The Process & Resolution Options

The Initial Letter

SARP staff make an initial determination about whether a report received alleges conduct that may violate of our Code of Conduct. If so, we send the student an initial letter which includes a copy of the report, the possible policy violations, the maximum possible sanction that could result, and the student’s options for resolving the matter.

Alternative Resolution

If the Director/designee determines it appropriate, the student can opt to resolve the incident via Alternative Resolution. Alternative Resolution provides the student and affected parties an opportunity to engage in an active accountability process in which the student accepts responsibility for their actions and agrees to engage in good faith discussion and problem-solving to identify the harms created by their actions and to repair the harm.

If a student reaches an agreement via Alternative Resolution, SARP will monitor completion of the agreement within the specified time frames and will keep a copy of the agreement as part of the student’s conduct record. SARP will not, however, disclose the matter with entities outside the university community.

Informal Resolution

The student meets with an assigned staff member informally. If the student and staff member agree to a summary of facts, and the student waives their right to a conference or panel resolution, the student can resolve the matter informally with the staff member. The staff member will determine whether the student is responsible for one or more violations, and if so, will issue sanctions/educational measures and inform the student in writing.

If the staff member determines a matter cannot be resolved through the informal process, they can refer the matter for a conference or panel. The student will be offered the choice of resolving via an Administrative Conference or a Panel. For “Warning” level cases, the student can resolve the matter via Informal Resolution or Administrative Conference, but not via a panel.

Students who resolve via Informal Resolution are limited to appealing the sanction(s) imposed.

Administrative Conference

This option is a formal proceeding; the student meets with the assigned staff member and can provide their account and answer questions. Both the student and staff member also can ask witnesses to participate in the process.

If the student elects to have the alleged violations resolved via Administrative Conference, the university will follow the procedures outlined under "Procedures for Student Panels" or "Procedures for Community Panels" (contained in the "What is the Process to Resolve Allegations of Violation" section) with appropriate modifications of the process accounting for the level of seriousness of the alleged conduct.

Panel

The student can choose for a panel to decide the matter. If so, the staff member will prepare formal written allegations of violation and notify the student. 

There are two types of panels: Student Panel and Community Panel. As defined in Student Conduct Procedures, (contained in the "What is the Process to Resolve Allegations of Violation" section) a Student Panel hears "less serious" cases and a Community Panel hears "more serious" cases. 

Unsure? Request an Information Session

If you are unsure about which resolution option to choose, you can request an Information Session with the case administrator to learn more. 

In an Information Session, the staff will review the information received and the student’s options for resolving the matter. The student is not required to discuss the report at this initial meeting, but the staff member will provide the opportunity to discuss the report and respond to it, should the student desire.

Appeals

Students found in violation can appeal in writing within five working days of notice of the result on limited grounds as specified in the Appeals section.

Silent Supporter Guidelines

As our conduct resolution process is not a courtroom proceeding, but rather is part of the institution's programs designed to provide an appropriate living/learning environment for all members of our community, the role of a Silent Supporter is limited. Silent Supporters provide emotional support to the student who has requested their presence in a manner that does not disturb the proceedings.

Please reference these Silent Supporter Guidelines for more.