Office of Judicial Affairs
- What is the purpose of the judicial system?
The student discipline system strives to maintain an educational environment, protecting the rights of others, while holding individual students accountable for their actions in a positive educational manner.
- What are the differences between an off-campus and on-campus offense?
The University has jurisdiction for behavior off campus. Our main concerns are serious behaviors and/or behaviors that may have an effect on the university community. So, even if it happens off campus, it may still be a violation of the Student Conduct Code, which will be handled by the Office of Judicial Affairs.
- Who can submit a complaint?
Anyone can submit a complaint to the Office of Judicial Affairs. The Office of Judicial Affairs acts on reports of alleged violations from: 1) students, 2) law enforcement, 3) faculty and staff, 4) or others.
- Who “hears” my case?
Depending on the violation, a Hearing Officer or the University Committee on Discipline (UCD) will hear your case.
- What is the UCD? Who serves on the committee?
If the allegation is not resolved at a Discipline meeting or is not possible due to the nature or severity of the misconduct, it may be referred to the University Committee on Discipline. The UCD will hear all facts related to the reported violation and make a determination of responsibility and an appropriate sanction.
The University Committee on Discipline is made up of the following:
-1 representative of the University of North Alabama
-1 Faculty Member
-1 Staff Member
-3 Students
- What are my rights during the judicial process?
You have the right to:
-Receive a letter of notification with the date, time and location of the student discipline conference
-Have a student discipline conference that shall be scheduled no earlier than three (3) business days after the date of the notice except in extenuating circumstances with approval from the Director of Judicial Affairs or his/her designee.
-Have an advisor present during the student discipline conference; however, the advisor may not participate in presenting the case, question witnesses, or make statements during the conference. The advisor may not act as legal counsel.
-Question all witnesses
-Receive written notification of the decision of the student discipline conference within ten (10) business days, barring unforeseen circumstances.
-Accept either the decision and sanction from the hearing officer, or submit a written appeal to the hearing officer within three (3) business days from the date of receipt of the decision letter.
-Appeal the decision
- What is a sanction?
A sanction is a set of consequences that a student receives upon pleading guilty or being found responsible for violating University policy. Sanctions can include, but are not limited to, the following: fines and restitution; educational workshops, papers and projects; periods of observation and review; counseling; suspension from the residence halls or University; and expulsion from the University.
- What if I don’t show up for my meeting with conduct officer?
The Judicial Affairs staff member will make a decision in the incident without the benefit of your involvement and perspective
- What if I do not complete an assigned sanction?
Additional sanctions may be added. In some situations, failure to complete sanctions may result in suspension or expulsion from the university. In addition, a hold will be placed on your registration and records. Remember that sanctions are placed as a result of your violation of the Student Conduct Code, and are designed to educate you about the expectations and norms of the university community.
- Can I appeal a disciplinary decision?
A student may appeal on one or more of the following grounds:
- The student has been denied due process.
- Discovery of substantive new evidence, or substantive evidence of bias on behalf of the hearing officer or UCD
- The sanction(s) recommended was/were not justified by the nature of the violation(s).
- Who will know I've been charged?
Unless you waive your rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, only you (the student charged with the violation) and the staff members of the University Office of Judicial Affairs will know that you have been charged with a conduct violation.
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