Point Park University governs its student body using an overarching Student Code of Conduct. The Code is in place to ensure a safe, secure, and calm environment for students to further their academic careers in. Students who are suspected of behavior that is contrary to the University's Code will be tried under the University's Student Judicial Process. The Student Judicial Process is overseen by the Office of Judicial Affairs. Students who are found responsible for infractions will be subjected to sanctions imposed upon them by the University as punishment for their actions.
Point Park University The Student Judicial Process
When a report of an infraction is filed against a student they will be notified, and depending on the severity of the infraction, asked to attend one of two types of disciplinary conferences.
Disciplinary Conferences
A disciplinary conference is an informal meeting that takes places between the accused student and a member of the University's personnel. Students will have the ability to present witnesses to support their case. Students may also be able to meet beforehand to go over the process. The file containing the information of the charges will be given to the student for review at least 3 days prior to the conference. At the disciplinary conference itself, students are meant to discuss the charges first, then offer any supporting witnesses and evidence
High Level Disciplinary Conferences
High disciplinary conferences will be used when a student faces a potential sanction of suspension, expulsion, or removal from residence halls. Students will be asked to attend a pre-hearing meeting meeting with the Director of Judicial Affairs to review the charges. Failure to attend will be considered not contesting the allegations. A disciplinary conference officer will be selected to maintain control over the hearing and ensure proper procedure takes place. Students will have access to the file prior to hearing, and may also challenge the selection of the disciplinary conference on the basis of bias. At the hearing the student may respond to the charges they face, and will have a time period allotted for witness presentation. The student can also question any opposing witnesses. The disciplinary conference officer holds the authority to question any and all parties at the hearing. When all information is heard, the disciplinary conference officer will make a decision using the standard of a "preponderance of evidence."
Students are entitled to the presence of a support person of their choosing. There is no reason that this support person should not be an experienced student discipline defense attorney. An attorney at the side of a student will inspire confidence and hopefulness. On top of this, students who receive counsel from an attorney will gain insight into courtroom-hardened tactics of evidence presentation and witness questioning. These tactics can be incredibly effective in a disciplinary conference setting, and can be used to secure a favorable verdict.
Point Park University Appeals
In the event of an unfavorable outcome, students have the chance to make an appeal. Appeals must be made with in 5 business days after receiving the findings and sanctions letter. Letters of appeal must be sent to the Office of Judicial Affairs. Failure to attend a disciplinary conference may invoke limitations the ability to make an appeal. The grounds for appeal are new information or sanctions that are inconsistent with the nature of the offense.
If you or your student is currently facing disciplinary action from Point Park University, contact LLF Law Firm today.
