Academics

Student Handbook: School of Law Section

Disciplinary Sanctions

Conduct which violates School of Law or University policies may result in the imposition of one or more sanctions. Sanctions which may be imposed are not limited to those listed below. Such disciplinary action will depend upon the gravity of the offense, the nature of attendant circumstances, and the merits of a particular case. In certain limited situations, university and/or School of Law officials may impose a sanction but suspend or postpone its actual implementation.

Sanctions affecting the conduct of students are based on general principles of equal and fair treatment, including penalties commensurate with the severity of violations of School of Law or university rules or regulations. Sanctions, however, will also take into account students' needs and the prospects for improvement. Before a sanction is imposed, the student will be given reasonable notice as to the specific conduct in which the student is alleged to have engaged and for which the student is subject to discipline. The student will be given an opportunity to respond and will be informed of the basis for any disciplinary action and the procedure for making an appeal. The School of Law dean has given the associate dean for administration the primary responsibility for determining whether and what sanctions shall be imposed. From time to time, the associate dean, at his/her discretion, may empanel an ad hoc committee of faculty and/or students to hear evidence and make a recommendation regarding sanctioning.

Loss of Privileges

Such loss may include, but is not limited to the following: Pepperdine financial aid; eligibility to represent the university and/or School of Law in various capacities, including moot court competitions, and seeking or holding an elected student office; university housing; and use of specific university facilities, equipment, or services. For further information on the loss of financial aid, please see the university's policy on "Forfeiture of State Aid to Students," which sets forth the hearing process involved in such a sanction and the limitations regarding this sanction.

Fines

Such fines may include, but are not limited to, payment of charges for violations of vehicle, campus, or housing regulations. These charges will be added to a student's account. Failure to pay such charges may result in additional sanctions including, but not limited to, denial of re-enrollment or refusal to release official transcripts and records.

Reprimand

Censure, either verbal or in writing, for conduct unbecoming a Pepperdine student.

Probation

A status that indicates that a student's relationship with Pepperdine University School of Law is tenuous and that the student's records will be reviewed periodically to determine suitability to remain enrolled. Students on disciplinary probation can neither participate in student government, student organizations, and moot court, nor officially represent the university or School of Law.

Assessment of Damages

Requirement to pay for the repair and/or replacement of damaged property. Failure to pay such charges may result in additional sanctions including, but not limited to, denial of re-enrollment, or refusal to release official transcripts and records.

Suspension

Temporary separation of the student from Pepperdine University.  Serious cases warranting longer separation from the university may result in dismissal.

Dismissal

Permanent separation of the student from Pepperdine University. In certain cases a dismissed student may, after a designated period of time, petition the University for re-admission.

Permanent Dismissal

The university's most severe sanction, requiring permanent separation of the student from Pepperdine University without any possibility of future re-enrollment.

Sanctions that may be imposed by university officials after consultation with the appropriate law school dean may include, but are not limited to, warnings, reprimands, disciplinary fines, probation, assessment of damages, community service, loss of privileges, and suspension for less than one week. All other disciplinary sanctions will be levied by the School of Law administration. When students are dismissed or suspended for disciplinary reasons, there will be no refund of tuition or room charges for the semester, and all financial aid will be canceled. Upon permanent separation from university housing, students may apply to the Residential Life Office for unused board charges.