FILING COMPLAINTS

Under the code of conduct, any member of the university community or interested person may file a complaint of a possible violation of the code of conduct, Residence Life Rules and Regulations or Greek Life Guidelines against a student. The complaint should be filed in writing to the Office of Student Conduct. Complaints should include a detailed description of the incident with times and date(s), names of those involved and location.

Some actions that violate the student code of conduct may also violate local, state or federal law. Such incidents should be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency in addition to Student Conduct. Due to the administrative nature of the student conduct process, there is no double jeopardy standard for students going through the conduct process and the legal system for the same incident.

WHAT IF A COMPLAINT IS FILED AGAINST ME?

If a complaint is filed against a student, s/he will be notified of the specific part of the code potentially violated and provided instructions on contacting the hearing officer designated to investigate the complaint.

When meeting with the hearing officer, the student will have an opportunity to review the complaint, present his/her side and offer any information about the situation. Also, the student will be able to accept an administrative resolution to a complaint during the meeting with the hearing officer or request a hearing with the appropriate conduct board. The student may request time to gather information or consider his/her options prior to deciding whether to accept an administrative resolution or request a board hearing.

SANCTIONS

Sanctions are imposed after it has been determined a student violated the code of conduct or other behavioral expectations. Sanctions are intended to assist students in developing an understanding why certain behaviors are unacceptable or cause concern, not to punish. More serious sanctions are intended to be used with repeat violators or serious incidents.

The code of conduct outlines the range of sanctions available to hearing officers. The specifics of some sanctions - such as restitution service or conditions of probation - may be determined by the hearing officer or board depending on the circumstances of the violation. Hearing officers may impose sanctions not included in the code if the hearing officer feels it is something which will support a student’s learning from the situation.