FAQ for Respondents (Accused Students)

The information provided on this page is intended to assist students who have been accused of violating the Student Code. We make every effort to update the information in a timely manner, but please be aware that, in any conflict between this information and the Student Disciplinary Procedures, the procedures will prevail.

General Questions

Why is the university contacting me in about something that didn't even happen on campus?

The jurisdiction of the Student Code is based on an individual's relationship with the university and the university community’s interest rather than the geographic location of the offense.

If you have a police report about me or if I have been arrested, aren’t you just going to believe the police over me?

No. A police officer is treated like any other witness. The decision-maker in your case will evaluate the credibility of any police testimony or reports and will not simply assume that the police are telling the truth. Nor will the decision-maker assume you are being dishonest because your statement conflicts with that of law enforcement. Decisions will be made based on an objective evaluation of the evidence.

Questions about Meeting with a Case Coordinator

I have been instructed to schedule a meeting with a university staff member to discuss a possible violation of the Student Code. What is the purpose of this meeting?

In this meeting, your case coordinator will explain the student discipline process, discuss any relevant sections of the Student Code, and give you an opportunity to respond to the allegations against you. The case coordinator may give you a decision at the conclusion of this meeting, continue the investigation by collecting additional information, or inform you that your case will be decided by the appropriate subcommittee on student conduct.

Am I required to meet with my case coordinator?

Yes. If you do not schedule a meeting by the deadline or miss a meeting that you have scheduled, we may implement a registration hold, or your case coordinator may make a decision in your case without your input.

How long will this meeting take?

Most meetings with your disciplinary officer last 15-30 minutes, but some conversation can last an hour or more.

Can I bring someone with me to this meeting?

Yes. You may bring a person of your choosing to the meeting to serve as your advisor, though the role of this individual will be very limited. Your advisor may not answer for you.

Can I appeal a decision of my case coordinator?

Yes. Please refer to the frequently asked questions for appellants.

Questions about Formal Hearings

What is the Subcommittee on Undergraduate Student Conduct?

The Subcommittee on Undergraduate Student Conduct (SUSC) is a hearing body which operates under the authority of the Senate Committee on Student Discipline (SCSD). The SUSC is a group of trained university faculty, staff, and students and is responsible for adjudicating cases involving undergraduates, specifically those who are facing either suspension or dismissal from the university.

What is the Subcommittee on Graduate Student Conduct?

The Subcommittee on Graduate Student Conduct (SGSC) is a hearing body which operates under the authority of the Senate Committee on Student Discipline (SCSD). The SGSC is a group of trained university faculty, staff, and students and is responsible for adjudicating cases involving graduate students, specifically those who are facing either suspension or dismissal from the university.

How do I know if my case is being heard by a subcommittee panel?

In most cases, your case coordinator will inform you if your case is being forwarded to a subcommittee on student conduct for a formal hearing at your first meeting. In all cases, the Office for Student Conflict Resolution will email you a hearing notice at least five business days in advance of any hearing you are expected to attend.

When and where are formal hearings held?

Most Subcommittee on Undergraduate Student Conduct (SUSC) hearings are scheduled between 1 and 5 p.m. on Friday afternoons. Your hearing notice will specify the date, time, and location of your hearing. If your hearing will be held via video conference or other similar technology, your hearing notice will also provide instructions for participating.

How should I prepare for my formal hearing?

Prior to the hearing, you will have an opportunity to review the materials that will be shared with the committee. In addition, you may meet with your case coordinator to discuss the hearing materials and procedures.

At the hearing itself, you will have the opportunity to present a brief narrative of the incident in question, to answer questions, to suggest questions for any participating witnesses, and to make a closing statement regarding the facts of the case. If you are found in violation of the Student Code, you will also have the opportunity to address the committee one last time before they decide on sanctions and to submit any documentation you would like them to consider.

Can anyone attend a formal hearing?

Formal hearings are not open to the public. Only authorized individuals may attend.

Can I bring an advisor to my formal hearing?

Yes. Your advisor may not speak for you, answer questions, ask questions, or directly participate in any way. If your advisor fails to abide by these instructions or is otherwise disruptive, the Chair of the committee may ask them to leave.

Can I bring my parents to my formal hearing?

One of your parents may serve as your advisor. If you bring other individuals with you to a nonvirtual hearing, they will need to wait outside of the hearing room. If the Office for Student Conflict Resolution does not have space to accommodate them, they may be asked to leave the building.

Can I bring witnesses to my formal hearing?

You should provide your case coordinator with the identity of any witnesses you believe have relevant information to share about your case well in advance of your hearing. If you bring witnesses with you to the hearing that have not been previously identified and/or interviewed, they may not be allowed to participate.

Although you should feel free to submit character statements as part of your sanctioning materials, we do not allow character witnesses to participate in a formal hearing.

Am I required to attend my formal hearing?

You are strongly encouraged to attend your hearing, but you are not required to do so. If you do not attend, the committee will decide the case in your absence, and you will be notified of their decision by email.

Can I appeal a decision of the Subcommittee on Undergraduate Student Conduct or the Subcommittee on Graduate Student Conduct?

Yes. Please refer to the frequently asked questions for appellants.

Questions about Sanctions

What happens if I do not complete an educational sanction that I have been assigned?

We may place a registration hold on your student account until you submit complete your required sanction and that sanction is approved. This hold will prevent you from changing your schedule, registering for new classes, and graduating. We may also charge you with sanction noncompliance, which could lead to dismissal from the university. If you believe you may not be able to complete an educational sanction on time, you should email your case coordinator immediately.

I cannot afford to complete a sanction I have been assigned. What do I do?

Contact your case coordinator immediately and ask to speak to them about the situation. They may be able to refer you for assistance or to offer options for alternative sanctions.