Step 1: The Reporting Student Connects with Office of Student Conduct (OSC)
The complainant (aka reporting individual) sets up a meeting with the Office of Student Conduct (OSC). During that meeting, the complainant is informed of their options. They can make an information only report, or proceed with an investigation.
If the complainant decides to do an information only report the report is documented by OSC, remains on file, and the complainant can decide to move forward with an investigation in the future.
If the complainant decides to move forward with an investigation, they will need to provide a statement regarding what happened. The complainant is also offered the chance to provide information regarding witnesses and/or additional materials, although neither are required. Following the completion of the interview the investigator will document the interview notes and send the interview notes to the complainant to review and provide edits if needed. The investigator will follow up with witnesses when appropriate.
Step 2: Accused Student Connects with OSC
Most often the respondent (aka accused student) will receive an email which informs them that they are being requested for a meeting with OSC. The respondent has the right to just listen to what the investigator is sharing and not make a statement if they desire. The respondent is informed that there is an investigation taking place and will be asked about the incidents reported. The respondent is offered the same options as the complainant regarding offering additional materials, witnesses, and the chance to review notes following the interview. The investigator will follow up with witnesses when appropriate.
Step 3: Investigative Information
Once the investigator meets with the parties and witnesses if available, all interview notes, screenshots, and all other relevant materials are collected into a case packet. The case packet is reviewed by the staff in the OSC, and it is determined if there is sufficient information available to charge the respondent with a violation(s) of the Code of Conduct and what violation(s) would be appropriate.
If the OSC staff determine that there is not sufficient information for a charge to be issued the complainant and respondent are informed electronically via Maxient. All information is documented.
If the OSC staff determine that a charge is appropriate, a case packet including a charge letter are issued to the respondent. The charge letter provides the violation(s) that the respondent is accused of, and an Administrative Agreement (AA). The respondent must decide if they are willing to sign the AA or go to a hearing.
If the respondent decides to sign their AA they are accepting responsibility and the charge(s) and sanction(s) are part of their conduct record. The other party is informed of the outcome of the case. No hearing takes place.
Step 4: Student Conduct Hearing
If the respondent decides not to sign an AA the case will go to a Student Conduct Hearing Board. Hearing Boards are made up of three people (normally a student, staff member, and faculty member).
Both the complainant and the respondent have the right to bring an advisor of their choice. This advisor is not able to speak for them during the hearing or participate directly in any part of the conduct process.
The hearing includes an opportunity for each of the parties to make an opening and closing statements. The complainant and respondent can be asked questions by the hearing board and the investigator, and each other; however only through the Hearing Board Chair, not directly of each other. In addition to the hearing information the Hearing Board is provided the full case packet to review before the hearing, they do not see the AA. Following the questioning and statements the Hearing Board will deliberate and make a decision regarding if the available information supports a finding of responsibility for the violations or not.
Step 4, A: If the hearing board makes a decision of not responsible of all charges the hearing ends. The Hearing Board will create a document in which they clearly state their findings and the rationale for the finding.
Following the decision both parties have 10 calendar days to submit an appeal if they wish. The options are:
i. No one pursues an appeal. The case is documented and ends.
ii. Both or either party pursues an appeal, they have 10 days to submit an appeal following the decision. The non-appealing party will be notified of the appeal and may submit a statement of their position with respect to the appeal. There are two levels of appeal. Once all levels of appeal that have been pursued are complete the case is closed based on the final appeal decision.
Step 4, B: If the Hearing Board finds the respondent responsible for some or all of the charges, the complainant and respondent will be given the chance to provide a statement regarding what sanctions they believe would be appropriate. The Hearing Board is made aware of if there is any past conduct record for the respondent when making their sanctioning decision. The Hearing Board writes up their decision, rationale, and sanctions, and the outcome is sent to both parties.
Following the decision both parties have 10 calendar days to submit an appeal if they wish. The options are:
i. No one pursues an appeal. The case is documented and ends.
ii. Both or either party pursues an appeal, they have 10 days to submit an appeal following the decision. The non-appealing party will be notified of the appeal and may submit a statement of their position with respect to the appeal. There are two levels of appeal. Once all levels of appeal that have been pursued are complete the case is closed based on the final appeal decision.
