Cary Academy National Honor Society- Procedure for Disciplinary Action and Dismissal

There are two sets of circumstances that may result in disciplinary action for an NHS member.  One, a member may violate a school policy, rule, or display conduct that does not meet the tenets of membership in the estimation of the Faculty Advisor.  If the probable consequences would not likely involve dismissal from the organization, the Faculty Advisor may determine the consequences for the member (and notify the Faculty Council).  If however the consequence could include dismissal from the organization because of the alleged nature of the offense(s), the Faculty Council will determine the consequences.  In either event, a member has the right to appeal the decision in writing to the appropriate person or group as outlined below.

1.  When the NHS Faculty Advisor is made aware of a situation or incident that suggests that a member has not maintained the high standards of leadership, scholarship, service, and character, and the situation does not likely represent a flagrant violation of school rules or the law, the Faculty Advisor will meet with the member, discuss with him or her of the standards of NHS membership, and may issue a warning and/or impose a probation.  The member will be given reasonable time to correct the deficiency, except in the case of a flagrant violation of school rules or the law, in which case a member will not be entitled to a warning (see below).  The Faculty Advisor will notify the student in writing and will also notify the NHS Faculty Council of the consequences.  If the member once again maintains high standards in leadership, scholarship, service, and character, the probation will be lifted.  A member has the right to appeal in writing the decision of the Faculty Advisor  to the Faculty Council (without the Faculty Advisor being present).  A member may further appeal to the Head of the Upper School and then to the Head of School.  If a member does not satisfactorily make progress toward meeting the tenets of the chapter during the probationary period, in the estimation of the Faculty Advisor, the Faculty Advisor will notify the member and the Faculty Council in writing, at which time the Faculty Council may want to schedule a hearing with the student which may result in a  number of consequences, including dismissal from the chapter.

2.  When the NHS Faculty Advisor is made aware of a situation or incident that suggests that a member has not maintained the high standards of leadership, scholarship, service, and character, and the situation likely represents a flagrant violation of school rules or the law, the Faculty Advisor notifies the Faculty Council and the member in writing.   There is no requirement for a warning, if the Faculty Advisor believes that  the alleged situation could result in the member's dismissal from the chapter.  The Faculty Council considers the situation and determines, in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Cary Academy and National bylaws, if a hearing is warranted (as outlined in Article X of the National Constitution).  If specific circumstances warrant, the Faculty Council may render a decision about the consequences for the member prior to a hearing.  The member can accept the finding the Faculty Council in this instance or he or she may request a hearing if he or she feels that there are extenuating circumstances that should cause the Faculty Council to re-consider its decision.

3.  In all cases of pending disciplinary action by the Faculty Council, a member shall have a right to a hearing before the Faculty Council.  The hearing shall consist of the Faculty Council, the Faculty Advisor, the member, and if the member so chooses, he or she can have his or her assigned Cary Academy Advisor present.   The Faculty Council may ask the member to explain the situation more fully so that the Faculty Council can properly weigh the gravity of the situation.

4.  The Faculty Council will meet privately to consider the consequences if any.  The Faculty Council has the discretion not to impose any penalty, to require a warning and/or probation, to remove members from officer or committee positions within the chapter, to dismiss a member from the chapter, or any other consequences that seem to be appropriate.  The decisions of the Faculty Council are determined by a majority vote.  The discussions of the Faculty Council will remain confidential.

5. A member who has been dismissed may appeal the decision of the Faculty Council to the Head of the Upper School and to the Head of School after that.  The National Council and the NASSP shall hear no appeals in dismissal cases.

6. A student who is dismissed from the chapter is not eligible for future membership, as specified by the NHS Constitution.