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Judicial Affairs

Upon matriculation to the College, students agree to abide by the behavioral expectations established in the Student Handbook. The College reserves the right to address conduct occurring on or off campus with the aim of protecting the College community, educating students regarding mature and responsible decision-making, and preserving the rights of all members of the community to achieve their educational objectives.

The Judicial Process

The Informal Conference:

Upon receipt of a written report alleging one or more violations of College policies, the Dean of Students Office commences an investigation to determine if sufficient information exists to warrant a meeting with the student and a possible disciplinary action. Students are asked to meet with a staff member in an Informal Conference. During the conference, the Dean or Dean's representative reviews the report with the student, explains the judicial process (including the student's options for addressing the report), and informs the student of his or her rights. If the student wishes to discuss the report, he or she may do so; however, students are not required to discuss it at this point in the process.

If the student wishes to discuss the incident, and the hearing officer concludes that there is not sufficient information to support a conclusion that College policy has been violated, the hearing officer may dismiss the case or conduct a further investigation. If after investigating the matter, the hearing officer concludes that sufficient information exists, the officer will charge the student with one or more specific violations under the Code of Conduct.

Adjudication Options

If the hearing officer charges the student with one or more violations, the student ordinarily will have a choice of three adjudication options:

• Informal Resolution: If a student chooses not to dispute the facts and signs a written waiver of a hearing, the case may be resolved informally with the hearing officer. The student may appeal the sanction issued, but he or she may not contest the facts of the case, as he or she has chosen not to dispute them.

• Administrative Hearing: The student may choose to resolve the case with the hearing officer serving as the fact-finder in an administrative hearing. This option is a formal hearing and is recorded; students may offer witnesses with information regarding the report, and the hearing officer may call witnesses as well. If the student is found responsible for one or more violations, the student may appeal the finding of fact or the sanctions imposed, if any.

• Committee Hearing: The student may elect for a committee hearing. Depending on the severity of possible sanctions faced by the student, the committee may consist of three of students from the Judicial Council (the Student Hearing Board) or a mixed body of faculty, staff, and students (the Judicial Panel)

Flow Charts depicting the Judicial and Honor Processes:

• Judicial Flow Chart
• Honor Council Flow Chart