Frequently Asked Questions

What does Probation mean?

What probation means for you is that if a business, campus organization or club were to check on your disciplinary status with the university, we would be required to inform them you are not in “good” disciplinary standing with the University. However, once all requirements of probation have been met, you are considered in “good” disciplinary standing with the university. How long does Probation last?

For a fist time minor violation of policy probation typically lasts the length of a semester. At the student’s request, probation may be longer than a semester.

Is it important to come to the meetings?

Coming to the meetings is very important. Students who skip meetings or miss them by mistake may ultimately have an administrative hold placed on their records and in some cases may lengthen the duration of their probationary period. Scheduling meetings is important. Coming to the scheduled meeting is even more important.

Who do I contact concerning the Youthful Offenders Program?

The Youthful Offenders Program is run through Schuylkill, Montour and Columbia County (CMUS), not the university. Contact CMSU at 570-275- 5422.

What is Student Standards?

Student Standards is designed to educate students on and enforce Bloomsburg University’s twenty-one standards of behavior set forth in the PILOT. Please refer to the Code of Conduct for a list of the twenty one standards of behavior. Resident students were each given a copy of the PILOT upon admission to their rooms on campus.

Where is the Office of Student Standards and Off-Campus Housing located at?

The Office of Student Standards and Off-Campus housing is located in the Office of Residence Life. This may be found in the basement of Elwell Hall, easily located to the left of Elwell’s main entrance. Be sure to check in at the main desk and wait for further directions.

Do I need to schedule a meeting to drop off proof of sanction requirements?

At times throughout the probation period, a student may finish their probation requirements earlier than anticipated. If you feel you would rather bring yourdocumentation into the office instead of waiting for your Mid-Point Probation Meeting, simply stop in. We are happy to keep your file updated!!!

What community service counts?

All community service found on the community service section of our website orin the informational pamphlets you have received are already pre-approved. It’s important that if a community service project not approved comes up, you email the graduate assistant to certify your proposed community service. Student Standards reserves the right to verify community service done.

Where is the DAWN office located at?

The DAWN office is located at 253 in the Warren Student Services Center on BUs academic quad. They are available Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm during the regular semester. Their phone number is (570) 389-4980.

What is the Choices and Decision Making Program?

The Choices and Decision Making Program is run by the current graduate students from the Office of Student Standards. This program offers insight into the decision making process and encourages good decision making skills for its participants to use in the future. This hour long workshop is offered many times throughout the semester. Please contact the office for a complete listing of dates and times.

Will my parents find out about my meeting with Student Standards?

Parents, family members or loved ones may be notified under certain circumstances through the Office of Student Standards or the University Police. In all situations where the student is a minor, a letter will be sent from the University to the student’s home address.

What is a sanction?

A sanction is a requirement you must meet by the end of your probation period. Sanctions range from community service to required testing and assessments. All sanctions are carefully outlined in the letter you receive detailing the terms of your probation period. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Student Standards.

How long do I have to complete all of the sanctions I was assigned?

You should have all sanctions completed by your End-Probation Meeting towards the conclusion of your probation period. Failure to complete any sanctions will lengthen your probation period. A good tip is to have most of your sanctions completed by the Mid-Point Meeting. Sanctions that could be finished by this time include community service, any assessments issued and/or proof of the education requirement that was met. Keep in mind that you will need a letter of release for your final meeting.

What is the release letter?

Every probation period requires you to create a release letter that is “due” at your End Probation Meeting. There is no template for how the letter should be set up. However, the release letter should be no more than a page. In your letter, you should discuss your probation experience, sum up any community service you did and, most importantly, formally ask to be released from probation. Check here for more information!

How many times can I get in trouble?

There is no concrete answer to this common question. For example students who are found responsible for furnishing alcohol to minors will be suspended for no less than one semester regardless of it being their first violation. There is not hard and fast number of citations or violations that will get you “kicked out” of the University. This is why it is important to follow the Student Code of Conduct!