Administrative Conduct Conference

Conduct Conference Information Session

(OPTIONAL)

Students have the option of scheduling a conduct conference information session with a representative of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR) either before or after receipt of a notice of charge(s). In the information session a representative will meet informally with the student to explain the conduct process, explain the student's rights regarding the process, and answer questions about the procedures and possible consequences.

The Conduct Conference

The format for the conduct process is outlined in Section C-1 to C-7 of the Student Regulations :

• Each conduct conference is conducted before one or more members of the OSRR staff and, although the conference is informal in nature, it is designed to provide the student certain procedural safeguards.
• The student is given the opportunity to hear the information that led to his/her charge; rebut statements made by witnesses; and present witness statements or any relevant information in the student's own behalf. The student also shall be given the opportunity to respond to any new information gathered during an investigation subsequent to the conference. The decision of the OSRR shall be based solely on information introduced at the conference and obtained during subsequent investigations. The finding shall be rendered by the original OSRR officer, who shall be present for all testimony and investigations by the OSRR office. Responsibility is determined based on the threshold of "preponderance of the information" — meaning that it need only be  more likely than not that a behavior occurred (51% chance) for the OSRR to determine a finding of responsibility.
• The student may bring one person for support or as an advisor; however, that individual may not speak or ask questions on behalf of the student during the conduct conference. 
• Within five days following the conclusion of the conference and subsequent investigation, the OSRR will notify the student in writing of what action it will take. The decision letter shall contain a finding of responsibility of the student and a determination of the sanctions imposed by the OSRR. 
• Any appeal of the decision of the OSRR must be submitted in writing within seven business days of the date of the decision letter to the appropriate appeals officer, as detailed in the decision letter.

POSSIBLE SANCTIONS

Educationally sound sanctions may be proposed in combination with primary disciplinary actions. Suspension and expulsion are not possible outcomes of an administrative conduct conference.

Written warning means that a student will be issued a directive that reprimands his or her behavior. Further behavior along the same lines is unacceptable and may result in further action by the OSRR.

Disciplinary probation means a probationary student status imposed for a limited time as a result of an official determination of misconduct. In the event the student is found responsible (under the procedures set forth in Student Regulations) of subsequent charges of misconduct committed during the period of disciplinary probation, records of such disciplinary probation shall be taken into consideration in determining the sanction(s), if any, to be imposed because of such subsequent misconduct.

Probated suspension means conditional continuation of student status for a limited and defined period of time. The student is permitted to retain student status upon the condition that the student does not further violate any University regulation that would normally result in a disciplinary sanction during the time probated suspension is in effect. If, during the period of probated suspension, the student is found responsible for an additional violation of the Code of Conduct after a conference, suspension may become immediately effective and may be extended for a longer period of time than the period of probated suspension originally assigned.

Educational sanctions may be imposed in addition to any combination of the above primary sanctions. If deemed necessary, they are specific to the individual. Failure to complete assigned educational sanctions in a timely manner could result in further action by the OSRR. The following is a noncomprehensive list of examples of educational sanctions:

• Academic Integrity Seminar (associated fee)
• Community service
• Drug and alcohol classes
• Drug and alcohol risk assessment through CAPS (associated fee)
• Follow-up meetings with a staff member
• Letter of apology
• Reflective writing assignment
• Restitution for damages or theft
• Restriction from areas of campus

STUDENT RIGHTS IN CONDUCT PROCEEDINGS

Student conduct proceedings shall be instituted by the OSRR by the issuance of notice of charges. If the student appears in response to the notice of charges for the purpose of a conduct conference of the alleged violation, the student has certain substantial and procedural rights as follows:

• The right to be informed of the allegations that have formed the basis for the charges;
• The right to make a statement regarding the allegations and the charges. The student may choose to not make a statement regarding the allegations and the charges. The decision not to make a statement will not be held against the student in determining whether or not they are responsible for committing a policy violation;
• The right to be informed of any witnesses that the University will call as part of the disciplinary proceeding;
• The right to present witnesses as part of the student’s response to the allegations and the charges.  Students may present witnesses in person, with the exception of character witnesses, which will be considered in written format only. It is the responsibility of the student to present witnesses at the time of the scheduled disciplinary proceeding. Postponement or rescheduling of student disciplinary proceedings due to the availability of a witness will not be permitted.
• The right to have one person of the student’s choosing serve as an advisor to the student during the disciplinary proceeding;
• The right to be informed of the outcome of the student disciplinary proceeding; and
• The right to appeal the decision of the Conduct Officer subject to the eligibility criteria and procedures set forth in Subsection C(8) (Appeal of the Disciplinary Decision).