Student Conduct FAQs
I received a Notice of Charge from the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. What does that mean?
How do I prepare for a hearing?
Can I bring anyone with me to the hearing?
Yes. You are entitled to bring an advisor to the hearing. Advisors are required to be current University faculty, staff, or student. Parents, family members, legal counsel, alumni, and those persons who have no affiliation with the University are excluded from the definition of “Advisor” and are not permitted to be in the hearing. The role of the Advisor is to provide emotional and personal support for the student. Advisors may not speak during a hearing.
You are also permitted to present witnesses during hearings. Witnesses are required to be current University faculty, staff, or student. Witnesses in attendance of the hearing will be required to sit outside of the hearing until the hearing officer determines that it is an appropriate time for the witness to speak. You will not be permitted to speak directly to the witness during the hearing. Character witnesses are not permitted.
Is there anyone that I can speak with in preparation for my conduct hearing?
How will I know the outcome of a hearing?
What if I do not agree with the outcome of the hearing?
You are able to appeal a decision made during a student conduct hearing. You may not appeal an outcome simply because you disagree.
Appeals are considered for one or more of the following purposes:
- To consider new information which was unavailable at the time of the original hearing that could change the outcome; or
- Example: If you come to learn that there is a video of an incident after you receive your Outcome. This video can be used as new evidence.
- To assess whether a material deviation from written procedures resulted in an unfair outcome of the hearing.
- Example: If you were only given two calendar days’ notice of your hearing rather than the required four calendar days’ notice.
- To assess whether a sanction of the loss of University housing, a suspension, or expulsion will have a substantially disproportionate impact on the student or is inconsistent with University practice and values.
What if I’m responsible for violating the Student Conduct Code?
Do I have to come to the hearing?
When will I know the sanctions that are imposed?
What happens if I do not complete my sanction(s) by the deadline?
How do I appeal and how long do I have to appeal?
You can appeal the Outcome Letter within three (3) business days of the date the letter was sent. An appeal must be in writing and delivered to the appointed administrator outlined in the Outcome Letter. You may not appeal an outcome simply because you disagree. Appeals are considered for one or more of the following purposes:
- To consider new information which was unavailable at the time of the original hearing that could change the outcome; or
- Example: If you come to learn that there is a video of an incident after you receive your Outcome. This video can be used as new evidence.
- To assess whether a material deviation from written procedures resulted in an unfair outcome of the hearing.
- Example: If you were only given two calendar days’ notice of your hearing rather than the required four calendar days’ notice.
- To assess whether a sanction of the loss of University housing, a suspension, or expulsion will have a substantially disproportionate impact on the student or is inconsistent with University practice and values.
What happens during the time it takes for the appellate officer to review my appeal?
How does the appellate officer make a decision on the appeal?
What type of conduct records are maintained on my case?
Who has access to my conduct record?
Cases that involve disciplinary probation, loss of housing, suspension, or dismissal from the University are subject to disclosure to officials who have a legitimate need to know and others as permitted by law. All conduct records may be disclosed if subpoenaed.
All conduct records may be provided to Resident Assistants and Orientation Leaders. Cases that involve disciplinary probation, loss of housing, suspension, or dismissal from the University are subject to disclosure to internal Marymount faculty and staff, particularly for leadership positions.
Will my parents find out?
The University notifies parents of sanctions of housing probation, loss of housing, disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion under the following conditions:
- you are under 21 and are found responsible for an alcohol/other drug violation; or
- you are a dependent of your parents for tax purposes and the University has record of your dependency.
Parents will be sent a letter from the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution regarding the decision of the case. Parents who wish to know more details of a case should open an honest discussion with their student. Most of the time, students accurately report what occurred which helps facilitate trust between students and parents. Students may also provide consent for release of information by filling out a FERPA waiver.