Accountability Outcomes

Accountability Outcomes are issued via letter, sent to the student's LSU e-mail address. Outcomes include deadlines, details and specific instructions for completion. Registered Student Organizations (RSO’s) also receive outcomes and will be sent the president or primary contact for the organization. 

If a Charged Student is found to be responsible for a violation, appropriate sanctions will be determined based on the specific facts of the case, the student's level of intent, and the student's prior accountability history. Accountability Outcomes are assigned first with education in mind and then a punitive component. 

The goal of the Accountability process at LSU is to educate students and initiate change.  Therefore, SAA uses a set of guidelines in determining the appropriate outcome in each case and to ensure consistency across similar cases.  As a general principle, each Accountability Outcome for a student who is found responsible for violating the LSU Code of Student Conduct includes a probationary period of time, a reflective exercise, an educational opportunity, and/or a restorative justice component. Cases of Academic Misconduct may also include a grade impact and transcript notation. Outcomes include learning objectives and include all relevant instructions for students to begin completing activities immediately upon receipt.

Below is a list of accountability statuses and definition of each:

Warning

A written warning issued to a Student or RSO, indicating that Responsibility for a violation of the Code.  This will be in effect for a specified time period and will not be recorded on the Student’s academic transcript.

Disciplinary Probation

Disciplinary Probation is a status for a specified period of time during which any further violation of the Code or University policy jeopardizes the Student(s) or RSO's status with the University. Disciplinary Probation with restriction includes loss of privileges, including but not limited to, removal from residential facilities, inability to hold a position of leadership in a registered Student organization, participation in intramurals, LSU study abroad programs, and/or other representation of the University. Disciplinary Probation without restriction would allow students to participate in Student organization leadership, intramurals, studying abroad or other specified co-curricular activities. Disciplinary Probation will not be recorded on the student's academic transcript except in cases of Academic Misconduct.  For a first-time violation, that is not serious in nature, undergraduate students typically remain on disciplinary probation for 1-2 semesters. Disciplinary probation for an RSO may include, but is not limited to, loss or limitation of social events or inability to participate in University events or activities. 

Interim Measures

The Director of SAA and/or designee(s) may impose Interim Measures prior to the conclusion of the Accountability Process related to an alleged violation upon reasonable belief that a Respondent’s continued presence on University-controlled property or at University-affiliated activities constitutes an immediate threat of harm to students, other individuals, or University premises. Interim Measures may vary depending on the nature of the allegation of misconduct, status of Respondent, or other criteria and may include, without limitation, issuing a timely warning to the campus community, separating the parties, placing limitations on contact between the parties, interim suspension from Campus, or making alternative workplace, classroom, course scheduling, dining, or student housing arrangements. Interim Measures will be subject to the following procedures:

1. Written notice of the alleged violation and reasons for enacting the Interim Measure must be provided to the Respondent within seventy-two (72) hours of determination of an immediate threat of harm to students, other individuals, or University premises. 
2. Within seven (7) business days of the written notice of Interim Measures, unless waived by the Respondent, an Interim Measures Hearing will be conducted to determine whether there is substantial evidence that the Respondent poses an immediate threat of harm to students, other individuals, or University premises and that the Interim Measures are appropriate to mitigate that risk. During such hearing, the Respondent and alleged victim (if applicable), may be represented by an Advisor. Such hearing will be conducted by the Dean of Students and at least one other designee. The Interim Measures Hearing may result in a continuance of, revocation of, and/or modification of the Interim Measures. 
   1. Respondents reinstated to the University following an interim suspension under this Section will be afforded the opportunity to make up academic work missed during the period the suspension was imposed. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to make arrangements with instructors for completing missed work.
   2. In cases where interim suspension is upheld as a result of the Interim Measures Hearing, the suspension will remain in effect until a final outcome is reached through the Accountability Process.
   3. If Respondent is unable to attend the Interim Measures Hearing, the Hearing shall move forward in absentia.  

Suspension

Suspension is the physical separation from the University for Misconduct. A Student may be suspended for at least one semester and/or for multiple years. The Suspension may be delayed at the discretion of the Dean of Students and/or SAA. Students Suspended from the University may be readmitted if they meet the Admissions requirements to the University, degree granting College and if approved by the Dean of Students and/or SAA.  When a Student is Suspended from the University, he or she may NOT be on Campus without specific written authorization by the Dean of Students and/or SAA. Suspension from the University will be recorded on the Student's academic transcript.

An RSO may be suspended for no less than one semester. The suspension may be delayed at the discretion of the Dean of Students and/or SAA. Suspension will include rescission of University registration. An RSO that has completed a period of suspension may seek reinstatement by complying with the registration requirements of the appropriate University department. 

Expulsion

Expulsion is the permanent separation of a Student from the University without the possibility of readmission. When a Student is expelled from the University, he or she may NOT enter or remain on Campus without specific written authorization by the Dean of Students and/or SAA. Expulsion will be recorded on the Student's academic transcript.

No Contact Directive

A Student or RSO may be directed to cease all communication and contact with another Student, group of Students, Instructor, or other University employee or contractor. Under a no contact directive, a Student may be prohibited from entering or remaining in or around a specified University building, facility or area of campus. This may also be issued as an interim measure in cases where it has been determined that a Student or RSO can be a threat or harm to others

Grade Impact

In situations involving Academic Misconduct, a Student may be assigned a failing grade for the work in question, may receive zero credit, no credit or partial credit for the work in question, may have the student's overall class grade lowered by one letter, or may receive a failing grade for the course. The first violation for an undergraduate student may result in a failing grade for the work in question and the overall grade lowered by one letter; while the first violation for a graduate student may result in a failing grade for the course. Students who are found responsible for a violation of academic misconduct may not drop the course in which the misconduct occurred.  If a student does attempt to drop the course, they will be reenrolled by the Office of the Dean of Students and/or SAA.

Informal Resolution

A student may accept an informal resolution in behavioral misconduct cases. An informal resolution will not be considered a part of a student’s permanent record, except for cases resulting in suspension, expulsion, or revocation of degree. SAA will not share any records with any external requesting agencies, unless required to do so by law. Upon accepting an Informal Resolution, the student waives all rights to a formal hearing. The student may not revoke or appeal an Informal Resolution.