The University of Oklahoma (OU) is home to thousands of students at its flagship campus in Norman. As a large public institution, OU must maintain a sound learning environment free from disruption and harm. From academic dishonesty and housing violations to sexual abuse and off-campus student gatherings, the school will investigate all misconduct accusations—no matter how big or small.
Even though a first-time violation can lead to the end of an academic career, students have access to a professional team steeped in student defense matters. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team has the resources you need to protect your academic and professional future. To begin your misconduct defense, call us at 888-535-3686 now or fill out our confidential consultation form, and we will reach out to you.
How Does OU Define Misconduct?
Simply put, misconduct is any act or behavior infringing upon OU student responsibilities and the university's Code of Conduct. While students may think OU's disciplinary jurisdiction ends at the campus gates, think again. The school can investigate and sanction any of the following:
- On-campus conduct of all students and registered student organizations
- Conduct using university computing or network resources
- Off-campus conduct in direct connection with academic requirements, credit-bearing experiences, such as internships, field trips, study abroad, or student teaching, and those supporting the pursuit of a degree
- Any activity sponsored, conducted, or authorized by the university or registered student organizations
- Any activity causing substantial property destruction or harm to the university community
OU may receive reports of alleged misconduct from students, teachers, staff members, or any member of the public. Critically, the university can levy discipline for acts committed within the previous calendar year.
Despite asserting that students shouldn't interpret reporting requirements as abridging one's right to be free from self-incrimination, students are duty-bound to cooperate with officials. Failure to fulfill their requirements "may result in a decision being made without the benefit of the student's participation."
Informal Misconduct Resolutions
When students are accused of conduct violations, the Director of the Office of Student Conduct (OSC) reviews the allegations. If the director discovers a potential violation, they notify the accused student (respondent). Students receive a reference to the university rule violated and a short explanation of the student conduct process. They must also request to schedule an administrative review meeting within five days, also known as a mandatory meeting.
During the meeting, students may be accompanied by an advisor but they may only act in a consultative capacity and not provide full representation. The respondent discusses the allegations with a Student Conduct Officer (SCO), who then considers the response and any information provided to render a determination, such as:
- Dismissing the charges and closing the case
- Discussing an informal disciplinary resolution
- Charging the student with the violation cited
- Modifying the notice and proceeding with charges
If the respondent agrees to the recommended sanctions, the matter is non-appealable. If they disagree with the SCO's determination, they may request a hearing in writing within two days. Critically, the SCO is not required to conduct a full investigation before providing a decision on violations or sanctions. They must only do so when the conduct in question could lead to a suspension or expulsion. However, before the respondent attends a formal hearing, the SCO will oversee a more extensive inquiry into the matter.
OU Formal Hearings
At the beginning of formal proceedings, the Hearing Panel chair requests that the SCO give an opening statement informing the members about the facts of the case. Respondents then explain their position, which may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- An explanation that they did not commit the alleged misconduct
- A justification that the respondent's actions are not prohibited conduct under university policy
- Reasoning that the SCO's recommended sanctions are not appropriate for the violation
The Hearing Panel then provides the SCO and the respondent an opportunity to present their positions, providing evidence or witness testimony. Each party may also cross-examine witnesses presented by the other, and the panel may directly question any party during the hearing. After closing statements, the chair adjourns the hearing for private deliberation. The Hearing Panel uses the preponderance of the evidence standard to determine whether the student bears responsibility.
Sanctions and Appeals
Considering aggravating or mitigating evidence, as well as the respondent's previous disciplinary history, the Hearing Panel renders sanctions. Within five days, students receive a notice, which includes punishments imposed, as well as the opportunity to appeal.
Discipline at OU is wide-ranging, but the following are at the panel's disposal:
- Verbal or written warnings, which remain on the student's record for a specified period of time or until the student meets certain conditions
- A “strike” as an official recognition of a student's or organization's violation of the school's alcohol policy
- Disciplinary probation that may include community service, completion of reflection papers, counseling attendance, or other actions
- Restitution for damages or misappropriation of property, including compensation for cleaning or restoration
- Housing reassignment or termination, which may include a denial of access to a portion of the campus
- Suspension from the university and all campuses for a specific period, following which the student may be permitted to re-enroll or apply for readmission
- Expulsion from OU indefinitely and prohibited from reapplying or visiting
Students may appeal the panel's findings or sanctions within five days of receiving the notice. OSC and the University Vice President for Student Affairs (UVPSA) review the request.
The UVPSA may affirm the initial decision or alter the sanctions. They can also remand the case back to the Hearing Panel if they find that improper procedures were used or the parties have presented new information that would have been material to the case outcome. The UVPSA corresponds their decision within five days. After, the matter is considered final and closed.
OU Students Need the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team
Defending against misconduct charges at OU can be a complex undertaking. It requires early action and a thorough understanding of university regulations. Regardless of whether misconduct is academic, behavioral, or other forms of prohibited activities, start your strategy by contacting the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team.
Call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 now or fill out our confidential consultation form, and we will contact you.
