Student Rights and Responsibilities at Carleton
Carleton University strives to provide a safe environment conducive to personal and intellectual growth, free of injustice and characterized by understanding respect, peace, trust, and fairness.
The Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy (PDF, 1MB) governs the non-academic behaviour of students. Carleton University is committed to building a campus that promotes personal growth through the establishment and promotion of transparent and fair academic and non-academic responsibilities.
7 Student Rights and Responsibilities
The 7 student rights and responsibilities are listed below. For more details on the information outlined below consult the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy (PDF, 1MB).
Process
The Director of Student Affairs and/or the Manager, Student Conduct & Harm Reduction receives, reviews, and adjudicates allegations of misconduct under the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR) Policy. The Decision Process flow chart shown below is followed when there is a potential violation of the Policy.
Notice of Hearing
A Notice of Hearing is a letter stating that you have been involved in an incident and have to attend a hearing. This means an Incident Report has been filed by a member of the campus community alleging a violation of the SRR.
The Director and/or Manager, Student Conduct & Harm Reduction determines if a hearing is necessary to gather more information.
Preparing for a Hearing
Hearings are scheduled at least five business days from the date of the letter. Students are typically asked to explain the situation, their involvement and what they learned from their involvement in the situation.
Students may also be asked what they feel an appropriate sanction might be for their situation.
Seeking Support
Students are provided with the names of trained peer helpers to act as Advisors and may be accompanied by the Ombudsperson or an Advisor to any hearing related to non-academic misconduct.
The University Ombudsperson is able to inform you about the Student Rights and Responsibility policy and the processes that are outlined within it.
The Ombudsperson can attend both PCB hearings and hearings with the Director of Student Affairs and/or Manager, Student Conduct & Harm Reduction.
Appeals
Decisions by the Director of Student Affairs: Students may appeal sanction decisions made by the Director of Student Affairs and/or the Manager, Student Conduct & Harm Reduction to the Carleton University Resolution Board (CURB).
For more information on Appeals please consult the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy (PDF, 1MB).
Student Misconduct
Under the Student Rights and Responsibility Policy, forms of non-academic student misconduct are divided into two major categories:
Category 1 offences
These are minor violations. It includes damage to property, facilities, and/or non-compliance with any university rule, regulation or policy. Repeated Category 1 Offences may become Category 2 Offences.
Some examples of Category 1 violations are listed below, for more information consult the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy (PDF, 1MB).
- Disruption.
- Unauthorized Entry/Presence.
- Damage and Destruction of Property (under $500).
- Unauthorized Use or Misuse of Facilities, Equipment, Materials or Services.
- Misuse of Library or Computer Resources.
- Failure to Comply and/or Identify.
- Mischief
Category 2 offences
These are major offences. This category includes offences that jeopardize the health safety and/or security of members of the University community.
Some examples of Category 2 violations are listed below, for more information consult the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy (PDF, 1MB).
- Verbal/Physical Abuse, Threatening Behaviour and/or Dangerous Activity.
- Inciting Violence.
- Harassment and/or Hazing.
- Damage or Destruction of Property (over $500).
- Possession, Use or Distribution of False ID.
- Misconduct Related to the Use of Alcohol/Drugs.
- Theft or Unauthorized Possession.
- Abuse or Misuse of Copyright Materials.
Sanctions
A sanction is an outcome or consequence if a student is found in violation of a particular policy. The SRR Policy aims to address violations of misconduct with sanctions that are corrective, not punitive.
Examples of Sanctions
Below are some examples of sanctions that may be used independently or in combination depending on the details of the violation.
- Community Service.
- Educational Sanctions (workshops, essays, completion of an educational program/service, etc.).
- Exclusion from University Facilities.
- Restitution for Damages.
- Verbal or Written Apologies.
Resources
The documents below outline procedures for non-academic misconduct handled initially outside of the SRR.
- Residence Standards
- Carleton Human Rights Policies and Procedures
- Student Group Accreditation Policy
For any additional questions about the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy please contact the Manager, Student Conduct & Harm Reduction, Dillon Brady at dillonbrady@cunet.carleton.ca.
For support in relation to questions or concerns regarding University policies or processes you can contact the University Ombuds at Ombuds@carleton.ca or visit their website.