i. Authority
The Division of Student Affairs is responsible for the implementation and administration of the Student Code of Conduct. The determination as to which process will be utilized for the hearing and resolution of allegations of misconduct shall be made by the Resolution Center. The University reserves the right to make any exceptions to written disciplinary procedures if deemed necessary.
ii. Preponderance of Evidence Standard
The University uses a preponderance of evidence standard, also known as “more likely than not”. A determination of responsibility is based on a finding that the student or student group more likely than not committed the act alleged.
iii. Terminating a Conduct Process
If the conduct officer(s) administering a Student Conduct Resolution Process receives information that suggests an alleged violation of the University's Title IX - Sexual Harassment Policy, the conduct officer(s) will stop the meeting. The Resolution Center will forward the case, including any new information, to be assessed under the University's Title IX - Sexual Harassment Policy.
If the conduct officer(s) administering a Student Conduct Resolution Process receives information that suggests another Student Conduct Resolution Process or Alternative Resolution Process would be a more appropriate setting, the conduct officer(s) may stop the meeting. The Resolution Center will schedule the appropriate resolution process.
iv. In Absentia
In the event that a student or student group does not participate in a student conduct resolution process, the conduct officer(s), in the exercise of their discretion, may adjudicate the matter in the absence of such student or student group.
v. Conduct Record
The results of student conduct resolution processes are documented, and this record may be used to establish a student’s or student group's conduct history at the University.
vi. Role of an Advisor
The role of an advisor is to provide support as a student or student group represents themselves in the process. An advisor does not actively participate in any part of a Student Code of Conduct process. An advisor, may privately consult with and advise a student or student group during the proceeding, but may not act as a representative of or spokesperson for a student or student group; nor may an advisor provide any information on behalf of the student or student group, examine a witness, or otherwise participate in a conduct proceeding. Neither a witness nor a potential witness is permitted to serve as an advisor. Advisors must make themselves available for all hearing processes as requested by the student or student group and the individual schedules of advisors generally has no impact upon the scheduling of hearings or other Student Code of Conduct processes.
If an advisor is disruptive to the conduct process, they may be dismissed. Dismissal of an advisor does not constitute grounds to postpone, suspend, or reschedule any conduct process.