Residence Conduct

Guiding Principles for Residence Community Living

We encourage our community members' personal development through a wide range of educational and academic programming and holding individuals accountable for violations of the Residence Contract behavioural expectations. The reality is that not everyone is well suited for the inherent aspects of living in residence. It is a high-density, communal living environment. It requires you to have a higher level of awareness, care and respect for your impact on others living in your community. You are solely accountable for your decisions while living in residence, and you must reflect on how those decisions impact you and everyone else around you.

As community members, all residents have the individual and collective responsibility to create a positive and welcoming environment for all students. It is your responsibility to report or share information about any incidents of misconduct that you are aware of, where there may be a risk of harm, a possible violation of the Residence Contract, or a negative impact on the dignity of any other resident. 

 

 

 

Residence Contract

The Residence Contract is a part of the overall residence experience and are designed to:

  • Challenge residents to think critically, accept responsibility for their actions, and learn and grow from their experiences.
  • Maintain an environment that promotes learning.
  • Emphasize students' rights and responsibilities when promoting academic pursuits of all residents while respecting equity, diversity and Indigeneity.
  • Guide residents to understand the expectations of living in a community environment.

View the residence contract

Residence Conduct Process

The Residence Conduct Process is administered by the Residence Conduct Office (RCO), a unit within the university鈥檚 Non-Academic Misconduct System. Decisions are based on the 鈥渂alance of probabilities鈥 standard, the aggregated perspectives of persons involved in an incident and the fact-finding process led by the assigned adjudicator. Decisions represent the adjudicator鈥檚 assessment of the behaviour or sequence of events that were most likely to have occurred.

For more information about the Residence Conduct process, review section 4.0 in the Residence Contract. RLCs assess each case's impact and severity to self and/or other students, Residence and/or Queen鈥檚 University. A student鈥檚 current point level and the severity of their alleged behaviour will determine who investigates the incident. Adjudicators assigned may vary depending on unique situations or staff availability and may include staff from the Student Conduct Office, where matters are referred to that unit by the Non-Academic Misconduct Intake Office (NAMIO).  

  • Residence Life Coordinator (RLC) investigates when:
    • Student currently has 0-2 points, or their documented violation could result in 1-2 points.
  • Residence Conduct Coordinator (RCC) investigates when:
    • Student currently has 2-3 points, or their documented violation could result in 2-3 points.
  • Manager, Residence Conduct (MRC) investigates when:
    • Student currently has 2-3 points, or their documented violation could result in 3-4 points.
  • Case Manager, Non-Academic Misconduct investigates when:

What Are Points?

The Residence Conduct Process uses a cumulative 4-point system to ensure consistency in decision-making. Students are informed about and understand how their conduct choices may result in loss of Residence and visiting privileges. Points are essentially a warning system that uses numbers between 1 and 3 to help students know how close they may be to being asked to leave Residence should they choose to conduct themselves in a manner that contravenes the Residence Contract.

The adjudicator is responsible for deciding the point(s) assigned to a student. Review the Residence Community Standards Violations Guide. Point determinations are weighed on the incident, its seriousness and its potential impact on others in the community. In addition to the assignment of points, other sanctions or learning opportunities may also be required and form part of the decision.

Points remain active until the end of the academic year during which they were assigned, or as stipulated upon eviction.

In addition to the assignment of points, other sanctions or learning opportunities may also be required and form part of the decision.

Educational Assignments

Educational assignments may be assigned if you are found responsible for a violation of the Residence Community Standards. These assignments are an opportunity to reflect on your behaviour and the consequences of your actions. Educational assignments are not academic assignments.

Appeal Process Information (3 or fewer assigned points)

You can appeal conduct decisions made by the Residence Conduct Office and the Student Conduct Office. 

To appeal an RCO decision, complete and submit your appeal form within five business days of the date on your decision letter.

To appeal an eviction, or a decision made by the Student Conduct office, review the information about the Non-Academic Misconduct Appeal process. 

Download the Appeal Form

Student Conduct Office Decisions and/or Evictions

Residents may appeal to the Non-Academic Misconduct Appeal Panel. Appeals of Student Conduct Office decisions must be submitted within 10 days of the date of their decision letter. If an Immediate Sanction is imposed (such as Eviction), a request for an Expedited Appeal proceeding must be submitted by 4:30 pm on the third (3rd) business day after the decision letter was issued. Appeals to the NAM Appeal Panel must be submitted to centralnam.office@queensu.ca.

 

 

Appeal Process Info

Questions?

The Manager of Residence Conduct and the Residence Conduct Coordinator are available to you as resources. Privacy is an important part of the conduct process, and staff can only speak with students regarding their own involvement with the conduct process.