Updated Response Process for Off-Campus Student Conduct Violations Announced

The George Washington University announced on Friday an updated progressive disciplinary process for off-campus student conduct violations that includes a range of university responses.

The Office of Off-Campus Student Affairs will expand education and prevention efforts for students living off-campus with publications, online resources, individual consultations, programs and events. Current student resources include the Guide to Living Off Campus, the “Being a Good Neighbor” online orientation and the Off-Campus Housing Fair.

The Office of Students Rights and Responsibilities (SRR) will manage all of the off-campus conduct violations through an updated response process that outlines university actions and possible disciplinary sanctions for off-campus noise and trash violations by GW students.

The updated process takes effect on Aug. 23, the start of the fall semester.

“We are committed to promoting a safe and vibrant community for GW and our Foggy Bottom, West End and Mount Vernon Campus neighbors,” said Peter Konwerski, vice provost and dean of student affairs. “This updated disciplinary process will allow us to provide a standard university response to off-campus conduct violations using a range of educational options to address various behaviors.”

SRR will evaluate cases based on the severity of the violation, the frequency of reported incidents and the student’s administrative or disciplinary history. SRR also will consider whether the student violated other university policies at the time of the incident.

Initial off-campus noise and trash violations will result in a warning letter issued by SRR, and subsequent violations will result in increased action, including potential fines, as outlined on the response chart.

The university discussed the process for off-campus conduct violations with student leaders and neighborhood groups more than a year ago and continued to share progress as the process was being developed. Development included benchmarking with other universities with similar off-campus student services.

Student leaders and community members were recently informed of the plan during meetings earlier this month.

SRR is a three-part unit of the Division of Student Affairs that includes the Office of Academic Integrity and the Office of Civility and Community Standards. The office is committed to fostering a healthy campus community by providing resources to guide students in making positive decisions that align with the Code of Student Conduct and the Code of Academic Integrity.