FAQ(s)

An incident report can be submitted by any member of the campus community. To access the form and submit a report, go to the Report An Incident webpage for reporting options and forms.  

Student conduct records will be maintained for seven (7) years; records may be maintained for a longer period if the record holder is a currently enrolled student. Student conduct records for dismissed students will be maintained permanently. When necessitated by extenuating circumstances (such as pending legal issues) the university reserves the right to keep student conduct records for longer periods as deemed necessary.

No. The University addresses cases involving violations of KU policy. The court system adjudicates cases involving violations of law. Depending on the circumstances, students may have to go through one channel or the other. In some cases, they may be subject to both. Regardless, both systems are separate and distinct from one another; an outcome in one process does not equate to the same outcome in the other process.

An assigned hearing authority (e.g. hearing board) is convened to address cases in which a policy violation is alleged to have occurred. The purpose of the hearing is to find out what happened in a particular situation, figure out whether any policy violations were committed and if so, decide what to do regarding the possible policy violation.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education (US Department of Education, Family Policy Compliance Office). Student conduct records are considered educational records governed under FERPA. For information, visit the KU Registrar FERPA page.  

The KU student handbook (Chapter 2), The Key, contains important documents outlining the university's behavioral expectations and student conduct process, including the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Conduct website also has a listing of policies and procedures that may be helpful.

• Policy Information
• Conduct Procedures

Student conduct records are kept on file within the Student Conduct office and accessed by only those employees with a legitimate educational need to know. Records are kept confidential and are not disclosed to outside parties except by the written consent of the student, through a court order, or as otherwise permitted by law. 

An advisor can be a non-involved student, faculty member, or administrative staff member. The respondent may also bring an attorney at his/her own expense to serve as an advocate.

Non-Title IX Cases: Students may choose to contact a Student Conduct Advisor (SCA).  Volunteer SCAs assist students in navigating the student conduct process. An SCA can help educate students about the conduct process, hearings, appeal procedures, and provide general support.  

Title IX Cases: For Sexual Misconduct Policy cases, a student can have an advisor of choice regardless of university affiliation serves as their advisor. If a student does not have an advisor, the university will provide an advisor to assist the student at their formal hearing. 

These terms are synonymous with the legal system and the student conduct process at KU is not a part of the legal system. Unnecessary legal terminology or legalese is not relevant to the student conduct process. As a result, the university uses the terms "responsible" and "not responsible" to define the outcome in a student conduct case.

The complainant is the individual student, faculty member, staff member, department, or university entity that is alleging a student violated the Student Code of Conduct and/or other university policies

The respondent refers to the individual student who is accused of violating the Student Code of Conduct and/or other university policies. 

Any student, faculty, or staff member of the KU community can refer an incident to the Student Conduct office. In order to do this, an online incident report should be submitted. Please refer to the Report An Incident webpage to file a report.    

Any student attending on a part-time or full-time basis is expected to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the university and is subject to disciplinary action if warranted. This also may include a student who is not currently enrolled but is maintaining their enrollment status with the university (e.g. summer break, winter break, leave of absence, etc.). The Student Code of Conduct applies to both students living on and off campus.

The KU student handbook (Chapter 2), The Key, contains important documents outlining the university's behavioral expectations and student conduct process, including the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Conduct website also has a listing of policies and procedures that may be helpful.

• Policy Information
• Conduct Procedures

No. Witnesses are not mandatory although they are recommended (if applicable) to help legitimize and bolster your case. The purpose of calling and questioning witnesses is to find the truth of the case, clarify testimony contained in an incident report and support your position.

An assigned hearing authority (e.g. hearing board) is convened to address cases in which a policy violation is alleged to have occurred. The purpose of the hearing is to find out what happened in a particular situation, figure out whether any policy violations were committed and if so, decide what to do regarding the possible policy violation.

The University Conduct Board (UCB) is typically a three-person panel consisting of one student, one faculty, and one staff representative. The UCB convenes to formally adjudicate cases at the request of a student and for cases where a suspension or dismissal may be issued as a possible outcome.  

Students may choose to contact a Student Conduct Adviser (SCA). SCAs assist students in navigating the student conduct process. An SCA can help educate students about the conduct process, hearings, appeal procedures, and provide general support. 

No. The University addresses cases involving violations of KU policy. The court system adjudicates cases involving violations of law. Depending on the circumstances, students may have to go through one channel or the other. In some cases, they may be subject to both. Regardless, both systems are separate and distinct from one another; an outcome in one process does not equate to the same outcome in the other process.

No, but it is important to maintain a sense of professionalism at a hearing or preliminary briefing. It is recommended that you refrain from wearing ripped jeans, t-shirts with logos, athletic apparel, sleepwear, etc. Hats or bandanas should not be worn in the hearing.

Yes. After being informed of a decision by a hearing authority, Respondents have the option of filing an appeal challenging the outcome of their case if they believe an error or mistake was made with their case. Appellants have five (5) days to request an appeal and all appeals must follow the appeal procedure defined in Student Code of Conduct, as found in the student handbook The Key.  

If a respondent is found responsible, a sanction(s) will be issued. Factors that help to determine the level of sanctioning include the severity of the violation and the student's conduct record (if any). Sanctions typically include both passive sanctions such as a disciplinary reprimand or disciplinary probation, AND active sanctions such as community service, an alcohol education program, and/or a writing assignment.  

Decisions with respect to student responsibility for alleged actions are made based on a preponderance of the evidence; that is, a decision of responsibility will be based upon presented evidence sufficient to make a reasonable person believe that it was more likely than not a student is in violation of university policy. 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education (US Department of Education, Family Policy Compliance Office). Student conduct records are considered educational records governed under FERPA. For information, visit the KU Registrar FERPA page.  

Kutztown University reserves the right to address off-campus behavior for acts as outlined in Article 3I (Jurisdiction) of the Student Code of Conduct. The university will determine on a case-by-case basis whether or not an individual's alleged conduct represents a substantial university interest. Citations issued or arrests made by local law enforcement represent a substantial university interest and are addressed by the university. 

Yes. After being informed of a decision by a hearing authority, Respondents have the option of filing an appeal challenging the outcome of their case if they believe an error or mistake was made with their case. Appellants have five (5) days to request an appeal and all appeals must follow the appeal procedure defined in Student Code of Conduct, as found in the student handbook The Key.  

You have the right not to appear at your conduct hearing. However, your case will still be heard by the appropriate hearing authority at the appointed date and time even if you do not show up for the hearing. It is recommended that you attend your hearing even if you choose not to present testimony or present a defense.

No. As the respondent, you have the right to not participate in your hearing. If you decide not to call yourself as a witness, you will not be questioned by the hearing authority or the complainant. At the same time, you will not be permitted to enter testimony unless you make yourself available to answer questions. In all cases, the burden of proof rests with the university to prove a student is responsible for a violation. 

Yes. You are responsible for presenting your own personal testimony and questioning witnesses at a hearing. Although you may have a member of the university community or an attorney serve as an advisor at your hearing, they cannot represent you or speak on your behalf at the hearing.

The student conduct process at Kutztown University does not attempt to determine whether a student has violated the law however the university is trying to determine whether a student violated university rules and regulations. As such, the goals and the means of the criminal justice process and the student conduct process are dissimilar. Generally speaking, no delays are given to students to accommodate their interests in the criminal process. However, delays may be granted when it is established to the satisfaction of the Dean of Students Office that such a delay is in the interest of ensuring a fair process for all those involved including the respondent, complainant, and/or victims. 

If sufficient information is presented in the incident report, a letter called a Notice of Charges will be sent indicating the alleged violations and basic details of the incident will be emailed to your official university email account. The Notice of Charges will provide instructions on how to set up an initial meeting, known as a preliminary briefing, where you will be informed of your student rights and the options for resolution will be reviewed.

If the criminal charges brought against you are fully withdrawn or you are found not guilty of all criminal charges, you will most likely still go through the student conduct process if you are accused of violating university policy (e.g. Student Code of Conduct).  Your outcome in court may be used as evidence in your defense but remember that university policy is being applied during the conduct process, not the law. In some situations under these circumstances, conduct charges may be withdrawn at the discretion of the Dean of Students Office when the court outcome is the sole source of evidence needed to establish responsibility for a student conduct violation. This primarily applies to off-campus incidents.  

At your preliminary briefing, you will have the opportunity to dispute the allegation of misconduct by pleading "not responsible" to the charge in question. By denying responsibility you are requesting to have your case decided by the appropriate hearing authority. If a student wishes to accept responsibility they will be given the opportunity to make a statement about their involvement in an incident. In all cases, students are assumed "not responsible" until proven otherwise.

Student conduct records will be maintained for seven (7) years; records may be maintained for a longer period if the record holder is a currently enrolled student. Student conduct records for dismissed students will be maintained permanently. When necessitated by extenuating circumstances (such as pending legal issues) the university reserves the right to keep student conduct records for longer periods as deemed necessary.

There are no prohibitions against students attending other institutions while they are on suspension.

No, but it is important to maintain a sense of professionalism at a hearing or preliminary briefing. It is recommended that you refrain from wearing ripped jeans, t-shirts with logos, athletic apparel, sleepwear, etc. Hats or bandanas should not be worn in the hearing.

Students may choose to contact a Student Conduct Adviser (SCA). SCAs assist students in navigating the student conduct process. An SCA can help educate students about the conduct process, hearings, appeal procedures, and provide general support. 

No. The University addresses cases involving violations of KU policy. The court system adjudicates cases involving violations of law. Depending on the circumstances, students may have to go through one channel or the other. In some cases, they may be subject to both. Regardless, both systems are separate and distinct from one another; an outcome in one process does not equate to the same outcome in the other process.

Although not required, a respondent does have the right to bring an advisor, who can be an attorney, to a student conduct meeting or hearing. In non-sexual misconduct cases, advisors including attorneys, may not speak on behalf of a student at a conduct proceeding. The respondent has the responsibility to speak on their own behalf and to question witnesses or present testimony at a hearing if they so choose.

Please note that advisors have a different role in the procedures under the Sexual Misconduct Policy.

If you fail to complete a sanction on time, a hold on your MyKU account added and you will be unable to register for classes or conduct any other university business until all sanction conditions are satisfied.  If you need to register for classes but are restricted from doing so because of an overdue sanction, you may turn in a Request to Lift a MyKU Student Conduct Hold to have your records temporarily unsealed; this form is optional and students must agree to terms and conditions. This is available only one time per case. 

Respondents (accused students) have a right not to respond or participate in the process. However, the process will continue with or without the student's involvement and a decision will be reached based on the information that is provided or available to the hearing panel or administrator. A respondent may not use his or his choice not to participate as grounds for appealing a decision. A student's decision not to participate in the process is not held against them; decisions are made based on the presented evidence in relation to the policy or conduct standards in question.

If a respondent is found responsible, a sanction(s) will be issued. Factors that help to determine the level of sanctioning include the severity of the violation and the student's conduct record (if any). Sanctions typically include both passive sanctions such as a disciplinary reprimand or disciplinary probation, AND active sanctions such as community service, an alcohol education program, and/or a writing assignment.  

Students are expected to aware of KU's policies and procedures. Reasonable efforts are made to educate students about the Student Code of Conduct through various efforts.  Further, students are expected to have a fundamental understanding of the criminal laws as citizens, particularly law governing alcohol and other drugs. 

A preliminary briefing is a meeting between a respondent and the student's assigned case officer. The respondent's student conduct rights are reviewed and the respondent is given an opportunity to respond to the allegation of misconduct. A respondent may either:

• accept responsibility for a violation, waive their right to a hearing and be sanctioned accordingly;
• deny responsibility and request a hearing with the appropriate hearing authority; or
• waive the right to participate in the student conduct process.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education (US Department of Education, Family Policy Compliance Office). Student conduct records are considered educational records governed under FERPA. For information, visit the KU Registrar FERPA page.  

Decisions with respect to student responsibility for alleged actions are made based on a preponderance of the evidence; that is, a decision of responsibility will be based upon presented evidence sufficient to make a reasonable person believe that it was more likely than not a student is in violation of university policy. 

The University Conduct Board (UCB) is typically a three-person panel consisting of one student, one faculty, and one staff representative. The UCB convenes to formally adjudicate cases at the request of a student and for cases where a suspension or dismissal may be issued as a possible outcome.  

Any student attending on a part-time or full-time basis is expected to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the university and is subject to disciplinary action if warranted. This also may include a student who is not currently enrolled but is maintaining their enrollment status with the university (e.g. summer break, winter break, leave of absence, etc.). The Student Code of Conduct applies to both students living on and off campus.

An advisor can be a non-involved student, faculty member, or administrative staff member. The respondent may also bring an attorney at his/her own expense to serve as an advocate.

Non-Title IX Cases: Students may choose to contact a Student Conduct Advisor (SCA).  Volunteer SCAs assist students in navigating the student conduct process. An SCA can help educate students about the conduct process, hearings, appeal procedures, and provide general support.  

Title IX Cases: For Sexual Misconduct Policy cases, a student can have an advisor of choice regardless of university affiliation serves as their advisor. If a student does not have an advisor, the university will provide an advisor to assist the student at their formal hearing. 

The complainant is the individual student, faculty member, staff member, department, or university entity that is alleging a student violated the Student Code of Conduct and/or other university policies

The respondent refers to the individual student who is accused of violating the Student Code of Conduct and/or other university policies. 

These terms are synonymous with the legal system and the student conduct process at KU is not a part of the legal system. Unnecessary legal terminology or legalese is not relevant to the student conduct process. As a result, the university uses the terms "responsible" and "not responsible" to define the outcome in a student conduct case.

Students that are placed on disciplinary probation as a result of a conduct violation are considered not in good standing with the university and are ineligible to participate in any type of intercollegiate competition (including intercollegiate athletics and club sports) or hold any position of leadership within a club or student organization.

For respondents under the age of 21, following a second infraction and finding of responsibility for violations of drug or alcohol violations, the Dean of Students Office will inform parents or legal guardians of all previous violations. At the time of the first incident, students will be strongly advised to consult with their parents or guardians regarding their behavior. For additional information on parental notification refer to Article 13 (Supporting Policy) of the Student Code of Conduct.

Yes. An advisor can be a non-involved student, faculty member, or administrative staff member. A respondent or student complainant may also bring an attorney, at their own expense, to serve as their advisor in lieu of a community member.

An incident report can be submitted by any member of the campus community. To access the form and submit a report, go to the Report An Incident webpage for reporting options and forms.  

No. The University addresses cases involving violations of KU policy. The court system adjudicates cases involving violations of law. Depending on the circumstances, students may have to go through one channel or the other. In some cases, they may be subject to both. Regardless, both systems are separate and distinct from one another; an outcome in one process does not equate to the same outcome in the other process.

It is recommended that you address classroom disruption when it happens in a way that ends the behavior but doesn't embarrass the student. Afterward, follow up privately with the student to discuss the incident as well as your concerns and expectations to set clear boundaries. Also, addressing classroom rules and expectations at the beginning of the semester in-class as well as on your syllabus can also be very helpful when addressing inappropriate behavior later on in the semester.

If the pattern of disruptive behavior continues or if a single incident is sufficiently severe or disruptive, faculty can file an Incident Report with the Dean of Students Office. If the disruptive behavior becomes unruly or if there are safety concerns contact Public Safety and Police Services at 610-683-4001 (x34001) and follow up with the Dean of Students Office. 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education (US Department of Education, Family Policy Compliance Office). Student conduct records are considered educational records governed under FERPA. For information, visit the KU Registrar FERPA page.  

The KU student handbook (Chapter 2), The Key, contains important documents outlining the university's behavioral expectations and student conduct process, including the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Conduct website also has a listing of policies and procedures that may be helpful.

• Policy Information
• Conduct Procedures

For respondents under the age of 21, following a second infraction and finding of responsibility for violations of drug or alcohol violations, the Dean of Students Office will inform parents or legal guardians of all previous violations. At the time of the first incident, students will be strongly advised to consult with their parents or guardians regarding their behavior. For additional information on parental notification refer to Article V of the Student Code of Conduct.

Generally speaking, parents are not permitted to participate in student conduct hearings as an advisor. If a student wants an advisor, they may have a member of the campus community or a private attorney accompany them to a hearing. Please refer to the Student Conduct Advisor program and/or Role of Advocates section (Article 8) of the Student Code of Conduct in The Key student handbook for additional information. 

Kutztown University reserves the right to address off-campus behavior for acts as outlined in Article III (Jurisdiction; Off Campus Rights & Responsibilities) of the Student Code of Conduct. The university will determine on a case-by-case basis whether or not an individual's alleged conduct represents a substantial university interest. Citations issued or arrests made by local law enforcement represent a substantial university interest and are addressed by the university. 

Student conduct records will be maintained for seven (7) years; records may be maintained for a longer period if the record holder is a currently enrolled student. Student conduct records for dismissed students will be maintained permanently. When necessitated by extenuating circumstances (such as pending legal issues) the university reserves the right to keep student conduct records for longer periods as deemed necessary.

Any member of the university community can make an allegation of a conduct violation towards a student. If your student is being accused of a violation then the student conduct process will commence in an effort to resolve the allegation. No one likes to be accused of something negative but the fairest way to arrive at an outcome is to provide both sides of a grievance with an opportunity to be heard and a chance to respond. Although this may be uncomfortable and inconvenient, it does provide the fairest avenue for addressing allegations of misconduct.

The student conduct process at Kutztown University does not attempt to determine whether a student has violated the law; the university is trying to determine whether a student violated university rules and regulations. As such, the goals and the means of the criminal justice process and the student conduct process are dissimilar. Generally speaking, no delays are given to students to accommodate their interests in the criminal process. However, delays may only be granted when it is established to the satisfaction of the Dean of Students Office that such a delay is in the interest in ensuring a fair process for all those involved including the respondent, complainant and/or victims. 

As members of the KU community, each student is expected to manage his/her own disciplinary matters with the university. Parents can provide important moral support and assist their student in understanding the process and the expectations of the university.

Respondents (accused students) have a right not to respond or participate in the process. However, the process will continue with or without the student's involvement and a decision will be reached based on the information that is provided to the hearing panel or administrator. The student may not use his or his refusal to participate as a later ground for appealing a decision.  A student's decision not to participate in the process is not held against him or her; decisions are made based on the presented evidence in relation to the policy or conduct standards in question.  

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education (US Department of Education, Family Policy Compliance Office). Student conduct records are considered educational records governed under FERPA. For information, visit the KU Registrar FERPA page.  

Yes, but only in the capacity of an advisor. Advisors may not represent students at a hearing, but they are permitted to advise them privately throughout a hearing. Please refer to the Role of Advocates (Article IV.G) in the Document on Student Rights & Welfare published in The Key student handbook for additional information. 

No. If an advisor is present at a hearing, they are there only to serve as an advisor to the student. The advisor has no formal role in the hearing. The student is solely responsible for presenting their own case but may consult privately with their advisor.

Note that this guidance does not apply to cases falling under the Sexual Misconduct Policy. 

Students are expected to represent themselves in all student conduct matters except those under the Sexual Misconduct Policy, regardless of whether the student is facing concurrent criminal charges for the same set of circumstances. Students may have an attorney present to serve as their advisor during all student conduct proceedings with the student's written permission. A student may complete a release allowing their attorney to be present at student conduct meetings. The Dean of Students Office will correspond at all times directly with the student, and not through any third party unless special circumstances exist.

An Authorization to Release Information (completed by the student) can be found on the Student Conduct Resources & Forms page.

Kutztown University reserves the right to address off-campus behavior for acts as outlined in Article III (Jurisdiction; Off Campus Rights & Responsibilities) of the Student Code of Conduct. The university will determine on a case-by-case basis whether or not an individual's alleged conduct represents a substantial university interest. Citations issued or arrests made by local law enforcement represent a substantial university interest and are addressed by the university. 

The student conduct process at Kutztown University does not attempt to determine whether a student has violated the law; the university is trying to determine whether a student violated university rules and regulations. As such, the goals and the means of the criminal justice process and the student conduct process are dissimilar. Generally speaking, no delays are given to students to accommodate their interests in the criminal process. However, delays may only be granted when it is established to the satisfaction of the Dean of Students Office that such a delay is in the interest in ensuring a fair process for all those involved including the respondent, complainant and/or victims. 

Respondents (accused students) have a right not to respond or participate in the process. However, the process will continue with or without the student's involvement and a decision will be reached based on the information that is provided or available to the hearing panel or administrator. A respondent may not use his or his choice not to participate as grounds for appealing a decision. A student's decision not to participate in the process is not held against him or her; decisions are made based on the presented evidence in relation to the policy or conduct standards in question.

An assigned hearing authority (e.g. hearing board) is convened to address cases in which a policy violation is alleged to have occurred. The purpose of the hearing is to find out what happened in a particular situation, figure out whether any policy violations were committed and if so, decide what to do regarding the possible policy violation.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education (US Department of Education, Family Policy Compliance Office). Student conduct records are considered educational records governed under FERPA. For information, visit the KU Registrar FERPA page.  

Decisions with respect to student responsibility for alleged actions are made based on a preponderance of the evidence; that is, a decision of responsibility will be based upon presented evidence sufficient to make a reasonable person believe that it was more likely than not a student is in violation of university policy. 

The university addresses cases involving violations of policy only. The court system adjudicates cases involving violations of law. Depending on circumstances, students may have to go through one channel or the other, or in some cases, may be subject to both. Regardless, they are separate and distinct from one another.

The KU student handbook (Chapter 2), The Key, contains important documents outlining the university's behavioral expectations and student conduct process, including the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Conduct website also has a listing of policies and procedures that may be helpful.

• Policy Information
• Conduct Procedures

These terms are synonymous with the legal system and the student conduct process at KU is not a part of the legal system. Unnecessary legal terminology or legalese is not relevant to the student conduct process. As a result, the university uses the terms "responsible" and "not responsible" to define the outcome in a student conduct case.