Community Handbook

Discipline, Accountability, and Responsibility

MSSM’s approach to discipline is educational. Thus we believe that students can learn from their mistakes and remain contributing and positive members of the community. While consistency may be a goal in the school’s disciplinary response, we recognize that each situation brings with it its own unique set of circumstances. Students should be aware that they represent the school community at all times, both on and away from campus. While it is not the school’s intention to monitor students in all of their off-campus activities, the school may take disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion, in response to inappropriate conduct occurring outside of campus as long as the student is enrolled in the school. Conduct that violates the law or reflects badly upon the school may be cause for discipline, including dismissal. The school may, in its sole discretion, contact parents to address both minor and more serious instances of misconduct, at any stage of the discipline process. A student’s standing at MSSM is determined on the basis of effort, and conduct. Failure to maintain good standing in any one of these areas may result in dismissal and/or the denial of a diploma. The faculty and administration of MSSM are available to students to consult, to encourage students to seek help and, when necessary, to impose discipline.

Fundamental Rule Violations

A student will receive disciplinary consequences, including the possibility of dismissal from the school in the event an offense is committed in the community. Students who choose to remain present when alcohol, drug, hazing or any other rules are being broken by others may still be subject to disciplinary action. A student may also be dismissed for violating or attempting to violate, or choosing to remain present during the violation of any other rules and regulations of the school, for unsatisfactory conduct, for a generally unsatisfactory record, or for conduct injurious or dangerous to the student, to the school, or to others. Students who approach a faculty member to seek non-disciplinary assistance and support will not be subject to disciplinary action for having chosen to remain in the presence of a rule violation. Each student is responsible for reading this handbook and complying with the school’s rules and regulations. Failure to know the rules and regulations is not a defense. The school’s interest in the conduct of students away from campus is the same as it is in their conduct on campus. MSSM may hold students accountable for their off-campus and online conduct in appropriate ways.