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University Judicial Affairs

Common Questions

 

Q. Who can file a report or complaint with University Judicial Services?

A. Any current member of the Western Washington University community: student, faculty, or staff.

Q. How do I report a problem to University Judicial Affairs?

A. University Judicial Affairs is located in the Student Life office, Viking Union 506. The University Judicial Officer is Michael L. Schardein. His telephone number is 650-3706 and e-mail address is michael.schardein@wwu.edu. You do not need to make an appointment to meet with Michael, but an appointment ensures that he will be available when you come in.

Q. Are the police informed?

A. Students are always encouraged to inform the University Police of a crime, but the choice to file a formal report with the police will nearly always be the student’s decision. If there is cause to believe that other members of the University community may be at risk, the University Judicial Officer will inform the University Police.

Q. What happens to a student responsible for violating university policies?

A. Western Washington University is committed to students' developmental growth, while maintaining academic integrity, campus-wide safety, and adherence to the University Mission. Disciplinary sanctions are developed to be congruent with both the violation and this developmental philosophy. The formal sanctions are defined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code.

Q. What are the possible sanctions?

A. Sanctions imposed may include one or more of the following. Sanctions may be modified to meet the circumstances of the particular case.

  • Warning: A notice in writing to the student that the student has violated the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code.
  • Disciplinary Probation: A written reprimand for violation of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the student is found to have violated the Code during the probationary period.
  • Loss of Privileges: Denial of specified privileges (i.e., participation in specific activities, restriction from specific areas of campus) for a designated period of time.
  • Educational Activities: Activities designed to foster student development may include, but are not limited to, performance of community service, attendance at educational programs, or written assignments.
  • Restitution: Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.
  • Residence Hall Relocation: Transfer of living arrangements to another University residence hall or apartment.
  • Termination of University Residences Agreement: Separation of the student from University Residences.
  • Disciplinary Suspension: Separation of the student from the University for a designated period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
  • Disciplinary Expulsion: Permanent separation of the student from the University.

 

Q. What are the policies?

A. The Student Rights and Responsibility Code, Academic Dishonesty Policy and Procedure, and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedure are some of the primary policies for Western Washington University, but there are other policies that you should be aware of listed in the General Catalog and the Residential Community Handbook, e.g.,

      Equal Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Policy and Procedures
      Parking and Transportation - Driver Responsibility
      Policy for Responsible Computing
      Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
      University Residences - Policies and Procedures

Please also see Other Policies listed on this site.

Q. What happens in a disciplinary hearing?

A. The judicial officer will determine the accuracy and responsibility of the allegation(s) in a meeting with the accused student. Within ten business days of the meeting, the judicial officer shall notify the student in writing of the decision. The decision letter will include a statement of the student's option for a review by the appeals board or the dean of students. If there are multiple individuals involved in the incident, and if it is deemed necessary to determine responsibility, individual decision letters will be mailed to each student ten business days after the final meeting for the specific incident.

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