The Process

The Information Session

Upon receipt of a written report alleging one or more violations of university policies, CVRP staff review the report to determine if it alleges a matter of concern warranting a meeting with the student and possible student conduct accountability. The staff then schedules the student to meet with a staff member in an Information Session.

The Information Session is an opportunity for the student to receive information about the report received and the student conduct process. At that session, the case administrator presents the student with options for resolving the matter, and the student will have the opportunity to discuss the report with the case administrator and respond on their own behalf, or on behalf of the student organization they represent.

The initial meeting is strictly informational; the student is not required to discuss the alleged incident, answer questions, or make any statement regarding the report.

Failure to appear at the session after being properly notified could result in the case administrator placing a hold on the student’s records (which prevents a student from registering or engaging in certain other transactions with the university), or preparing written allegations and notifying the student or representative of the student organization that a proceeding has been scheduled to resolve the matter

Student Conduct Information Packet

Student Conduct Information Packet: Developed by Student Assembly and the Dean of Students Office, this packet describes the step-by-step student conduct process. Please keep in mind, however, that the Student Handbook is the ultimate authority regarding the student conduct process.

Options for Resolution

If the case administrator determines formal allegations of one or more violations are appropriate, the student ordinarily will have a choice of three options to resolve the matter:

Informal Resolution: If the Respondent and the Case Administrator agree to a written summary of facts, and the Respondent waives a conference/panel in writing, the Respondent may resolve the case informally with the Case Administrator. The Case Administrator will assess 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 Case Administrator determines that a case cannot be resolved through an informal process, the administrator can refer the matter for a conference or panel. The type of resolution method will still be the choice of the student or organization.

For “Warning” level cases, the student can resolve the matter via Informal Resolution or Administrative Conference, but not via a panel.

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

If the Respondent 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" with appropriate allowances for the differences in structure.

Panels: The student can elect for a panel to decide the matter. If the Respondent chooses to resolve a case via a panel, the Case Administrator will prepare formal written allegations of violation and notify the student.

There are two types of panels: Student Panel and Community Panel. A Student Panel hears "less serious" cases and a Community Panel hears "more serious" cases (as defined in Section VI.A.4.) when a student requests a panel.

For a full description of Panel processes please refer to the Student Handbook.

Sanction Guidelines & Resources

Sanction Guidelines

Refer to the Sanction Guidelines for an overview of possible outcomes by violation type.

Other Resources

For a visual representation of the conduct process, please see the Student Conduct Resolution Process Flow Chart.

Appeals

All students found in violation of the Honor Code or the Code of Conduct are entitled to appeal on limited grounds as specified in the Student Handbook. Regardless of the type of case, a student can appeal the sanction(s) imposed. Students who resolve their student conduct case via Informal Resolution are limited to appealing only the sanction(s) imposed. Students who request formal proceedings can appeal on the basis of procedural irregularity, discrimination in the proceeding, lack of a preponderance of evidence, excessive or inappropriate sanction, or newly discovered material information that was unknown and undiscoverable at the time of the proceeding.

The Appeals Process

Students who wish to appeal can do so within five business days of notification of the outcome of the case. Appeals must be based on one or more of the grounds specified in the Student Handbook. The Dean of Students or designee reviews appeals of cases resulting in a sanction of less than suspension. The Appeals Committee reviews appeals of suspension or dismissal; students appealing to the Appeals Committee submit their appeals to the Vice President for Student Affairs.