Following a conduct outcome, a notice to your parents or guardian may be sent home
if you are found responsible for violating the alcohol and/or drug policy. The Federal
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives West Chester University limited
ability to notify parents when students under the age of 21 violate any law or policy
concerning the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance. If you are
independent, you can file a Proof of Independent Status form with our office to prevent the outcome from being sent.
Part of the mission of West Chester University is to educate students on civic engagement
by becoming socially responsible citizens. Students who choose to live in off-campus
housing in the Borough of West Chester are encouraged to be good neighbors who practice
responsible citizenship and are respectful of the rules and laws that govern our community.
To ensure responsible citizenship, the WCU Student Code of Conduct encompasses both
on-campus and off-campus behaviors which include violation of Borough, state and federal
laws. A student is responsible for their behavior, regardless of where they live,
and violations will be processed in accordance with guidelines as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct
The University is dedicated to the goal of students being engaged into the rich fabric
of our diverse West Chester community through their positive contributions and conscientious
behavior as representatives of WCU.
You may pay via TouchNet or over the phone at 610-436-2552 (Bursar's Office).
You will find the fine amount you are to pay in your Outcome Letter.
A hold from Student Conduct would have been placed on your account if you did not
complete one of your sanction conditions by the required due date. If you have a question
about this you should contact your University Hearing Officer. This person is listed
on your Outcome letter. Once your Hearing Officer verifies you have completed the
sanction, he/she can contact the Office of Student Conduct to remove the hold. If
you are unable to get in contact with your Hearing Officer, you can contact the Office
of Student Conduct in 200 Ruby Jones Hall or 610-436-3511.
Your disciplinary record is private. You can choose to release information about your
conduct records to specific individuals (i.e. parents/guardians) by completing a Student Release of Information form. You can find more detailed information about the release of disciplinary records
in the Student Code of Conduct, Disciplinary Records and Retention section (typically found on the last page).
- Some on-campus jobs require your consent to check your disciplinary history as part
of their application process (i.e. Resident Assistants and Orientation Leaders).
- Some programs (i.e. Study Abroad), graduate schools, professional schools (i.e. medical
and law), and jobs requiring the handling of sensitive information (i.e. US Government
positions) often ask for you to obtain disciplinary clearance as part of the application
process. See the Disciplinary Clearances page for more details.
- Additionally, if you are a member of an Athletic Team or serve on the Executive Board
of your organization or club, your Coach or Organization/Club Advisor may also be
notified.
You have the option to appeal. At the bottom of your Outcome Letter you will find
a link to the Appeal form you need to complete. There will also be a date by which you need to submit
your appeal. You can appeal based on:
- Violations of procedures;
- Severity of the sanction is not supported by the evidence;
- Lack of substantial evidence upon which a determination of guilt can be based; and
/or
- New evidence that was not previously available, and that might substantially change
the nature of the case.
If you have been called as a witness in a hearing that means that you many have information
to share that would help clarify what took place during the incident. As a witness
you would participate in the hearing by answering questions about what you observed
during the incident.
If you violate the University’s Alcohol and/or Drug Policy you will receive the following
fines in addition to the cost of any citation you have received:
- Alcohol Fines:
- 1st offense ($100.00), 2nd offense ($200.00), 3rd offense ($300.00)
- Drug Fines:
- 1st offense ($100.00), 2nd offense ($200.00), 3rd offense ($300.00)
Fines increase with each violation (i.e. you violate the alcohol policy in October
and get a $100.00 fine for a first violation; then you violate the alcohol policy
the following April and get a $200.00 fine for a second violation).
Please see the
iCare page and complete the appropriate form.