Preparing for a Conference or Hearing

A student conduct conference is one mechanism for resolving an incident report. It will occur when the outcomes are not likely to include removal from housing, suspension, or expulsion.

A University Hearing Board (UHB) is one mechanism for resolving an incident report. It will occur when the outcomes reasonably include removal from housing, suspension, or expulsion.

Respondents scheduled for a UHB may elect to have a Student Conduct Conference instead. The conference will be considered a Board-Level Student Conduct Conference, in which the full-range of sanctions may be assigned, including removal from housing, suspension and expulsion.

• An optional meeting with the case manager that takes place before the Student Conduct Conference or University Hearing Board
• Designed to prepare the respondent for the conference/board by explaining the respondent’s rights in the process and answer any questions the respondent may have

In both a student conduct conference and a university hearing board, the following parties participate in the process:

• Respondent: the student involved in the incident who have violated the Code of Student Conduct
• Case manager: a university administrator who will facilitate the process
• Complainant (as approved): parties reporting having been affected by an incident
• Advisor (sometimes): person to emotionally or strategically support the respondent (and the complainant, as approved)
• Witnesses (sometimes): individuals with relevant information regarding the incident who can be requested by the respondent, the complainant, or a university official

In addition to those parties listed above, the following also participate in university hearing boards:

• Presiding officer: a university administrator or UHP member who will be the lead facilitator of the process
• University Hearing Panel: 3-5 full-time students and possibly a faculty member or administrator

• To answer questions regarding
  • The reported violations
  • The level of the your responsibility, if any
  • Your decision making process during the incident
  • How this incident will impact you in the future
  • What harms occurred and how they can be repaired
• To interact with the individuals present by asking and answering questions

• Provide information that is true and accurate
• Engage in good faith with all involved in the process
• Dress in a way that is comfortable for you, as you would for class

• Overview of the conduct process
• Affirmation to be truthful
• Review of alleged violations
• Statements and questions of witnesses
• Parties’ statements and questioning
• Parties’ clarification statement
• Closing information regarding notification of decision and the appeals process

A university official (for student conduct conferences) or the university hearing panel members (for university hearing boards) deliberate over all of the evidence presented and makes a determination if the respondent is in violation of the charges.

• Applicable in cases where the respondent wishes to accept responsibility
• Respondent submits a statement accepting the in violation finding for all alleged violations
• Sanctions can include any status sanctions up to and including suspension and expulsion
• Respondent waives all rights to appeal
• If declined by the respondent, the case will proceed as originally referred.