The Student Conduct Code at Temple University contains provisions that strive to enforce the Academic Honor Code and other behavioral expectations of the school's leadership. The Code does not tolerate acts of academic dishonesty, failing to respect others, acts of violence, and many more. The University Code Administrator assigns a Student Conduct Administrator to facilitate the process of disciplinary action.
Student Conduct Board
The Student Conduct Administrator may also serve as a member of the Student Conduct Board. This Board may be composed of faculty, staff, students, and other neutral third-parties. They are tasked with deciding if the accused individuals did commit violations and what sanctions (penalties) would be appropriate. The decisions of the Board are final unless there is an appeal.
Before scheduling a hearing in front of the Student Conduct Board, a Process Review Meeting is conducted. Here, the Student Conduct Administrator will assess a complaint to determine if a hearing on the matter is appropriate. All parties are notified of the time, date, and location of the hearing at least 72 hours in advance.
Appearing for Student Conduct Board Hearing
Procedures, processes, and rules of evidence associated with criminal or civil court actions are inapplicable to Student Conduct Board Hearings. Hearings are held privately and attended by the accused student or student organization and complainants. A Chairperson is assigned to facilitate the hearing. Parties may request (challenge) that any individual Board member be excluded from the proceedings if they feel there is a justifiable cause.
These parties are all able to select a Personal Advisor that may accompany the party. The Personal Advisor functions exclusively in a support role and does not actively participate in the proceedings. This individual may or may not be an attorney. The Student Conduct Administrator must be notified of any Personal Advisor that will attend two days before a hearing.
Hearing Process
All parties may present evidence and arrange for witness testimony. All questions directed at witnesses are made by the Student Conduct Board. Parties may propose (request) that witnesses be asked specific questions by submitting them to the Chairperson for consideration. Parties are not permitted to directly question witnesses in efforts to avoid creating an “adversarial environment.”
Accused students or organizations are not compelled to provide testimony. The Board will not make any assumptions or inferences based on the decision not to testify. The parties may present an impact statement and also present exhibits, documentation, etc.
Board Deliberations and Possible Sanctioning
The Student Conduct Board is responsible for deliberating to determine if the accused has committed the violation(s). This is done by a simple majority vote based on a “more likely than not” standard. The Board will also then recommend sanctions to the University Code Administrator that they deem to be appropriate. Sanctions may include probation, losses of campus privileges, suspension, expulsion, and others.
Attorney Represents Students Facing Disciplinary Actions
Students that are accused of violating their school's code of conduct are subject to a disciplinary process. It is important not to underestimate the potential sanctions and penalties that may be imposed. The LLF Law Firm is experienced in achieving positive outcomes in these matters. You are encouraged to promptly contact the office at (888) 535-3686.
