Hearings
Student Conduct Hearings
When there is an allegation of misconduct that is challenged, a hearing authority is convened and tasked with the following objectives:
- Find out what happened. (investigation/hearing)
- Figure out whether any student violated university policy or rules. (responsible or not responsible)
- Decide what to do about it. (sanctioning)
When a student denies responsibility for a Student Code of Conduct infraction, the student has two (2) hearing options available to resolve the allegation in question: informal or formal resolution.
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Informal Resolution Process
A student has the option of waiving their right to a formal hearing and having their case decided informally in a one-on-one administrative review of the incident. In waiving the right to a hearing, the respondent may not appeal the finding of responsibility but may appeal the sanction consistent with the Appeal Policy.
In cases that may result in a suspension or dismissal from the university, informal resolution is not available.
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Formal Resolution Process
Respondents who deny responsibility for a violation and wish to have a formal review of their incident involving the parties to an incident, including the complainant and witnesses, may do so through a formal hearing. This process is detailed in Article IV of the Document on Student Rights & Welfare as published in The Key, however, an overview of the process is provided below.
When a formal hearing is required, a University Conduct Board (UCB) is convened to review the case, hear from the parties involved (complainant, respondent, witnesses), and determine whether or not a student violated university policy. Generally, a UCB panel is comprised of three university representatives (one faculty member, one administrator, and one student) along with a presiding hearing officer. In some instances such as when there is a need to have a hearing over the summer, a hearing will be coordinated in which a single administrator will preside solely over the hearing and make a decision of responsibility based on the presented evidence.