Frequently Asked Questions

Click here for a glossary of terms. 

Q: What is the Office of Community Standards & Civility (OCSC)? 
A: The OCSC serves as an accountability partner for sstudents at WSSU. In doing this, we uphold Winston-Salem State University’s community standards and prpromote the RAMPact Values. We promote accountability, respect, and personal growth by addressing student conduct matters, fostering a safe and inclusive campus environment, and encouraging students to reflect on their choices to grow from their experiences. 

Q: What does “Community Standards & Ccivility” mcan? 
A: “Community Standards” refers to the values, rules, policies, and expectations that help maintain a safe and respectful learning environment conducive to personal and professional growth. “Civility” emphasizes the importance of treating others with dignity, engaging in constructive dialogue, and contributing positively to our campus community.

Q: Who is part of the Office of Community Standards & Civility? 
A: Our office includes the Director of Community Standards & Civility, the Coordinator of Community Standards & Civility, and the SGA Attorney General.  

Q: Is the goal of the conduct process to punish students? 
A: No. While there are varying consequences for violations, our goal is not simply to punish but to guide students toward healthier choices, enhanced understanding of accountability, successful reintegration into the campus community, and healing from the damage done when poor decisions are made 

Q: What is restorative justice? 
A: Restorative justice is an approach to resolving harm that focuses on repairing relationships, rebuilding trust, and helping students learn from their actions. Instead of only focusing on punishment, it emphasizes understanding the impact of behavior and taking steps to make things right. 

Q: What is a restorativecreative justice intervention plan (sanctions)? 
A: A restorative justice intervention plan—formerly referred to as “sanctions”—are educational or developmental step a student must complete following a conduct case. These may include reflective essays, community service, educational workshops, counseling, or other actions designed to help the student grow, repair harm, and avoid repeat behavior. 

Q: How does a Restorative Justice Intervention Plan help students return to the community? 
A: These plans address the root causes of an unhealthy or harmful decision and help students reflect on what happened, understand its impact, and take positive steps toward change. They may include educational programs, community service, reflection essays, or skill-building workshops—tools that promote personal development and community repair. 

Q: What are the levels of infractions? 
A: Infractions vary based on severity: 

• Level 1: Minor policy violations (e.g., noise complaints, housing policy violations, etc.). 
• Level 2: Moderate violations (e.g., repeated level 1 policy violations, drug and/or alcohol violations, etc.) 
• Level 3: Serious violations/Ram Red Flags (e.g., physical altercation, drug violence, drug distribution, weapon violations, etc.). 

Q: What are my rights as a student under the Students' Code of Conduct? 
A: You have the right to a fair and timely hearing, full knowledge of accusations, the opportunity to secure an Advisor, and confidentiality under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). 

Q: What if I need to report an infraction to the Students' Code of Conduct? 
A:If you are a student, administrator, faculty, or staff member, or a non-WSSU community member who needs to report an infraction of the WSSU Students’ Code of Conduct, enter the information on the Incident Reporting Form and submit. The information will be processed and handled accordingly. 

Q: Does the WSSU Students’ Code of Conduct apply to my behavior off-campus? 
A: Yes. The WSSU Students’ Code of Conduct may be invoked against students whose off-campus behavior potentially harms the interests of the University or threatens the well-being of students or employees. The University addresses cases involving violations of WSSU policy only. The court system adjudicates cases involving violations of local, state, and/or federal law. Depending on circumstances, students may have to go through one channel or the other, or in some cases, may be subject to both. 

Q: What is the standard of evidence used in the Student Conduct process? 
A: Decisions concerning student responsibility for alleged actions are made based on a "preponderance of the evidence"; that is, the hearing panel or administrator will determine what is "more likely than not" to have taken place. If a student is found responsible for his or her infractions within the process but not within the court system, as they are two separate entities, this will not be seen as "Double Jeopardy" due to the two different levels of standard of proof. 

Q: If I am found responsible for violating infractions, how will I find out what to do next?
A :If a student is found responsible for violating infractions to the WSSU Students’ Code of Conduct, the Administrative Hearing Officer will inform the student of their sanction during their hearing and how he or she will obtain their decision letter. If a student is found responsible for violating infractions to the WSSU Students’ Code of Conduct during a Community Standards & Civility Council Hearing, then he or she will be informed of their sanctions via electronic notification via their official university email address and hard copy (sent to their residential hall and/or permanent home address). A student's decision letter will outline the appeals process, grounds for appeal, deadlines, etc. 

Q: If criminal charges are dropped, can the University still pursue the matter? 
A: Yes. The University may pursue conduct action even if the criminal charges are incomplete, reduced, or dismissed. The University's conduct system is educational and completely separate from the criminal court system. 

Q: What if I have a hearing but decide to withdraw from the University? 
A: A Conduct Disciplinary Hold will be placed on the student's records if he or she withdraws from the University with a pending conduct violation or without completing the requirements of the student's conduct process (i.e., failure to fulfill a sanction). This "hold" prevents, among other things, registration, enrollment, transferring, or the awarding of a degree. 

Q: Will there be a conduct record even if I am found not responsible? 
A: Yes. Records are created for all student cases in which charges are alleged. If you are found "not responsible," the records will reflect that finding. 

Q: How long will a conduct record be maintained if I am found responsible? 
A: Files are purged five (5) to seven (7) years after graduation or the student's last date at the University. Information about suspension or expulsion is maintained permanently in the student's conduct record. 

Q: What if I can't finish my sanction by the deadline? What should I do? 
A: Contact the Office of Community Standards & Civility, or the office that is coordinating the sanction, to immediately discuss your options. Failure to complete the sanctions within the specified period without contacting the Office of Community Standards & Civility will result in non-compliance and will lead to a Disciplinary Conduct Hold being placed on your records, separation from the University, or other conduct sanctions, depending on the current sanction. 

Q: What is a “Civility Advisor”? 
A: A Civility Advisor is a faculty member, staff member, or student who has been trained by the Office of Community Standards & Civility and is knowledgeable about the conduct process. 

• The Civility Advisor is not an attorney. 
• They can give advice or consultation to a student who has been charged with a violation (Respondent) or who is bringing forth information (Complainant). 
• The Civility Advisor’s role is to support and advise — they cannot speak for you or replace your responsibility to explain your version of events. 

Q: What is an “Attorney” in the student conduct process? 
A: An Attorney is any person licensed to practice law in the state of North Carolina. 

• Attorneys may represent Respondents in certain conduct cases as outlined in UNC Policy 700.4.1[R]. 
• To participate, the Attorney must complete specific required forms and meet all deadlines three (3) calendar days before the proceeding. 
• Attorneys cannot disrupt or delay the process and must follow all procedural rules. 
• Representation is at the student’s own expense. 
• More information and details are provided within the Student's Code of Conduct. 

Q: What is a “Non-Attorney Advisor”? 
A: A Non-Attorney Advisor is any person who is not licensed to practice law in North Carolina and whom the student chooses to assist them in the conduct process. 

• Like Attorneys, Non-Attorney Advisors must complete required forms and meet all deadlines before the proceeding. 
• Their role is to provide advice and support, not to speak on your behalf.

Q: What is an “Observer”? 
A: An Observer can be a parent, guardian, friend, or any other person chosen by the student to attend the hearing for support. 

• Observers may not participate, speak, provide representation, or otherwise interrupt the process. 

• They have a non-speaking role and cannot act as your Civility Advisor, Non-Attorney Advisor, or witness. 

Q: When can an Attorney or Non-Attorney Advisor represent a student? 
A: Under UNC Policy 700.4.1[R], Respondents charged with or under investigation for misconduct may be represented by an Attorney or Non-Attorney Advisor. 

• In all other cases, representation is not permitted. 

• Representation is always at the party’s own expense; the university does not provide Attorneys or Non-Attorney Advisors. 

• Attorneys and Non-Attorney Advisors may not interfere with, disrupt, or delay the hearing. 
• Even when represented, the student is still responsible for understanding and following all procedures. 

Q: What steps must I take if I want to have an Attorney or Non-Attorney Advisor in my hearing? 
A: Students must follow these steps and meet all deadlines: 

1. At least three (3) calendar days before the proceeding, notify the Director of Community Standards & Civility in writing with: 

• The name of your Attorney or Non-Attorney Advisor 

• Whether they are licensed in North Carolina or not 

• Their mailing address, phone number, and email address 

1. At least two (2) calendar days before the proceeding, submit a completed Notice of Attorney or Non-Attorney/Advocate Representation Form signed by your Attorney or Non-Attorney Advisor confirming they have read and understand: 

• The WSSU Code of Conduct 

• UNC Policy 700.4.1[R] 

1. Submit a signed FERPA release allowing your Attorney or Non-Attorney Advisor to receive information and documents related to your case. 

Important: If the required forms are not submitted before the Pre-Hearing Conference, the Attorney or Non-Attorney Advisor will not be permitted to participate. 

Q: How can faculty and staff get involved with the OCSC? 
A: Faculty and staff can support the office in several ways: 

• Serve as Civility Advisors to help guide students through the conduct process. 

• Offer Community Service Opportunities that align with restorative goals. 

• Join the Student Conduct Council to help review cases and recommend outcomes. 

• If you are interested in becoming involved with the office, please contact us at studentconduct@wssu.edu  

Q: How can students get involved with the OCSC? 
A: Students can engage with our office through: 

• RamSpire Student Group: A peer-led group that promotes community, accountability, and positive campus culture. 

• Student Conduct Council: Serving as a trained student representative to review conduct cases and help shape outcomes. 

• If you are interested in becoming involved with the office, please contact us at studentconduct@wssu.edu or contact your SGA Attorney General, Madison Massey