University Of The Arts outlines a governing Student Code of Conduct, located in the University's Student Handbook. The Code lists actions that are detrimental to the University community that are considered to be violations of the code. When a student is charged with violating the Code, the Conduct Review Process begins. If a student is found responsible for a Code violation, then the student will suffer sanctions imposed on them by the University. The Conduct Review Process applies to both behavioral and academic violations.
Any member of the University community can begin the Conduct Review Process against a student by filing a written complaint or report. When the Conduct Review Process begins the party that initiated the complaint will be known as the "reporting party," while the student who has the complaint filed against them will be the "responding party."
For most lower-level violations, attempts will be made to resolve the complaint without having a full disciplinary hearing. Student Life Coordinators will handle lower-level violations, while staff members from the Division of Student Affairs will handle intermediate-level violations.
University of the Arts Hearings
The Campus Standards Board will hear cases of the highest level, which are typically those that may result in suspension or expulsion.
When the hearing begins, the Chair or the Board will call the meeting or order. The parties will then introduce themselves, and the Chair will read charges. After this, the responding party will either admit or deny responsibility for the alleged violations. The reporting party then presents their opening statement, and will then present their case, including evidence and witness. During the presentation, and for a brief period afterwards, members of Board ask will have the opportunity to ask any questions for clarification. Following this, the responding party will have a brief time where they can cross-examine the witnesses. After the cross-examination phase, the responding party will then present their own opening statement and case. Once again, members of Board will ask any questions for clarification. Following both presentations, the Board will address any outstanding issues, and both parties will present closing arguments, with reporting party going first. After the closing statements, the Campus Standards Board will retire for deliberations. Decisions will be made by a majority vote, and the standard of a "preponderance of evidence" is to be used in all matters of debate.
The University restricts attendance to hearings to just the University personnel, witnesses, and students involved in the matter. Students are entitled to a University Community Advisor, however, a member of the University community may lack the necessary knowledge and experience to put up a good defense. Legal counsel is allowed if a student is also facing criminal charges, however, even without criminal charges involved, an attorney can still help from behind the scenes. An attorney will offer students insight into defensive tactics used in courtrooms every day. Students will enter their hearings armed with knowledge of techniques such as proper evidence presentation and methods of questioning witnesses that can strongly influence the outcome of any hearing.
University of the Arts Appeals
In the event of an unfavorable outcome, students must file an appeal within 2 business days of the decision. Letters of appeal must be submitted to the Associate Dean of Students. The grounds for appeal are a violation of conduct review procedures, new evidence to be considered, improper or excessive sanctions, or an argument that the decision is not supported by the evidence.
If you or your student is currently facing disciplinary action from the University of the Arts, contact LLF Law Firm today.
