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Frequently Asked Questions

To learn more about SCS, please click on the questions below. 

General Questions:​​​​​​

What is SCS?
Student Community Standards (SCS) is The Chicago School's student conduct process. Referrals to SCS are adjudicated by the Dean for Student Success or a college-specific panel.

A student is engaged by SCS when their academic department alleges that they violated The Chicago School's University Community Norms and Standards (Code of Conduct, Academic Ethics, Integrity, and Responsibility, and Professional Behavior), and/or failure to perform according to academic program expectations and standards including progress toward degree.

What is The Chicago School's Code of Conduct?
​The Chicago School's Code of Conduct establishes the minimum standards of conduct for all students. A student is required to behave in a manner that is suitable for professional study and practice. Please refer to the 'Code of Conduct' section in The Chicago School Student Handbook for further information.

What is academic misconduct?

Academic misconduct refers to violations of the Academic Ethics, Integrity, and Responsibility policies. These policies include restrictions on cheating, plagiarism and self-plagiarism, and fabrication, misrepresentation, and false attribution​​​. They also present rule for ethical research. ​To read more about what constitutes academic misconduct, please review the Academic Ethics, Integrity, and Responsibility section in the Student Handbook.

What is a violation of professional behavior?

A violation of professional behavior includes behaviors that substantially interfere with the development of professional competence or profe​​ssional rel​a​tions, inadequate progress toward the development of clinical skills, failure to act in accordance with school rules and/or policies, unprofessional conduct, illegal conduct, and/or conduct contrary to the ethical standards upheld by the profession. Please refer to the 'Professional Behavior' section in the Student Handbook for more information.

How does this differ from sexual harassment (Title IX)?

The Chicago School's Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Title IX Policy guides the institution's response to allegations of sexual misconduct in our community. The Chicago School is committed to creating and maintaining a safe learning and working environment that is free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. Sexual misconduct allegations are not adjudicated by SCS.  Read more about Reporting Allegations or Inc​​idents of Sexual Misconduct.

Before a Hearing:​​​​​​

​I have been referred to SCS. What does that mean?

If you have received a Notice, that means that your academic department has referred you for review based on an allegation of academic misconduct, a breach of professional behavior standards, a violation of the Code of Conduct, or a failure to make expected progress in your academic program. Your Notice includes the reason for referral.

I have been referred to SCS. What should I do?
Read your Notice and the attached referral documents carefully. If you have questions, contact SCS right away. Select your support ​person, and write and submit your response to the referral before deadline stated in the letter. For more information, read Before a SCS Hearing.

What is a written response? What should I include in my written response?

You have the right to present a written response to your referral that explicitly addresses its contents. If you submit a written response after the deadline stated in your Notice, SCS is not obligated to consider it.  Please refer to the Student Response to Referral Template​​ if you need assistance composing your written response.

What is a support person? How should I select one?
Your support person provides advice and support both prior to and during your SCS hearing. You may select a support person from within The Chicago School only. They must be a faculty member or a non-student staff member. For more information about the role of the support person, read Before a SCS​ hearing.

How do I participate in my hearing?
​​All SCS Hearings are held online using virtual meeting techology provided by the school. You are required to appear on webcam for the duration of your hearing. For any technical support contact the Helpdesk via telephone at (800) 747-8367​ or email at [email protected]​​.​

How do I request postponement of my hearing?
You must make a postponement request in writing by the deadline stated in your Notice. Your written request must include your rationale for postponement. SCS has the sole discretion to approve or deny a request for postponement depending on the extenuating circumstance. SCS’s decision regarding postponement is final.

If your postponement request is granted, SCS will determine the new hearing date and time. The new date and time will be communicated to you in a revised Notice.

I require accommodations to participate in my hearing. Who do I contact?
If you require accommodations to participate in a SCS hearing, submit a written request stating so by the deadline in your Notice.

During and After​ Your Hearing: 

What should I expect during my hearing?
SCS follows standard procedures for every Hearing. For more information about what to expect, refer to On the Day of a SCS hearing. ​

I have been dismissed from The Chicago School. Will I get a refund?
Depending on when you are dismissed, you may be entitled to a partial refund for the term/semester. Refund amounts are based on the Refund Schedule posted in the Student Handbook.

What is an Academic Development Plan (ADP)?
An Academic Development Plan (ADP) may be used to assist a student who needs individualized support to remediate a behavioral or academic concern. Refer to the Student Rights and Responsibilities section in the Student Handbook​ ​to learn more about ADPs.

How do I appeal SCS dismissal?
​You have the right to appeal SCS dismissal to the SCS Appeals Committee. You must submit your online SCS Appeal Form​ as soon as possible and within five business days after being notified of SCS's decision. To learn more, refer to Appealing my Decision.

Will the SCS decision appear on my transcript?
If the decision is No Action or ADP, it will not be recorded on your transcript. If the decision is dismissal, it will be recorded on your transcript. 

When should I expect my hearing decision?​
​SCS will notify you of the decision in writing via your Chicago School email address within 10 business days of SCS action.