When students matriculate into the University of Hawai'i (UH) at Mānoa, they may be surprised at the reach of their code of conduct and subsequent grievance procedures. From violating visitors' hours and housing regulations to plagiarism and sexual misconduct, students are susceptible to harsh punishment if they do not follow the school's rules and regulations. With the authority to impose temporary suspension, execute intrusive investigations, and hand down degree-ending punishment, UH Mānoa disciplinary measures are often too much for students to manage.
Although students accused of misconduct may defend themselves against school officials, the best opportunity for defense lies with the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team. Our team of attorneys understands the implications for students accused of misconduct and how schools can act hastily to levy sanctions. We ensure students have what they need to mount a robust defense and remain focused on their academic goals. Call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 now or visit our confidential consultation form.
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Conduct Violations
UH Mānoa's jurisdiction for appropriate conduct does not end at the periphery of its campus. The Student Code of Conduct extends outside university property if the actions were in connection with a school-sponsored program, if they may have a continuing adverse effect, or if they create a hostile environment on campus.
Although it's not an exhaustive list, UH Mānoa lists the following as types of behavior that conflict with its community standards and subjects those responsible to sanctions:
- Acts of Dishonesty: Cheating, plagiarism, furnishing false information, or other forms of unauthorized assistance or academic acquisition
- Disruption or Obstruction of School Activities: Creating noise or other disturbances on campus sufficient to disrupt the normal functioning of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, and other campus activities
- Threatening or Endangering Campus Community Members: Making or carrying out verbal or physical threats, intimidation, harassment, or creating a hostile environment
- Computer Network Abuse: Unauthorized entry into files and databases, online harassment, and violating the privacy of others
- Control of Illicit Substances: Use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of controlled substances, paraphernalia, or alcohol except as expressly permitted by law
Critically, UH Mānoa will also prosecute students who are complicit in misconduct. Therefore, if students were able to intervene and did not or just present when the alleged violation occurred, they could face discipline.
Misconduct Investigations and Informal Grievance Procedures
All misconduct allegations are managed through UH Mānoa's Student Conduct Administrator (SCA), who will determine whether a breach of the code of conduct has occurred. Importantly, the school has a 120-day statute of limitations for violations, but exceptions can be made at the SCA's discretion in some circumstances.
Students accused of misconduct—referred to as responding parties—will receive a written notice of the allegations. Unlike other colleges and universities, UH Mānoa does not follow normal hearing procedures before a council of officials. Instead, the responding party and the accuser—called the reporting party—will meet with the SCA informally.
Both parties may present arguments, including evidence, to the SCA, and an advisor of their choice may assist them. However, an advisor must be provided at the student's expense, and they cannot speak during or participate directly during the investigation or adjudication period. Moreover, an advisor cannot be a legal professional. Only responding parties subject to pending criminal investigations can retain an attorney.
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Sanctions
If a student has been found responsible for violating the code of conduct, the SCA will use all available information to determine appropriate sanctions. They will consider prior violations (which garner progressive discipline), community service involvement, employment, and any level of disregard for their own health and safety, as well as that of others.
The SCA may impose one or more of the following for any single violation:
- Written reprimands as a warning that further instances will invoke harsher punishment.
- Probationary periods with measures such as extra assignments or mandatory completion of behavioral courses.
- Loss of leadership, extracurricular, housing, or other campus privileges.
- Monetary or service-related restitution to the college or victims of misconduct.
- Suspension from UH Mānoa for a temporary period, with potential readmittance conditions.
- Permanent expulsion from UH Mānoa, which may include the entire UH System.
- Withholding or revocation of a degree or admission into the school.
Sanctions normally go into effect immediately. However, the school gives students the opportunity to appeal the SCA's determination.
Appealing Disciplinary Sanctions at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
UH Mānoa students must notify the SCA of their efforts to seek redress within ten calendar days. Yet, there is a narrow bandwidth of eligibility. Only new information and procedural errors are grounds for appeal.
Once the SCA receives the appeal notice from the sanctioned party, it's sent to a four-person Student Conduct Appellate Board. The board determines whether the petition is eligible and may or may not hold a hearing to invite the sanctioned party to argue against the punishments imposed, related to new information emerging or procedural errors.
If the board holds a hearing, students may also have an advisor assist them, but the same rules apply, wherein they may not speak or represent the student to the board. Nevertheless, sanctioned students can submit evidence and written statements to bolster their appeal. In a majority vote, the board decides whether to affirm or overturn the student's case. If the matter is overturned, the board directs the SCA to re-open the investigation to correct the determination and sanctions. If an appeal is denied, the decision is considered final.
Accused Students Need the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team
Defending against UH Mānoa's disciplinary measures can seem daunting for students. Although there are processes dedicated to school justice, they do not necessarily promote due process for all parties involved. Instead of students relying on their own merits for defense, they need an experienced ally for redress.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is well-versed in how colleges and universities manage misconduct, including how students can often be overpowered by their administrative might. We are dedicated to giving UH Mānoa students the information, guidance, and confidence they need to protect their graduation goals and defend against discipline. Call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 now or visit our confidential online consultation form, and we will contact you.
