Answers
AnswersI received a Campus Appearance Ticket, what do I do now?
Campus Appearance Tickets are issued to students when a Public Safety Officer believes that student may have violated the Code of Student Conduct. As it indicates on the bottom of the Ticket, the student must contact the Office of Student Conduct at 515-2963, within the next two business days to schedule an appointment.
What's going to happen to me?
For non-academic charges the first thing that will happen is that you will have a conversation with one of the staff in the Office of Student Conduct or staff from University Housing. During this initial conversation a decision will be made as to what process to use to resolve the charges. Some cases are resolved by University Housing Staff in an Area Conference. Other charges are resolved in the Office of Student Conduct in a Disciplinary Conference. Charges that may be more serious are resolved by a Hearing Board in a Hearing. In this initial meeting you will have an opportunity to share your side of the story and ask questions about the process. Sometimes a decision about which process to use is delayed until additional information can be gathered. For cases of alleged academic misconduct the first contact will be with the faculty member of the class in question. That faculty will facilitate a conversation and present the student with a series of options: to admit guilt and sign a form accepting sanctions, to not admit guilt and go forward to the Academic Integrity Review Board, or to delay the decision until the student has had an opportunity to talk to the staff in the Office of Student Conduct to better understand their rights and options.
How do I prepare for a judicial review?
There are different types of judicial review processes, but the preparation is similar. Students are expected to be sincere and tell the truth. An organized and sequential telling of the story and presenting of evidence or information is most helpful. Disciplinary Conferences are more informal by definition and generally do not require a formal presentation. Typically a focused and honest conversation is sufficient to resolve these types of cases. A Hearing before either the Academic Integrity Review Board or the Student Faculty Hearing Board is a more formal process. It is expected that students brought before either of these Boards make a coherent presentation. This includes the presentation of any witnesses or documents required for a full understanding of the facts of the case. Students assigned to a Hearing are provided a Student Assistant to help organize materials and instruct the student regarding procedures that will be used during the Hearing. The Student Assistant does not represent the student they are working with. The student is expected to present their own case.
Will my parents find out about this?
In general, student records are protected under the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. In addition, NC State has an Administrative Regulation that describes our practices in regard to parental notification. In general, parents of a student less than 21 years of age will be notified of a second offense of the alcohol policy and any violation of the drug policy. Students may choose to sign a release, giving permission for staff in the Office of Student Conduct to have contact with their parents. This is often helpful when students are facing the possibility of suspension or expulsion from the University and are trying to make plans for their immediate future. Most often it is the student who shares this information with their parents. This is a position that we actively encourage. Parental support is a key ingredient in a students long term success, no matter what the judicial outcome.
I received a Citation for County Court, why do I have a Campus Appearance Ticket too?
Public Safety Officers enforce Local, State, and Federal Law, as well as the Code of Student Conduct. There are some behaviors that could be a violation of the law as well as a violation of University Policy. Receipt of a Campus Appearance Ticket is an indication that the alleged behavior may have some type of connection with the University, and therefore, needs to be reviewed by staff in the Office of Student Conduct.
Will this have an effect on my financial aid or scholarship?
It is possible that disciplinary procedures could ultimately have an effect on either financial aid or scholarships. In order for students to qualify for financial aid, students must be enrolled and making specific academic progress in a degree seeking program. Students who are suspended or expelled are obviously not making any academic progress at that time. Many scholarship agencies have expectations regarding the behavior of their recipients. Athletic scholarships and academic achievement scholarships could both be effected by disciplinary action. If you are receiving financial aid or are on scholarship, and you have judicial action pending, it is important for you to talk with the appropriate representative of the office dispersing the funds.
Why does the Code of Student Conduct apply to my behavior off campus?
The Code of Student Conduct indicates, "The University reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and well being of the campus community and to support the mission of the University". This means that the University recognizes that a student does not act in a vacuum. It is reasonable to assume that some behaviors exhibited by students, even off campus, might have a negative impact on the health, safety, or welfare of the campus community. This section of The Code affords the University the opportunity to act to protect the broader interests of the students and the University.
My Professor has accused me of Academic Misconduct, what should I do?
First, tell the truth. If you did what the Professor is accusing you of, then be candid and truthful. You still have an opportunity to prove to the faculty member that you have some integrity. If this is the case, then you will have a conversation regarding appropriate sanctions for this behavior. If you did not commit academic misconduct, then tell the faculty member that, and never say that you did commit an act simply because that looks like the easiest way to resolve the matter. The faculty member will use a form distributed by the Office of Student Conduct, called Report of an Academic Integrity Violation. There is a section on the second page of the form that talks specifically about student rights. Please do not sign the form if you do not understand your rights or the implications of signing the form.
Can my attorney represent me?
No. Attorneys may play a role in the process, but the only person who represents you is you. Legal Council may assist you in preparing your presentation or comments. They can review the materials associated with your file if you sign a release allowing access to your records. In either a Hearing or a Disciplinary Conference, your attorney may be present as an observer. There is usually an opportunity to consult with Council at some point in the process, but this on-going assistance may never interfere with the procedures being used to resolve the outstanding charge.
What are my rights in the Student Judicial Process?
There are some very slight differences between a student's due process rights in an informal conference as compared to a hearing. Please contact the staff in the Office of Student Conduct with specific questions. In general, the following is a list of student's rights in the process:
-advance written notice of the charges
-to a full explanation of the charges -to an explanation of the evidence against the student
-to be presumed innocent until proven guilty
-to respond to the evidence and to questions those witnesses who present evidence against the student
-to plead innocent without fear of being charged for lying in relation to that plea if proven guilty. (This does not disallow being charged for lying if the accused lies in order to support a plea)
-to be free from re-hearing under the Code for the same offense after being found not guilty under the Code
-to all other appropriate rights as listed in the Code of Student Conduct
-to waive any of the above rights after explanation of the possible consequences, provided that the waiver is made of the respondent's own free will and in writing.
What happens if I am suspended or expelled?
Suspension means that the student is separated from the University for a specific period of time, or until a specific requirement is completed. Expulsion is listed as permanent separation from the University. There is however a process where after two years a student might petition to have an expulsion decision re-examined. In either case, when a student is separated for disciplinary reasons from the University they are withdrawn from classes administratively. This usually results in grades of "W" on the transcript. Notations of the disciplinary action are made on the transcript as well. Suspension notations may be removed after the period of suspension has passed and the student has successfully petitioned. Expulsion notations are permanent.
While separated for discipline reasons the student may not register for or attend classes, reside in the residence halls, or be on the property of the University without specific written permission from the Office of Student Conduct. This prohibition includes athletic facilities of the University. Once the period of suspension has passed the student must contact the Office of Student Conduct for additional information about how to re-enroll.
How do I appeal this decision / sanction?
At the conclusion of every disciplinary process there will be an explanation of the student's appeal rights. Every initial disciplinary process facilitated by the Office of Student Conduct has at least one level of appeal. Some processes and decisions may have additional levels of appeal. Additional information regarding appeals is also available in the Procedures Manual portion of this site. In general, there is a form that guides the student through the process of filing an appeal. The form is available in the Office of Student Conduct. Appeals must be filed within a specific period of time and include information specific to the charges and outcomes of that case. Appeals are not re-hearings of the charges, but instead, are an examination of the process based on the appeals information provided by the appellant.
Why do I have a hold on my records?
There are a variety of reasons that the Office of Student Conduct may place a hold on a student record. Please contact the Office of Student Conduct immediately to determine why there is a hold on your specific account. The following is a general list:
-the student has not contacted this office to resolve outstanding charges
-the student was instructed to get additional information or materials to this office and has not complied
-the student has not completed their sanction by the due date for that case -the student may currently be either suspended or expelled
-the student may be under Interim Suspension
How does a disciplinary file effect my chances for graduate school or professional school?
That depends on the materials in the file and the educational plans of the student. Please contact the Office of Student Conduct to review your file based on your specific academic goals. In general, the more serious the charges and events in the file, and the more intrusive the scrutiny of the graduate program, medical or law schools for example, then the more likely there will be some post-undergraduate effect from the incident(s). Staff in the Office of Student Conduct have sufficient experience to review your file and describe the possible effects, as well as any opportunities you might have to mitigate those effects.
How does a disciplinary file effect other job and leadership opportunities on campus?
Different opportunities have different expectations and restrictions. There are some experiences, such as becoming a Residence Hall Staff Member, which prohibit the student from having any active sanction, such as Disciplinary Probation. In addition, there are prohibitions preventing a student under an active sanction from running for an elected student government position. Some programs, like Study Abroad and University Housing, ask students to submit to a records check as part of the application process. Having a disciplinary record does not automatically disqualify a student from all activities or opportunities, but does impact some experiences. It is important to check with the office or program coordinator for the specific opportunity, before making a commitment.
Do I get a refund if I am suspended or expelled?
A student in this case may qualify for a refund. This is perhaps one of the most complex areas in the disciplinary process. Determining if the student qualifies for a refund begins with answering some basic questions such as does the student live on campus and participate in the meal plan. Is the student receiving any form of financial aid. Has the student in fact paid the full tuition and fees for the semester in which they are separated. The answer to this question is as different and as specific as the individual case. It is extremely important that the suspended or expelled student meet with a staff member in the Office of Student Conduct to begin the process of reviewing the timing and specifics of their case to assist in gathering any refund that may be due.
My son / daughter has a disciplinary case, can you talk with me about it?
Changes in federal law now make it possible to talk to parents of students who are under 21 years of age if the student has violated the Drug Policy or a second violation of the Alcohol Policy of the University. In addition, in cases that do not include drugs or alcohol we routinely seek the student's signature on a release so that we can talk openly with parents. Sometimes it is necessary for a parent to explain the importance of open communication to the student. If this fails, there is a mechanism by which a parent can prove that the child is still classified as dependant, which would result in the ability to communicate with staff in the Office of Student Conduct. It is our hope to work as openly and as often as we can with parents so that we might help the student be successful.
Do I have to report a cheating violation to the Office of Student Conduct?
There is currently no requirement that academic misconduct be reported. Having said that, please consider the following information. Failing to report academic misconduct sends an inconsistent message to students. It is appropriate that students learn that they are accountable for their behaviors, and that there are sometimes consequences for making certain choices. Failing to report academic misconduct discounts the possibility that the student is engaging in this behavior in other classes. A failure to report in this case does nothing to protect the overall integrity of the University. And finally, failing to report the misconduct prevents us from using the resources of the University to diagnose the underlying reasons for the misconduct, and then to provide the support services necessary to prevent a reoccurrence of the behavior.
I can't finish my sanctions by the deadline, what should I do?
Contact the Office of Student Conduct or the Housing staff member who imposed the sanction immediately. There are some circumstances where a student might qualify for an extension. That decision must be made by the office or the person with the authority to do so. Extensions are not granted by persons who supervise community service work or by staff who do not have specific authority to do so.
How do I petition to void my file?
* This option is only available to students whose violation occurred prior to July 1, 2003. The current Code no longer provides for this option.
If a student was found guilty of a violation that occurred prior to July 1, 2003, that student may be eligible to petition to void their file. Voided files are still purged consistent with our Records Retention Policy, but enjoy an additional layer of confidentiality such that they would only be released with a court subpoena. Guidelines for the review of these petitions are available in the Code of Student Conduct. The following factors will be considered:
a. the present demeanor of the student.
b. the conduct of the student within the twelve month period after the violation.
c. The nature of the violation and the severity of any damage, injury, or harm resulting from it.
Students must draft a letter that includes the following information:
1. a description of the incident that resulted in the creation of the file
2. an indication of what the student thinks or feels as they look back upon the incident
3. a summary of the students actions, accomplishment, or achievements over the past year
4. an indication of why the petition is being made at this time
5. an accurate address that can be used for any further communications
How do I get the suspension notation lifted from by transcript?
After the period of suspension has passed the student may petition for the removal of the transcript notation. Cases of academic misconduct that resulted in a transcript notation are petitioned to the Associate Provost / Dean for Undergraduate Affairs. Cases of non-academic misconduct that resulted in a transcript notation are petitioned to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Criteria that will be considered are consistent with those listed in the previous question regarding a petition to void a file. The student may also be asked to provide additional information or to meet with the appropriate administrator as part of this process.
Can I attend other schools while I am suspended or expelled from NC State?
A student suspended or expelled for disciplinary reasons may not attend another UNC system school while the sanction is active. Once the period of suspension has passed the student may apply to another school in the UNC system. Expelled students are ineligible. Private schools and public schools outside the state of North Carolina may have different entrance requirements. Students should contact the specific school in question to review their policies and practices.
Can I get a copy of my file?
Yes. Contact a staff member in the Office of Student Conduct to get this information. In some situations students will be expected to pay for the copying costs associated with the file. If audio tapes are included in the file then students will have to provide blank tapes for copies of the file tapes.
I was the victim of a violation, do I have to participate in a hearing?
If the case is forwarded to the Board for a hearing the victim will be present and play a role in the process. Most victims serve as the primary complainant in the case. Minimally, the victim would serve as a witness. This is appropriate because the victim will often have the most helpful observations about an incident, and also because an accused student has the right to face their accuser. This opportunity for access to accurate information and the ability to face an accuser are fundamental elements to a fair process.