Philosophy

GW students are afforded specific rights and responsibilities when they choose to enroll at the University. The Office of Student Judicial Services is charged with promoting individual student growth and development, facilitating community standards, and upholding University disciplinary policies and procedures. Teaching students about informed decision making, predicting consequences of behavior, and the impact of their decisions and behavior on self or others are central tenets valued by all staff and students who work in the Office of Student Judicial Services. Recognizing the impact of student behavior inside and outside the classroom is a critical component of a student's role as a responsible citizen of the GW community and a continuation of the educational mission of The George Washington University.

Mission Statement

The Office of Student Judicial Services contributes to the University and the Dean of Students office missions by educating students and other members of the GW community regarding their rights and responsibilities as citizens of the University and the District of Columbia. Through its programs, services, and resources, SJS teaches and supports community standards and fosters positive relationships while holding students accountable for behavior detrimental to their academic, personal or social development; their peers; and the larger community.

Principles

Based on the philosophy and mission, the following are the principles of the Office of Student Judicial Services:

1. Utilize an educational approach when interacting with students, parents, and University community members regarding student rights and responsibilities. Assign educational remedies to students whose behavior falls below the standards established by the University community.

2. Provide professional, courteous, and student-centered programs, services, and resources that support individual students and the greater GW community.

3. Maintain confidentiality and protect students' rights as defined by federal and local laws and interpreted through University policy.

4. Provide ongoing comprehensive training for student and professional staff and the campus judiciary to facilitate the philosophical values of the Community Standards Initiative and "Code of Student Conduct."

5. Develop and implement a meaningful and educational method of resolving conflict, encouraging personal responsibility and facilitating community accountability.

6. Create opportunities for student leadership development and encourage meaningful involvement within the GW judicial system, GW Housing Programs, and the Dean of Students office to teach peer-based governance, the responsibility of democratic citizenship, and civility.