Conduct Process

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 a representative from the Department of Student Conduct and Community Standards who will explain to the respondent or complainant their rights, discuss hearing options, and answer any questions. It is NOT a hearing, but an opportunity for a respondent or complainant to become more informed of the conduct process.

Typically, students may choose both their hearing type and hearing body, however, the Department of Student Conduct and Community Standards 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.

Alternative Resolution

If deemed appropriate by the University a student can agree to resolve their student conduct process with an alternative resolution. In alternative resolutions, the student accepts responsibility for the behavior and agrees to complete the assigned outcomes. Case resolved through alternative resolutions are not categorized as student conduct records.

No-Contest Resolution

When a respondent accepts responsibility and outcomes for alleged violation(s) of the Student Conduct Code. This resolution is noted as a finding of responsibility and results in a student conduct record for the respondent.

Restorative Resolution

If deemed appropriate by the University, affected/complainant and respondent can agree to forego the student conduct process in favor of reaching a mutually agreed upon resolution. The University adopts the resolution of the Restorative Resolution process in lieu of adjudicating a student conduct case. Participation in Restorative Resolutions is entirely voluntary, and any party can withdraw from the process until the signing of the Restorative Resolution Agreement. Failure to adhere to the agreed-upon resolution by any individual may result in further student conduct action.

Informal Hearing

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

Formal Hearing

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 class days after notice is given to the respondent. The hearings are recorded and this recording serves as the official record of the proceedings.

Outcomes-Only Hearing

May be deemed appropriate to resolve a student conduct issue when a student is found guilty or at fault in a criminal or civil court based on a preponderance of the evidence or higher standard.

The Student Conduct Code affords all students involved in the University conduct process the right to an advisor. An advisor can be a friend, family member, faculty member, attorney, or anyone a student chooses. Students will need to complete and submit the Role of Advisor form to the Department of Student Conduct and Community Standards three business days prior to their meeting or hearing in order for an advisor to be present.

As participants in a student conduct process, individuals have the right to:

1. Present information on their behalf.
2. Choose not to answer any and all questions posed by a hearing body.
3. Be accompanied by an advisor.
4. Submit questions for witnesses.
5. Have hearings conducted in private, unless the student requests a public hearing. Requests for a public hearing must be submitted in writing to the appropriate Student Conduct Authority (or designee) at least three (3) business days prior to the scheduled hearing. The Student Conduct Authority maintains the right to determine if a public hearing is appropriate given the nature of the alleged behaviors.
6. Have hearing decisions communicated in writing.
7. Request reasonable accommodations from the office adjudicating their student conduct case.

Accommodation requests must be made three (3) business days in advance of the scheduled hearing to the appropriate Student Conduct Authority.

• University is only required to call appropriate witnesses in formal hearings.
• Witnesses in formal hearing must be submitted to Student Conduct and Community Standards during or before the Information Session.
• No character witnesses.
• Witnesses have the right to have an advisor participate in support of them in all meetings and hearings. Witness also have the right not to answer any and all questions posed during a hearing. If an advisor will be participating with the witness, the student must submit the Role of Advisor form to the Department of Student Conduct and Community Standards three business days prior to their meeting or hearing.

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 – completion of tasks under the supervision of a University department or outside agency.
• Educational Activities – attendance at educational programs, interviews with appropriate officials, planning and implementing educational programs, or other educational activities.
• Counseling Assessment – referral for assessment at a counseling center for alcohol/drug dependence, general mental health, or other counseling issues.
• Restitution only in cases involving University property. Restitution must be submitted to the appropriate University department in a manner that is approved by that University department.
• Disciplinary Probation – During this probation any further violation of the Student Conduct Code will place your status with the University in jeopardy. If you are found "responsible" for another violation of the Code during the period of Disciplinary Probation, serious consideration will be given to imposing an outcome of Suspension or Expulsion from the University.
• Change in University Housing assignment.
• Exclusion (either temporary or permanent) from University Housing.
• Suspension – separation from the University for a specified period, not to exceed two years. This may include restricted access to campus and/or other specified activities.
• Expulsion – separation from the University without the possibility of readmission. This may include restricted access to campus and/or other specified activities.
• 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 list in the “Appeal Procedures” section of the Student Conduct Code is in question. On appeal, the burden of proof rests with the individual requesting an appeal to show the appeal has merit. The appellate body varies depending on the hearing body and is outlined below. All appellate decisions are considered recommended decisions to the Vice President (or designee).  More information about the appeals process about the Student Conduct Code.

Appeal requests must be submitted within five business days of the date on the student’s outcome letter. Appeal requests can be submitted online by completing the Appeal Request Form.