The Student Conduct Process begins when the University receives information that a student's conduct may be in violation of the policies in the Code of Student Responsibility or other University policies.
The University will review the information provided and make a decision that:
(a) It is appropriate to initiate a Student Conduct Process.
(b) More information or investigation is needed before making a determination whether to initiate a Student Conduct Process.
(c) It is not appropriate to initiate a Student Conduct Process at this time.
If a Student Conduct Process is initiated (including after further investigation or information gathering), the Student Conduct Process will proceed as follows:
- The University will promptly communicate with the relevant parties, including the complainant and the referred student, in order to explain the Student Conduct Process. See details in Initial Meetings.
- Depending on the circumstances, the University may decide to impose interim sanctions. See details in Interim Sanctions.
- The University will determine whether the Student Conduct Process will proceed with an administrative hearing or a University Board hearing. This determination will be discussed with the relevant parties during any initial meetings. Factors that contribute to the decision include but are not limited to the type of violation, severity of the incident, consideration for potential likely sanctions, the impact on the larger University community, and the role of the complainant.
- Depending on the circumstances, the University may decide to offer the referred student the option to participate in an Acceptance of Responsibility and Agreed Resolution instead of a hearing. Factors that contribute to a referred student being eligible for this option include, but are not limited to the type of violation, severity of the incident, consideration for potential likely sanctions, the impact on the larger University community, student’s previous conduct record at the University and the student’s agreement that they have engaged in the alleged behaviors of concern and do not contest the allegations. Information about the Acceptance of Responsibility and Agreed Resolution process can be found at Acceptance of Responsibility and Agreed Resolution Process.
- The University will work with the individuals involved to determine each individual's level of participation in the Student Conduct Process and what role each individual will have in the Student Conduct Process. For example, whether the referred student will be participating in the Student Conduct Process; and whether the complaining individual will serve as a complainant, witness, or not participate at all.
- The University will hold an administrative hearing or a University Board hearing. See details in Administrative Hearing Process and University Board hearing process.
- If a referred student is found "IN VIOLATION" of any policy, conduct sanctions will be assigned. See details in Information About Conduct Sanctions.
- The complainant and the referred student will have the opportunity to appeal all determinations as to policy violations and sanctions. See details in Conduct Appeals Procedures.
All meetings and hearings that are part of the Student Conduct Process, including initial reviews, administrative hearings and University Board hearings are scheduled at the earliest availability of the reporting individual, the referred student and the hearing officer or University board panel. As appropriate, academic commitments will be considered in determining student availability. Other commitments may be considered at the discretion of the Dean of Students office.
The availability of an advisor to attend any meeting or hearing related to the Student Conduct Process shall not unreasonably interfere with or delay the Student Conduct Process.