The Fact Finding Process

What is the Student Judicial Process?

Students contacted by the Department of Student Judicial Affairs (SJA) will typically receive one or more of the following indicating that the student has been referred to our office for possible violations outlined by the definitions of misconduct in the Code of Student Conduct:

• Email
• Phone

Students are required to meet with a hearing officer to begin the conduct process. Please note that SJA will NOT give additional details about the alleged violation over the phone, nor will any staff member discuss your disciplinary records with anyone except the student without a signed FERPA Release of Information waiver that expressively permits such disclosure.

Parents interested in a student's disciplinary record should complete the FERPA Authorization for Parents.

What is a fact finding meeting?

A fact finding meeting is a conversation between you and a hearing officer from SJA in which you will:

• Be informed of your rights as a student.
• Review the alleged violations of the Code of Student Conduct.
• Be given the details of your file and referred incident.
• Present your side of the story, ask questions and respond to the allegations.
• Mutually reach a determination of responsible or not responsible.
• Be assigned sanctions (when applicable) and sign the outcome letter.

During your fact finding meeting you may also request copies of the contents of your disciplinary file.

What are the possible outcomes of a fact finding meeting?

The fact finding meeting follows a particular scripted format and there are typically four possible outcomes:

• Not Responsible
• Informal Warning
• Responsible with Sanctions
• Hearing Board

How can I prepare for a fact finding meeting?

Before attending you could:

• Write down your recollection of the events in question.
• Gather information you would like to present to SJA (i.e. names of witnesses).
• Outline the details you plan to present.
• Develop a list of questions you would like to ask.

How does SJA determine appropriate sanctions?

A variety of factors are considered when determining what sanctions will be effective in helping students to recognize misconduct, identify potential consequences, and make informed decisions in the future.

The sanctioning considerations begin with educational opportunities and become more punitive as each factor is considered along a continuum of potential outcomes.

Your Right to an Adviser

Please be aware it is your right to have an adviser present at all judicial proceedings. An adviser may be a:

If you choose to have an adviser present, they are not permitted to speak on your behalf during the hearing process. They are only to serve as support and give you advice as you respond to the allegations.