upon their decisions and to be mindful of how their future choices and actions may impact themselves, others, and the University community.

Conduct Review

Conduct Review indicates that a student's behavior is a significant violation of University policy either because the student has had one significant incident or because the student is beginning to show a pattern of concerning behavior. Conduct Review is imposed for a specific period of time to encourage students to reflect upon their choices and behavior and to demonstrate the ability to abide by University policies and expectations. During this time, a student's behaviors will be observed and any policy violations committed during this period will likely result in a heightened level of response and a more significant sanction such as disciplinary probation or separation from the University. 

Though Conduct Review does not place any formal restriction on a student's privilege or activities, it may impact opportunities for which a student's disciplinary record is considered as a criterion for participation.

Disciplinary Probation

A status imposed for a specific period of time to alert the student to the fact that their behaviors are substantially inconsistent with University policy and expectation. During this time, students are asked to take active steps toward improving their decisions and behaviors and to demonstrate that they can abide by University policy and succeed as a member of the Northwestern community. Any policy violation while the student is on disciplinary probation, will result in strong consideration of whether the student is a good fit for the Northwestern community and whether separation from the University (i.e., suspension, expulsion) is necessary. Probation will frequently be accompanied by a Loss or Restriction of Privileges or Activities sanction. 

Disciplinary probation may impact other opportunities for which a student's disciplinary record is considered as a criterion for participation.

Suspension

A status, imposed for a minimum of one full academic quarter, in which students are removed from the University and may not register for classes, attend classes, submit course work, receive academic credit, remain in University housing, or participate in any function or event sponsored by the University or any of its departments, groups, or organizations (unless specifically authorized by the Dean of Students, or designee). A suspended student may also be banned, during their suspension, from entering, visiting, or being present on University property or facilities including for the purposes of work (unless specifically authorized by the Dean of Students, or designee). Suspension may also include the imposition of conditions for reenrollment. The maximum length of a suspension is two years; however, this may be extended to the planned degree completion date of a reporter to ensure that a respondent is not a student at the same time as a reporter.

Suspensions from the Pritzker School of Law are noted on student transcripts. Suspensions of those enrolled in other schools are not noted on a student’s official transcript.

If a student who has been suspended does not reenroll in the University within two years of the end of the suspension term (or longer if specified), the student may not reenter the University without acceptance of a formal application by the Office of Admission and approval of the Vice President for Student Affairs, or designee, (and completion of any other conditions that may have been imposed for reentry).

A student who is suspended after having satisfied all degree requirements will not be awarded their degree until the period of suspension is over and they have met all conditions for reenrollment. The student may not participate in commencement exercises until the period of suspension is over and they have been approved to reenroll.

In the event a disciplinary suspension and an academic or medical withdrawal occur simultaneously, the leaves of absence are to be effective consecutively, and not concurrently, unless otherwise determined by the hearing officers or panel.

Degree Revocation

A student’s degree is revoked. Degree revocation includes forfeiture of all rights and responsibilities associated with the degree, and forfeiture of tuition and fees. All restrictions outlined under Expulsion also apply, including the prohibition from applying to be a student at Northwestern University in the future. Degree revocations are noted on student transcripts.

Expulsion

Expulsion is the permanent removal of the student from the University. Expulsion includes forfeiture of all rights and degrees not actually conferred at the time of the expulsion, withdrawal from all courses, and forfeiture of tuition and fees. A student who has been expelled may not register for classes, submit coursework, receive academic credit, attend classes, remain in University housing, or participate in any function or events sponsored by the University or any of its departments, groups, or organizations (unless specifically authorized by the dean of students, or designee). A student who is expelled is also banned from entering, visiting, or being present on University property or facilities including for the purposes of work (unless specifically authorized by the Dean of Students, or designee). A student who has been expelled may never apply to be a student at Northwestern University again. Expulsions are noted on student transcripts.

Fine

Fines are punitive monetary costs intended to dissuade students from violating the Code of Conduct. Fines collected are used by the University to fund services and programs for students. 

Financial Restitution

Restitution is monetary compensation required of students who have taken, misused, damaged, or destroyed University, public, or private property or services. Amounts charged to students may include cost to repair, replace, recover, clean, or otherwise account for the property or services affected.

Loss or Restriction of Privileges or Activities:

The withdrawal of the use of services or privileges as a student or member of the community, or the loss of the privilege to participate in an activity or event. Examples include:

Restrictions on Access or Contact

Restrictions or prohibitions on a student’s entry or access to particular locations, premises, or events, or on a students’ contact with another member of the University community.