In many cases, the Respondent will meet with an administrator. The Respondent discusses the matter and is given the opportunity to review all materials and discuss their perspective of the situation. The administrator shares the alleged violations and the Respondent either accepts responsibility for each alleged violation, is found in violation of the violation by the administrator, or is found not in violation. Each violation is determined independently. Based on any alleged violations, the Respondent and administrator can discuss a status and potential sanctions or fines. Within three business days of such meeting, the Respondent will be sent a confirmation letter with the summary of the review.
In instances where information leads the University to look at suspension or dismissal as a potential outcome, the Respondent will engage in an introductory meeting (pre-hearing) to review the process, review materials that led to the conduct review and answer questions pertaining to the process. This process is more detailed than a standard conduct review. The Respondent’s failure to appear for a pre-hearing meeting may result in the scheduling of a hearing without the opportunity to review the information beforehand.
- The Administrative Officer receives all paperwork. The students’ academic schedules are reviewed for a mutually convenient meeting time
- The Respondent receives notice of the review including: date, time, location, witnesses and advisor name
- Information is then shared with the Hearing Officer: this is the individual who will determine if the Respondent should be held accountable and for which violation(s)
- On the date of the review, the Hearing Officer presides over the process and audio records the meeting
- The Respondent provides, verbally and in writing, an opening statement
- The Administrative Officer reads an opening statement
- The Administrative Office invites witnesses in to verbally share their information. Questions for all individuals are channeled through the Hearing Officer
- The Respondent provides a closing statement
- The Administrative Officer provides a closing statement
- The Hearing Officer concludes the review
- All notes from the Administrative Officer, the Respondent, and the Advisor are collected by the Hearing Officer.
Advisors
Any student who is engaged in a Conduct Review (consideration for suspension or dismissal) may seek assistance from an Advisor of the student’s choice. The Advisor must be a member of the University community (current student, faculty member, or staff member) and may not be legal counsel or acting in this capacity.
Advisors are permitted to review all material provided to the Respondent (with the Respondent present), subject to applicable records disclosure laws, and attend meetings and reviews, but may not speak during a Conduct Review. The Hearing Officer, at their discretion, may seek out clarification or information from the Advisor.
Notice of Decision
The Hearing Officer will notify the Respondent of the decision (and sanctions, if any) within one week of the date the Conduct Review(s) hearing is/are concluded for the alleged misconduct. A decision will be provided by email and may also be conveyed verbally, if written communication to the student and other relevant documentation cannot be completed within this time frame.
Sanctions
When a party is found responsible for violating the Code of Conduct, a sanction will be imposed. It is the goal of the University that the sanctions are educational and purposeful. Students who do not complete the sanction(s) on time are subject to further disciplinary action. To avoid additional disciplinary charges, students are encouraged to take their sanctions seriously and complete them in a timely manner.
