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Student Conduct System Overview
• Authority of the Conduct Board •
Overview
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When a complaint is made alleging violation of the conduct code, the matter may be resolved by:
Mechanisms used to resolve incidents or misconduct include:
The conduct code is enforceable until the undergraduate degree is conferred on commencement day. The code governs behavior which occurs on or off University property. It is enforceable throughout the entire matriculation period, regardless of whether classes are in session or the student is enrolled in classes. The University may institute action on a disciplinary matter when the interests of the University community are at stake. The conduct system is not intended to replace public law enforcement or to provide non-Hopkins community members with a personal redress mechanism. Some acts of misconduct also may constitute violations of criminal law. The University’s policy is to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities. The University’s conduction of its disciplinary proceedings is independent of any criminal proceedings arising out of the same incident. The conduct system coordinated by the Office of the Dean of Student Life addresses alleged violations of the student conduct by individual undergraduate students. The disciplinary structures and processes of the Interfraternity Council and the Student Activities Commission address alleged violations by fraternity and student organizations of the policies of those groups. A student who commits misconduct that violates both the conduct code and student organization policies may be held accountable through both the conduct system and the disciplinary structure of their organization. Academic misconduct is addressed by the Undergraduate Academic Ethics Board. Complaint
Process
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An individual who wishes to make a complaint speaks to the Associate Dean of Students in the Office of the Dean of Student Life, or the administrative staff of the Office of Residential Life. The Associate Dean manages complaints of major conduct code violations regardless of where they occur and of any violation that does not occur in University housing. The Director of Residential Life, or her designee, manages complaints of minor violations that occur in University housing. As a preliminary step, the conduct process is explained to the complainant, options are discussed, and the complainant decides whether to pursue the complaint. If the complainant decides to do so, and in instances in which the University is the complainant, the process continues through the following steps:
Minor disciplinary cases that occur in University housing in which the accused student admits to the misconduct are likely handled administratively by Office of Residential Life staff. In most other instances, cases are referred to the Student Conduct Board. Cases of high sensitivity and complexity may be referred to an administrative hearing with the Dean of Student Life or her designee, including cases alleging sexual assault or sexual harassment. The
Student Conduct Board
[Top] The Board reports to the Associate Dean of Student Life. The Board is comprised of up to 20 students and 4 to 10 staff/ faculty members who hear cases on a rotating basis in groups of five. These five-person hearing panels are composed of three student members and two staff/ faculty members. A student member of each panel serves as the presiding officer for that hearing. Membership on the Board is open to all full-time undergraduates through a selection process coordinated by the Associate Dean of Student Life. |