This month’s post takes a clear, student-friendly look at how non-academic misconduct is defined and addressed at Waterloo under Policy 71. Because this policy also governs academic misconduct, next month’s post will explore the academic side in Part 2.
This first part focuses on behaviour outside the classroom and how the university responds when behaviour causes disruption, harm, or impacts the learning or working environment.
Non-Academic Behaviour at Waterloo
Waterloo uses three main policies to address non-academic behaviour concerns. Each policy covers a different type of behaviour or impact.
|
Policy 71 provides the university’s formal mechanism for addressing student misconduct, including non-academic behaviour that disrupts university activities, endangers others, or damages property.
|
Policy 33 outlines expectations that all members of the university maintain a respectful, fair, and inclusive learning and working environment. It is used when behaviour affects someone’s ability to study or work, and it provides guidance on addressing concerns informally or formally. Although Policy 33 describes expectations, any formal disciplinary outcomes related to student behaviour are issued under Policy 71. |
Policy 42 Gender-Based and Sexual Violence Alleged Against Students Policy 42 addresses Gender-Based and Sexual Violence (GBSV). It defines Gender-Based Violence as harm or abuse connected to a person’s gender or gender expression, and defines Sexual Violence as any act targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identity, or gender expression that is committed, threatened, or attempted without consent.
|
|---|
What Falls Under Policy 71
When we talk about non-academic misconduct under Policy 71, we are talking about behaviour that disrupts campus life or affects the safety or experience of others. Here are some examples of what can fall under the policy:
- Threatening or aggressive behaviour
- Damage to property or vandalism
- Misuse of university facilities
- Disrupting classes, labs, events, or operations
- Behaviour involving substances that put others at risk
These examples are not exhaustive, but they give a sense of the types of issues the university reviews under Policy 71.
A Note on Criminal Proceedings Against a Student
Sometimes a situation is also addressed through the criminal justice system. When that happens, Policy 71 still applies, but the decision-making shifts. Instead of the associate dean handling the case, the Vice President Academic and Provost becomes the decision maker while keeping the associate dean informed. A student can still appeal this decision through the University Committee on Student Appeals.
This allows the university to respond promptly while criminal proceedings unfold separately.
You Have Received a Notice of Allegation: Now What?
Receiving an email about a Policy 71 allegation can feel overwhelming, but the steps that follow are fairly simple.
You have rights
Under the policy, you are entitled to:
- A presumption of innocence
- Clear information about the allegation
- A chance to share your perspective
- A fair review that follows the balance of probabilities standard
Who is involved?
- Associate Dean: Leads the process, reviews evidence, meets with you, and makes a decision.
- You: You can respond, ask questions, bring information, and bring a support person if that helps.
- Campus offices: Depending on the situation, offices like the Conflict Management Office, Special Constable Services, or SVPRO may be involved in support or information sharing.
Interim Measures
While the case is being reviewed, the university may put temporary measures in place. These are not findings of wrongdoing. They are short-term steps intended to prevent further impact or keep everyone safe.
Examples of interim measures can include:
- Temporary restrictions on certain spaces or activities which may extend to the whole university.
- Adjustments to participation in classes or campus events
- Safety planning or separation measures
If you believe an interim measure is unnecessary or unfair, you can raise that concern directly with the associate dean, who can review or modify it as needed.
Possible Outcomes
Outcomes vary depending on what happened and how serious the impact was. Here is a simple breakdown of what may happen under Policy 71:
Less Serious Outcomes
- Written warnings
- Educational or reflective assignments
- Required meetings or training
- Restitution for damaged property
These outcomes are often used when the issue is limited in scope and can be addressed with learning or repair.
More Significant Outcomes
- Disciplinary probation
- Loss of certain privileges or access
- Temporary campus restrictions
These outcomes are used when the behaviour has a broader impact or raises safety concerns.
Most Serious Outcomes
- Suspension
- Expulsion
These decisions are reserved for the most severe cases, such as substantial harm, repeated issues, or behaviour that puts others at significant risk.
Next Steps: Understanding the Appeal Pathway
If you receive a decision under Policy 71 and believe there was an error or unfairness in the process, your next option is the appeal mechanism under Policy 72 Student Appeals. Policy 72 outlines the grounds for appeal and how the review works. This gives students a way to request a second look if something does not feel right.