Lincoln University governs its student body through the Student Code of Conduct located in the Student Handbook. The Student Code of Conduct is in place to provide the community with a set of standards and rules to ensure a safe learning environment. When a student is charged with a violation, they will face sanctions from the University as a punishment and potential deterrent for any future offenders.
Students charged with violations will have the option to accept responsibility for their charges without moving forward to a Student Conduct Board hearing. Doing so may lead to a brief Administrative Hearing where the student admits responsibility. This will also require the student to accept and suffer any sanctions that accompany it.
Lincoln University Hearing
Hearings will be conducted by a designated University personnel member who will be known as the Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer can be likened similar to a judge. The case will be decided by the Student Conduct Board. The Student Conduct Board can be likened to a jury in a criminal case, however, it is much less formal. In fact, there is no specific number necessary to convene the Student Conduct Board, so long as there is at least one student and one faculty or staff member comprising it. Students who are charged with violations will be known as "respondents" throughout the hearing process while the party presenting the charges will be known as the "complainant."
When the hearing begins, the Presiding Officer will call the session to order, and each person in the hearing room must explain their presence and relevance to the hearing. The Presiding Officer will then ask both the respondent and the complainant if they object to any member of the Student Conduct Board, on the basis that the member will not be impartial. Next, both Respondent and Complainant will give their opening statements; following this, both parties will give their version of events, with the members of the board questioning both parties for clarity. Witnesses will then be presented, and both parties will able to cross-examine any witnesses. Character witnesses are allowed, but they can only be members of the faculty, staff or administration. After witnesses are heard, physical evidence will be presented. Finally, both parties will present their closing statements, and the board will deliberate. The standard for deliberation will be a "preponderance of evidence." Respondents will receive the final decision delivered to them within 3-5 business days.
Attorneys are welcome to accompany students through the Lincoln University hearing process. Students with an attorney at their side will feel significantly more confident when facing the Student Conduct Board hearing. On top of this, an experienced attorney will be able to help students secure and present relevant and significant evidence to help their case.
Appeals
In the event of an unfavorable outcome, Lincoln University students have a chance to make an appeal on the decision of the hearing. Lincoln University appeals must be made within 3 business days following the decision. Appeals must be made to the Vice President for Student Affairs. The grounds for appeal are procedural error, unreasonably harsh sanctions, or new information to be considered. Resolutions reached through an Administrative hearing are not subject to an appeal.
If you or your student is currently facing disciplinary action from Lincoln University, contact LLF Law firm today.
