Sanction Guide

A sanction is a requirement or status that is issued to a student after they either accept responsibility or are found responsible for violating the student code of conduct (Community Rights & Responsibilities) or the Title IX Grievance Policy.  

Because each conduct case is unique, it’s not possible to cover every possible sanction for every possible violation. Instead, this guide is designed to cover the most common violations and a range of sanctions that would be considered appropriate. 

Sanctions are determined on a wide variety of factors, including, but not limited to: 

  • The severity and seriousness of the violation 
  • The violation’s impact on the University and local community 
  • The number of violations that occurred during an incident 
  • A student’s prior disciplinary history 

Please note that a student without a prior disciplinary record may be assigned a sanction commensurate with the violation, up to and including removal from residence, suspension or dismissal.  

Please review Community Rights & Responsibilities for definitions of prohibited conduct (Section 3) and definitions of various sanctions (Section 6). 
 

Sanctions for Fire Safety Violations

Failure to Evacuate 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

Tampering 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Creating or Causing a Fire 

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

False Pull or Fire-Extinguisher Discharge 

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Sanctions for Weapons

Possession of a Knife 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Possession or use of Fireworks  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Possession of BB, Paintball or Airsoft Guns 

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Possession of a handgun or long gun  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Use of any type of weapon to harass or intimidate 

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Use of any object as a weapon 

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Sanctions for Threatening or Abusive Behavior

Verbal Altercation 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Physical Fight 

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Threat of Harm 

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Sanctions for Harassment

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary

Sanctions for Endangerment

Preventing egress out of any area or dwelling 

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Exceeding occupancy capacity of a dwelling or area 

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Sanctions for Hazing

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary

Sanctions for Academic Integrity Violations

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary

Sanctions for Forgery, Fraud & Dishonesty

Altered or fraudulent Identification 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

Purchasing and/or distribution of altered or fraudulent identification, documents, U.S. Currency, etc. 

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Providing false information 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Altering official documents (transcripts, U.S. Currency, electronic records, etc.) 

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Sanctions for Property Damage

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary

Sanctions for Theft

Identity theft 

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Property theft 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Sanctions for Unauthorized Entry, Presence or Use

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary

Sanctions for Drugs

Students who violate Community Rights and Responsibilities (CRR) Section 3: (16) Drugs and/or (17) Alcohol, will be given a disciplinary sanction.  

The sanction or resolution outcome may include: 

  • Conduct Notice 

  • Disciplinary Warning 

  • Disciplinary Probation 

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation 

  • Removal from Residence, Residence Hall or Campus Restriction (such as a Parking Prohibition) 

  • Disciplinary Suspension, Disciplinary Dismissal, Education Programming (such as Counseling & Psychological Services’ STEPS Program, Community Service, Research/Reflection Paper, etc.) 

  • Parent/Guardian Notification (Note: All students under the age of 21 who violate the Alcohol or Drug Policy receive Parent/Guardian Notification.) 

Please review the Good Samaritan 911 Policy for additional information.  

Possession or use of drug paraphernalia 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

Possession or use of marijuana 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Possession or use of other controlled substances and prescription medication not prescribed to you  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Distribution or Sale of any drug 

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Hospital Transport (non-Good-Samaritan) 

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

Sanctions for Alcohol

Students who violate Community Rights and Responsibilities (CRR) Section 3: (16) Drugs and/or (17) Alcohol, will be given a disciplinary sanction.  

The sanction or resolution outcome may include: 

  • Conduct Notice 

  • Disciplinary Warning 

  • Disciplinary Probation 

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation 

  • Removal from Residence, Residence Hall or Campus Restriction (such as a Parking Prohibition) 

  • Disciplinary Suspension, Disciplinary Dismissal, Education Programming (such as Counseling & Psychological Services’ STEPS Program, Community Service, Research/Reflection Paper, etc.) 

  • Parent/Guardian Notification (Note: All students under the age of 21 who violate the Alcohol or Drug Policy receive Parent/Guardian Notification.) 

Please review the Good Samaritan 911 Policy for additional information. 

Underage Alcohol Consumption and/or Possession 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

Distribution and/or sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 21 

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Hospital Transport (non-Good-Samaritan) 

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

Hosting a party or gathering where alcohol is distributed 

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Bulk Alcohol 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Drinking games 

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

Intoxicated and being disruptive 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

DWI/DWAI/DUI 

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Sanctions for Obstruction or Disruption

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary

Sanctions for Student Group Violations

Affiliating with a group that has had its recognition revoked by the University (such as an Unrecognized Fraternity or Sorority) 

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Student Involvement Policy Violations 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Sanctions for Non-compliance

Not providing identification to or following directives of University, local, state and/or federal officials on or off campus 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

Violation of No Contact Order, Cease & Desist, or other University Directive 

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Sanctions for Parking & Mass Transit Services Policy Violation

Review Parking & Mass Transit Services’ policies. 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary

Sanctions for Smoking & Tobacco

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation

Sanctions for Residence Hall & Apartment License Violations

Review the Residence Hall & Apartments License Agreement. 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary

Sanctions for Disruptive Conduct

Hosting a loud gathering or party 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

Being disruptive in a classroom setting  

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

Indecent conduct (such as public urination)  

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

Noise complaints (such as violating quiet/courtesy hours) 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

Sanctions for Information Technology Services Policy Violations

Review Information Technology Services (ITS) Policies. 

Illegal downloading and sharing of copyrighted material 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

Unauthorized access of another person’s email, MyUAlbany account, etc. 

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary

Sanctions for Hate or Biased Related Crime

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary

Sanctions for Gambling

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Sanctions for Abuse of the Student Conduct System

Failure to complete or comply with sanction(s) 

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Failure to obey the summons of a student conduct body or University official 

  • Disciplinary Warning  

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation

Sanctions for Retaliation

  • Disciplinary Probation  

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation  

  • Removal from Residence  

  • Suspension — Disciplinary  

  • Dismissal — Disciplinary 

Sanctions for Intimate Partner Violence, Stalking, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault & Sexual Exploitation

Sanction outcomes related to violations of Community Rights and Responsibilities (CRR) Section 3 and the Title IX Grievance Policy Covered Sexual Harassment are included below. 

Note: Semesters are defined as Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer terms. 

Dating Violence or Domestic Violence 

When an individual is found responsible for CRR (5) Intimate Partner Violence: Dating Violence or Domestic Violence and/or Covered Sexual Harassment (4) Dating Violence and/or Covered Sexual Harassment (5) Domestic Violence, the following sanctions are available: 

  • Disciplinary dismissal (expulsion) 

  • Disciplinary suspension for one to eight semesters  

  • If suspended and re-admitted, the student is not allowed to reside in the residence halls and University apartments upon return 

  • If suspended and re-admitted, loss of privileges and/or campus restriction upon return 

  • If suspended and re-admitted and applicable, extension of restriction of contact with the reporting individual 

  • Mandated counseling assessment while suspended 

  • Terminal Disciplinary Probation 

  • Disciplinary Probation 

Stalking 

When an individual is found responsible for CRR (6) Stalking and/or Covered Sexual Harassment (6) Stalking, the following sanctions are available: 

  • Disciplinary dismissal (expulsion) 

  • Disciplinary suspension for one to eight semesters 

  • If suspended and re-admitted, the student is not allowed to reside in the residence halls and University apartments upon return 

  • If suspended and re-admitted, loss of privileges and/or campus restriction upon return  

  • If suspended and re-admitted and applicable, extension of restriction of contact with the reporting individual 

  • Mandated counseling assessment while suspended or assigned with probation 

  • Removal from residence 

  • Restriction from residence halls  

  • Terminal disciplinary probation  

  • Disciplinary probation  

  • Educational programming 

Sexual Harassment 

When an individual is found responsible for CRR (8) Sexual Harassment and/or Covered Sexual Harassment (1) and/or Covered Sexual Harassment (2), the following sanctions are available: 

  • Disciplinary dismissal (expulsion) 

  • Disciplinary suspension for one to eight semesters 

  • If suspended and re-admitted, the student is not allowed to reside in the residence halls and University apartments upon return 

  • If suspended and re-admitted, loss of privileges and/or campus restriction upon return 

  • If suspended and re-admitted, and applicable, extension of restriction of contact with the reporting individual 

  • Mandated counseling assessment while suspended assigned with probation 

  • Removal from residence 

  • Restriction from residence halls 

  • Terminal disciplinary probation 

  • Disciplinary probation 

  • Educational programming 

Sexual Assault 

When an individual is found responsible for (9) Sexual Assault I, (9) Sexual Assault II and/or Covered Sexual Harassment (3) Sexual Assault, the following sanctions are available. 

  • Disciplinary dismissal (expulsion) 

  • Disciplinary suspension for one to eight semesters 

  • If suspended and re-admitted, the student is not allowed to reside in the residence halls and University apartments upon return 

  • If suspended and re-admitted, loss of privileges and/or campus restriction upon return 

  • If suspended and re-admitted and applicable, extension of restriction of contact with the reporting individual 

  • Mandated counseling assessment while suspended  

Note: In cases of Sexual Assault I and II, when an individual is found responsible, the University will impose a minimum sanction of Disciplinary Suspension. 

Sexual Exploitation 

When an individual is found responsible for (9) Sexual Exploitation, the following sanctions are available: 

  • Disciplinary dismissal (expulsion) 

  • Disciplinary suspension for one to eight semesters  

  • If suspended and re-admitted, the student is not allowed to reside in the residence halls and University apartments upon return 

  • If suspended and re-admitted, loss of privileges and/or campus restriction upon return 

  • If suspended and re-admitted and applicable, extension of restriction of contact with the reporting individual 

  • Mandated counseling assessment while suspended assigned with probation 

  • Removal from residence 

  • Restriction from residence halls 

  • Terminal disciplinary probation 

  • Disciplinary probation