This site contains information to aid traditional undergrad students in developing a better understanding of Simpson University’s conduct expectations and the Disciplinary and Amnesty processes. The goal in providing this information is to encourage students to make mindful, ethical and respectful choices or decisions. The Office of Campus Life strives to support students in attaining their educational goals while implementing the facets of The Simpson Way:

• Christ: My Focus
• Character: My Priority
• Community: My Responsibility

• Traditional Discipline

  We believe in

  

  • As the writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews says, “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening…” At Simpson University, we believe in “redemptive discipline” as opposed to “punitive discipline.” While punishment looks back and is concerned that the person “pay” for their actions, often producing fear and anger in the one being punished, at Simpson, redemptive discipline looks forward, seeking the best way to assist the student in developing positive traits and patterns of living and is designed to produce a sense of being cared for in the one being disciplined (SU Traditional Undergraduate Handbook).
  • The Student Code outlines what is expected of students as well as what students can expect of the university.
  • The Student Conduct Process is an avenue to educate individual students while balancing the needs of the community.
• Reporting Concerning Behavior

  If you would like to file an allegation regarding potential student conduct violation(s) please fill out the allegation form at simpsonu.edu/incident. Please note that anonymous allegations will not be accepted or investigated.

  If your concern for a student is not based on disciplinary issues, please fill out a CARE Report at simpsonu.edu/care.

  Please note the difference between an CARE report and an allegation below:

  CARE Report: a record that details an incident of minor to great concern such as a health or safety issue or a concern that is not a violation of the Simpson University Student Code. Examples of concerning behavior could include signs of depression or anxiety, not eating or socializing in a way the student once did, withdrawal or excessive amounts of time away from others, panic attack(s), or doing poorly in his/her studies.

  Allegation: charge(s) against any student for potential misconduct and alleged violations of the Student Code. Examples of Student Code violations include, but are not limited to, alcohol/tobacco/drugs, sexual misconduct, harassment, physical harm or violations of state or federal law.

• Amnesty
  

  Students who struggle with issues that violate Simpson University’s Student Code and wish to request Amnesty are encouraged to seek help and support from Campus Life and other areas of the university. Examples of such issues include, but are not limited to, pregnancy, drugs, alcohol, pornography, and sexual behaviors.

  Knowing that many university students who struggle with these issues may fear asking for help because of the potential consequences, Simpson University has established an Amnesty Policy. This policy allows students who want to receive help and support to work through these issues and accept accountability for these behaviors without going through the normal discipline process. Those students who seek help from Student Development receive appropriate assistance. Students requesting help are asked to abstain from the behavior and may be asked to sign a behavioral agreement and/or seek professional help.

  Students must request help and amnesty before any disciplinary conversation addressing the specific inappropriate behavior(s) occurs. Typical disciplinary conversations are carried out by staff members, including student leaders, from the offices of Student Life. Students also must be honest, cooperative, and compliant with Amnesty requirements, and demonstrate a true desire to change. Failure to abide by the terms of an Amnesty agreement may result in the termination of the Amnesty agreement and a transfer to the traditional attempt discipline process.

  Please see the SU Traditional Undergraduate Handbook for additional information. Students may contact the Coordinator of Campus Life via amnestyprogram@simpsonu.edu to request amnesty or to learn more about the policy.

• Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q:  What is the difference between a CARE report and an allegation?

    A: CARE Report: a record that details an incident of minor to great concern such as an health, academic or safety issue or a concern that is not a violation of the Simpson University Student Code

    Allegation: charge(s) against any student for potential misconduct and alleged violations of the Student Code

  • Q:  What is the purpose and heart behind the discipline process at SU?

    A:  The following is the general heart behind the discipline process at SU and how allegations are handled (SU TUG Handbook):

    "The process by which potential Student Code violations are handled seeks to employ respect for all parties and balance care for individuals with care for the community as a whole. Simpson University’s redemptive discipline process is complainant driven in nature. While we care about issues that concern our community, we respond to issues as they are properly brought to our attention rather than attempting to uncover potential Student Code violations through extensive investigations. Students, staff and faculty alike are expected to employ the Matthew 18:15-16 resolution model by personally confronting concerns as appropriate and then follow the protocol outlined in the Student Handbook to file an allegation or pursue a response from the appropriate area (i.e., Residence Life, Campus Safety, Facilities, etc.). Anonymous allegations will not be adjudicated."

  • Q:  Does an allegation have to have a victim?

    A:  No, an allegation does not need to have a victim. An allegation may be submitted any time there is a concern that a violation of the Student Code may have occurred. This can include cases where there are victims (i.e., sexual harm, theft) but not in all cases (i.e., alcohol violation, tobacco use on campus, etc.).

  • Q:  If there is a victim, should the victim be the one to bring a defined allegation?

    A:  Any member of the university community can submit an allegation. The preference is for the person who observed the alleged behavior or experienced it first-hand to serve as the Complainant (the person filing the allegation) after first confronting the person with a "Matthew 18 conversation". However, there are times where witnesses or victims are not willing to file an allegation but are willing to be named as witnesses within the allegation. In those cases, it is permissible for a member of the university community to "pick up the offense" and to become the Complainant. However, in cases where we do not have a willing victim who will allow his/her name to be used in the allegation, the allegation will be considered to "not have merit". In other words, for cases involving a victim, the victim must be willing to be named in the allegation or we will not be able to adjudicate the case (there may be some exceptions such as Title IX cases).

  • Q:  What is the difference between an allegation and a safety concern?

    A:  There are times where they overlap. If the safety concern falls under the category of Student Code and it is submitted as an allegation, then our office will follow up with a response (i.e. cases involving theft, vandalism, violations of federal or state law, etc.).

  • Q:  What is the difference between Traditional Discipline and Amnesty?

    A:  The aim of Amnesty is to encourage students to self-disclose violations of the Student Code in order to receive accountability and support in a redemptive and confidential manner. Students who come forward who have not been confronted by a Student Life employee are eligible to request Amnesty which involves higher levels of confidentiality (i.e., in most cases, supervisors will not be notified and students will likely not be disqualified from university participation such as student leadership and athletics). While traditional discipline highly values confidentiality, there are cases where university supervisors and athletic coaches will be notified of disciplinary concerns.

  • Q:  When does a discipline case go to a Student Conduct Board Hearing?

    A:  When an allegation is submitted, the Student Conduct Administrator will meet with the respondent(s), the person(s) who have been accused of violating one or more sections of the Simpson University Student Code. If the respondent denies the allegation or a portion of the allegation, the case would then be taken before a Student Conduct Board to hear testimony in a fair, non-confrontational manner to determine responsibility and to make recommendations for sanctions (disciplinary consequences).