What is an impact statement?
Complainants and Respondents have the opportunity to write an impact statement, which outlines the affects that the incident in question or process has had. Impact statements are only read by the hearing body if there is a finding of responsibility for one or more of the alleged violations. They are used by the hearing body to create educational outcomes for the responding student. According to the Student Conduct Code:
Impact statements are considered an element of the hearing record and accessible for review by a complainant and respondent in the event there is a finding of responsibility. If applicable, the complainant and respondent may review the impact statement and provide a response within a reasonable time and by such method as determined by the Student Conduct Authority.
When is my impact statement read and considered?
An impact statement is only considered if there is a finding of responsibility for the responding student. In those cases, the hearing body will read any received impact statements and use it to determine the most appropriate outcomes. The review of the impact statement occurs after the hearing has concluded.
When should I submit my impact statement to the office?
If you choose to submit an impact statement, it must must be emailed the Student Conduct Authority by the deadline specified in your notice letter. The impact statement will only be read by the hearing body if there is a finding of responsibility.
Who can write an impact statement?
Both complainants and respondents are provided the opportunity to submit an impact statement.
Do I have to write an impact statement?
No. Your level of participation in the process is completely up to you. You are invited to submit an impact statement, but it is not a requirement of the process.
What should I include in my impact statement?
The University intentionally keeps the language of the description of an impact statement quite broad. This allows an individual to describe the personal impacts of the incident in question. This is information that will be considered by the hearing body when determining outcomes. Keep in mind that impact statements are read only if there is a finding of responsibility. The following question might help to guide you in this process:
If there is a finding of responsibility, what do I want the hearing body to consider when determining outcomes?
Should I discuss my hopes for a certain outcome/resolution in my impact statement?
While it is not a requirement that you include your hopes for specific outcomes, it is certainly something that you are welcome to include in your impact statement. If you would like to suggest an appropriate outcome in your submitted impact statement, we recommend that you review the Outcomes section of the applicable student conduct code to see what outcomes are available to the hearing body.
How long should my impact statement be?
There is no defined limit on the length of an impact statement. Many submitted impact statements are between 1 and 2 pages in length.
Does an impact statement have to be written? Can it be a recorded media file?
Impact statements are traditionally written statements, however our office is open to receiving them in a different format. If you would like to record your impact statement, please consult with the student conduct authority first so they are prepared to receive it in this format.
Can I include additional documents as part of my impact statement?
Yes. You are welcome to attach any documents that you believe may help to explain or support the details outlined in your impact statement.
Will the other party involved be able to view my impact statement?
Yes. If there is another individual involved, they will have the opportunity to view your impact statement, and you will have the opportunity to view their impact statement. You are also provided the opportunity to submit a response to the other individual’s impact statement. During this time, you will work with the Student Conduct Authority to define a time by which you will need to submit your response. As outlined in the Student Conduct Code:
Impact statements are considered an element of the hearing record and accessible for review by a complainant and respondent in the event there is a finding of responsibility. If applicable, the complainant and respondent may review the impact statement and provide a response within a reasonable time and by such method as determined by the Student Conduct Authority.
