I received an e-mail stating I need to schedule a meeting about a possible violation of the Student Code of Conduct - what do I do now?
Your email message will include a deadline to schedule a student conduct conference. Incidents will not be discussed without an appointment. Even if you believe you have not violated the Student Code of Conduct, it is still important that you schedule a meeting to provide any information helpful in resolving your incident.
What is a student conduct conference?
This is an informal meeting with a professional staff member who will decide responsibility for any alleged Student Code of Conduct violations from your incident. If your incident involves multiple students, you will have individual meetings. The goal of the meeting is to use all available reports and statements to decide who is responsible for the alleged violations from the incident.
What happens if I do not schedule a student conduct conference after receiving the e-mail or I don't attend my scheduled meeting?
Students are usually given several days to schedule a student conduct conference with their assigned hearing officer, providing ample opportunity to make necessary arrangements. Should a student not schedule or attend a previously scheduled meeting, the hearing officer may render a decision without the accused student’s participation. In this case, the student would have to submit an appeal of the decision in order to provide additional information that could possibly change the outcome.
What are my rights and responsibilities in the SRU student conduct process?
As SRU is a state university owned and operated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, all students are afforded the fullest possible due process when accused of misconduct. Students will be notified in writing the details of accused misconduct, may inspect related evidence, must be provided an opportunity to respond to complaints and provide contrary evidence/witnesses, and have a right to appeal the decision.
May my attorney attend my student conduct conference or my conduct board hearing?
Students are permitted to have one (1) guest attend all disciplinary conferences and hearings – but only in an advisory capacity. Advisors and advocates can be parents, coaches, employees, and yes, attorneys. These advisors are there to advise the student and may not speak on behalf of the student in the proceeding.
My violation was off campus - why am I hearing from SRU if it wasn't on their property?
The Student Code of Conduct is a set of expectations for SRU student behavior regardless of location. Violations off campus that are reported to the University are approached as if they took place on campus property. Additionally, student conduct as part of university-sanctioned events, trips, and programs off campus are also subject to the Student Code of Conduct.
What exactly does "disciplinary probation" mean?
The sanction of disciplinary probation means that a student must prove him/herself to be a responsible member of the University community. Engaging in violations during the probationary period will result in more severe disciplinary action. The student or student group is permitted to remain enrolled at or retain recognition by the University under stated conditions, depending upon the nature of the violation and upon the potential learning value that may derive from specific restrictive measures. Further violations may result in immediate suspension, or expulsion from the University. Disciplinary probation is different than academic probation or financial aid probation.
Can I get my student conduct records expunged (removed from my record)?
Slippery Rock University does not clear or expunge student records at their request. Even if a student is found to be "not responsible" for an alleged violation, his/her record is kept according to the University's records management policy. Student conduct records are reported for seven (7) years from the date of the student's last incident. Records of students who have been subject to suspension or expulsion are kept indefinitely.
Will my student conduct violations affect my career plans?
Some professional licenses and career paths require the completion of a criminal background check. These reports usually only identify misdemeanor and felony charges. Common college student violations like Disorderly Conduct and Underage Alcohol are summary citations and below this threshold. The Dean of Students Office does not proactively report student violations to any academic program or school.
What should I do if I have also been charged criminally? Isn't this double jeopardy?
Your citation has instructions on how to respond to any charges. SRU does not provide legal services or advisement on how to respond to a criminal charge or summary citation. While many Student Code of Conduct violations are also against the law, not all violations may result in a citation or criminal charge. The student conduct process is a separate, civil and educational process related to a student's status at the University.
If my charges are dropped by the district magistrate, will they also be dropped by SRU?
Criminal charges are dropped for many reasons. Only if a student can furnish proof of being found "not guilty", all alleged student conduct violations be dropped by SRU. Admission into or completion of a first-time offender or alternative diversion (ARD) program is not grounds for dismissal.
Does SRU tell my parents or professors about my incident?
When students are under 21 years old and are found responsible for alcohol or drug violations, written notification is sent via USPS mail. In no cases will the University call parents/guardians immediately following an incident. It is the student’s responsibility to involve parents/guardians prior to any University notification. In some circumstances, professional staff are notified when there are violations that could jeopardize that student’s university status (international students, NCAA athletes, community assistants, etc.).
Will anything appear on my transcripts due to this incident?
If a student is suspended or expelled from SRU, that separation will be noted on their academic transcript. Otherwise, nothing from the disciplinary history will appear on an academic transcript or shared outside the University without the student’s prior written authorization.
What can I do if I don't like the decision made regarding my incident?
Eligible students may elect to appeal the decision of their incidents. The appeal officer is determined by who made the initial determination of responsibility. There is just one appeal of an original decision; the appeal decision becomes final. Information on appeals can be found in Section VIII, Subsection P of the Student Code of Conduct.
What does Personal Integrity offer?
Personal Integrity helps students navigate conflict. Student can meet with a member of Personal Integrity to talk through interpersonal strategies to help with conflicts between off-campus roommates, group members, friends, and more. Personal Integrity can also serve as a mediator as long as both parties agree and are Slippery Rock Students. (Note: on-campus roommates can connect with their CA for mediation). Personal Integrity can present on conflict, communication, balancing leadership among peers, working with those with differentiating opinions, and more. Personal Integrity offers workshops to student groups, teams, and student employees called Group Gameplans.
What are Group Gameplans and how do they help student groups?
Group Gameplans are workshops to help student groups, teams, and student employees grow. There are two types of Group Gameplans available:
- Expectations: focused on helping groups navigate expectations and answering three questions:
- What are our expectations of each other?
- What are our expectations of our leadership team?
- What does our leadership team expect out of us?
Dynamics: focused on helping groups navigate conflict, discussing how groups form, identifying potential roadblocks, and how to move forward to be successful.
How do I schedule an appointment for support with navigating conflict?
You can click on the Bio section to select the booking like for Earl Coburn, Associate Director of Personal Integrity, or Nina Grund, Graduate Assistant of Personal Integrity.
