DeSales University governs its student body through its Code of Conduct, located within the University's Student Handbook. The Code contains a list of behaviors that are deemed unacceptable. The Code of Conduct is both upheld and enforced by the University's Office of Student Conduct. Students who violate the Code will be subject to the University's Disciplinary Process. Students found responsible for violations will be met with one or more sanctions, depending on the situation.
DeSales University Disciplinary Process
When a complaint is filed against a student, the Director of Student Conduct will contact the student for a meeting. At the meeting, the information relevant to the complaint will be discussed to see if a formal hearing will be necessary, or if the matter can be resolved without escalating it further.
Formal hearings will take place in front of either the Judicial Affairs Committee or the Dean of Students, depending on the nature of the case
Formal Hearings
Formal hearings will begin with members of the hearing body being introduced to the parties at the hearing. For the purposes of the hearing, the party that initiated the complaint will be known as the "complainant" and the student who is the subject of the complaint will be known as the "student charged." Following the introductions, both parties will be presented with physical copies of the hearing procedures. Next, the Chairman will read the complaint, and the student charged will make a plea of either "responsible" or "not responsible." After the plea is entered, the investigator will present evidence and witnesses relevant to the events. The student charged will then have the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses in support of their own case. Next, the hearing officer or the members of the Judicial Affairs Committee can question both parties for clarification. After the hearing authority's questioning has concluded, both parties can question the participants of the hearing, with the complainant going first. After this, both parties will make their closing remarks, with the complainant going first. After everything has been heard out, the deliberations begin. Finally, after deliberations, a decision, including any sanctions, will be announced to the student charged and also sent in writing.
Students are permitted an advisor to accompany them into their formal hearings, and this advisor can be an attorney. Students with an attorney at their side will have access to a wealth of knowledge regarding evidence presentation and proper questions to ask witnesses. An attorney at a student's side will inspire confidence throughout the hearing as well.
DeSales University Appeals
In the event of an unfavorable outcome, an appeal must be made 5 business days after the day that the student was notified of the outcome. It is possible for a student to request extra time from the Dean of Students within 24 hours from the outcome. The grounds for appeal are procedural error, new evidence to be considered, or sanctions outside of the range of the offense. Appeals are heard in private by the Judicial Appeals Committee, however, the Committee may request a meeting with the student if they require it.
If you or your student is currently facing disciplinary action from DeSales University, contact the LLF Law Firm today.
