Higher Education Center: Marshall University

Marshall University Student Conduct and Welfare Committee
Subcommittee on Notifying Parents of Judicial Action
Guidelines Adopted May 1999

Whereas excessive, abusive, illegal, and/or repetitive use of alcohol and/or drugs is inconsistent with the maintenance of an educational environment;

Whereas unauthorized use and/or possession of alcohol or drugs generally represent violations of law for persons under the age of twenty-one;

Whereas excessive, abusive, illegal, and/or repetitive use or possession of alcohol and/or drugs threatens the well-being of persons and property and tends to diminish students’ prospects for personal and intellectual development and academic success; and

Whereas students’ parents or guardians are respected for their roles as partners with the University in supporting the students’ personal and intellectual development and academic success;

The Dean of Student Affairs has the authority to determine when and by what means to notify parents or guardian when students under the age of 21 are found to have committed serious or repeated violations of University policies related to the possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or drugs. The Dean of Student Affairs will follow these guidelines in determining whether to notify.

Notification of Parents is Indicated, when:

The violation involved harm or threat of harm to persons or property

The violation involved an arrest in which the student was taken into custody.

The violation resulted in or could result in the student being suspended from the University and/or dismissed from residence halls.

The student has shown a pattern of violations – even if they are minor. Two or more violations associated with drug or alcohol use would be reasonable cause for notice.

The student who committed the violation became physically ill and/or required medical intervention as a result of consumption of alcohol and/or drugs.

Furthermore,

Nothing in these guidelines shall prevent University officials from notifying parents or guardians of health or safety emergencies, regardless of the judicial status of the student.

Nothing in these guidelines should preclude the University from notifying parents or guardians when students under the age of twenty-one are involved in a group activity off campus, in which the students’ organization is found to have violated University policy with respect to the use and/or consumption of alcohol or drugs.

The Dean of Student Affairs may delegate the notification of parents to other officials under the Dean’s supervision.

Whenever possible, students will be informed that parental notification is planned in advance of their parents’ receiving the notice.

Last Update: October 05, 1999