Student Accountability Process Overview
1. Purpose and Philosophy
The Student Conduct and Accountability Process is educational and administrative, designed to promote student development, accountability, community standards, and student success.
The process provides students with notice of alleged violations, an opportunity to respond, and a fair and impartial resolution process. Conduct proceedings are not criminal or civil court proceedings, and formal rules of evidence do not apply.
The University reserves the right to proceed with the student conduct process independently of any criminal or civil proceeding.
This process applies to alleged violations of University policy except where another University policy or legally mandated procedure governs the matter, including Title IX, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation procedures.
At the discretion of the Vice President for Student Development or designee, a conduct matter may be referred directly to an Administrative Hearing Officer or the University Accountability Board when circumstances warrant.
2. Definitions
Respondent
A student is alleged to have violated University policy.
Reporting Party
Any individual or University official who submits information regarding an alleged policy violation.
Conduct Officer
A University official authorized to investigate and resolve alleged violations of University policy.
Advisor
A person selected by a student to provide support during meetings or hearings. Advisors may consult with the student but may not actively participate unless otherwise permitted by University policy or law.
Hearing Panel
A group of trained students, faculty, and/or staff authorized to review alleged policy violations and determine outcomes.
3. Jurisdiction
The University may address student conduct occurring:
- on University property,
- at University-sponsored activities,
- in connection with recognized student organizations,
- online or through electronic communication when behavior impacts the University community, or
- off campus when conduct adversely affects the safety, security, or functioning of the University community.
The University reserves the right to determine whether alleged misconduct falls within its jurisdiction.
Adjudicating Bodies
The Student Accountability Process involves three adjudicating bodies, which are assigned based on the severity and circumstances of the alleged violation:
Student Accountability Board
The Student Accountability Board is composed of trained students selected through an application and interview process. Members must remain in good academic and disciplinary standing.
The Board hears cases involving alleged residential and non-separation-level conduct violations. The Board determines whether a student is responsible for violating University policy and, when appropriate, assigns educational and disciplinary sanctions.
Cases that may result in suspension, expulsion, or other significant sanctions may be referred to an Administrative Hearing Officer or the University Accountability Board.
Administrative Hearing Officer
An Administrative Hearing Officer is a trained University official authorized to review alleged policy violations, determine responsibility, and assign sanctions.
Administrative hearings may be used for cases involving:
- Repeated misconduct,
- serious policy violations,
- cases requiring expedited resolution, or
- situations where administrative review is deemed appropriate by the University.
University Accountability Board
The University Accountability Board hears cases involving alleged misconduct that may result in suspension, expulsion, or other significant sanctions.
The Board consists of trained faculty, staff, and students appointed by the University. Hearing panels are selected from the Board membership and are composed of impartial individuals with no conflict of interest in the matter.
The Vice President reviews appeals from University Accountability Board decisions for Student Development or designee.
Summer Accountability Hearing Bodies
During summer terms or periods of limited University operation, conduct cases may be resolved through modified hearing processes designated by the Vice President for Student Development or designee.
Provisions and Procedures for Student Accountability Board, Administrative Hearing Officer, and University Accountability Board: Student Rights and Hearing Procedures
Student Rights
Students participating in the conduct process are entitled to the following rights:
- Written notice of alleged violations and hearing information at least two business days before the hearing, unless waived by the student.
- The opportunity to review relevant information and evidence before the hearing.
- The opportunity to respond to allegations and present relevant information.
- The opportunity to identify witnesses with relevant information.
- An advisor to the student’s Advisors may not actively participate in hearings unless otherwise required by law or University policy.
- A fair and impartial hearing conducted by individuals free from conflict of interest or bias.
- Reasonable accommodations for disabilities or other protected needs are provided when requested through the appropriate University office.
- Privacy of proceedings consistent with applicable law and University policy.
Hearing Procedures
- At the beginning of a hearing, the hearing officer or hearing panel chair shall review the hearing procedures and student rights.
- The hearing body shall use only information relevant to the case in determining whether a student is responsible for violating University policy.
- The standard used in all conduct proceedings is the preponderance of the evidence standard, meaning it is more likely than not that a policy violation occurred.
- Formal rules of evidence do not apply in conduct proceedings. The hearing body may determine the relevance and reliability of information presented.
- Hearings are closed to individuals other than those directly involved in the process or otherwise authorized by the University.
- One advisor of their choice may accompany students. Advisors may consult privately with the student but may not actively participate in the hearing unless otherwise permitted by University policy or law. No one outside the University may accompany the student. The student’s prior disciplinary history will not be considered when determining responsibility, but may be considered when determining sanctions.
- Cases involving multiple students may be heard jointly when appropriate. The University reserves the right to separate cases when necessary to ensure fairness or efficient resolution.
- A majority of the hearing panel members must concur to determine responsibility.
- The University may maintain an audio recording or official summary of hearings. Deliberations are not recorded.
Impartiality and Conflicts of Interest
Any individual participating in the resolution of a conduct matter must be free from conflict of interest or bias.
Students may raise concerns regarding potential bias or conflict involving a hearing officer or panel member before the hearing begins. The University will review such concerns and determine whether reassignment is appropriate.
Interference with the Conduct Process
Students are expected to participate honestly and respectfully in the conduct process.
Knowingly providing false information, interfering with proceedings, intimidating participants, or failing to comply with conduct directives may result in additional disciplinary action.
Interim Actions and Emergency Measures
The University may implement interim measures when necessary to protect the health, safety, well-being, or functioning of the University community or to preserve the integrity of the conduct process.
Interim measures may include:
- interim suspension,
- temporary removal from University housing,
- no-contact directives,
- restrictions from specific locations or activities,
- changes to class schedules or housing assignments, or
- other administrative actions deemed appropriate by the University.
Interim measures are not disciplinary sanctions and may remain in effect pending resolution of the conduct process.
Alternative Resolution Options
In appropriate circumstances, the University may offer alternative resolution options designed to address concerns through educational, restorative, or informal processes.
Alternative resolution options may include:
- restorative justice practices,
- mediation,
- facilitated dialogue,
- educational conferences,
- behavioral agreements, or
- other informal resolution methods.
Participation in alternative resolution is voluntary and subject to the University’s approval.
Cases involving violence, threats to safety, or other serious misconduct may not be eligible for alternative resolution.
Medical Amnesty and Good Samaritan Assist. The University’s priority is the health and safety of students. Students are encouraged to seek medical assistance for themselves or others during emergencies involving alcohol, drugs, or other health and safety concerns.
A student who seeks emergency assistance on behalf of another person, or a student who receives emergency medical attention, will generally not be subject to disciplinary action for minor alcohol or drug violations related to the incident, provided the student acted in good faith and cooperated with University officials.
The University may require educational interventions or follow-up meetings as a condition of amnesty.
Sanctions
Students found responsible for violating University policy may receive one or more educational or disciplinary sanctions intended to promote accountability, learning, community safety, and student development.
Sanctions may include:
- written warning,
- educational assignments,
- restitution,
- fines,
- loss of privileges,
- residence hall reassignment or removal,
- probation,
- suspension, or
- expulsion.
Failure to complete assigned sanctions by the designated deadline may result in additional disciplinary action or restrictions on University participation.
The University reserves the right to consider prior conduct history when determining sanctions.
Accessibility and Accommodations
The University is committed to providing equitable access to the conduct process.
Students requesting disability-related accommodations or other reasonable accommodations should contact the appropriate University office as early as possible before a meeting or hearing.
Reasonable accommodations may include adjustments to scheduling, communication methods, participation format, or other modifications necessary to ensure equal access.
Remote and Virtual Hearings
The University may conduct meetings, investigations, hearings, and appeal proceedings virtually or remotely when appropriate.
Remote proceedings will provide participants with a reasonable opportunity to participate, present information, and respond to relevant information consistent with University procedures.
The University may establish additional procedures governing virtual participation, technology expectations, confidentiality, and recording restrictions.
Retaliation Prohibited
Retaliation against any individual for reporting alleged misconduct, participating in the conduct process, serving as a witness, or exercising rights under University policy is prohibited.
Retaliation includes intimidation, threats, coercion, harassment, discrimination, or adverse action taken because of participation in the conduct process.
Allegations of retaliation may result in separate disciplinary action.
Interference with the Conduct Process
Students are expected to participate honestly and respectfully in the conduct process.
Knowingly providing false information, interfering with proceedings, intimidating participants, or failing to comply with conduct directives may result in additional disciplinary action.
Student Conduct Holds and Administrative Restrictions
The University may place administrative holds on a student’s account or records when a student:
- fails to respond to conduct communications,
- fails to complete assigned sanctions,
- fails to comply with interim measures, or
- Otherwise, it interferes with the conduct process.
Administrative holds may affect registration, housing, participation in graduation, or other University privileges until the matter is resolved.
Withdrawal While Charges Are Pending
Students who withdraw from the University while conduct charges are pending may remain subject to the conduct process.
The University reserves the right to:
- continue the conduct process in the student’s absence,
- place a hold on re-enrollment,
- require the resolution of pending matters before return, or
- Note that the pending status is internally consistent with University policy.
Appeals Process for Accountability Hearings
A student found responsible may submit one appeal within five business days of receiving the written outcome.
Appeals are not rehearings. Appeals are limited to one or more of the following grounds:
- A procedural error occurred that materially affected the outcome.
- New information became available that was not reasonably available at the time of the hearing and could affect the outcome.
- The sanction imposed is substantially disproportionate to the violation.
- A conflict of interest or demonstrated bias affected the fairness of the process.
The Vice President for Student Development or designee will review the appeal and may:
- uphold the original decision,
- modify sanctions,
- remand the matter for further review, or
- order a new hearing.
The officer’s decision is final.
Records, Privacy, and Confidentiality
Student conduct records are maintained in accordance with applicable law and University policy, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Conduct proceedings are private educational proceedings and are not open to the public. Information regarding conduct matters will be shared only with individuals who have a legitimate educational interest or as otherwise permitted or required by law.
The University may maintain records of conduct investigations, hearings, sanctions, and outcomes for the period determined by institutional policy.
Revision and Interpretation of Policy
The University reserves the right to interpret, revise, or amend student conduct policies and procedures at any time.
The Vice President for Student Development or designee shall have the authority to resolve questions regarding the interpretation or application of these procedures.
Minor deviations from stated procedures that do not materially affect the fairness of the process will not invalidate a conduct decision or outcome.
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