Waynesburg University relies on its Code of Conduct to govern its student body. While in attendance at the University, students must adhere to the Code of Conduct in order to create a safe and peaceful learning environment. Students who do not adhere to the Code will undergo the University's Disciplinary Processes.
The process begins when a complaint is filed against a student. Any member of the University community can make a complaint against a student. From here, an investigative process will begin. The Assistant Dean of Students or a designated representative will review the complaint for legitimacy and credibility. If the allegation is deemed meritless, the process stops here and no record will be made. If the complaint is found to have merit then the case will move forward to an Administrative Interview.
Waynesburg University Administrative Interview
If a complaint against a student is found to have merit, the student will be asked to come to an administrative interview. The purpose of the interview is to inform the student of their disciplinary violation charges and allow them an opportunity to admit to the charge and take responsibility for their actions. Admitting responsibility for a violation of this stage, however, removes the right to a disciplinary hearing, and will also result in a sanction being assigned to the student by the investigating officer. If the student chooses to deny responsibility for the violation, the case will move forward to a hearing.
Hearings
Hearings will be held in front of the Student-Faculty Judiciary Council. The Council will be made up of 5 students, 3 faculty members, and a member of the Educational Services staff. Members are selected from a pool of volunteers from a varying degree of authorities.
Hearings will begin with a formal reading of the charges and any related incident reports. Throughout the hearing process, students who are facing charges are known as the "respondent," while the person who presented the complaint will be known as the "complainant." As the hearing moves forward, both the respondent and the complainant will be able to present witnesses. Both parties are also able to ask any questions of the witnesses. After all information has been heard, the Council will begin deliberations. Decisions will be made using the standard of "more likely than not."
The University keeps hearings between the students and University personnel involved, as well as any pertinent witnesses. Students are permitted an advisor to accompany them, provided that the advisor is a part of the University community. While a University community advisor can be there for support, they are unlikely to have the same level of dedication to a student's case, and courtroom-proven experience to give proper advice. In spite of not being able to appear at a hearing, counsel from an attorney can be incredibly beneficial to a student. An attorney will provide insight into legal tactics used in the courtroom that can help students with argument construction, evidence presentation and witness questioning.
Waynesburg University Appeals
In the event of an unfavorable outcome, students are given the opportunity to make an appeal to the Vice President of the University. Appeals must be made on the grounds of non-conformity to procedures, inappropriate sanctions, or new evidence to be considered. Appeals must be made within 3 school days of the original decision.
If you or your student is facing disciplinary action from Waynesburg University, contact LLF Law Firm today.
