Frequently Asked Questions
by Students
- Will I be disciplined for my behavior off-campus?
- Can my parents and/or my attorney attend a SJA hearing with me?
- Is a SJA record permanent?
- Will SJA discuss my case with my parents?
- If my friends from another school bring drugs into my residence hall room will I get into trouble?
- Is it o.k. for me to use my UAnet id or University computers to download copyrighted music and movies from the internet?
- What will happen if I make a verbal or written threat?
by Parents, Family and Friends
- Where can I find a copy of the Student Code of Conduct?
- Who do I call for more information about Student Judicial Affairs and the disciplinary process?
- Is my student able to waive his/her right to privacy so that I may discuss the details of the disciplinary proceedings with Student Judicial Affairs?
- What sanctions may be imposed by the University?
- What sanctions may be imposed?
- Is a disciplinary record permanent?
- Is the student judicial process confidential?
- How can I help?
- What is the role of an advisor?
- Should I retain an attorney?
Will I be disciplined for my behavior off-campus?
Yes! The University of Akron may discipline students for misconduct both on and off-campus. Click here to view the portion of The Student Code Of Conduct regarding off campus jurisdiction.
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Can my parents and/or my attorney attend a SJA hearing with me?
Yes! Parents and/or attorneys may accompany a student to a SJA hearing. However, they are not permitted to speak on behalf of the student. Click here to view the portion of The Student Code Of Conduct regarding advocates and attorneys.
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Is a SJA record permanent?
Yes! It is important to keep in mind that a SJA record is a permanent record and may be released to future employers, other schools and government agencies if you sign a waiver that allows access to student records.
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Will SJA discuss my case with my parents?
No, not unless the student signs a waiver of their privacy rights and gives specific consent for the release of such information. Click here for more information on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
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If my friends from another school bring drugs into my residence hall room will I get into trouble?
The U of A has a strict Zero Tolerance policy and all students are held responsible for their behavior as well as the behavior of their guests and their housing contract may be cancelled if drugs are found in the room. For more information visit the Residence Life & Housing web site.
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Is it o.k. for me to use my UAnet id or University computers to download copyrighted music and movies from the internet?
No. Students are required to follow the University rules and regulations regarding acceptable use of University computers and they are not permitted to use the computer for illegal activities such as pirating software, downloading copyrighted music files, movies, obscenity, the unauthorized viewing of computer accounts or use of an individual’s identity or any other mischievous behavior or wrongful use of a computer. The University does allow free downloads through the Ruckus website (www.ruckus.com).
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What will happen if I make a verbal or written threat?
The U of A will investigate reported threats and it is very likely that the student will be referred to SJA and disciplined. Threatening and intimidating behavior will not be tolerated on campus or in the Residence Halls and students should be aware that they may be criminally charged and prosecuted for making threats.
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Where can I find a copy of the Student Code of Conduct?
An up to date, printable version of the Student Code of Conduct is available on-line at the Student Judicial Affairs web page.
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Who do I call for more information about Student Judicial Affairs and the disciplinary process?
The Office of Student Judicial Affairs is always available to discuss general information about the Student Code of Conduct, disciplinary process, University regulations and related laws. However, it is important to be aware that Federal law prohibits all University personnel from releasing any information about student records or a student’s involvement in the disciplinary process to parents or family members. The Office of Student Judicial Affairs Admin Desk may be reached at 330.972.6380
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Is my student able to waive his/her right to privacy so that I may discuss the details of the disciplinary proceedings with Student Judicial Affairs?
Yes. Students may waive their right to privacy by requesting a waiver from the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. The student must complete the form and submit it to the office of Student Judicial Affairs before any information may be released.
FERPA Waiver
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What sanctions may be imposed by the University?
Sanctions are only imposed if a student has been found responsible for a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. The primary goals of sanctions are to protect the safety of the University community, to educate students about the inappropriateness of their conduct, and to provide opportunities to learn new behaviors and problem solving techniques. Sanctions are designed to reflect the individual student and the impact of the violation(s) on the campus community.
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What sanctions may be imposed?
Possible sanctions may include but are not limited to indefinite dismissal, suspension, disciplinary probation, formal reprimand or warning, restitution, class/workshop attendance, educational projects, housing contract cancellation, housing transfer, no contact ban, trespass warning, removal from campus activities.
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Is a disciplinary record permanent?
Yes, a disciplinary record is a permanent record that is kept confidential. The only way that a student’s disciplinary record will be released is if the student signs a waiver that allows the University to release the information contained in the disciplinary record. It is also important to understand that disciplinary records are kept separate from academic records and disciplinary information does not get recorded on the student’s official transcript.
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Is the student judicial process confidential?
Yes, the office of Student Judicial Affairs will not release information about a student without a signed waiver. However, there are times when the identity of persons involved in the process or details of the alleged misconduct may become known to other members of the University community and the public. This may occur if there is a public record of the incident, such as a police report, if the incident was widely witnessed, or if the records are subpoenaed as a part of a civil or criminal proceeding. Click here for more information on the Judicial Process.
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How can I help?
As with any activity, students need support from their family and friends. Some students want direct family involvement for emotional support, case preparation, advice and decision-making. These students may wish to have a family member serve as their advisor. Some students inform family members of their situation and some choose not to. The University of Akron encourages students to inform their family members and get their support but cannot compel the students to talk to their family. Click here for more information on available services.
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What is the role of an advisor?
Students who are accused of violating the Student Code of Conduct may have the assistance of an advisor. Advisors can be family members, friends, faculty or staff members or attorneys. The role of the advisor is discussed in detail in the Student Code of Conduct section called "Guidelines for Advisors" and may found at www.uakron.edu/studentaff/osd/forms/41-04f.pdf. Advisors are permitted to attend most disciplinary proceedings but they are not permitted to speak for the student.
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Should I retain an attorney?
The disciplinary process is an administrative procedure and does not replicate procedures used in civil or criminal court. Retaining an attorney is generally not necessary however the student may choose to have an attorney as his or her advisor. When a student is facing concurrent criminal or civil charges, the assistance of an attorney may be beneficial. The University of Akron does not provide attorneys and students who retain an attorney do so at their own expense.
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