La Roche College makes use of its Student Code of Conduct to hold authority over its student body. The Student Code of Conduct is located in La Roche's student handbook. Behavior that does not adhere to this code is known as misconduct or violations. When a student is suspected of behavior that does not adhere to the Code, they will be charged with misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct System. If a student is found to be "in violation," the College will impose sanctions on them as a punishment for their misconduct.
La Roche College Disciplinary Procedure
La Roche College has multiple options that can be used to pursue charges of misconduct against a student. The College prefers to limit the invoking of the Hearing Board unless absolutely necessary, and will make attempts to resolve the case before it gets to the point of needing a resolution hearing.
Mediation
If there is a dispute between two students they will be called to a meeting. Mediation relies on the cooperativeness of both parties arriving at an agreement for resolution. If mediation is not successful, the case may move forward to a hearing.
Hearings
Hearings will be held in front of either a single Hearing Officer or the Hearing Board. Throughout the hearing process, the person bringing the charges against the student will be known as the complainant, while the student facing charges is simply known as either the "student" or the "student charged."
At the start of a Hearing, the Hearing Board will be introduced. The Hearing Board chairperson will read the charges or the initial complaint. At this point, the student will enter a plea. Next, the complainant will present their witnesses and evidence first. The Hearing Board will then conduct a cross-examination of these witnesses. After this, the student will present their supporting witnesses and evidence. The Hearing Board will once again perform a cross-examination. Finally, the student can present their concluding remarks to support their case. After this, the board will deliberate in private. The Board will deliberate using the standard of "a preponderance of evidence" to make a decision.
At hearings, students are entitled to the presence of an advisor, however, this advisor must be a member of the College community. This means that any advisor a student selects is unlikely to have the experience or dedication to a student's case that is necessary to build a strong defense. Even without being able to attend a hearing, an attorney can assist students from behind the scenes. Attorneys can offer student insight into courtroom tactics, that when applied to a College hearing setting, can be incredibly effective at securing a positive outcome.
La Roche College Appeals
If the outcome of the hearing is not in favor of the student, there is a chance to make an appeal. Appeals must be made within 72 hours of the original hearing decision. Letters of appeal must be sent to the Dean of Students and cannot be any longer than 3 pages. Appeals will be decided upon by an Appeals Board chosen for the case, who may or may not meet with the student or other parties of the hearing. Appeals must be based on the following issues: whether or not the hearing was conducted fairly, whether or not the decision was made with substantial evidence, whether or not sanctions were appropriate, or if there is new evidence for consideration.
For cases that result in dismissal from the College in any form, there is a secondary appeal for the President's Clemency. This appeal must be made within 5 business days of the Appeal Board's decision.
If you or your student is currently facing disciplinary action from La Roche College, contact LLF Law Firm today.
