Article XVI

Article XVI. Community Standards Board

Section 1. Mandate

The Community Standards Board is responsible for upholding the behavioral standards of Smith College through a fair and transparent process. The procedures provide all parties an opportunity to present and respond to alleged violations of policies and indicate the bases on which the college will make determinations regarding policy violations.

Section 2. Procedures

1. The full procedures of the Community Standards Board can be found in the Student Handbook.
2. The Student Government Association retains the right to review and amend any such proposed changes to the procedures.

Section 3. Types of Hearings

1. Administrative Settlement:
   1. This option is available if the following requirements are met:
      1. The student takes responsibility for the violation;
      2. The student has not received a previous sanction from the Community Standards Board; and
      3. The violation is deemed to be minor by the hearing officer
   2. Under this option, a student waives their right to a hearing and to the appeal process.
   3. While a responding party may participate in the conversation about the appropriate sanction, the decision ultimately rests with the hearing officer
   4. A student is never required to accept an Administrative Settlement. If this option is declined, there will be a hearing.
2. Community Standards Board Hearing:
   1. Full Board: This option is conducted by a five-member panel, with the support of a non-voting Chair, to hear cases, determine responsibility, and decide on sanctions, if appropriate.
   2. Administrative Board: This option functions in the same manner as the Full Board, but requires only a three-member panel. An Administrative Board may be called when there is a demonstrated need for expediency when the Community Standards Full Board cannot be convened due to academic year timing, lack of a quorum, or exceptional privacy concerns are deemed to exist.

Section 4. Student Panelist Selection

1. Nominations will normally be accepted each spring for the following year, student positions will be open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and Ada Comstock Scholars.
   1. To serve in the panel pool, students must:
      1. Have completed at least one full semester at the college.
      2. Be enrolled and in good standing, including not on academic or disciplinary probation.
      3. Have completed 32 hours of academic credit with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
      4. Have no active sanction and/or record of misconduct during the semester(s) in which a student wishes to serve on the panel. A serious history of misconduct could disqualify a student for service.
      5. Complete an application and submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member, staff member, or administrator from within the College community.
2. The Student Government Association Elections and Appointments Committee will support the nomination and selection process with the non-voting administrative chair of the Community Standards Board.

Section 5. Procedural Review

1. The college will review the Community Standards Board procedures at least every five years and will ask the Student Government Association to appoint two student representatives to serve on the review committee.