Disciplinary and Dismissal Policy

Rise supports promising young people and provides them with opportunities that allow them to work together to serve others over their lifetimes.

Policy Aim

This policy outlines which disciplinary actions may be taken by Rise against a Rise Participant who has acted in contradiction of the Rise Code of Conduct, the Rise Safeguarding Policy, and other activity- or event-specific guidelines.

In the implementation of this policy, Rise aims to:

Follow restorative justice principles where offenses are not severe and/or criminal.
Adhere to the Rise Safeguarding Policy.
Benchmark behavioral issues to the Rise Code of Conduct.
Ensure any disciplinary action is proportionate to severity of the behavior.
Prioritize the mental wellbeing and safety of all Rise Participants.
Strive to protect the privacy of affected individuals, except in circumstances where there is a significant risk of harm, where there is a need for other specific individuals to know on a confidential basis, or where legal obligations otherwise require.

Prohibited Behavior

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action(s) up to and including dismissal from the program and loss of any associated benefits:

Any violation of the Rise Code of Conduct.
Any violation of the Rise Terms of Use or other legal agreements.
Failing to comply with directions from Rise Representatives acting in performance of their role.

Disciplinary Procedure

Conflicts of Interest

Rise is committed to ensuring that disciplinary proceedings are conducted fairly and impartially. Where a Rise staff member involved in an investigation or decision-making process has a direct personal or financial relationship with any party involved, they will recuse themselves and an appropriate alternative will be designated. For the avoidance of doubt, a staff member’s employment by Rise or professional working relationship with any party does not, standing alone, constitute a conflict of interest requiring recusal.

Information Gathering

In the event of alleged misconduct or violation of any Rise policies, Rise will conduct a thorough inquiry to understand the circumstances of any relevant incidents or violations of policies. The Rise Participants involved will be asked to provide information to facilitate the inquiry process so the circumstances around the alleged misconduct can be understood.

Information gathering may involve an interview with the Rise Participant and/or affected individuals. This process of information gathering could take several weeks and, in complex cases, longer.

In any cases that could lead to dismissal, Rise will summarize the information gathered as part of its inquiry and seek the Rise Participant’s response.

Upon review of submitted information and conclusion of interviews, Rise will agree on the appropriate disciplinary measures and inform the involved parties in writing.

Involvement of External Authorities

Where an allegation involves conduct that may constitute a criminal offense or where Rise has a legal or regulatory obligation to report, Rise will take appropriate steps to notify relevant authorities. Rise will cooperate with any external authorities involved and will keep affected Rise Participants informed to the extent permitted by law.

Disciplinary Actions

Some examples of actions that Rise might take in the case of misconduct include:

Restorative Resolution Circles: This is a collaborative decision making process that includes those who were involved in the incident/case and identifies who and what has been harmed and what actions are necessary to repair the harm and to restore trust in the variety of relationships between the Rise Participants and the community.

Restitution: The Rise Participant may be required to cover the cost of damage to another’s property or the return or restoration of any improperly obtained or diverted funds.

Loss of Privileges or benefits: The Rise Participant may lose, for a specific period of time, the right to participate in programs and activities, or to access Rise platforms. It can also include a loss of benefits such as Rise higher education funding.

Probation: Probation restrictions may include, but are not limited to, no-contact instructions and modification of scheduled benefits if the individual is a Rise Finalist or a Rise Fellow.

Verbal or Written Warnings: Rise may issue the Rise Participant a verbal and a written warning. Warnings will specify the policy or Code violated and may also include specific expectations or conditions for the Rise participant to meet to remain in the program. In any case of written warning, Rise staff will request that the Rise Participant acknowledge understanding of its contents and receipt within a week. Lack of acknowledgement may lead to stricter disciplinary action.

Dismissal: Rise may permanently remove a Rise Participant from the program, which may entail loss of the “Rise Finalist” or “Rise Fellow” title and associated benefits.

Dismissal Policy

Rise reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to make final decisions on Rise Participant dismissal from the program. A Rise Participant who is removed from the program will receive a Letter which will set out the reason(s) for dismissal. Rise will provide the Rise Participant the opportunity to acknowledge its contents within a week. Failure or refusal to acknowledge the letter has no bearing on the validity or finality of the dismissal.

A Rise Participant who is dismissed due to misconduct at an in-person Rise event may be required to return home at their own expense.

A Rise Fellow or Rise Finalist who is dismissed due to misrepresentation or dishonesty may be required to reimburse Rise, partner organizations, and their educational institution for all financial aid and any non-recoverable costs paid or incurred as a result of the misrepresentation or dishonesty.

Dismissal Appeals

Rise dismissal decisions are appealable, except in cases of serious misconduct. In such serious cases, a Rise Participant may be dismissed from the Rise program with immediate effect and no right to appeal.

If a dismissal is appealable and the Letter is timely acknowledged by the Rise Participant, they may appeal the decision within one week of acknowledging the letter. A Rise Participant who wishes to appeal a dismissal must do so in writing and include relevant documentation. If the Rise Participant fails or refuses to acknowledge the Letter within one week, they automatically waive the right to appeal.

Rise will review appeals and notify the Rise Participant in writing with a final decision.

Last Update: April 6, 2026