Susquehanna University Student Handbook - Code of Student Conduct: Standards of Due Process

Standards of Due Process

Students subject to expulsion or suspension from the University will be entitled to a hearing before the University Conduct Board, as specified in Part 30 of this Code. Students subject to lesser sanctions for non-academic misconduct will be entitled to an informal conference, as set forth in Part 28 of this Code.

The purpose of campus disciplinary proceedings is to provide a fair evaluation of an respondent's responsibility for violating University regulations. Formal rules of evidence shall not be applied, nor shall deviations from prescribed procedures necessarily invalidate a decision, unless significant prejudice to a student respondent or the University may result.

Any person may refer a student or a student group or organization suspected of violating this Code to the Coordinator for Student Conduct.

Those referring cases are normally expected to serve as the complainant, and to present relevant evidence in hearings or conferences. The complainant may request the assistance of an Advisor, as set forth in Part 36 of this Code.

The Coordinator for Student Conduct or a designee will conduct a preliminary review to determine whether the alleged misconduct might result in expulsion or suspension from the University. Students not subject to suspension or expulsion will be entitled to an informal disciplinary conference with the Coordinator for Student Conduct or a designee, or a paraprofessional staff member as set forth in Part 28 of this Code. A student(s) may be referred to paraprofessional staff for an Informal Resolution Conference, referred to a conduct officer (typically the Coordinator for Student Conduct) for a Conduct Conference, or referred to the Student Conduct Board for a hearing. Students who are subject to suspension or expulsion will be entitled to a hearing before the University Conduct Board, as set forth in Part 30 of this Code.

Students referred for a hearing (either to the Student Conduct Board or University Conduct Board) by the Coordinator for Student Conduct or a designee may elect to have their cases resolved in accordance with Part 28 of this Code. Such an election must be in writing and received by the Coordinator for Student Conduct at least 24 hours before the scheduled hearing, affirming that the student is aware a hearing is being waived and that the full range of sanctions may be imposed, including suspension or expulsion from the University.

The Coordinator for Student Conduct or a designee may defer proceedings for alleged minor violations of this Code for a period not to exceed ninety days. Pending charges may be withdrawn thereafter, in the discretion of the Coordinator or a designee.