Understanding a Fairfax University’s Code of Conduct

Every school implements a code of conduct that they require all members of the school to follow. Naturally, this includes all students. This interacts with Title IX in that any alleged instance of sexual harassment or violence directed at another student because of their sex may violate both these legal codes.

It is vital to your educational future to understand how these codes of conduct work and your rights in case of an alleged violation. The boards that oversee these codes have the authority to punish students as they see fit. The outcome of an investigation could impact your education and the rest of your life.

An attorney could help you to understand a Fairfax university’s code of conduct. These codes typically outline appropriate behavior for students, the disciplinary procedures in case of an alleged violation, and the available penalties for any violation.

Prohibited Acts Under the Code of Conduct

A Fairfax university’s code of conduct bounds all students to a moral code. While the code does specifically prohibit any violations of the Commonwealth’s criminal code, it also prohibits any activity that could be considered harassment or violence.

The code of conduct also prohibits any form of sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, or other violations of Title IX. It is important to remember that many violations of the code of conduct also constitute a violation of criminal law. These are separate matters, but the school’s security forces are required by law to share evidence with local police.

The Investigative Process

The nature of an investigation depends on the nature of the alleged offenses. The code of conduct specifically defers all authority to punish violations of Title IX to the University’s Title IX coordinator. This coordinator will take the lead in an investigation and may recommend a punishment to the Office of Student Conduct. As a result, an allegation of sexual harassment, dating violence, or other sexual violence is a Title IX matter.

It is important to understand the distinction between Title IX allegations and common conduct code issues. This can greatly change the procedures for the investigation and a defendant’s rights during the process.

Consequences for a Conduct Code Violation

Conduct code violations are always serious matters. Any finding of responsibility will merit a response from the Office of Student Conduct. The least serious outcome is a written warning that any future violation will result in more concrete punishments.

The Office may also require participation in an educational seminar to help prevent future violations. Other middling-level punishments can include disciplinary probation or housing probation.

However, many Title IX allegations are serious, criminal accusations. As a result, a conviction is likely to result in severe penalties. These can include a loss of privileges, the imposition of a no-contact order, suspension, or expulsion. An attorney could help defendants to better understand a Fairfax university’s code of conduct’s available punishments for convictions.

Fairfax University’s Code of Conduct is Key when Facing Allegations of Abuse

A university’s code of conduct outlines the rights and responsibilities of students. While this code does not authorize an Office of Student Conduct to intervene in alleged Title IX violations, it does allow the Office to issue punishment upon findings by a Title IX coordinator of sexual misconduct.

In general, the code requires all students to act with good morals. This includes refraining from breaking any laws and not committing any Title IX violations. The consequences for breaking this code are severe and could affect not just your academic future but your freedom as a whole. An attorney could help you to understand the requirements and processes in a Fairfax university’s code of conduct. Contact a lawyer today to let them help you.