The Community Standards Process

Code of Student Conduct

The community standards process exists for those who want to make a formal complaint regarding a hazing-related incident at the University.  The following information is intended to serve as a general overview of the Code of Student Conduct (“Code”) and the Office of Student Conduct’s grievance procedures for undergraduate, graduate, and School of Continuing Studies students.  The Law Center and School of Medicine have separate procedures for addressing complaints for students enrolled in those schools.

The student conduct system is based on a philosophy of balancing the common good of the community with the rights of the individual.  The Code outlines standards for maintaining a safe environment that support the University’s mission by allowing students the opportunity to develop intellectually, morally, spiritually, and socially.  It is designed to fit within the University’s larger education system and does not function as a court of law.  Procedural issues, including the introduction and consideration of information, are handled in a manner consistent with the University’s educational focus.  Where the allegations are more serious, and therefore the consequences more serious, the rules of procedure are structured appropriately.  The student conduct system is not a substitute for the criminal and civil courts, but it is an additional option for Complainants when the alleged violator is a Georgetown University student.

The community standards process is designed to be a non-adversarial, educational process. It is distinct from external processes such as the criminal justice system and, therefore, has its own rules concerning prohibited conduct, evidence, witnesses, procedures, and other processes. Timelines and deadlines may be adjusted or extended at the sole discretion of the University by its Community Educators, Decision Makers, or the Director of Student Conduct. University-issued email accounts will be used for communications under the Code. Students or Student Organizations involved in the community standards process are advised to check emails regularly throughout the process.

For more information about the community standards process, read the Code of Student Conduct (starting on page 13).