The Process

Students who make decisions to violate the community expectations and lifestyle standards are held accountable for their actions through a process that is intended to be redemptive and restorative with the care and development of each person in mind. Student Life personnel including resident assistants, area coordinators, assistant area coordinators, the associate dean of students, and the dean of community life, as well as the Community Accountability Board (CAB), approach the process of community accountability with a desire to journey with the student and help them be fully restored to the community. The desired outcome is helping students learn, as well as encouraging them to make better decisions.

The process begins with the student being confronted regarding their behavior.  After an investigation by appropriate student life personnel, the process of community accountability is adjudicated by one of two groups: an informal process conducted by student life personnel; or a formal course of action administered by the CAB.  The appropriate course of action is dependent on the specific situation or community expectation breached by the student.  In some instances the student life staff makes this determination; while in others the student is given a choice in selecting their route of accountability. Once this is decided, the incident is then assessed and appropriate sanctions are determined and implemented.

It is difficult to codify how all incidents may be handled because each situation brings with it a unique set of circumstances. The consequences, pieces of accountability and support may vary as each situation is considered by student life or the CAB.  In processes, confidentiality and a respect for the privacy of the student is imperative.  Student Life and the CAB are committed to caring about the student within a redemptive and restorative environment.

Incidents processed by Student Life

Student situations dealt with by the student life staff include the following procedures:

  • The details of the case are reviewed and decisions are made regarding appropriate pieces of accountability.
  • The student life staff member sends written communication to the student outlining the required sanctions and subsequent timelines for completion.
  • Required sanctions and pieces of accountability are then fulfilled by the student.  Student life staff ensures the student fulfills these sanctions.

Incidents processed by the CAB

Student situations administered by the CAB include the following procedures:

  • Student life staff presents written facts of the incident and appropriate pieces of documentation to the CAB Chair.
  • The student generally appears in person before the CAB to share their involvement and answer pertinent questions.  The student may bring any written materials they want to give the CAB.  A student may also bring a written character reference letter to the meeting.
  • The student is then dismissed and the CAB assesses the situation.  Appropriate accountability and sanctioning is decided and implemented by the CAB.
  • The CAB sends written communication to the student outlining the required sanctions and subsequent timelines for completion.
  • Required pieces of accountability from the CAB are then fulfilled by the student.  The student life staff ensures the student fulfills these sanctions.

 About the CAB (Community Accountability Board)

The CAB convenes one a week to process incidents.  They are comprised of seven members of the GFU community.  Two are employees and the others are students.  In each situation, the goal of the CAB is to reach a consensus decision regarding the process of accountability for the student.