B. Student Rights in the Conduct Process
The University views the conduct process primarily as an educational experience that can promote growth in personal understanding of one’s role as a member of an educational community and one’s rights, responsibilities, and privileges therein. However, sanctions such as suspension or expulsion from the university may be necessary to uphold community standards and to protect the campus community.
During a conduct process, both the respondent and the complainant have the rights to:
- A written notice of the alleged violation(s);
- An explanation of the student conduct process upon request;
- Have no violation assumed;
- A timely hearing;
- Be accompanied by an advisor during the conduct process. In matters not involving possible suspension or expulsion, the advisor is limited to advising the student and may not present information, question relevant parties or make statements during the proceedings;
- Have access to the information and documents to be presented at the hearing in advance;
- Be present during the entire proceeding, except during deliberation;
- Question any party or witness present, either directly or indirectly, at the discretion of Hearing Panel Chair;
- Present material witnesses (those with firsthand knowledge of the incident). The respondent and complainant are responsible for contacting and arranging for the attendance of their own witnesses in all cases;
- Receive a written notification of the outcome of the conduct process; the complainant can only receive written notification of the outcome of the conduct process when permitted by federal law; and
- An avenue for appeal from a hearing.