Code of Student Conduct
Procedural Protections
2. Student conduct standards at Susquehanna should not be equated to state or federal criminal codes. Even in cases involving suspension or expulsion, our aims include education and student development as well as a just punishment. Consequently, our processes—grounded in fundamental fairness—are focused on disciplined and courteous truth-seeking, not adversarial procedures. We conduct investigatory proceedings, conferences and hearings, not trials.
Students accused of Code of Student Conduct violations are entitled to the following standards of fundamental fairness:
- To be informed of the charge and alleged misconduct upon which the charge is based;
- An option to request that the Assistant Director of Residence Life for Student Conduct (Assistant Director for Student Conduct) or a designee resolve the case in an informal conference;
- An opportunity to offer a relevant response;
- An opportunity to call and question relevant witnesses;
- Confidentiality, as defined by and in accordance with the terms of the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
- To request that any person conducting a disciplinary conference or serving as a hearing board member or conduct officer be disqualified on the ground of personal bias. See 34h under this code.
- To be considered not responsible of the charge(s) until proven responsible by clear and convincing evidence.
- To be advised by a person of their choice.
Authority for Student Discipline
3. Ultimate authority for the administration of student conduct policies is vested in the Board of Trustees of Susquehanna University. Disciplinary authority may be delegated to university administrators, faculty members, committees and organizations, as set forth in this code, or in other appropriate policies, rules or regulations adopted by the board.
Student Participation
4. Students are asked to assume positions of significant responsibility in the university conduct system in order that they might contribute their skills and insights to the resolution of disciplinary cases. Final authority in disciplinary matters, however, is vested in the Board of Trustees and in the university administration.
