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Non-Separation Level Cases

Matters that do not have the potential to result in separation (i.e., suspension, degree revocation, expulsion, group dissolution) from the University will be resolved through an administrative hearing. An administrative hearing is a conversation between a respondent and a case resolution coordinator.  The potential of an alleged violation to result in separation from the University will be determined by the Director of Community Standards or their designee following initial inquiry.

 Investigation

The CRC assigned to a case of alleged misconduct may begin by conducting an investigation into what occurred. This investigation may include, but is not limited to, reviewing documentation, speaking with the reporter, respondent, and/or witnesses; reviewing material available electronically; or requesting written statements from any person involved in the alleged incident.  The scope of the investigation will vary depending on the particular facts and information available in each case.  

Format of Administrative Hearings

An administrative hearing is structured as a discussion or conversation and is conducted in private. The CRC will review the incident report and/or findings of their investigation with the respondent and give the respondent an opportunity to respond. In all cases both the reporter and respondent will have equal opportunities to share information and have their information considered.  Administrative hearings and the CRCs subsequent deliberations are never recorded by means of audio or videotaping and no transcripts are kept, and the University does not allow for the recording or transcribing of these proceedings. The CRC will determine whether the respondent is responsible for the alleged policy violation(s) and, if so, will issue appropriate sanctions. At times, the CRC will communicate the outcome of the administrative hearing at the end of the meeting. However, at times, the CRC will need additional time to consider all of the information re-lated to a case and will communicate the outcome with the respondent in a reasonable timeframe after the administrative hearing.

Notification of Outcome

Upon the conclusion of a hearing, the CRC will promptly notify the respondent in writing of the outcome of the hearing including; the findings related to violations of policy, the rationale for these findings, the sanctions imposed, and the information regarding appeal procedures.

Administrative Appeals

The respondent has the right to request an appeal of the outcome of an administrative hearing. In a case of a crime of violence, the reporter or respondent may request an appeal. Requests for appeals must be submitted in writing via the appeal submission form within a reasonable time as designated by the CRC in writing to the student (typically, within three business days of receiving the outcome of an administrative hearing). Appeals must be limited to fifteen (15 pages). The Director of Community Standards or designee will review appeals. In cases where the Director of Community Standards served as a case resolution coordinator for a case (or in which the Director cannot be impartial), an appeal will be reviewed by the Senior Associate Dean of Students or designee. The original finding and sanction are presumed to have been decided reasonably and appropri-ately, and the only grounds for appeal are as follows:
  • New information discovered after resolution of the case that could not have reasonably been available at the time of resolution and is of a nature that could materially change the outcome
  • Procedural errors within the resolution process that may have substantially affected the fairness of the process
  • The individuals who made the determination had a conflict of interest or bias for or against the reporter or respondent generally or the individual reporter or respondent that would change the outcome
  • The sanction is disproportionate with the violation
The full case, beyond the aspects of the case outlined in the appeal may be considered. If none of the grounds for appeal are present in the case, the outcome (findings and sanctions) of the CRC will be upheld. If any of the grounds for appeal are present in the case, the decision of the original CRC may be amended or a new outcome (findings and sanctions) may be issued. The appeal reviewer has final authority to determine the outcome of the case. No additional appeal can be requested or granted and all sanctions will take effect immediately. The appeal reviewer may refer the case back to the CRC for further review. If the case is referred back to the case resolution coordinator, the appeal reviewer may recommend that alternate policies or sanctions be considered. Additionally, if a case is referred back to the case resolution coordinator, the new decision of the case resolution coordinator is considered final (no additional appeal will be granted).