The Code of Student Conduct reigns supreme at Susquehanna University, and serves as the governing document that empowers the institutions faculty to enforce discipline. This document can be found in the universitys student handbook, which provides clarity on how to properly execute matters relating to disciplinary action when a code violation is suspected.

Should a student violate any part of the code – and consequently violates agreed standards of behavior – theyll face disciplinary action from the university through its Student Conduct System. If deemed guilty of committing an offense, they will likely bear unpleasant consequences imposed on them by the university.

To kick-start this process, a case must reach the Office of Student Life & Campus Life where it will then undergo meticulous evaluation – if found compelling enough, it will proceed to a hearing for further prosecution.

Susquehanna University offers multiple procedures by which cases within its jurisdiction may be resolved through its Student Conduct System; these are discussed below:

Informal Resolution or Conduct Conference

An informal resolution or conduct conference offers mild disciplinary actions that stop shy of expulsion or suspension in most cases. The alleged violator faces discussions with one of the university’s designated conduct officers to articulate their side of the story. The respondent is free to present evidence supporting their side, identify witnesses and call them up for support before waiting for a decision from university officials. Should negotiations prove unfruitful and an agreement fails to emerge between both parties during those initial discussions, a formal hearing may be requested.

University Conduct Board Hearings

The University Conduct Board comes in two forms: one consisting of three students and two faculty/staff members totaling five people responsible for presiding over hearings; while severe violations will have three non-student faculty/trustees–this panel is ill-famed as only top brass trouble makes it there.
Conducting an Hearing

Before hearing begins however ,the counsel must pick the hearing officer, who will oversee all proceedings as they unfold. For their part, Conducting Officers are in charge of ensuring procedural fairness is ever-present while also shaping the direction and tempo of the whole process. Generally speaking, a university official will kick proceedings off by presenting an overview of facts at hand. Both complainant and respondent may give evidence or bring forward witnesses to support their arguments-they can even question both their witnesses in front of everyone- this could lead to some essential errors being uncovered that could be lethal to anyone playing coy. Once everything has been laid bare for everyone in the room to see and hear, deliberation commences.

Board Deliberation

A vote then follows: typically, a student will need 3 votes in their favor from conduct board members if they’re weigh up against suspension or expulsion.Moreover,a preponderance of evidence standard is used.This means students must prove it more probable than not that they were wrongly accused to have a favorable outcome.

If declared guilty after going through this process,the board will have reviewed previous disciplinary records if any exist as made clear within Dr.Sara Watkin-Director&Title”IX Coordinator-Student Conduct/Dos.” Subsequently, penalties will be recommended on the basis of previous disciplinary action – although it wouldn’t be considered until guilt has been established.

Support Person

Of course, should students need a companion during these sessions, This should not just be anybody but someone suitable from personal or university’s choices-but unfortunately parents and attorneys are barred from such proceedings. Still, an attorney’s help works covertly behind the scenes can often work magic-an experienced attorney who understands how courtroom procedures work can definitely increase the chance that suspected violators have at getting what favors them best.

Appeals

Susquehanna University is determined that all involved parties get just treatment – indeed, if someone feels particularly blindsided by a decision that their hearing arrived at, they can always make an appeal within five business days from the date of the hearing. Appeals court motions are allowed on grounds that include presenting new evidence that solidly establishes guilt or a second due process violation.

Attorney Todd Spodek

Since disciplinary action can often lead to profound negative consequences of social or personal nature, anyone under disciplinary proceedings should seriously consider working side by side with attorney Todd Spodek:a person who understands how university systems work for everyone involved as leverage during these hearings is equally worth it when all is said and done- he’s just one phone call away!
It’s probably one of the most critical decisions students needing help can make.