From an Idea to Institutional Impact
The Pathway Plan Sanctioning Model
The Pathway Plan Sanctioning Modelâ„¢ was developed from a belief that student accountability should be more than a consequence for violating institutional policy. It should be an opportunity for students to reflect, learn, take responsibility, and make better decisions.
What began as an innovative approach to educational sanctioning has evolved through implementation and refinement across multiple institutions.
Evolution of the Pathway Plan Sanctioning Model
2017–2018 | Southern Methodist University
The Beginning
The foundation of the Pathway Plan began at Southern Methodist University, where Tony created and implemented a student-centered approach to educational sanctioning. The original work introduced 18 educational sanctions and gave students a more active role in selecting learning experiences connected to their behavior. Early assessment findings included a 16% improvement in the overall student experience.
2018–2023 | University of Montevallo
Refining the Approach
At the University of Montevallo, the Pathway Plan continued to evolve through a restorative-oriented approach to student accountability. The model emphasized student participation, intentional educational responses, and opportunities for students to share their perspectives throughout the conduct process. Assessment findings demonstrated improvements in students' perceptions of fairness, respect, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in their resolution experience.
2023–Present | Old Dominion University
Connecting Accountability and Student Success
At Old Dominion University, the Pathway Plan approach was further integrated into student conduct practices, with an emphasis on intentional educational outcomes, student development, and institutional effectiveness. Reported outcomes included a 45% reduction in overall repeat conduct violations, alongside positive student perceptions of the educational conduct experience. These findings reinforced the importance of connecting accountability with meaningful learning opportunities and student success.
Institutional Partners
Measurable Impact
45%
Reduction in repeat violations
Old Dominion University
98.5%
Felt respected and listened to
Old Dominion University
The Five Pathways
Built around five pathways—Accountability, Understanding, Perspective, Restorative, and Well-Being—the model provides a structured approach to selecting educational responses that align with student behavior, learning needs, and institutional priorities.
Accountability
Helping students take responsibility for their decisions and the impact of their behavior.
Understanding
Building awareness of institutional policies, expectations, and the reasons behind them.
Perspective
Encouraging reflection on how choices affect others and the wider community.
Restorative
Creating opportunities to repair harm and rebuild trust with those affected.
Well-Being
Supporting student health, resilience, and the personal growth behind better decisions.
Today | Pathway Professional Solutions
Bringing the Pathway Plan to Your Institution
Today, the Pathway Plan Sanctioning Modelâ„¢ is available to institutions interested in strengthening their educational sanctioning practices.
Built around five pathways—Accountability, Understanding, Perspective, Restorative, and Well-Being—the model provides a structured approach to selecting educational responses that align with student behavior, learning needs, and institutional priorities.
Through institutional licensing and implementation partnerships, Pathway Professional Solutions helps institutions move beyond routine sanctions toward more intentional, educationally focused accountability.