Rights and Responsibilities

Respondent's Rights

Students whose conduct is under review based on the Code of Student Conduct have the following rights:

written notice of the charges as described in the Procedures Manual.
reasonable access to the case file, which includes all the written information provided to the Office of Student Conduct, to the extent permitted by confidentiality laws.
explanation of the procedural alternatives available within the University disciplinary process.
to be presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
to respond to the evidence and to question witnesses, through the Board or decision maker.
to plead innocent without being charged for lying in relation to that plea if proven guilty. However, you may be charged, or face increased sanctions, for lying about the facts of the case, as opposed to just pleading innocent.
to appeal an adverse decision as described in the Procedures Manual.
to review the Code of Student Conduct and Procedures Manual.
to waive any of the above rights, provided that the waiver is made freely and in writing.

to file charges through Campus Police, the Office of Student Conduct, or when appropriate, with University Housing staff.
to pursue criminal or civil charges where a legal case exists (without University assistance).
to receive an explanation of the applicable charges from a staff member in the Office of Student Conduct or appropriate University Housing staff member.
to an explanation of the procedural alternatives available within this Procedures Manual, as you bring charges against a student.
to have all formal complaints investigated by Campus Police or the Office of Student Conduct or other University officials.
to receive contact and referral information from staff in the Office of Student Conduct or University Housing, for University-based support services.
to be free from harassment and intimidation from respondents and others as you engage this process.
to testify at the disciplinary process, and to know the results of the process to the extent allowed under federal laws and University policies.
for complainant's to question witnesses through the Board or other decision-maker.
in cases of alleged sexual misconduct: to bring an emotional support person to the hearing, to be free of irrelevant questions about sexual history, and to make an impact statement if the respondent is found guilty.

Participants in the student judicial process have the following responsibilities:

to know and adhere to the Code of Student Conduct.
to be honest and complete in all information they provide in this process.
to attend all meetings, conferences, or hearings in a timely fashion.
for respondents, to complete any imposed sanctions on time and consistent with the decision in their case..
to participate in a manner that is civil and respectful.
for complainants and respondents, to prepare and present their entire case and secure the presence of any witnesses who will speak on their behalf