The philosophy of university policies for student life is defined on page 15 of the Student Handbook:

 Christopher Newport University is maintained and governed by the following five values: (1) We will always put students first; (2) We will always offer outstanding teaching; (3) We will remain committed to liberal learning; (4) We will provide access and opportunity; (5) We will be actively engaged in shaping the economic, civic, and cultural life of this community. Accordingly, the University has implemented policies that reinforce those values. As an educational institution, the University is concerned with the formal, in-class education of its students as well as their growth into mature men and women who conduct themselves as responsible citizens.

 The uniqueness of the academic community requires particular sensitivity to the individual rights of the students and the rights of the University community. Rules and regulations are imperative as a basis for the orderly conduct of University activities and for maintaining an environment conducive to study, recreation and personal growth. Regulations are intended to create sound living and learning conditions for all members of the campus community, and to promote an atmosphere that encourages personal integrity.

 Student Life policies are based upon the assumption that students and groups have the capacity to assume responsibility for their own behavior and that the University has the authority to establish an internal structure for enforcement of its policies and procedures that students have agreed to accept by enrolling at the University. Conversely, students have the right to expect the University to fulfill its educational responsibilities as effectively as its capacity and resources permit.

 Since rights carry with them certain responsibilities, the following rights and responsibilities — institutional as well as student — are set forth.

Both handbooks also include a section on students’ rights to privacy and the University’s associated compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Additional information about privacy is also posted on the Registrar’s website as part of the Undergraduate Catalog. A postcard is sent each semester to all registered students advising them of the availability of this information and the associated website.

The Student Code of Conduct lists the following actions of misconduct as subject to disciplinary action (Section IX: E):

• abusive conduct
• disorderly conduct/conduct infringing on the rights of others
• obscene conduct
• actions related to criminal charges
• violation of the alcohol beverage policy
• damage or destruction
• drugs
• failure to comply with a University official
• failure to observe rules and regulations
• use of fireworks/explosives/hazardous chemicals/weapons
• hazing
• involvement in a University violation
• misuse of fire-fighting equipment/arson/disregard of fire alarm/tampering
• stalking
• tampering with University property
• unauthorized entry or access

 The Honor Code
The Christopher Newport University Honor Code underlies all rights and responsibilities within its community. As Section I of the Student Handbook declares,

The reputation and credibility of an institution of higher education requires the commitment of every member of the community to uphold and to protect its academic and social integrity. As such, all members of the Christopher Newport University community agree to the following:

First-year students must attend an Academic Convocation at the start of the academic year. This event reinforces University expectations for honorable living. All students recite and sign the University Honor Code during the ceremony. Before Convocation, first-year students attend small group discussions, facilitated by members of the faculty. These groups dissect academic and non-academic case studies centered on the concept of honor.

When an alleged violation of university policy occurs, a process is initiated to ensure the student’s due process rights are protected and that the student is given an opportunity to explain his or her version of events. The following scenario is an example of this process from the initial reporting of the incident through the appeals process.

Case 1: Alcohol and 8 other alleged violations.

1. An Incident Report was written on October 28, 2005. It was received and reviewed by a judicial officer from the Office of Judicial Affairs on October 31, 2005.
2. Based on the incident report, a charge notice was generated on October 31, 2005.
3. A judicial officer met with the charged student on November 1, 2005.
4. The student was removed from housing on an interim basis because of the severity of the violations, the number of violations, and prior history. The student was given a letter restricting access to class at the conclusion of the meeting.
5. On November 2, 2005 the judicial officer found the student responsible for 7 of the 9 alleged violations. The student was notified by letter that the appropriate sanction could be a dismissal from the university.
6. On November 2, 2005 the student appealed the decision of the judicial officer.
7. On November 7, 2005 the student was notified of the date, time, location and composition of the hearing panel convened to review the case.
8. On November 10, the panel convened and the student presented evidence supporting the student’s positions on findings of fact and sanctions.
9. On November 11, the Panel Chair notified the Director of Judicial Affairs and Community Development of the decision of the panel.
10. The Director of Judicial Affairs and Community Development notified the student of the decision of the panel, which resulted in dismissal from the university, in the afternoon of November 11, 2005.
11. Student was provided with the right to appeal the decision of the hearing panel. Student declined.

This scenario is the general format followed for any violation of university policy with the exception of academic honor code violations. In the case where a faculty member suspects a student of an academic honor code violation, the faculty member is responsible for gathering information and seeking a meeting with the student so that he/she may respond to the allegations. When a determination is made that an academic honor code violation occurred, the faculty member may resolve the issue by assigning a lower or failing grade for the assignment or for the course. This grade may be appealed by the student through the prescribed grade appeals process. Should the faculty member deem the violation so egregious as to warrant input from the university community, an Honor Council may be convened.

While adjudication of alleged violations is a significant function of the Office of Judicial Affairs and Community Development, the office also fulfills an educational role. JACD has begun an Honor U campaign to remind the university community of the value and importance of honor. The campaign has included guest speakers, public service notices and judicial board training. In most cases the Honor Code is also integrated into course syllabi as well. Changes to the Code and related policies are considered annually and must be approved by the Faculty Senate, President, Board of Visitors and, when appropriate, the Office of the Attorney General.