Capilano University's Student Code of Conduct Policy supports the University in providing a welcoming, respectful and safer learning community for everyone.
Any serious student behaviour that interferes with the learning or campus environment may be considered student misconduct if it violates CapU’s B.701 Student Code of Conduct (pdf).
The Student Code of Conduct Policy outlines how the University responds to student misconduct.
The Student Code of Conduct prohibits behaviour including, but not limited to:
- Violence, threats and intimidation
- Compromising the safety of others
- Possession of dangerous objects
- Misuse of alcohol or drugs
- Damage to property
- Theft or removal of property
- Behaviour that affects or causes harm to the learning or working environment
- Unauthorized access or use of data and systems
- An attack on the dignity or security of an individual or group
- Providing false information or identification in the context of University records or within a conduct process
- Failure to comply with University expectations of behaviour or with procedures of the Student Code of Conduct
- Interference with the conduct process
- Violation of laws, statutes and policies
Expanded definitions of the types of misconduct listed above are available on page 5 of the Student Code of Conduct Policy.
Respectful expressions of frustration or feedback regarding service or course/program delivery, or mental health distress, are not considered student conduct violations.
If it’s an emergency situation
If you are involved in, or witness, an emergency situation, please call 9-1-1 or contact campus security at 604 984 1763. Student Affairs does not offer emergency or crisis response services.
The student conduct process requires at least a week if the report is informal and three or more weeks if a formal report and investigation is initiated, unless reported behaviour is dangerous, puts others at risk or requires immediate intervention.
Student conduct reports
Any member of the University community can make a report provided it falls within the scope of the Student Code of Conduct policy and involves the conduct of a current student.
The Office of Student Affairs responds to concerns about alleged student misconduct, consults on policy, provides information about resolution pathways, and oversees both informal and formal misconduct reports. This includes investigations of complaints involving the conduct of a student received from students, staff and faculty.
Depending on the nature of the misconduct, Student Affairs can implement a variety of measures. The measures may include an informal or formal response based on the degree of the concern (i.e. disruptive vs. disturbing or at risk), and the number of past reports made about the student.
This does not always mean that the student will be removed from class, unless determined as an appropriate interim measure or sanction from a formal report and investigation process.
Informal responses are remedial and restorative, aiming to address the behaviour in question, whereas formal responses include investigations and could result in punitive sanctions.
If Student Affairs determines that a response from the faculty member or staff would be more appropriate as a first step, we can also offer strategies and referrals to other employee support services at the University.
You can book an appointment with Student Affairs if:
- You witnessed or are involved in a student conduct issue and need information about reporting or resolution options
- You’re looking for clarity and guidance on student conduct issues or the policy
- You would like to make a formal or informal complaint about student misconduct
For more information regarding the submission of a complaint, please see Information for Complainants or contact studentconduct@capilanou.ca.
Informal resolution
You may choose to make an informal report if you believe the harmful behaviour you experienced can be stopped or changed through a restorative conversation with the student alleged to have caused harm, with the help of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Advisor. Other alternative resolutions may also be explored.
The University encourages direct and informal resolution between parties, when appropriate. The Conflict Resolution Advisor is available to assist with coaching, mediation and alternative dispute resolution.
Investigations and sanctions
The Office of Student Affairs receives and investigates formal reports under the Student Code of Conduct. This includes:
- An initial assessment of the formal report to determine if an investigation should proceed under the Policy
- A review of the evidence
- Interviewing the complainant(s), respondent(s) and witnesses
- Referral to the appropriate form of sanctions, if required
Student Affairs staff use a trauma-informed approach during any investigation. This approach follows principles of natural justice, such as listening to the perspectives of all sides in an investigation and proceeding in a fair and timely manner.
If you are the subject of a Student Code of Conduct investigation, see Information for Respondents.
In situations where a student is found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct, the following sanctions may be decided upon collaboratively or imposed:
- Letter of reprimand
- Behavioural contract
- Formal apology
- Community service
- Educational activity (such as personal project or workshop)
- Monetary restitution (typically used to recover the cost of damages)
- Loss of privileges or use
- Removal from a course or program
- Suspension
- Expulsion
- Other sanctions as required
Investigation findings and sanctions can be appealed, provided that the grounds for appeal are met. Find out more about the Appeals process.