Immaculata University contains its Student Code of Conduct within its Student Handbook. The Student Code of Conduct exists to establish and protect the safety and security of the academic environment and University community. On top of this, the University itself seeks to uphold traditional Catholic values and makes an effort to embed them within its practices and culture. Students who fail to uphold the Student Code of Conduct may face sanctions imposed upon them after they undergo the University's Disciplinary Process.
The process begins after an Incident Report is reviewed by the Assistant Dean of Students. Upon review, the Assistant Dean may recommend either informal mediation, or refer the case for disciplinary action by making a Disciplinary Report from the initial Incident Report. Depending on the severity of the potential violations, the student may have a hearing with a Preliminary Hearing Officer, and Administrative Hearing Officer, or the University Conduct Board. The first step to the disciplinary process is the case being assigned to a Preliminary Hearing Officer, and proceeding to a Preliminary Hearing.
Preliminary Hearing Procedure
A Preliminary Hearing Officer at Immaculata University will rule over the Preliminary Hearing. The Preliminary Hearing is meant to determine whether or not the case goes to a full and formal Disciplinary Hearing. At the hearing, the student can agree to the charges and accept any sanctions that may come with it. A student that disagrees with charges will cause the case to proceed to a hearing.
Immaculata University Hearings
Hearings will take place in front of either an Administrative Hearing Officer or the University Conduct Board, depending on the severity of the case. An Administrative Hearing Officer will typically hear cases that do not prospectively result in suspension or expulsion. The University Conduct Board will hear all cases that can prospectively result in either suspension or expulsion. Hearing procedures will remain the same regardless of who is presiding.
Students will have 5 days to prepare for their hearing. Hearings will be conducted by the assigned presiding authority. The authority will hear out all evidence, witness testimony and any other matters for consideration. Afterward, the presiding authority will deliberate, and reach a decision on responsibility and sanctions. Sanctioning will be based on any and all past offenses. The accused student will also receive a written notification of the decision, as well.
Hearings are usually kept between University personnel and the accused students. Accused students are entitled to a student advisor, although these advisors will lack experience, and may not necessarily have the accused student's best interests at heart. An attorney can assist students from behind the scenes. Receiving counsel from an attorney will provide students insight on case and evidence presentation, as well as proper ways to question witnesses in order to try to secure a more favorable outcome. A specialized, experienced, and knowledgeable student defense attorney will also make students feel more confident in their case.
Immaculata University Appeals
If the hearing results in an unfavorable outcome, students may make an appeal within 5-10 days of the written notification of sanction. Appeals must be made to the Vice President for Student Development and Engagement. At times, an appeal board may be established to review the case. There are also two types of appeals: an appeal for a new hearing, and an appeal for a review of sanction. The grounds for appealing for a new hearing are procedural error, existing evidence not reviewed, or new evidence to be considered. Appeals for review of sanction can be used only for sanctions of expulsion, suspension, loss of good disciplinary standing or loss of campus residency.
If you or your student is currently facing disciplinary action from Immaculata University, contact the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686.
