Alleged violations of federal, state and local laws may be investigated and addressed under the Student Conduct Code. When an offense occurs, over which Washburn University has jurisdiction, Washburn University’s conduct process will usually go forward notwithstanding any criminal complaint that may arise from the same incident. Washburn University reserves the right to exercise its authority of interim suspension upon notification that a student is facing criminal investigation and/or complaint (additional grounds for interim suspension are outlined below). Interim suspensions are imposed until a hearing can be held, typically within two weeks.

Within that time, the suspended student may request an immediate hearing from the Associate Vice President for Student Life to show cause why the interim suspension should be lifted. This hearing may resolve the allegation, or may be held to determine if the interim suspension should be continued. The interim suspension may be continued if a danger to the community is posed and Washburn University is delayed or prevented from conducting its own investigation and resolving the allegation. In such cases, the University will only delay its hearing until such time as it can conduct an internal investigation or obtain sufficient information independently or from law enforcement upon which to proceed.