Warnings can be issued either verbally (informal) or in writing (formal) for minor offenses, and are generally followed by a more significant sanction if a pattern develops. A warning becomes part of the student’s official record, but is not considered a formal disciplinary action. Warnings are not noted on a student’s transcript. Penalties may include:

• Letter(s) of apology
• Community service
• Disqualification from honors and other forms of HBS recognition and support

Probation is a potential precursor to suspension in which a relationship with HBS exists, but is conditional to meeting probation requirements. This sanction may be temporarily or permanently recorded on a transcript. Penalties may include:

• Same as Warning (see above)
• Limited loss of access to CPD services for recruiting violations

Suspensions can result in a range of restrictions and/or requirements, including those limiting a student’s full relationship with HBS, up to mandatory withdrawal. They may be temporarily or permanently recorded on a transcript. Penalties may include:

• Same as Probation (see above)
• Community service and/or restitution to return/reestablish relationship with HBS
• Prohibition from attending recruiting, social, and other HBS-sponsored events
• Loss of elected leadership roles
• Denial to participate in graduation
• Mandatory withdrawal for a defined period and/or satisfaction of a defined set of criteria

Dismissal is action taken in serious disciplinary cases whereby a student’s connection with the School is ended by vote of the HBS faculty (a two-thirds majority of those present at a meeting or voting electronically); it is a significant disciplinary action of separation from the community but does not preclude the possibility of a future return. The action taken by the CRB is a vote of requirement to withdraw with a recommendation to the HBS faculty that the student be dismissed. A dismissed student will have a permanent transcript notation, must successfully petition to the CRB to return to HBS, and is not in good standing until readmitted.

Expulsion is action taken in serious disciplinary cases whereby a student's connection with the School is permanently ended by vote of the HBS faculty (a two-thirds majority of those present at a meeting or voting electronically); it is the most extreme disciplinary action possible and signifies that the student is no longer welcome in the community. The action taken by the CRB is a vote of requirement to withdraw with a recommendation to the HBS faculty that the student be expelled. A student who is expelled will have a permanent transcript notation and can never be readmitted and restored to good standing.