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Frequently Asked Questions
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If an incident is being handled in the courts, may the University also take action?
Yes, students sometimes find that their involvement in an incident is reviewed by two or more jurisdictions (e.g., the University discipline system and the civil and criminal justice systems). The fact that an incident is being examined from more than one perspective does not mean that the student has been placed in "double jeopardy". The purpose of Student Discipline is to determine if a person shall remain a member of this academic community and, if so, under what conditions.
- If a student is charged by the Campus Judicial officer, does that mean that he or she will be out of school?
Some violations may result in sanctions that separate a student from the University. The majority of cases, however, result in sanctions which allow the person to remain a student.
- Will having a "disciplinary history" affect a graduate's employment opportunities or choice of graduate schools?
Students who are suspended from the University will have a disciplinary notation on their transcript. The transcripts of students who are assigned lesser sanctions do not reflect these disciplinary sanctions. However, some graduate programs, in particular law school, require that a student sign a waiver releasing their disciplinary information. Such information will only be released with a signed waiver by the student, during the period in which the University maintains their records (generally 7 years).
- Are student's interactions with the University discipline system kept confidential?
Yes. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act makes a student's disciplinary record part of the educational record. This record may only be accessed by the student, the parent of a minor student, with the student's authorization, or in response to a court order. This educational record may also be shared with other members of the academic community with a legitimate need to know.
- When is a student's disciplinary file destroyed?
Generally, student disciplinary records are maintained for seven years.
- How can parents help a student avoid becoming involved in the discipline system?
Parents can be proactive with their student by discussing with him/her some of the various situations they will encounter on campus (e.g., those related to alcohol use and abuse, roommates/neighbors, members of the opposite sex, and personal safety). Also, they can speak with their student about the importance of academic integrity.
- Does a student who has been charged with a violation need an attorney?
A student who is charged with violating the Academic or Non-Academic Code of Conduct and appears before the University Judicial Board (or Campus Judicial Officer) for a hearing may be accompanied by an advisor. The University assigns those students a Judicial Procedures Advisor, however, a student may also request to be assisted by an advisor or counsel of choice. Although this person may, with written permission, advise the student, accompany him/her to judicial proceedings and have access to evidence, etc., they may not speak on behalf of the student during the hearing.
- How long does the adjudication process take?
That depends on the alleged violation being adjudicated. Administrative Hearings with the Campus Judicial Officer can be handled in 7-10 days if the student comes in promptly. University Judicial Board hearings can take 2-3 weeks or longer depending on the time in the semester and the complexity of the case.
