Graduate Student Handbook

Students' Rights

Students referred to any judicial board are entitled to:

  • A fair hearing within a reasonable amount of time from the referral.
  • Ample notice of the hearing, a summary of the violation to be discussed, and an explanation of the judicial process.
  • The opportunity to speak on their own behalf.
  • The opportunity to hear all evidence presented in the hearing.
  • The opportunity to respond to all evidence presented in a hearing.
  • Present witnesses to give relevant and pertinent testimony (witnesses must be reviewed by the adviser, chairperson, or director of judicial affairs prior to the hearing).
  • The presence of one person to give support (for Level Three Judicial Board cases only, or with prior approval of the Office of Student Affairs). The support person may not be an attorney (whether hired, family member or friend). The support person invited by the student is prohibited from taking part in any dialogue during the hearing. Their communication is limited to private conversations with the student for whom they are providing support. Private conversations must not disrupt the proceedings. Advisers or chairs of the hearing bodies have the right to stop the proceeding or remove the support person if his or her presence interferes with the activities of the hearing body. 
  •  The parties may not have legal counsel (hired, family member or friend) attend the hearing or participate in the judicial system.
  • Written notice within a reasonable amount of time notifying the student of the judicial body's findings and, if appropriate, sanctions.
  • The opportunity to appeal the decision of the board.

Students who have been victimized by another student and whose case is referred to a judicial board are entitled to:

  • Ample notice of the hearing and an explanation of the judicial process.
  • An opportunity to attend the proceeding when evidence is presented.
  • Present witnesses to give relevant and pertinent testimony (witnesses must be reviewed by the adviser, chairperson, or Student Affairs Office prior to the hearing).
  • The opportunity to submit to the judicial body a written victim impact statement that will be considered during sanctioning (if sanctioning occurs).

Students who have been victims of harassment and sexual assault and whose cases are referred to a judicial board are also entitled to:

  • The presence of one person to give support (see earlier note on limitations).
  • A waiting area separate from the alleged violator(s).
  • The assurance that their unrelated sexual history will not be discussed.
  • For alleged victims of any crime of violence, to know the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding.