Point, Fine, and Community Service System For situations not addressed through Restorative Practices, a point, fine, and community service system is used to address discipline-related issues.
The purpose of the sanctions is not simply to punish but to reinforce the principles of the Student Honor Code.
For On-Campus living guidelines that are not part of the point system please refer to the On-Campus Living Guide. The On-Campus Living Guide is governed by the Office of Residence Life. Sanctions for Liberty Way violations are determined based upon the following guidelines:
Late to Convocation (1 additional point for each additional 15 minutes late)
Late for curfew (1 additional point for each additional 30 minutes late)
4 Points (Includes a $10.00 Fine)
Absence from or disturbances in a required meeting (e.g., Convocation, hallmeeting, disciplinary proceeding, etc.)
Failure to respond to Student Affairs official correspondence within 48 hours
Improper sign-out Curfew violation other than late for curfew Appeals for one-to-four point offenses must be submitted to the respective Resident Director (RD) or to the Student Appeals Court through the link provided in the notification email within 48 hours of notification of a decision. The RD or the Student Appeals Court will uphold, modify, or overturn the violation(s) and or sanction(s). The decision will be final.
6 Points (Includes a $25.00 Fine)
Possession and/or use of tobacco
Use of e-cigarettes or vaping on campus
Gambling Attendance at a dance
Minor violation of the Statement on Personal and Community Respect (e.g., direct disobedience; disrespect to faculty, staff, or fellow student; noise disturbance on the hall; conduct that causes minor disruption to community or minor damage to property; minor usage of profane language) (may be considered a 12-18 point violation depending upon severity)
Appeals for 6-point offenses must be submitted to the respective RD or to the Student Appeals Court through the link provided in the notification email within 48 hours of notification of a decision. The RD or the Student Appeals Court will uphold, modify, or overturn the violation(s) and or sanction(s). The decision will be final.
12 Points (Includes a $50.00 Fine)
Minor violation of the Statement on Sexuality and Relationships (e.g., inappropriate personal contact; visiting alone with the opposite sex at an off-campus residence; entering the residence hallway, quad, or on-campus apartment of the opposite sex or allowing the same; visiting any dwelling or residence with a member of the opposite sex in inappropriate circumstances)
Violation of the Entertainment Guidelines (may be considered a 12-18 point violation depending upon severity)
Violation of the Statement on Personal and Community Respect, creating a disruption to community (may be considered a 12-18 point violation depending upon severity)
Appeals for 12-point offenses must be submitted to the respective RD or the Student Appeals Court through the link provided in the notification email within 48 hours of notification of a decision. The RD or the Student Appeals Court will uphold, modify, or overturn the violation(s) and/or sanction(s). The decision will be final.
18 Points (Includes a $250.00 Fine and 18 Hours of Community Service)
Academic misconduct, including dishonesty, plagiarism, or falsification
Commission or conviction of a misdemeanor
Falsification of information on an official document (including sign-out sheet)
Failure to properly identify oneself
Obstruction or making bad-faith claims of misconduct
Participation in a social gathering where alcohol is served (e.g., party, bar, nightclub, etc.)
Obscene, profane, or abusive language or behavior
Violation of the Entertainment Guidelines (may be considered a 12-18 point violation depending upon severity)
Violation of the Statement on Sexuality and Relationships (e.g., sexual misconduct, including inappropriate personal contact, any state of undress with a member of the opposite sex)
Threat to do bodily harm
Violation of the Statement on Personal and Community Respect, creating a disruption to community (may be considered a 12-18 point violation depending upon severity)
Theft (plus financial restitution and/or return)
Vandalism or property damage (plus financial restitution)
Appeals for 18-point offenses must be submitted to the Associate Dean of Students or to the Student Appeals Court through the link provided in the notification email within 48 hours of notification of a decision. The Associate Dean of Students or the Student Appeals Court will uphold, modify, or overturn the violation(s) and/or sanction(s). The decision will be final.
30 Points (Including a $500.00 Fine, 30 Hours of Community Service, Possible Administrative Withdrawal)
Severe or recurring academic misconduct violation, including dishonesty, plagiarism, or falsification
Commission or conviction of any felony
Violation of the Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy
Violation of the Statement on Sexuality and Relationships (e.g.,sexual immorality, including inappropriate personal contact, spending the night with a member of the opposite sex)
Life-threatening behavior or language (possible immediate removal/exclusion from campus and administrative withdrawal for a minimum of two semesters)
Violation of the Statement on Personal and Community Respect where personal harm is caused
Non-participation in classes or extended absence from university community without notice
Disruption to university community
Non-compliance with a directive of any university representative or Behavioral Plan
Possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs or non-prescribed controlled substances or involvement with another person engaged in any of these acts
Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages
Refusal to submit to an Alco-Sensor test or substance use test, as directed by a university representative
Procuring, financing, facilitating, or obtaining an abortion
Stealing or possession of stolen property (plus financial restitution)
Unauthorized possession or use of weapons
Violation of Liberty University’s Weapons Policy
Conduct inconsistent with Liberty’s mission or purpose that compromises the testimony or reputation of the university, or disrupts Liberty’s Christian learning environment Appeals for 30-point offenses (when non-return or administrative withdrawal is not imposed) must be submitted to the Dean of Students or to the Student Appeals Court through the link provided in the notification email within 48 hours of notification of a decision.
The Dean of Students or the Student Appeals Court will uphold, modify, or overturn the violation(s) and/or sanction(s). The decision will be final.
Appeals for 30-point offenses (when non-return or administrative withdrawal is imposed) must be submitted to the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs (SVPSA) or the Judicial Review Board (JRB) through the link provided in the notification email within 48 hours of notification of a decision (see the appeals section for further explanation of the JRB). If a request is made for the SVPSA to hear the appeal in place of the JRB, the SVPSA will decide whether to hear the appeal or refer to a JRB. The SVPSA or the JRB will uphold, modify, or overturn the violation(s) and or sanction(s). The decision will be final.
NOTE: As the semester ends, there may not be time for the student to complete a sanction of Community Service. In those situations, fines may be issued in lieu of Community Service as follows: 18 hours = $100.00 fine; 30 hours = $150.00 fine. Any student who violates disciplinary probation may not be allowed to return for the following semester.
Vacations and Breaks Major Liberty University regulations and policies are in effect at all times, including summer break and school breaks (i.e. weekends, fall break, Christmas break, spring break, etc.).
All students, whether residing on or off campus, are expected to abide by the guidelines and standards of conduct outlined in the Student Honor Code until the student graduates, or the student is dismissed from the university.
