Educational Conversations (EC) are utilized to have conversations with students who may have been in violation of Behavioral Expectations & Regulations or demonstrate concerning behavior that may arise to a policy violation in the future. Residential Educational Conversations (RECs) are utilized by professional Residential Education staff to address behavior occurring in the residence halls including those not in alignment with the Guide to Residence Living.
Process Overview
-
Review and referral – After reviewing a report, the Office of Student Conduct may determine that the concern can be addressed through an EC or REC rather than formal conduct charges. For on-campus residents, this often times would be for a possible violation of the Guide to Residence Living..
-
Conversation – Students meet with an administrator to review expectations from the Student Conduct Code and Guide to Residence Living, reflect on the situation, and discuss positive next steps.
-
Educational outcomes – Students complete assigned educational outcomes by the assigned deadlines. Common educational outcomes include reviewing relevant college policies, submitting a short reflection, and meeting with staff from Office of Student Conduct, Residential Education, or another campus office for further discussion.
Timeframe
Educational Conversations are designed to be informal and developmental, so most cases are completed relatively quickly.
-
Initial outreach: Typically within 2 business days of receiving the report (may be delayed if the case requires investigation)
-
Conversation scheduled: Within 10 business days of initial outreach, depending on availability.
-
Educational outcomes assigned: During or shortly after the conversation.
-
Completion of outcomes: Generally expected within 2–4 weeks, depending on the assigned outcome (such as a brief reflection or meeting with a campus office).
What does it mean if I participate in an Educational Conversation?
-
It’s not a conduct charge. An Educational Conversation is an educational intervention, not a formal student conduct charge, as long as all assigned outcomes are completed.
-
It does stay on file internally. The Office of Student Conduct keeps an internal record that the conversation occurred and what outcomes were assigned. This information may be considered if future concerns arise, particularly if lower-level issues occur more than once.
-
It’s not reportable conduct history. Educational Conversations are not reported as part of conduct record checks unless outcomes are not completed and the matter proceeds to a formal conduct porcess.
-
It’s a learning opportunity. The process is designed to help you reflect, learn from the situation, and make positive changes before more serious conduct action becomes necessary.
-
Follow-through matters. Failing to attend EC/REC meetings and/or fulfill educational requirements may result in 05. Compliance with Directives charges.