Welcome from the Dean of Students
Capital University is a teaching and learning community in which the ideals of freedom of inquiry, thought, and expression are sustained. Exercise and preservation of these freedoms require a respect for the individual as well as the rights of all in the community. As individuals grow and mature in communities we depend on the knowledge, integrity and the decency of all. Different ideas, opinions, and values help to build a "constructive community" where divergent ideas help to make for a more complete educational experience.
The Dean of Student's office is ultimately responsible for the quality of campus life, working closely with Residence Life and & Housing and Student Activities to create a vibrant campus community.
Capital establishes expectations, policies, and procedures that are designed to protect individual freedoms and build a strong transparent, collaborative, ethical and just community of learners. All Capital students assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the University's function as an educational institution. We understand that learning and living in a community is not without difficult dialogues, personal challenges, and the need for support, reflection and guidance. The office of Student Affairs, its staff, and particularly the Dean of Students is charged with helping all learners succeed.
The Student Handbook and the Undergraduate Bulletin: Two Publications Needed for Student Success
Every Capital student is expected to read , understand and abide by all campus policies, procedures and University expectations contained in the student handbook: Student Handbook and Academic Planner (PDF) . The document contains student organization policies, campus resources, residence life and housing policies and procedures, academic integrity policies and the student code of conduct to support the challenges and celebrations associated with educational expectations and community life. The Capital University Undergraduate Bulletin is an online publication that details the policies, support procedures and resources for academic undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional programs. As a member of the Capital community you are expected to take responsibility as a partner with your faculty advisor to understand your academic program and make decisions and take actions to ensure your academic success.
We Provide Advocacy and Referral Assistance
We provide guidance and support to students as they seek to resolve educational and personal challenges that may affect their academic progress. If you need assistance in situations such as a death in the family, medical or other illness, accident, or if you just don't know where to go, we encourage you to call or stop by our office in the Campus Center.
We will provide one-on-one consultations for students seeking guidance in resolving educational and personal challenges; providing assistance and resource referrals that are focused on encouraging and empowering students to make the more right choices for challenging situations.
Know the Student Code of Conduct
Student conduct is not viewed as isolated from the educational community but as part of the whole student learning process. The Code of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity protects the freedoms and liberties inherent in an academic community for individuals and groups of students. At Capital University, all students are expected to know the code, and be responsible members of the learning community.
Although ultimate authority for student misconduct rests with the Board of Trustees of Capital University, it delegates disciplinary authority to the senior student life officers to appoint conduct officers and determine the appropriate conduct officer or body to hear cases of student misconduct. The Dean of Students is primarily responsible as the institution's student conduct processes assisting students with the examination of behavior of conduct which interferes with or is perceived as detrimental to the educational process through the conduct system. Violations of the Student Code of Conduct can be administered by one of six conduct officers or two hearing boards.
Mediation
Students are always encouraged to settle disagreements through civil discourse and honest disclosure. If all students agree to resolve a conflict through mediation we will provide services and training in alternative dispute resolution and conflict management.
Restorative Justice
The Restorative Justice program involves the voluntary participation of the complainant (victim), the alleged respondent (offender) and members of the community in discussions about the alleged misconduct. The goals of a restorative justice process are to restore the damaged relationship, fix the damage that has occurred, prevent further misconduct allowing each participant to focus on the harm that has occurred and to best decide how to repair that harm and restore the community.
Additional Resources
Student Handbook and Academic Planner
Code of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
Leave of Absence or Withdrawal Checklist (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions for Attorneys (PDF)