Disclosure of Arrests FAQs
What is the Disclosure of Arrest Policy?
The policy requires students to report all felony arrests and other arrests involving violence or the threat of violence within 72 hours of the incident regardless of where it occurs. “Arrests” include any action by court summons, citation, detention or other similar process. The complete policy can be found in the Student Handbook's Student Life Policies section.
Why does the university require disclosure of arrests?
The university wants to address conduct that may represent a risk to safety of the student or others or significant disruption to the campus community. The requirement to disclose arrests helps us become aware of issues that may require prompt intervention.
What arrests do I have to disclose?
Students are required to disclose to the university any criminal process that has begun for them (whether by court summons, citation, detention, or other similar process) regardless of location. Students do not need to disclose misdemeanor offenses that do not involve violence or the threat of violence or minor traffic incidents (e.g., speeding tickets or fender benders) unless they involve injury to people or damage to property or an arrest for criminal charges.
When do I have to disclose?
Incidents resulting in the commencement of a criminal process must be disclosed within 72 hours of the incident.
How do I disclose?
Students can submit information regarding arrests by submitting the online form.
What will Community Values & Restorative Practices do with the information?
The Director evaluates each disclosure on a case-by-case basis. For issues involving felony charges, representing a threat of safety to the student or others, or posing a risk of significant disruption of the university’s operation, the Director likely will decide to address the issue through the Student Conduct process. The factors the Director considers include, for example, the nature of the alleged behavior leading to arrest, the student's prior conduct and arrest history if any, and how the alleged behavior may impact the community's or the student's welfare. For other instances, a student may be required to meet with a member of the staff to discuss the issue and determine what further action, if any, is needed, and the staff member may make referrals to resources.
What will appear on my record?
CVRP will keep a copy of the arrest disclosure on file for internal use until the student graduates from William & Mary. CVRP will not disclose arrests to entities outside the university unless the student is found responsible for a violation of our W&M Code of Conduct or Honor Code. At that point, the arrest record will become part of the student’s conduct record and will be bound by the disclosure policies associated with these records as found on the Registrar’s website.
What happens if I fail to disclose?
Students who fail to disclose an arrest within 72 hours face possible conduct action ranging from a warning to permanent dismissal depending on the circumstances. If student conduct action normally would result from the conduct leading to arrest, then the failure to disclose will lead to more severe consequences than would have been the case following timely disclosure.
