Office of Student Conduct

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the purpose of the student conduct process?

    The student conduct process 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 Student Conduct.

  • Who can submit a complaint?

    Anyone can submit a complaint to the Office of Student Conduct. The Office of Student Conduct 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 Student Conduct Board (USCB) will hear your case.

  • What is the USCB? Who serves on the committee?

    If the allegation is not resolved at a Conduct meeting or is not possible due to the nature or severity of the misconduct, it may be referred to the University Student Conduct Board. The USCB will hear all facts related to the reported violation and make a determination of responsibility and an appropriate sanction.

    The University Student Conduct Board 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 conduct meeting?

    You have the right to:

    • Receive a letter of notification with the date, time and location of the student conduct meeting.
    • Have a student conduct meeting 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 Student Conduct or his/her designee.
    • Have an advisor present during the student conduct meeting; however, the advisor may not participate in presenting the case, question witnesses, or make statements during the meeting. The advisor may not act as legal counsel.
    • Question all witnesses
    • Receive written notification of the decision of the student conduct meeting 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 Student Conduct 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 conduct decision?

    A student may appeal the outcome of a Student Conduct meeting by submitting a letter in writing to the Hearing Officer within three (3) business days from the date of your receipt of the decision letter. 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 University Student Conduct Board (USCB)
    • The sanction(s) recommended was/were not justified by the nature of the violation(s).
  • Will my parents be notified that I've been charged with a violation?

    Unless you waive your rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), only you (the student charged with the violation) and the staff members of the University Office of Student Conduct will know that you have been charged with a conduct violation. A FERPA amendment adopted in the fall of 1998, permits colleges and universities to inform the family of a student under 21 years of age when their student has been found in violation of university alcohol or other drug policies and/or in the case of a health or safety emergency.

  • Will I be immediately suspended or expelled from the University for violating the Student Code of Conduct?

    Suspension and/or explusion from the University depends on the severity at the time of the incident. As stated in the Student Handbook, the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Director of Student Conduct, or designee(s) may act summarily without following the student discipline procedures established by the University if the official is satisfied that the student's continued presence on the campus constitutes a serious threat of harm to the student or to any other person on the campus or to the property of the University or property of other persons on the university campus.