Student Conduct Process
As with all members of the university community, the university requires students to conduct themselves honestly and responsibly and to respect the rights of others. Students may not engage in behavior that disrupts the learning environment, violates the rights of others or otherwise violates the student code of conduct, university rules, regulations, or procedures. Students and student organizations will be responsible for ensuring that they and their guests comply with the student code of conduct while on property owned or controlled by the university or while attending activities authorized or sponsored by the university.
Summary of procedures
Report and intake: Any students, faculty, staff, contractors, visitors, or members of the general community may report instances of student misconduct to ORCA. Incoming reports are recorded and prepared for preliminary assessment.
Preliminary assessment: Our conduct staff will review the reported behavior and determine if the allegation(s) would be a violation of the student code of conduct or other student expectations. (If the report includes an allegation of discrimination or sexual misconduct, the report will also be assessed by our civil rights team for potential violation of civil rights policies.)
Notice of charges: If it is determined that a student conduct violation may have occurred, ORCA will issue written notice to the student of the allegation(s) made against them and invite them to participate in a meeting with a conduct officer (called an administrative review).
Administrative review: During this meeting, a conduct officer will explain rights in the student conduct process and details of the allegations under review. The student will have an opportunity to ask questions about the process and, if they wish, to officially respond to the allegation(s).
Determination: The conduct officer will issue a written determination. Students who accept responsibility or are found responsible through the student conduct process will be informed of sanctions imposed (designed to help them learn and grow from the experience). Sanction decisions are primarily based on two key factors: the type and severity of the violation and previous violations of record. Sanctions must be completed by the assigned deadline or additional sanctions may be imposed.
Appeal: Students found responsible for a conduct violation have the right to appeal. Any appeal must be submitted in writing within seven (7) days of receiving their findings letter. More information about the appeal process can be found here.
Rights of those involved
Determinations of responsibility are based on whether the evidence establishes that it is more likely than not that the student code of conduct was violated.
Students receive advance notice of the alleged violations and the dates of their meeting.
Students will have the opportunity to present information, explanations, and/or mitigating factors for the alleged violation.
Students may identify witnesses, indicate questions witnesses should be asked, and provide or identify evidence that should be considered.
Students may have an advisor or advocate present, and they may be an attorney. That person may not answer questions on the student’s behalf.
Students are not required to participate in or answer any questions during this meeting.