Student Conduct

Each student at the College is a member of the academic community as well as the civil community of the College and the surrounding area. The Student Code of Conduct is available in the York College Student Handbook. It contains the expectations and standards of the York College of Pennsylvania community. Here you will find resources on what to expect when an incident occurs.

1. Incident involving a student and/or a student organization.
2. Incident report is submitted to The Office of Student Conduct to be reviewed and for a course of action to be determined.
   • Reports are typically submitted by Campus Safety or Residence Life Staff.
3. There are a few potential courses of action that can be taken:
   • The case is dismissed.
   • A hearing is scheduled and held with the student for alleged violation(s). 
   • Administrative Review (details of what an Administrative Review is can be found in the Student Handbook).
4. If a hearing is scheduled and held with the student for alleged violation(s), there are two potential outcomes.
   • Student is found not responsible and the case is closed.
   • Student is found responsible for one or more violations and is assigned sanctions they must complete.
5. If a student is found responsible and is assigned sanctions, they have two options following the conclusion of the hearing.
   • Student can submit an appeal to studentconduct@ycp.edu within 3 business days of the date on their Hearing Outcome letter. (See Appeal Guidelines and the Student Handbook for more information)
   • Student does not appeal and completes all sanctions.
6. If a student submits an appeal to the Office of Student Conduct:
   • The Office of Student Conduct reviews the appeal and determines if the case will be reviewed by an Appellate Board.
   • If the appeal is reviewed by an Appellate Board, the Appellate Board has a few options: 
     • The Appellate Board can uphold the original decision and all sanctions remain the same.
       • The Appellate Board can adjust outcomes and/or sanctions. This includes lessening the sanctions or adding to the sanctions. 
   • Once the Appellate Board has made a decision, the student will be notified with an Appeal Outcome Letter sent to their YCP email address
7. Once the appeal process is completed the case is considered closed.

Reminder: If you have questions about your specific incident and what the process will look like, please email studentconduct@ycp.edu or call 717-600-3874.

What to Know

• You will receive a digital letter sent to your YCP email address indicating the date and time of your hearing.
• Talk to your parents/guardian beforehand.
• Arrive at least 5 minutes early, Business casual attire is suggested, and check in at the front desk.
• Come prepared. This may include bringing notes, contacting an advisor and asking them to be present for the hearing, and/or requesting the incident report from Campus Safety ahead of time. (See Student Handbook for information on who can be an advisor)

What to Expect

• You will meet with a Hearing Officer or Hearing Board.
• No cell phones, smart watches, or personal items will be permitted in the room during the hearing.
• Administrative Hearings last approximately 30 minutes and Board Hearings last approximately 60 minutes.
• You will be asked to share a plea of “responsible” or “not responsible” for each alleged violation you are charged with. These violations will be listed on your Hearing Notification letter.
• Typically, you will be informed of your violation outcomes and sanctions (if applicable) at the completion of the hearing.

What Comes Next

• You will receive a digital letter sent to your YCP email address that details the outcomes and sanctions (if applicable) shared with you during the hearing. This letter will also explain how to complete the sanctions assigned.
• You will have 3 business days to file an appeal if you wish to do so.
• Criteria to appeal is listed in the Student Handbook.
• If applicable, an Appellate Board will meet and determine the final outcome.
• Be sure to complete sanctions by the deadlines assigned so that you can register for courses, select housing, etc.

Important Reminder: This page is meant to serve as a guide. All instructions regarding appeals are listed in the Student Handbook. Before submitting an appeal please review the Student Handbook thoroughly. If you have any questions please email studentconduct@ycp.edu.

Appeals must be submitted within 3 business days of the date listed on your Hearing Outcome letter.

Appellate Boards will only be granted if at least one of the following appeal conditions is met: 

• Prejudicial departure from the procedures outlined (Procedures were not properly followed)
• Substantial new evidence or testimony not heard (New information has become available)
• The sanction deviates from the guidelines provided and is unduly harsh or inappropriate.

Your appeal letter should be a minimum of 200 words, size 12 Times New Roman font, standard margins, single spaced, and include the following that apply:

• What charges/sanctions are you appealing?
• What appeal condition applies to your case?
• What is the new information? (if applicable)
  • Why was the information not available and/or presented at the time of the Student Conduct Hearing?
• What procedures were not followed that affected the outcome of the case? (if applicable)
• How are the sanctions unduly harsh or inappropriate? (if applicable)

The appeal letter must be submitted by email to studentconduct@ycp.edu or in person to the Assistant Director of Residence Life for Student Conduct in the Residence Life Office (STU 307). The appeal letter must be submitted within 3 business days of the date listed on your Hearing Outcome letter.

York College of Pennsylvania brings prevention education to students even before they start classes. All incoming students are expected to complete a series of online educational modules called Spartan Startup. These courses can be accessed through Canvas. These modules including: AlcoholEdu for College; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Students; Mental Well-Being for Students; and, Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates. These educational modules provide a comprehensive overview of issues that are central to the student experience.  

For current students, many offices on campus offer programs throughout the year that facilitate skill building around key aspects of prevention. These may include topics such as dating and communication, consent, self- and community-care, and bystander intervention. 

Additionally, all students should read and review the Student Handbook before coming to campus. 

York College seeks to establish and maintain an educational environment that provides for the development of students as a whole person with an emphasis on mutual respect, personal and professional integrity, and critical thinking. The College expects its students to conduct themselves in all places and at all times in such a manner as to demonstrate respect, strong personal ethics, and consideration for the rights of others as required of good citizens. It is our belief that partnering with parents and families is a way to successfully support this mission and students. 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 board.

A complete description of the Student Conduct process can be found in the Student Handbook.

If you have specific questions regarding the conduct process, please contact the Assistant Director of Residence Life for Student Conduct and Operations at 717-815-1222 and we will be happy to answer them.

What does FERPA mean?

FERPA stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). It is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. "Education records" are "those records, files documents, and other materials which 1) contain information directly related to a student; and 2) are maintained by an educational institution. (20 U.S.C. § 1232g(a)(4)(A); 34 CFR § 99.3). FERPA applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

Should I come to the hearing?

Some students wish to have their parent(s)/guardian(s) present for the hearing. 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?

Parents/Guardians cannot speak on 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.

I am concerned about my student; what should I do?

Please complete a CARE report online. Once the CARE report is submitted, it is reviewed by the College’s CARE Team to determine the next appropriate steps.

You are not required to bring anything to the hearing, however, some students like to bring water, paper and a pen, and notes they took about their incident. Please note that pertinent records, exhibits, and written statements may be accepted as information for consideration by a Student Conduct Administrator.

Responding person(s) will receive formal written notice of charges that includes a list of all alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Notice will be given at least two business days prior to the scheduled hearing. A hearing can only be rescheduled if it was originally scheduled during a time the student is in class or if there is an emergency.

If a responding person, with notice, does not attend their Student Conduct Administrator Hearing, the hearing can occur in the absence of the responding person.

A student conduct record is a part of the student’s educational record at the college. The college retains student conduct records for 7 calendar years.

If you have questions about how an incident may impact your current major we encourage you to contact your academic advisor.