Student Conduct Code

A notice of alleged violation(s) is the document that a student, student organization, or student group will receive if they have allegedly violated the Student Conduct Code or Student Organization Conduct Code. This notice will include the date, time, and location to attend an information session which will discuss the alleged violations as well as the student conduct process.

An information session is an informal meeting with the Associate Director of Student Affairs who will explain to a responding student or reporting individual their rights, discuss hearing options, and answer any questions. It is NOT a hearing, but an opportunity for a responding student or reporting individual to become more informed of the conduct process.

Typically, students may choose both their hearing type and hearing body, however, the Department of Student Affairs may pre-select either the hearing type and/or the hearing body. The Student Conduct Code provides for two distinct types of hearings, informal and formal.

INFORMAL HEARINGS

Informal hearings are best suited for cases involving few questions of fact. They can typically be scheduled quickly, at the convenience of both the responding student and the hearing body. In an informal hearing, the University does not automatically call witnesses to support the alleged violations. However, the responding student may call witnesses and present information. The hearing body may gather any additional information needed, including calling witnesses. If additional information is needed, the responding student will be notified.

FORMAL HEARINGS

Formal hearings are most appropriate for cases involving more serious alleged violations of the Student Conduct Code. Formal hearings require the hearing body to call appropriate witnesses to provide information relevant to the alleged violations. Formal hearings are held no sooner than five (5) class days after notice is given to the responding student. The hearings are recorded and this recording serves as the official record of the proceedings.

The Student Conduct Code affords all students involved in the University conduct process the right to an advisor (see section (7)(c)3). An advisor can be a friend, family member, faculty member, attorney, or anyone a student chooses. Regardless of who a student chooses to advise them, the advisor cannot speak for a student in the hearing unless authorized by the hearing body. Students will need to complete and submit the Advisor Request form to the Department of Student Affairs two (2) class days prior to their hearing in order for an advisor to be present at the hearing.

1. As participants in a student conduct action, reporting individuals have the right to:
2. Present information on their behalf.
3. Choose not to answer any and all questions posed by a hearing body.
4. Be accompanied by an advisor.
5. Submit questions for witnesses.
6. Have hearings conducted in private, unless the student requests a public hearing. Requests for a public hearing must be submitted in writing to the Associate Director of Student Affairs at least three (3) business days prior to the scheduled hearing.
7. Have hearing decisions communicated in writing.
8. Request reasonable accommodations from the Department of Student Affairs.

Accommodation requests must be made three (3) business days in advance of the scheduled hearing to the Associate Director of Student Affairs.

The University will call appropriate witnesses to provide information relevant to the alleged violations in a formal hearing. In an informal hearing, the responding student may call witnesses to present information.

In light of the facts and circumstances of each case, the following outcome, or combination of outcomes (with or without appropriate modifications) may be imposed upon any student found to have violated the Student Conduct Code. Certain outcomes may incur a financial cost.

• Reprimand (written or verbal)
• Parental Notification Letter
•  Service Hours
• Educational Activities
• Counseling Assessment
• Restitution (only in cases involving University property)
• Conduct Probation
• Disciplinary Probation
• Suspension
• Dismissal
• Expulsion
• Withholding of diplomas, transcripts, or other records
• Transcript Notations – a written notation indicating that disciplinary action was taken
• Restrictions on contact with specified people

Upon conclusion of the hearing, the hearing body will make a determination of “responsible” or “not responsible” for each alleged violation. If a decision of responsible is reached, the hearing body will craft a set of educational outcomes for the student to complete in order to fulfill the conduct process. These outcomes will be detailed in the decision letter along with a deadline for completion. If the deadline is not met, a student conduct hold may be placed on a student’s University records.

The presumption is the investigation and hearing process were appropriately conducted. An appeal may be requested on any hearing decision, provided that one or more of the reasons for appeal listed in “Appeal Requests” is relevant to the case. On appeal, the burden of proof rests with the individual requesting an appeal to show the appeal has merit. The Associate Director of Student Affairs may choose to deny an appellate request if it is determined after a full review of the request the basis for the appeal has no merit. The appellate body varies depending on the hearing body. All appellate decisions are considered recommended decisions to the Dean of Students (or designee).