Role of an Advisor

In meetings with the Office of Student Conduct, students respondents are entitled to bring an advisor (e.g.: friend, family member). Attorneys may not permitted to serve as advisors, except under certain circumstances. Meeting requests sent by OSC typically indicate if an attorney may advise a student.

Students must speak for themselves in the conduct process. Advisors can frequently help students understand the conduct process, suggest questions to ask, or remind a student of important facts to bring up.

Initial Meeting

Most allegations of misconduct against students are resolved informally (by agreement). The purpose of the initial conference is to provide the student with an opportunity to review the allegations, understand the factual basis for the charge, and respond.

Sometimes, allegations are the result of misunderstanding and the charges are dismissed. Frequently, students agree their behavior violated policy and agree with OSC on a sanction. When cases are not resolved by agreement, the matter may be resolved at a formal hearing before a hearing officer.

Students who fail to respond to a request for a conference waive their opportunity to meet. Additionally, holds are places on registration, transcripts, and graduation. Students who fails to attend a scheduled hearing waive their opportunity to participate in the hearing process.

The University discipline process is separate from the instructor’s grading determination.

Disciplinary Records

Under Federal Law, no person outside the University (including parents) may access a student disciplinary record without permission from the student or a subpoena. Only University employees with a legitimate educational interest in a student record may access that information.

Except where otherwise provided by law, non-employee students may never access other students’ confidential records. The majority of sanctions are not recorded on a student transcript.