What We Do
This board conducts formal hearings, interviews witnesses, and can recommend a variety of sanctions for violations. The Student Conduct Board hears cases after the accused student has requested a Conduct Board hearing through the Student Conduct Coordinator or Assistant Dean. Additionally, the Conduct Board reviews college policies to ensure that it remains updated and applicable to our current student body.
The Appeals Board hears appeals of Student Conduct Board decisions and can decide to uphold the decision of the Conduct Board, amend assigned sanctions, or return the case to the Student Conduct Board for further review. Any member of the board not involved in the original hearing will be asked to serve on the Appeals Board.
Student Handbook Information & More
STUDENT CONDUCT BOARD
The Student Conduct Board hears cases referred to it by the designated Student Conduct Officer. The Conduct Board determines responsibility or no responsibility regarding a violation of College policies and imposes appropriate sanctions if an individual is found responsible for a violation. In cases resulting in suspension, expulsion, or campus restriction, the Conduct Board recommends the sanction to the designated Student Conduct Officer who takes final action. If the Student Conduct Board is unable to convene within two weeks of student notification for any reason, the case may be heard by the Vice President and Dean of Students in consultation with the Conduct Board.
In its hearings, the Conduct Board consistently follows a protocol for proceedings established by the Conduct Board. A unanimous decision is required for any offense resulting in expulsion. A three-quarters majority vote is required for the sanction of suspension. Hearings may be open to the campus if both the complainant(s) and the accused student(s) agree. The Chief Justice will generate a complete record of all proceedings. Student disciplinary records are maintained by the Office of Student Affairs as stated in the Student Records Policy (see Student Records, “Location of Student Records” in this Catalog).
The Student Conduct Board is composed of up to twelve (12) members. A quorum requires the presence of at least three (3) voting members. If a quorum is not present, the accused student and the complainant can agree to continue with the hearing or the hearing will be rescheduled. The Chief Justice serves as the administrator of the Conduct Board hearing. The Chief Justice does not have a vote, except to break a tie. Rather, the Chief Justice serves an administrative function to convene the Conduct Board, assure that hearing procedures are followed consistently, generate proper records and facilitate the work of the Conduct Board. The Chief Justice is selected in the spring of each year by the Student Government Association.
The Vice President and Dean of the College selects a member of the faculty to serve as an Advisor to the Conduct Board, along with the designated Student Conduct Officer. Both advisors are non-voting members who attend all hearings and advises the Conduct Board on policy and procedural matters. If an advisor is unable to attend, the Chief Justice may select an alternate from among the faculty and staff, in consultation with the designated Student Conduct Officer and/or the Vice President and Dean of Students.
A member of the Office of Student Affairs (which may include the designated Student Conduct Officer) attends hearings involving potential suspension or expulsion to advise the Conduct Board as needed.
CAMPUS APPEALS BOARD
The Campus Appeals Board hears all appeals beyond the Student Conduct Board. Reasons for appeal may include but are not limited to procedural matters, suspected bias, inappropriate or excessive sanctions, and new evidence. Students seeking review of Student Conduct Board decision may do so through the Campus Appeals Board by submitting a written appeal to the designated Student Conduct Officer within two (2) business days of the Conduct Board decision. The appeals process involves a review of the written appeal statement and all evidence by the Appeals Board members. It does not include a formal hearing. After the review, the Appeals Board may:
- Uphold the decision of the Conduct Board,
- Reevaluate the sanctions, or
- Remand the case back to the Conduct Board with an explanation and recommendations for further hearing.
A student may make a final appeal to the Vice President and Dean of Students only in cases involving suspension or expulsion from the College. Such an appeal must be presented to the Vice President and Dean of Students in writing within 24 business hours of the Appeals Board decision.
The Appeals Board is comprised of two resident students, one commuting student, and one faculty member appointed by the Vice President and Dean of the College with the approval of the College President. The Chairperson is selected by the Appeals Board from among the student membership at its first meeting. The designated Student Conduct Officer convenes the first meeting of the Board to provide orientation and facilitate the selection of the Chairperson. Subsequent meetings are convened by the Chairperson. If the Appeals Board is unable to convene for any reason, the case is heard by the President of the College or his/her designee.
Are you interested in:
- Creating a positive & knowledgeable campus community.
- Enhancing your academic experience and building your resume.
- Creating meaningful relationships with others.
- Discussing ways we can improve our college community.
To join the Conduct & Appeals Board – Applications for the 2022-2023 academic year have closed.
In the event of a vacancy on the board, and you are interested, please send an email to conduct@maryvillecollege.edu
