Edinboro University of Pennsylvania has a Student Code of Conduct that is enforced and upheld by the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. The Code of Conduct articulates specific behaviors which are deemed to be violations. The Code is set in place to promote the safety and well-being of both students and the learning environment. Students who are alleged of committing a violation will be subject to the University's judicial process. If found responsible for violations, student may face punitive sanctions for their behavior.
Edinboro University Judicial Hearings
Students who are facing allegations of code violations will be known in the hearing process as the "respondent." The party presenting the allegations will be known as the complainant. Hearings will be headed by a chairperson, who will act similar to a judge, and decided by a judicial board which can be likened to a jury. They will deliberate upon the standard of a "preponderance of evidence" to decide whether a student is responsible for committing a violation. Students who have prior disciplinary records will not have their records taken into account when the judicial board determines culpability, but records will be considered when determining sanctions.
At The Hearing
At the start of an Edinboro University of Pennsylvania hearing, the respondent will be asked to claim responsibility for all of their alleged violations. If there are any violations that are in dispute, the hearing will move onward. The complainant will present evidence and witness testimony first. Respondents will be given an opportunity to question the witnesses. Next, the respondent will present their side of the events, along with any relevant evidence and witnesses. The complainant will also be able to question the respondent's witnesses. Any questions are at the discretion of the chairperson. If the chairperson deems a question irrelevant or unnecessary, it will not be permitted. Character witnesses are allowed, however their testimony may not in any way attack the character of the opposing party. After the questioning has concluded, both parties will make closing statements, with the complainant presenting first. There will be a final questioning phase opened by the chairperson heading the hearing, and then the judicial board will convene for deliberation.
Attorneys are welcome to accompany students to their hearings. An attorney's presence and counsel will inspire confidence in students facing hearings. In addition, the professional advice from an attorney will help students know what evidence to present and discuss at the hearing. The presence of an attorney can have a strong impact on the eventual outcome of the hearing.
Sanctions
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania will impose disciplinary sanctions if an accused student (or student campus organization) is found responsible for violating the University's Student Code of Conduct. The University regards the goals of administering judicial sanctions for disciplinary violations as follows: 1) to provide students with educational opportunities for a positive University experience; 2) to provide opportunities to develop skills to eliminate harmful behaviors; and 3) to provide relevant outlets for personal growth and development. More than one of the sanctions listed below may be imposed for a violation, and the full range of sanctions is available depending on the nature and severity of the violation. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania differentiates between "Educational/Personal Development Sanctions" and "Other University Sanctions." Possible "Educational/Personal Development Sanctions" include:
- Alcohol Awareness Program
- Anger Management Workshop
- Community Service
- Counseling
- Drug Awareness Program
- Mediation
- Mentoring
- Smoking Counseling Program
- Substance Abuse Evaluation
"Other University Sanctions" include:
- Disciplinary Probation
- Disciplinary Warning
- Career Disciplinary Probation
- Expulsion
- Facilities Restriction
- Interim Facilities Restriction
- Interim Suspension
- Involuntary Housing Reassignment
- Involuntary Residence Hall Removal
- Loss of Privileges
- No Contact Order
- Residence Hall Probation
- Restitution
- Revocation of Group Recognition
- Suspension
- Suspension of Group Recognition
Regretfully, some Edinboro University of Pennsylvania students, despite their and their parents' best intentions, proceed with the University disciplinary process without a full understanding of the possible consequences, both immediate and long-term. Those unfamiliar with the realities of the disciplinary process often do not realize until it may be too late that Edinboro University of Pennsylvania imposes suspensions and expulsions as a sanction more often than would be expected; even in disciplinary matters that may seem to be less serious. The stakes are very high, and some consequences are unforeseen; even sanctions lesser than suspension or expulsion can greatly jeopardize a student's academic and professional goals.
(Edinboro University of Pennsylvania sanctions for Title IX sexual misconduct violations, which include sexual harassment and sexual assault, stalking, and intimate partner violence, will always be severe, and Title IX sexual misconduct violations can have lifetime consequences. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania will also promptly impose interim measures as deemed necessary to protect the complainant before the final outcome of a Title IX investigation and disciplinary proceeding involving Dating, Relationship or Sexual Misconduct or Violence.)
An Experienced Attorney's Role When Representing a Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Student
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and a student's attorney may be able to work together to achieve an agreeable resolution before Student Code of Conduct disciplinary charges and/or academic integrity charges are filed in certain instances. If charges have already been filed against a student, the accused student's attorney, also in certain instances, will be able to serve as an a advocate between the University, the accused student, and other involved parties, in an effort to achieve a constructive resolution. Whether before or after Student Code of Conduct disciplinary charges and/or academic integrity charges are filed, in working towards the prospect of an agreeable resolution, the extent of an attorney's involvement will be at the discretion of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Every student's case is unique; an experienced attorney will understand what the University may be receptive to, and will approach the matter accordingly.
An attorney's involvement at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in matters involving Student Code of Conduct disciplinary charges and/or academic integrity charges should not be confused with University disciplinary cases involving Title IX sexual misconduct allegations. In Title IX student disciplinary proceedings, an experienced attorney must work both as the point of contact between the accused student and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania as well as behind the scenes to defend against sexual misconduct / sexual assault allegations.
An experienced student discipline defense attorney will understand and use the most effective strategies when handling a student's case at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
Appeals
In the event of an unfavorable hearing outcome, students are given the opportunity to make an appeal. Students are given 10 calendar days from the initial decision to make their appeal. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania appeals must be written and sent to Vice President for Student Affairs. Appeals must be made on the grounds of an error in procedure, disproportionate sanction, or new and significant evidence. Appellate cases are reviewed by an assigned appeals officer, who may decide to meet with a student before appeal is approved. Students will be able to present oral or written testimony to support their grounds for appeal, and attorneys are welcome to attend the meeting as well. Successful appeals will result in a modified or overturned decision.
If you or your student are currently facing disciplinary action from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, contact the LLF Law Firm today.
