Cabrini University relies on a set of Community Standards to maintain a governance over its student body. The University's Community Standards exist to ensure that students have a safe and comfortable environment for learning. Students who violate the Community Standards will face hearings, and if found responsible for a violation, they will have sanctions imposed upon them by the University.
Any member of the University community can file a complaint against a student for a potential violation. The complaint will be reviewed to see if disciplinary action is necessary. If so, the University will schedule an Administrative Hearing, or they will administer sanctions outright and notify the student in writing, depending on the severity of the violation. Students can waive their right to a hearing by accepting the charges and sanctions. In this case, the result can be appealed for a review of sanction, if the sanction is too harsh. Disciplinary action at Cabrini University happens fast, so students have little time to prepare once charges are brought against them.
Cabrini University Administrative Hearing
At hearings, the person who initiated the complaint will be known as the "complainant," and the student facing accusations will simply be known as the "accused." The hearings will be led by an Administrative Hearing Officer assigned to the case, who will also explain the proper procedures to both parties. The complainant will have approximately 10 minutes to make a presentation of their case. Complainants can bring up to 2 supporting witnesses, who can be questioned by the accused following their testimony. Similarly, the accused will also have about 10 minutes to present their side of the case, and they may have up to 2 witnesses as well who are subject to questioning from the opposing party.
Hearings are meant to have the students representing themselves, and as such, no other parties are allowed into the hearing, including attorneys. However, even without representation at a hearing, attorneys can still be a considerable help to students. An attorney can offer students knowledge of legal strategies used in courtrooms across the country to help prepare them for their case. Students armed with proven methods of questioning witnesses, argument construction, and evidence presentation will have a much better chance at a favorable outcome than students who are not properly prepared.
Cabrini University Appeals
There are two different types of appeals that students can apply for in the event of an unfavorable hearing outcome. The first is an appeal for a new hearing. Appeals for a new hearing must be made within 5 days of the outcome notification and submitted to the Dean of Students. The grounds for an appeal for a new hearing are procedural defects in the original hearing or new evidence not available at the original hearing. Appeals for a review of sanction do not have any specific grounds. Only sanctions of loss of good disciplinary standing, loss of campus housing, suspension, or expulsion may be appealed. Students will also have a brief meeting to discuss the matters of the appeal with the Dean of Students.
If you or your student is currently facing disciplinary action from Cabrini University, contact university student defense LLF Law Firm today.