Understanding Our Judicial Processes

Judicial Affairs and the Office of Student Life strive to work with parents in order to prevent violations of the Code of Conduct, as well as to help students to learn from their mistakes in the instance that the Code of Conduct is violated. Please review the following information, and if you have any further questions, please refer to the contact information on the left hand side of the page.

Regis University understands that parents play a central role in the continuing development and education of their college students and hopes to work in partnership with them in this essential enterprise. We recognize that students have specific rights and expectations in terms of their privacy. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the University has established the following guidelines for notifying parents or legal guardians when there is a concern for the health and welfare of the student, including situations involving medical transportation and treatment, and serious or repeated violations of alcohol and/or drug policies.

The Dean of Students or designee has the authority to determine when and by what means to notify parents or legal guardians without a student's consent when a student under the age of 21 is found to have violated any law or University rule or policy related to the possession, use, sale, or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs.

Nothing in these guidelines shall prevent University officials from notifying parents or legal guardians of students of health or safety emergencies, including situations requiring medical transport and treatment, regardless of the disciplinary status of the student. When the University intends to contact a student's parents, it will first attempt to notify the student of its intent. The Dean of Students or designee reserves the right to notify a parent or legal guardian without a student's consent under the following circumstances:

  • The violation involved harm or threat of harm to the student, other persons, or campus property;
  • The violation involved an arrest in which the student was taken into custody by the police;
  • The violation resulted in or is likely to result in the student being suspended or expelled from University-operated housing, the University, or both;
  • The student has shown a pattern of behavior or violation that indicates a potential physical or psychological problem;
  • The student who committed the violation required medical attention as a result of the consumption of alcohol and/or illegal drugs.

What is the Code of Conduct?

The Code of Conduct is a set of regulations that clarify what behavior is appropriate and not appropriate while a student at Regis University. You can view the Code of Conduct on the Student Handbook webpage. 

What are the sanctions that students face if they violate the Community Standards of Conduct?

All students who go through the disciplinary process are given due process according to the Regis University Student Handbook. If students are held responsible for violations of the Regis Prohibited Conduct, they will be sanctioned according to the Sanctioning Guideline outlined in the Student Handbook. For additional information on sanctioning, see Disciplinary Sanctions on the left, or refer to the Student Handbook.

Why can't I find out more information from Judicial Affairs about my student's incident?

Judicial Affairs staff members are bound by the Federal Education Rights and Protection Act (FERPA) and are limited in what they can share with you about your student's incident, unless your student has a FERPA waiver on file. However, Judicial Affairs can answer general questions about the Judicial Affairs process. In most cases, if asked to discuss a conduct matter with a parent, we ask that students are also present at the discussion.

How can I support my student who has been written up for an incident?

While parents might not be able to discuss the incident directly with the Judicial Affairs staff, it is encouraged to speak with your child regarding an incident.

Judicial Affairs staff will talk about the case and related information with your student directly. However, you may serve as their "support person" during any student conduct hearing at Regis University. This means you will be able to attend the hearing and be present to support your student, but you will not be able to actively participate by speaking on their behalf.

If you cannot be on campus, and your student is appearing before the Judicial Board, encourage them to seek the assistance of a Student Advocate.

What is the Clery Act and why do you publish statistics on student misconduct?

The Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, otherwise known as the Clery Act, requires colleges and universities that receive Federal funds to report data on numbers and types of incidents outlined in the act, including but not limited to assault, sexual assault, liquor law violations, and drug law violations. For more information on reporting categories, Regis University reporting and the Regis University annual security report, For the Record, please refer to the Campus Safety webpage.

What if I have more questions?

Feel free to contact Ryan Smith, Assistant Director for Judicial Affairs at 303.964.6082 or email Ryan Smith.