Resources for Parents

In the Vice President and Dean of Student Life Office, we value partnering with the parents, guardians, or those providing support to our students. As such, the information below is provided to assist you in supporting your student through the conduct process at Dickinson.

Partnership with Parents/Guardians

We hope that our graduates are well prepared for the complex society they will be facing, and working as partners with you, we can help your student work towards this preparation by learning from their decisions. It is important to note that we do not share hearing outcomes with parents/guardians unless notification has been sanctioned by the hearing officer or panel, which often occurs when your student's status has been altered or is in jeopardy of being altered.

A complete description of the Student Conduct Process can be found in the Community Standards.

If you have specific questions regarding the contact process, please contact the Vice President and Dean of Student Life Office at 717-245-1676 and we will be happy to answer them.

Frequently Asked Questions from Parents/Guardians

Should I come to the hearing?
Often when students’ status at the College is in jeopardy, students wish to have their parent(s)/guardian(s) present. You are welcome to come to campus for the hearing to be a support source. You cannot be present in the room during the hearing, however.

Can I speak for my student?
No. Parents/Guardians cannot speak on the behalf of their student throughout the process.

What is the best way to assist my student through this process?
We suggest clarifying the expectations you have with your student, asking questions of your student, and clarifying any concerns. We also suggest you ask the student what they need from you during this process, as it encourages self-reflection and self-advocacy. Finally, it is useful to review the conduct process with your student so they are fully prepared for the hearing and know what to expect.

Can a lawyer represent my student through this process?
No. Lawyers are not able to represent a student or organization during an on-campus hearing. Ours is not a legal process, but an educational one.

Will this be on my students’ permanent record?
Outcomes of informal resolutions, alone, do not appear on a student or organization’s conduct record; however, these outcomes can be taken into consideration if addition violations occur.

Once a student has been found responsible for violating the Community Standards by formal resolution proceedings, all records of matters addressed by informal resolution shall be transferred to and become a part of a student’s conduct record.

Affirmative findings of responsibility in matters resolved by formal resolution proceedings are part of a student’s conduct record. 

Disciplinary sanctions are not noted on a student’s transcript. The conduct files of students who withdrew with pending disciplinary action or have been suspended or expelled from the College are maintained in the Vice President and Dean of Student Life Office indefinitely.  In most matters, conduct files of students who have not been suspended or expelled are destroyed seven years following their graduation.  Students who withdraw prior to graduation and who have not been suspended or expelled are destroyed seven years following their departure. 

Records of disciplinary action involving organizations (other than stayed suspension, suspension or expulsion) are maintained in the Vice President and Dean of Student Life Office indefinitely.

Further questions should be directed to the Director of Student Conduct.