Academic Dean for Student Success:
The Academic Dean guides faculty and students through the conduct process and records outcomes. When an Academic Conduct Council (ACC) hearing is required, the Academic Dean typically serves as hearing Convenor, but does not participate in consensus decisions of the ACC. The Academic Dean maintains an Academic Conduct File containing all reported cases of academic misconduct.
Dean’s Hearing:
In certain cases, a Dean’s Hearing may be held instead of an ACC hearing. It is convened by the designated Dean with the student, the faculty member, any relevant witnesses, and, if requested, support persons. Dean’s Hearings are closed to non-participants.
Hearing Convenor:
The Convenor for an Academic Conduct Council (ACC) hearing schedules and opens hearings for each case. If the Academic Dean is unavailable or unable to serve for any reason, the Provost or Academic Dean may appoint another Dean or former Dean to serve as Convenor.
Conduct Council Faculty Pool:
The Faculty Pool consists of faculty members of the Student Conduct Council approved by the Faculty Nominating Committee. Members serve three-year staggered terms, which are renewable. They are eligible to serve on Academic and Social Conduct Councils as well as Appeals Boards.
Conduct Council Student Pool:
The Student Pool is made up of current students who have completed at least two semesters, remain in good academic standing, and have no active conduct sanctions during their service. Students who meet the criteria are eligible to participate on Conduct Councils and Appeals Boards. Nominations may come from Student Government and Student Life.
Academic Conduct Council (ACC):
An Academic Conduct Council is convened when a hearing is needed because involved parties disagree, or in cases of High Concern. For the purpose of a given hearing, an ACC is composed of a Convenor, one faculty member from the Faculty Pool, and two students from the Student Pool. The council reviews the charge and evidence, listens and asks questions, and ACC members participate in reaching a consensus decision. If a member has a conflict of interest, they must step aside, and the Convenor will appoint a replacement from the appropriate pool. ACC hearings are closed to non-participants.
Faculty Member (bringing the charge):
The faculty member bringing the charge is responsible for collecting and submitting evidence supporting the alleged violation. They also determine the level of Academic Concern (Low Concern, Concern, High Concern) associated with the violation, unless a Hearing reaches a different final determination. They participate in the conduct process and hearing alongside the student.
Support People:
Each involved party (whether faculty or student) may bring one support person to any meetings or hearings. Support people must be members of the campus community. They help their party understand the process and potential outcomes, and may provide guidance, preparation support, and private consultation. Support people may not serve as witnesses, question participants, speak during hearings unless invited by the Council, or submit statements or evidence on behalf of a party.
Academic Conduct Council Appeals Board (ACC-A):
An ACC-A is convened to review appeals by the Academic Dean or designee. The ACC-A includes the Academic Dean designee as Convenor, one faculty member, and one student, all selected from their respective pools. Members must have had no involvement in the original case. Decisions are reached by consensus and are final.