Levels Of Misconduct

FPU has determined there to be five levels of misconduct. Violations of values and behavioral expectations are reviewed by a university official who assigns the situation to the appropriate level. The five levels are as follows:

Level I

Conduct and/or policy violations generally deemed “Level I” include but are not necessarily limited to the following:

  • lying, quiet hours, visitation, pets, pranks, candles
  • issues of modesty in relation to speech, attire and interpersonal relationships
  • disrespect to individuals and/or property
  • possession or viewing of inappropriate materials
  • minor violations to the acceptable use of technology policy
  • minor safety and health issues
  • smoking on campus
  • alcohol violations characterized by negligent possession without the intent to consume; being in the presence of others using illegal drugs or consuming alcohol or marijuana on campus; and/or being in the presence of minors using illegal drugs or consuming alcohol or marijuana on or off campus

Minimum Consequence

Warning, restitution (if applicable), and potentially one or more of the following: educational consequences, behavioral contract, community service, fee, fine or loss of privileges.

Level II

Conduct of a less severe and non-pervasive nature is considered a “Level II” violation.  Conduct at this level will initiate the formal conduct process. Violations at this level include but are not necessarily limited to the accumulation and/or repetition of Level I violations and/or the following:

  • less severe and/or non-pervasive instances of harassment, bullying, intimidation, threatening speech or behavior
  • less severe and/or non-pervasive instances related to the personal safety and wellbeing of others
  • inappropriate use of technology
  • inappropriate dating/relationship behavior
  • vandalism and theft
  • the use/excessive use or possession of illegal substances, alcohol and marijuana (regardless of age) with the willful intent to consume on campus (all students), off campus (underage students) or at university related functions off campus, etc.

Minimum Consequence

Restitution (if applicable) and at least two or more of the following: educational consequences, behavioral contract, community service, fine, loss of privileges, disciplinary probation, and deferred suspension.  Students should expect that alcohol violations at level II will result in a minimum fee of $50 to be used to fund alcohol education programs at FPU.   

Level III

Conduct of a more severe and/or pervasive nature is considered a "Level III" violation.  Violations at this level include but are not necessarily limited to the accumulation and/or repetition of Level I and II violations and/or the following:

  • severe and/or pervasive instances of harassment, bullying, hazing, assault, retaliation, intimidation, threatening speech or behavior
  • severe and/or pervasive instances sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, hate speech and theft
  • severe and/or pervasive instances of behavior related to the personal safety and well-being of others
  • repeated offences related to the use/excessive use or possession of illegal substances, alcohol and marijuana (regardless of age) and with willful intent to consume on campus (all students), off campus (underage students) or at university related functions off-campus
  • providing a location for underage students to consume alcohol
  • providing and/or purchasing alcohol for underage students
  • failure to control the distribution of alcohol to underage students in an environment for which you are responsible and/or acts of premeditated assistance to underage students consuming alcohol

Minimum Consequence

Restitution (if applicable), and at least three or more of the following: educational consequences, behavioral contract, community service, fine, loss of privileges, disciplinary probation and suspension.  Students should expect that Level III alcohol/marijuana violations will result in a minimum fee of $100 to be used to fund alcohol education programs at FPU.   

Level IV

Conduct of a more extreme and/or increasingly pervasive nature is considered a “Level IV” violation.  Violations at this level include but are not necessarily limited to the accumulation and/or repetition of Level II and III violations and/or the following:

  • more extreme and/or increasingly pervasive instances of harassment, bullying, hazing, assault retaliation, intimidation, threatening speech or behavior
  • more extreme and/or increasingly pervasive instances of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, hate speech/crimes
  • more extreme and/or increasingly pervasive instances of behavior related to the personal safety and the well-being others
  • repeated offences related to all aspects of possession or consumption of illegal substances, alcohol and marijuana  

Minimum Consequence

Restitution (if applicable), and at least four or more of the following: educational consequences, behavioral contract, community service, fine, loss of privileges, disciplinary probation, suspension and expulsion.  Students should expect that Level IV alcohol/marijuana violations will result in a minimum fee of $150 to be used to fund alcohol education programs at FPU.   

Level V

Conduct of an egregious nature is considered a “Level V” violation.  In instances of egregious conduct, including the accumulation and/or repetition of Level II, III & IV violations, the university reserves the right to review and respond to student behavior administratively.  Such instances of egregious behavior include but are not limited to: substantial disruptions to the institutional mission; substantial disruption to the educational process; undue risk to persons and property; threats against persons or property; etc. 

Minimum Consequence

Immediate suspension from campus and classes, and/or loss of privileges pending the outcome of hearings and/or appeals.

Special Note #1: The university recognizes that there is a certain amount of subjectivity in determining the appropriate conduct level.  Therefore, the following, in no particular order of importance, will be taken into consideration when determining the appropriate conduct level: established precedent; threat/risk to self, others and property; disruption to the educational process; and pervasiveness.

Special Note #2: Depending on the severity of the issue, the harm or damage caused to individuals or property, repeat offences, the accumulation of violations and/or especially egregious behavior, violations listed in level I, II, III and IV may be processed, at the discretion of the university, at a higher level than originally stated here.