Duquesne University governs its student body through the Office of Student Conduct. The Office of Student Conduct enacts and enforces the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct. The Code exists to maintain a safe and secure learning environment for all students of the University. Students who violate the Code will be tried by the Conduct Process, and if found responsible for a violation, will be subject to punitive sanctions from the University.
Whenever conduct charges are brought against a student, they will be assigned a meeting with a designated hearing officer who will explain the charges to them, discuss their rights, and explain the hearing procedures to them. When students facing conduct charges proceed to a hearing, they will be known throughout the process as "the respondent."
Duquesne University Hearings
Hearings will begin with the hearing board or hearing officer being introduced. The hearing board or officer will answer any outstanding questions regarding the rights and procedures throughout the hearing process. Following this, the charges will be read. The respondent will then have a chance to enter a plea of either responsible or not responsible. The complainant presents their case first. They will submit a statement of the incident that includes any relevant evidence. The complainant will then be questioned by the hearing board or officer. The complainant can then present witnesses after their questioning. The respondent will present next, following the same structure as the complainant. After the presentations have concluded, the complainant and respondent can make final statements to the board. After this, the board will deliberate and will assign any appropriate sanctions if the student is found responsible for any violations. The student will receive the board's decision in writing.
Students are welcome to have an attorney accompany them into the hearing. Students with an attorney at their side will feel as though they have a superior position over the hearing board, and will also feel more confident in the success of their case. Attorneys will help students make use of courtroom tactics when presenting evidence and arguing their case.
Duquesne University Appeals
In the event of an unfavorable outcome, students are entitled to an appeal. Appeals should be made in writing within 7 days of the hearing. The grounds for appeal include overly harsh sanctions, any violations of the student's due process, or new evidence for consideration. Successful appeals may either reduce the sanctions or find the student not responsible for a violation.
If you or your student is currently facing disciplinary action from Duquesne University, contact the LLF Law Firm today.
