Community Standards Specialist

Position Summary:
The Community Standards Specialist position is part of Student Accountability, Community Standards and Academic Integrity in the Student Affairs division at Vanderbilt University and serves to resolve alleged violations of University policy and investigate alleged violations of the Honor Code by undergraduate and graduate/professional school students. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Student Accountability, Community Standards & Academic Integrity, the Specialist adjudicates and investigates student accountability and Honor Council matters as its primary function.

Each Community Standards Specialist additionally holds responsibility for either advising the Undergraduate Honor Council or working with Student Organization and Greek Organization misconduct (outlined in Key Functions below). 

About the Work Unit:
Student Accountability, Community Standards & Academic Integrity promotes good citizenship within the Vanderbilt University community by educating students to respect themselves and others, to act responsibly, and to expect to be held accountable for their actions. The student accountability and honor systems address student violations of University policy through fair, consistent, and confidential procedures. Student Accountability team members assist in the management of the administrative processes for cases involving alleged violations of University policy and the Honor Code in a manner that ensures the integrity of those processes as well as adherence to the office’s and the Honor System’s missions and policies.

About Student Affairs at Vanderbilt:
Student Affairs serves a central role in student learning and development at Vanderbilt, advancing the University’s mission of teaching, research, and service. Student Affairs at Vanderbilt cultivates vibrant, inclusive communities that foster a student’s sense of belonging and wellbeing through collaborative partnerships, transformative learning experiences, and an accessible and holistic network of resources. We value connection, belonging, compassion, development, and innovation. Our staff are committed to continued growth in knowledge, awareness, skills, and experience engaging with these priorities in a higher education environment.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

There are currently two openings for the role of Community Standards Specialist. 

One Community Standards Specialist will serve as adjudicator for Registered Student Organization (RSO) misconduct. The other Community Standards Specialist will serve as the day-to-day adviser to the Undergraduate Honor Council (Honor Council). The following job functions apply to both positions unless otherwise noted.

Student Accountability

• Hear, investigate, and rule upon alleged violations of University policy by individual students and student organizations (ranging from low to medium level) and impose sanctions in accordance with University policy and office procedures.
• Investigate reports of hazing within student organizations in a timely manner and in collaboration with fellow office members.
• Design and implement programs, trainings, and publications to educate students, faculty, and staff about non-academic policies. 
• Assist in preparing detailed statistical reports on Student Accountability.

Academic Integrity

• Investigate alleged violations of the Honor Code involving undergraduate students and graduate/professional school students.
• Complete full investigations under each Council’s governing documents, including notifications, investigative interviews, compilation of evidence, drafting of meeting reports and investigative packets, and participation in hearings.
• Coordinate and manage the scheduling and preparation for Undergraduate Honor Council hearings.
• Assist in preparing detailed statistical reports on Academic Integrity.

Institutional, Divisional, and Department Administration

• Contribute to the broader mission and objectives of Student Affairs and the University by serving on divisional and institutional committees, task forces, and working groups.
• Actively participate in key divisional initiatives and events, including Move-In Day and all-division meetings and gatherings.
• Maintain a working knowledge of relevant university policies, procedures, and systems—such as those related to travel, procurement, expense, and time reporting—to ensure effective, compliant, and responsible operations.  
• Demonstrate a collaborative spirit by supporting divisional colleagues and engaging in efforts that advance shared goals and strategic priorities. 

Adjudicator for Registered Student Organization Misconduct and Student Organization Support—RSO Specialist Only

• Adjudicate low to medium-high level misconduct by all Registered Student Organizations (RSOs).
• Serve in the Adjudicator role in Interfraternity Council (IFC) Judicial Team proceedings. 
• Assist with Administrative Hearings related to the Interfraternity Council, partnering with the Director, Greek Life staff, and inter/national organization leaders.
• Advise and counsel IFC and chapter leaders proactively related to social functions, policies, and behavioral expectations.
• Assist with alleged misconduct by Intercultural Greek, Panhellenic, and National Pan-Hellenic Councils as needed.
• Conduct preliminary investigation steps when hazing allegations are submitted and support the hazing investigation team by preparing interview guides and other administrative tasks.
• Design and implement programs, trainings, and publications to educate students, faculty, and staff about hazing prevention and awareness.
• Assist in preparing detailed statistical reports on Registered Student Organization misconduct. 
• Manage and track student and student organizations’ completion of all sanctions, including Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test (CUDIT), Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) program, Judicial Educator modules, restitution, reflection papers, etc. to confirm all students are complying with outcomes from accountability meetings. Report to the Director, Assistant Director, or Specialist who served as hearing officer any incomplete sanctions for follow-up communication. Assign holds as necessary.

Advising the Undergraduate Honor Council—Honor Council Specialist Only

• Serve as the day-to-day adviser to the Undergraduate Honor Council pertaining to all operations.
• Advise the Undergraduate Honor Council and the Board of Faculty Advisers related to the adjudication process for violations of the Honor Code.
• Work alongside the Assistant Director to manage the scheduling of investigations and hearings to resolve cases in a timely manner.
• Support the Undergraduate Honor Council’s recruitment and educational programming efforts, including Academic Integrity Week.
• Coordinates the first-year and transfer student Honor Code signing ceremonies and assists with implementation of the associated educational module.
• Assists with training Honor Council membership.
• Acts as a resource and liaison to members of the University community on matters pertaining to the administration of University policy and the University Honor Code.
• Design programs and publications to educate students, faculty, and staff about the Honor Code. 
• Manage and track students’ completion of all sanctions, including Academic Integrity Seminars and Integrity Action Plans to confirm all students are complying with outcomes from Honor Council hearings. Report to the Director, Assistant Director, or Specialist who served as investigator for the Honor Council incomplete sanctions for follow-up communication on any outstanding sanctions. Assign holds as necessary.

 Other Duties

• Assume other duties, as assigned by the Assistant Director.
• Keep abreast of trends in student violations, as well as state and federal legislation and case law impacting student conduct and academic integrity issues, to maintain office’s effectiveness.
• Research, understand, and articulate legal and administrative requirements and engage in professional development, including presentations at pertinent conferences and workshops, to stay current on best practices in student conduct.

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Assistant Director of Student Accountability, Community Standards & Academic Integrity.

Education and Certifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
• A Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• At least two years of direct experience in student accountability/conduct/judicial affairs/academic integrity/Greek life or equivalent combination of education, training, and experiences is necessary. 
  • Experience may include relevant graduate assistantships.
• Ability to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds attending highly selective institutions with a broad range of campus groups, departments, and organizations is preferred.
• Experience with student organization advising, student leader coaching, or student success intervention is preferred.
• Experience with Maxient Conduct Manager or an equivalent student conduct system is preferred.