Privacy and Keeping of Disciplinary Record
The outcome of a conduct resolution (administrative conference) is part of the education record of the Responding Student and is protected from release under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), except under certain conditions. As allowed by FERPA, when a student is accused of a policy violation that would constitute a “crime of violence” or forcible or nonforcible sex offense, the College will inform the alleged victim in writing of the final results of a hearing regardless of whether the College concludes that a violation was committed. Such release of information may only include the Responding Student’s name, the violation committed (including both the College policy(ies) violated and the findings of fact supporting the conclusion that the violation occurred), and the sanctions assigned (if applicable).
In cases where the College determines through the student conduct process that a student
violated a policy that would constitute a “crime of violence” or forcible or non-forcible
sex offense, the College may also release the above information publicly and/or to
any third party. In addition, the College reserves the right to release information
regarding disciplinary proceedings in other circumstances when required or permitted
under applicable law, including but not limited to FERPA.
For crimes of violence, including, but not limited to sexual violence, defined as
crimes that meet the reporting requirements pursuant to the federal Clery Act established
in 20 U.S.C. § 1092(f)(1)(f)(i)(i)- (viii), Skidmore shall make a notation on the
transcript of a Responding Student found responsible after a conduct process that
they were “suspended after a finding of responsibility for a code of conduct violation”
or “expelled after a finding of responsibility for a code of conduct violation.” For
the Responding Student who withdraws from Skidmore while such conduct charges are
pending, and declines to complete the disciplinary process Skidmore shall make a notation
on the transcript of such students that they “withdrew with conduct charges pending.”
Students who are suspended after a finding of responsibility for a code of conduct
violation may submit a written appeal to the Dean of Students/Vice President of Student
Affairs requesting that the transcript notation be removed from their transcript.
Such a notation may not be removed from a student’s transcript prior to one year after
conclusion of the suspension. Notations for expulsion will not be removed. If a finding
of responsibility is vacated for any reason, any such transcript notation shall be
removed.
All conduct records are maintained by the College for seven years from the time of
their creation except those that result in separation (suspension or expulsion), those
that fall under Title IX, those cases in which a student withdrew from the institution
with conduct charges pending, and violations of academic integrity, which are maintained
indefinitely. Additional information about privacy, FERPA, and Skidmore student educational records can be found on the Registrar's website.