2024-2025 Student Handbook

STUDENT DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

Filing of Allegations

1. All allegations of student misconduct shall be filed with the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students may request the allegations be filed in writing. Upon receipt of such allegations, the Dean of Students shall conduct an initial assessment and/or investigation. If the Dean of Students reasonably believes that the allegations, even if true, would not constitute sanctionable conduct, then the Dean of Students shall consult with an academic dean regarding the matter. If the academic dean agrees with the Dean of Students, then the Dean of Students shall not refer the matter to the Chair(s) of the Faculty Adm inistrative Committee (“Chair(s)”) and shall take no further action. If the academic dean disagrees, then the matter shall be referred to the Chair(s) of the Faculty Administrative Committee to determine if the allegation(s) constitutes sanctionable conduct. If the Chair(s) agree that the allegation does not constitute sanctionable conduct, no further action shall be taken. If the Chair or a Co-Chair determines that the allegation constitutes sanctionable conduct, the matter shall proceed pursuant to paragraph 2. 2. If the allegations as reported and after a preliminary investigation would constitute sanctionable conduct, the Dean of Students in consultation with an academic dean will determine if informal measures that address the concern or complaint and the needs of the persons involved may resolve the claim of sanctionable conduct. The Dean of Students will aim to hear concerns and address them as collaboratively and beneficially as possible. 3. Should the allegations not be informally resolved, the Dean of Students will refer the allegations to the Chair(s). The Chair(s) will review the allegations and any other information available. If the Chair(s) find the allegations to be meritless or insubstantial, they shall provide a written summary of the allegations and reasons for dismissal to all members of the Faculty Administrative Committee. If, within a reasonable period of time as set by the Chair(s) but not fewer than fourteen days, any two members of the Faculty Administrative Committee disagree with the dismissal, a complaint shall issue. 4. Upon the issuance of a complaint, the Chair(s) shall refer the matter to a Factfinding Subcommittee (“Subcommittee”). Once a Complaint of Student Misconduct has been issued by the Chair(s), the Chair(s) shall inform the student of the complaint and that the matter has been referred to the Subcommittee. The Chair(s) also shall provide a copy of the Complaint to the Subcommittee, the Assistant Dean for Academic Services, and the Dean of the Law School. 5. The Dean of the Law School may temporarily sanction a student until such time as the complaint is resolved, which shall be (1) reflected in a letter authored by the Dean or the Dean’s designee, (2) sent to the student, and (3) delivered to the Assistant Dean of Academic Services. 6. Upon issuance of the formal complaint and within 14 days of sending said complaint to the student, the student should deny or admit, in whole or in part, the allegations made in the complaint. The student’s denial or admission shall be made in writing and sent to the Chair(s) of the Administrative Committee. Should a student not reply within the 14 days, the allegations will be deemed denied.

Initial Review, Informal Resolution, and Issuance of Complaint

Factfinding Subcommittee

7. The Factfinding Subcommittee shall consist of five members of the Faculty Administrative Committee as selected by the Chair(s). The Chair(s) shall designate one of those five members to serve as chairperson of the Subcommittee (“Factfinding Chair”).

65