Citizenship & Discipline

The Academies educate for the whole person and values positive contributions to community. You are expected to be polite, prompt, and to take an honorable approach to the way you live at Culver. Culver has high expectations for its students and particularly for its student leaders. Citizenship and self-discipline matter at Culver. You are assessed in terms of citizenship because Culver is serious about its development. It is important that your appearance be neat and clean, and your uniform be in good repair. It is important that you work hard to maintain a solid grade point average. And it is most important that you are honorable in all your actions, striving always to uphold the standards of Culver’s Honor Code, and aiding and advising others to do the same. This chapter covers standards of behavior—not arbitrary rules, but standards that exist for your benefit. They represent the shared values of this community.

Citizenship

Students are expected to contribute positively to the community by taking an active role, participating in school programs, and by complying with the rules and regulations. Counselors formally evaluate the citizenship of each student at the end of each term. In determining students’ citizenship, counselors review attitude, the meeting of expectations, performance of duties, and contributions to the community. Students who incur a Type I or

Type II infraction or accumulate more than two weeks of Full Restrictions during a term will be placed on the citizenship ineligibility list, lose rank and/or leadership position, and the potential for academic awards and nominations to academic societies such as Blue Key and Cum Laude. Seniors/First Classmen who commit a
Type I offense are ineligible to participate in the CGA Leader Charge or CMA Officers Figure for the duration of the school year. Juniors who do not maintain citizenship eligibility in the fourth term will not receive their senior rings over grad weekend. Their citizenship will be re-evaluated after completion of the first grading period the next year and if standards have been met, their senior rings will be released at that time.

Disciplinary System

Recognizing that the high school years are formative years, students will sometimes make a mistake. If their sub- sequent performance demonstrates a positive attitude and positive contribution to the community, students will be recognized appropriately. The primary goal of the Culver system is education and the cultivation of character. Every action, good and bad, has a consequence, and the Academies use this system as a way to address inappropriate behavior for reparative and deterrent effects and to discuss consequences. In essence, it seeks to prevent students from making the same mistake twice, as well as to support the rules and set the tone for acceptable and appropriate behavior. On-the-spot corrections of minor violations are encouraged. Discipline or corrective action with respect to all violations will be determined as follows:

All violations should be corrected on-the-spot and/or reported promptly to the Student Life staff or other appropriate Culver staff member. All Type I and Type II violations should be reported to the Dean of Girls/Commandant and/or Assistant Dean of Girls/Assistant Dean of CMA, even if on-the-spot corrective action has been administered. Once reported or observed, alleged violations of the Academies’ rules will be investigated. On-the-spot corrections for Type III and IV violations may be administered and determined by the Culver faculty or staff member observing the violation. Reports of these offenses to the student’s counselor are encouraged, but not required.

All students are required to cooperate with any investigation of an alleged violation of the Academies’ rules.
The failure to do so (which includes but is not limited to the withholding of information, the refusal to provide information, or the provision of false information) will be considered a violation and subject to corrective action.

If it is believed that a student has committed a Type I violation, a reasonable effort will be made to notify the student’s parent(s) or guardian. The investigation, the determination, and imposition of corrective action will not be delayed pending such notification. Notification also may be given of Type II violations, if believed appropriate by the Student Life staff.

Parental notification is normally not given for Type III and/or Type IV violations.

Process

When a rule violation has been reported, the Student Life staff will conduct an investigation to determine
whether a violation has occurred, the Type of violation, and what corrective action should be imposed. Culver reserves the right to search school issued and personal electronic devices including cell phones as necessary when investigating serious rule violations. This is a school-run process, not a legal proceeding, so students are not entitled to the participation of legal counsel. We do not expect parents to become involved in this process. Investigations happen on a case-by-case basis, based on procedures and information the Student Life staff considers relevant. Decisions will be based on the nature of the infraction, the risk of harm to the student or others caused by the violation, the student’s attitude and response to the situation, and the student’s record of other infractions. Students and parents will be kept informed of results of the investigation, but copies of investigative reports or documents relating to the incident will not be released. Seniors and 1st Classmen who are involved in Type I rule violations will surrender their class ring before meeting with the Disciplinary Committee. In the
event that the student is retained at Culver, the ring will be returned when the student completes his or her restrictions and is in good standing.

With respect to all Type I violations, except those concerning inappropriate sexual conduct and honor violations, the Dean of Girls/Commandant will meet with a Disciplinary Committee before making a final decision on corrective action in consultation with the Head of Schools. Type I violations that are not presented to the Disciplinary Committee will be decided by the Dean of Girls/Commandant or the Honor Council in consultation with the Head of Schools. Year-end violations might be dealt with differently due to time constraints.

Disciplinary Committee

The Disciplinary Committee will be comprised only of school personnel: three faculty members, the Commandant, and the Dean of Girls who will preside. Also attending, to advise the Committee, will be the student’s counselor and a male and a female student representative if scheduling permits. The student’s mentor, or another faculty member of the student’s choice, also may accompany him/her.

Prior to the Disciplinary Committee meeting, the student will write a statement describing his/her involvement in the incident. The Committee will first convene to read the student’s statement, summarize the facts, and review the student’s file and past behavior. Following that briefing, the student, his/her mentor or other adult represent- ative, the student representatives, and other individuals who may have information concerning the case will join the Disciplinary Committee to discuss the circumstances involved with the violation. The Committee may call others with relevant information. After hearing the facts, the Committee will excuse the student and his/her other adult representative. The student representatives and the student’s counselor will then be given an opportunity to provide input, then they will be excused, and the Committee will make a recommendation for corrective action to the Committee Chair. The Chair, the Head of Schools, and the Commandant when appropriate will consider the recommendation and make a final decision to accept, modify, or reject the recommendation.

Categories of Infraction

Culver groups disciplinary infractions into four categories: Type I, Type II, Type III, and Type IV—with Type I the most serious and Type IV the least serious.

Type I

TYPE I: Type I violations 1) involve substantial actual or threatened injury or harm to any person or student, including the student committing the violation; 2) involve substantial lack of respect for the rights and/or dignity of others; 3) involve a substantial failure to conform to Culver’s mission and values; or 4) involve substantial actual or threatened damage, destruction, or theft of personal or school property. These infractions are the most
serious and normally result in a meeting with the Disciplinary Committee and often lead to dismissal or Citizenship Warning. Type I violations may include, but are not limited to:

Harassment/Bullying
Chemical Substance Violation
Repeated use or possession of nicotine products
Production, possession or use of false identification
Inappropriate sexual behavior
Endangering others or oneself
Theft
Tampering with the alarm system, fire extinguishers, or placing a false 911 call
Misuse or mistreatment of another’s property
Condoning or failing to report serious violations
Failure to comply with the stipulations of Citizenship Warning
Violation of the Network Responsible Use Policy in Chapter 10
Possession of unauthorized Academies’ keys or unauthorized entry
Compromising the welfare of the Academies through inappropriate behavior
Absent without leave
Other conduct falling generally within the description of a Type I violation, as determined by the student Life Staff

Type II

TYPE II: Type II infractions are the same as Type I, only different in degree. The general expectation is that students will be safe, not do drugs, not steal or harass others, and not turn privileges into problems for the community. These infractions could result in Citizenship Warning, Full Restrictions, or other less severe penalties. In addition to the list above, the following are considered Type II:

Accumulation of Type III and/or IV infractions
Off limits (flagrant and/or off campus)
Use/possession of nicotine products (1st and 2nd offense)
Failure to comply with Full Restrictions
Repeated class absences
Fighting, physical contact or threats
Auto Violation (driving/riding/transporting/storage)
Production, possession or use of false identification
Absent required duty, formation or meeting
Honor violations other than theft, not limited to dishonesty, cheating or plagiarism
Other conduct falling generally within the description of a Type II violation as determined by the Student Life Staff
Abuse of authority
Safety violation
Failure to report violations
After taps violation-out of living unit
Excessive class lates
Disrespect or disobedience
Repeated classroom misconduct
Guest in living unit after taps
Late on leave

Type III

TYPE III: Type III violations are infractions that justify a corrective response but are not serious enough to warrant Citizenship Warning or more severe discipline. Corrective action for Type III violations may be

imposed on-the-spot. If an alleged Type III violation is determined to be a Type I or II violation, the Student Life staff will conduct further investigation. These infractions normally result in Full Restrictions, Disciplinary Con- finement, or other action. Type III violations may include, but are not limited to:

Accumulation of Type IV infractions
Neglect of duty or neglect of duty by a leader
General misconduct, unbecoming manners or language
Class or tutorial absence (1st and 2nd offense)
Entering another’s unoccupied room
Disobedience or disrespect
Failure to follow leave or permit procedures
Absent required duty, formation or meeting
Violation of the New Cadet System
Study time violation
Off limits (on campus)
Public display of affection (PDA)
Failure to report violations
Physical contact or threats
Failure to observe corrective action
Classroom or library misconduct
Cell Phone Violation
After taps violation - out of room
Late to class or tutorial
Unauthorized item in room
Violation of the Network Acceptable Use Policy
Other conduct falling generally within the description of a Type III violation as determined by the Student Life staff

Type IV

TYPE IV: Type IV violations are infractions that, in the opinion of any Culver faculty or staff member who observes the behavior, justify a reprimand or other corrective action less severe than Full Restrictions or Disciplinary Confinement. Type IV violations will be determined and corrective actions imposed on-the-spot.

If an alleged Type IV violation is determined to be a Type I, Type II or Type III violation, it shall be reported to
the Student Life staff for further investigation and/or decision. Type IV violations may include, but are not limited to:

Neglect or improper performance of duty
Failure to follow instructions
Room condition or arrangement violation
Late or absent required duty, formation, meeting or meal
Other conduct falling generally within the description of a Type IV violation as determined by the Student Life Staff
General misconduct
Failure to sign in or out
After taps violation (in room)
Violation of the New Cadet System
Personal appearance violation

The Honor Code

Conceived by and for the students, the Honor System is designed to help each student come to understand what honor means and to help each student learn to lead an honorable life. In September, the student body votes to accept or reject a student-owned honor system. Assuming the student body supports a student-owned system, the specific responsibility for maintaining the Honor Code rests with the Honor Council in CMA and CGA. These committees are charged with both educational and corrective responsibility.

The Honor Code states

I will not lie, cheat, or steal, and I will discourage others from such actions.

The following basic definitions are extracted from the Honor Essay. Please refer to this manual for the entire description of each component of the Honor Code.

Lying

A lie is a statement or action designed to deceive or to mislead.

Cheating

Cheating involves taking unfair advantage of others. In the classroom, cheating includes taking or giving assis- tance during tests, plagiarism (presenting the work or ideas of another as your own without giving proper cred- it—this includes the Internet), and misrepresentation (failure to document the assistance you receive from others during the preparation, revision, or proofreading of an assignment).

Stealing

Stealing involves taking another person’s property without that person’s permission or knowledge. It does not matter whether you have the property permanently or temporarily.

Honor Code Violations

An Honor Code violation demonstrates a student’s lack of respect for Culver’s mission and education for character and leadership, major tenets of the Academies’ integrated program. Culver seeks to teach that actions have consequences and the greater a student’s overall success at Culver, or the higher his or her grade level, the more that student stands to lose for an Honor Code violation. Students reported to be in violation of the Honor Code may be referred to the CMA or CGA Honor Council. In both these groups, a Honor Council will determine if it is likely a violation has occurred. If the Honor Council determines there is enough information to warrant full council consideration of a suspected violation, the reported student will appear before a quorum of the whole committee, which will determine if a violation has occurred, and, if necessary, counsel the student and recommend any additional corrective action to the Dean of Girls/Commandant. The determination of whether to accept or reject this recommendation, or to impose other corrective action, shall be made at their discretion. Faculty advisors assist the Honor Councils. A student found guilty of an honor violation will be placed on the citizenship ineligibility list for the term in which the violation occurred. Additionally, other ramifications, depending on class and rank, might include the loss of rank and loss of any leadership positions, the loss of potential academic awards and nominations to academic societies such as Blue Key and Cum Laude, and/or the loss of an opportunity to receive a Gold or Silver A.

Citizenship Warning

Citizenship Warning is Culver’s sternest corrective action short of dismissal. It is a probationary period when you must prove willing and able to live within Culver’s expectations. The failure of a student to comply with the conditions or requirements of Citizenship Warning shall be considered a violation of the Academies’ rules and subject to corrective action, including dismissal. Unless otherwise decided by the Dean of Girls/Commandant, a student on probation will:

Be assigned to Weekend Disciplinary Confinement (DC) from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and
Saturday for at least six nights. Absences must be approved in advance by the Dean of Girls/Commandant (or their designee).
Be denied off-campus permits and town privileges except with the student’s parents.
Be denied all off-campus trips except for academic field trips, athletic trips or group performances when the student is a member of the team or group.
Be denied weekend leaves except with the approval of the Dean of Girls/Commandant or their designee. Students on Citizenship Warning may be allowed, in the discretion of the Dean of Girls/Commandant or their designee, to go on weekend leave if they are going to their own homes or if they will be with their parents; however, in such event, the Citizenship Warning will be extended until the student has had at least six weekend nights of DC.
Be denied use of The Shack except with parents or guardians. Seniors may not use Beason.
Be required to check in at Main Guard (CMA) or RD/Adult on Duty (CGA) in uniform as directed.
Will be placed on Room Study, i.e., will observe CQ in the student’s room except when authorized by a pass from an instructor to use the library for work that only can be completed there.
Will be assigned a Special Citizenship Warning Advisor (SCWA), who will monitor the student’s progress, offer advice and counsel to the student, and, upon request by the Dean of Girls/Commandant, recom- mend removal or extension of the probationary period.
Will be placed on the citizenship ineligibility list for the term in which the violation occurred. Addition- ally, other ramifications, depending on class and rank, include the loss of rank and loss of any leadership positions, the loss of potential academic awards and nominations to academic societies such as Blue Key and Cum Laude, and/or the loss of an opportunity to receive a Gold or Silver A.

Because assignment to Citizenship Warning results from a significant violation of community standards, a student placed on Citizenship Warning will be suspended from opportunities to represent the school. Specifically, for a student who is assigned to Citizenship Warning and is involved in an activity that represents the school (athletics, horsemanship, speech events, quiz bowl, fine arts, etc.):

He/she will not be allowed to represent the school for a period of two weeks.
He/she will not travel with the team or group, but will be allowed to practice. The student will not be excused from weekend Disciplinary Confinement (DC).
If there is no competition (such as before the first game of the season), the student will be assigned work details in lieu of missed competition. Completion of work details will take precedence and may result in missing or being late to practice.
Seniors/First Classmen that commit a Type I offense are ineligible to participate in the CGA Leader Charge or CMA Officers Figure for the duration of the school year. Students that commit a Type I or Type II offense are ineligible to perform in an Honor Organization for a term (8x weeks) or the next Honor Org performance, whichever comes first. Students can still practice with their Honor Organization during this time in order to prepare for a subsequent performance.
If a student is not involved in an activity that includes representing the school, in addition to the assigned Disciplinary Confinement and restrictions, he/she will be assigned work details three days a week while on restrictions. Work details will be normally one hour in length.

Normally, a student placed on Citizenship Warning will be placed on the citizenship ineligibility list for the term in which they are on restriction, as well as a period of time extending beyond the formal probationary period. A student is removed from Citizenship Warning when, in the opinion of the Dean of Girls/Commandant, acceptable conduct and trust are re-established through a sustained effort of positive behavior and attitude. However, the probationary period is normally a minimum of three weeks. Reinstatement to rank or prefect
status and removal from the citizenship ineligibility list will not be considered until four weeks after the student is removed from Citizenship Warning.

Full Restrictions

The requirements for Full Restrictions are essentially the same as for Citizenship Warning; however, Full Restrictions does not make as strong a statement as does Citizenship Warning, and it normally does not last as long. The length of time for Full Restrictions is determined at the discretion of the Student Life. Rank reduction or removal from leadership position is at the discretion of the Dean of Girls/Commandant. Violations of rules and policies that result in substantive assignment of full restrictions will result in restrictions on a student’s ability to represent the school in the same way that assignment to Citizenship Warning does. Specifically:

If more than two weeks of restrictions are assigned for an individual offense or if more than two weeks of full restrictions have accumulated at any one time for several offenses, the student will lose the opportunity to represent the school for one week starting immediately.
If a student is not involved in an activity that involves representing the school and more than two weeks of restrictions are assigned or have accumulated, the student will be assigned work details three days for one week.

If more than two weeks of Full Restrictions are accumulated in one term, the student will be placed on the citizen- ship ineligibility list and lose rank and/or leadership position, the potential for academic awards and nominations to academic societies such as Blue Key and Cum Laude, and/or the lose the opportunity to receive a Gold or Silver A.

Partial Restrictions

Students may receive assignment to partial restrictions, which carry the same sign-in requirements as Full Restrictions, but does not restrict students to campus.

Disciplinary Confinement

Disciplinary Confinement (DC), or detention, is simply a supervised study hall from 7:30 through 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. DC takes precedence over any other commitment. Exceptions will be issued at the discre- tion and approval of the school official that assigned the DC. Exceptions normally involve making up the time on the following weekend. Students are to report promptly to DC by 7:25 p.m. in the uniform/attire for the day and take assigned seats. Passing notes is not permitted, and students may not talk, leave the room, consume food or drink, chew gum, use headphones, shine shoes, play video games or cards, use their computers, or sleep. Students assigned to DC should take sufficient academic material to keep busy until DC concludes. Computers, cell phone and use of other electronic devices is strictly prohibited in DC and phones must be left in barracks/dorms.

Room Confinement

At the discretion of the Dean of Girls/Commandant, students may sometimes be assigned to Room Confinement in lieu of Weekend Disciplinary Confinement. Students assigned to Room Confinement will be supervised by the Barrack Inspector/Dorm Supervisor on duty, will be in the uniform/attire for the day at their desks in their own rooms, and will observe the same times and rules as Weekend DC.

Notations on Transcript

If a student is dismissed from Culver, the fact will be noted on the student’s official transcript. If a student chooses to withdraw from Culver while suspected of a violation that might lead to dismissal, the student’s official transcript will note that withdrawal occurred pending disciplinary action. Students required to withdraw for academic or medical reasons will not have this fact noted on their transcripts.

External Requests for Information

In order to maintain the integrity and accuracy of college admission and/or transfer procedures, evaluations given by any Culver faculty, administrator or staff member regarding a student will not be disclosed to the student or parents. Furthermore, students who request transcript records need to know that, at the discretion of the Dean of Girls or Commandant, a record of Type I or Type II violations may be disclosed

Trial Citizenship Year (TCY)

The Student Records Committee or the Dean of Girls/Commandant may place a student on TCY who has had difficulty meeting citizenship expectations. Normally, this will occur at the end of the school year to take effect
the following year. However, it also may occur during the year, effective through the end of the school year.
Any student on TCY must maintain satisfactory citizenship and not be placed on the citizenship ineligibility list for each term. Failure to maintain a satisfactory record during TCY could result in immediate dismissal. A student on TCY is under the most careful scrutiny by faculty and staff to determine if the student deserves the privilege of remaining at Culver.

Discipline and Interscholastic Athletics

Culver athletes are expected at all times to compete with enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and a concern for safety— both in practice and interscholastic contests. Culver athletes are at all times subject to regulations prescribed by the school, the team, and, in some cases, the sport’s sanctioning body. Normally, misconduct in practice or in compe- tition will be addressed by the coach; however, the Dean of Girls/Commandant, in consultation with the Athletic Director, may impose corrective action for gross misbehavior.

Suspension

A student may be suspended when, in the opinion of the Dean of Girls/Commandant, the student’s presence on campus is not in the student’s or Culver’s best interest. Academic support and other necessary school services may be provided upon request during the suspension.

Readmission

Students who have withdrawn or been dismissed may be eligible to apply for readmission to Culver, pending stipulations outlined by Student Life staff upon student’s dismissal. The requirements for the Culver diploma specify that the final year must be in residence. Thus, students are not eligible for readmission for the last half of the senior/first class year. Readmission shall be at the sole discretion of Culver Academies. Students interested in re-admission should contact Savannah Kranich in the Office of Admissions at savannah.kranich@culver.org for more information.

Student Records Committee

The Student Records Committee is comprised of senior faculty and administrators who convene at the conclusion of each grading period and term and at other times as necessary. The committee’s role is to review the academic and citizenship progress of students and to recommend to the Head of Schools that certain students be required to withdraw or not be permitted to return as a result of their academic and/or citizenship records.

The committee also may periodically place students on a restricted status (Academic Warning, Formal Academic Probation, Trial Academic Year, and Trial Citizenship Year) in response to their academic and/or citizenship status. The committee also considers requests for re-admission to Culver and other issues relevant to the areas of academics and citizenship.

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