For more information about The Code of Conduct, please contact:
Dr. Brett Carter
Associate Dean of Students
(336) 334-5514
bacarte2@uncg.edu
Frequently Asked Questions about Student Conduct
- What is the purpose of the Office of Student Conduct (OSC)?
- The Office of Student Conduct educates the campus community about the policies and procedures that support our core values. In addition, the Office facilitates the process of holding community members accountable for their actions under the Student Code of Conduct and the Academic Integrity Policy.
- What are the University's Core Values?
- The UNCG community ensures a peaceful and productive living and learning environment based on the University's five core values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility.
- What are my rights as a student under the Student Code of Conduct?
- Students have the right to a fair and timely hearing, full knowledge of accusations, the opportunity for advocacy from the Student Attorney General's Office, and confidentiality under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
- Does the Student Code of Conduct apply to my behavior off campus?
- The Student Code of Conduct may be invoked against students whose off campus behavior potentially harms the interest of the University or threatens the well being of students or employees.
- What is the difference between Conduct violations and Contractual violations?
- Contractual violations are not directly related to the Code of Conduct. Contractual violations refer to violations of the Housing and Dining Services Contract. For example, a noise or guest visitation is a violation of the housing contract and will be handled by the Office of Housing and Residence Life. Conduct violations are any violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
- What is a Student Condect Conference (SSC)?
- At the SSC, students have an opportunity to review allegations and gather information. The SSC allows the accused student to review fundamental fairness procedures, ask questions, accept or deny responsibility to formal charges, and make decisions about how he or she intends to proceed with the case.
- What is a conduct review?
- If a student pleas "responsible" he or she will meet with a conduct hearing officer for a conduct review. During the conduct review, the hearing officer will have a conversation with the student(s) about the incident. They will discuss how the incident happened, why it happened and the likelihood of the behavior happening again. Following this conversation, sanctions are assigned that are designed to help the student learn from the experience.
- What is a hearing and what will take place?
- A hearing is held before a hearing officer and/or hearing panel. During this time, participants engage in a full discussion of charges, evidence, and circumstances. Students will have the opportunity to share their perspective on what happened. If the Student Code of Conduct/Academic Integrity policy has been violated, appropriate educational sanctions will be assigned.
- Who will handle my case?
- The Case Coordinator prepares the University's case for presentation to the hearing officer or panel. A Student Advocate is a student representative from the Student Government Attorney General's Office who will assist the accused student(s) in preparation and presentation of the information. The Hearing Officer is a University administrator who facilitates the proceedings and assists in determining sanctions. A trained panel of students, faculty, and staff will hear more serious cases and all Academic Integrity cases.
- If I accept responsibility, how will I find out what to do next?
- A pre-hearing conference officer may schedule your review or a written or electronic notice will be sent to you concerning resolution of the charges. There will be names of individuals you will need to contact and descriptions and deadlines of sanctions you must complete. It is important that you take responsibility for staying in contact with our office during the process.
- Will I be given an opportunity to present evidence on my behalf?
- The hearing officer will allow evidence if it is relevant to the case.
- May I appeal the decision?
- Appeals must be submitted in writing within five (5) calendar days of the finding to the Dean of Students if the sanction is not suspension or expulsion or the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs in the latter instance. Academic Integrity appeals go directly to the Vice Chancellor. An appeal must meet at least one of the following criteria: sufficient procedural errors, discrimination, new or previously unavailable evidence, or excessive or inappropriate sanctions.
- If criminal charges are dropped can the University still pursue the matter?
- Yes, the University may pursue conduct action even if the criminal charges are incomplete, reduced, or dismissed. The University conduct system is educational and completely separate from the criminal court system.
- How does the University define possession of a controlled substance (alcohol and illegal drugs)?
- "Possession" is defined as having actual knowledge
of a substance or property or being in such close proximity to the substance
that it is presumed that the student(s) had knowledge of the substance
or property.
If you are in the presence of a policy violation and are not actively involved, you have three choices: 1) leave the situation; 2) ask the student(s) to stop the behavior and/or take it out of the room; or 3) seek assistance from a University staff member (CA or UNCG Police) If you choose not to do any of the above, you can be held responsible for the policy violation.
- How do I make a complaint against a University official?
- Students should initially attempt to resolve the matter by bringing concerns to the individual with whom he or she has an issue, or that person's immediate supervisor. Other options include: talking to the Dean of Students office for advice about options, utilizing the Campus Mediation Program, using any evaluation tools distributed by the office in question, or you may file a Grievance.
- Who will have access to my records?
- Conduct Records are maintained in the Office of Student Conduct. They are accessible to the accused and others as provided by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).
- Will my parents find out about this?
- Under UNCG's Student Code of Conduct, parents/legal guardians of dependent students under the age of 21 are advised by the Division of Student Affairs of serious student misconduct involving violence, alcohol, or drugs when such conduct results in sanctions of probation or separation from the University or in any second offense involving such cases.
- Will there be a conduct record even if I am found not responsible?
- Yes, records are created for all student cases in which charges are alleged. If you are found "not responsible" the records will reflect that finding.
- How long will a conduct record be maintained if I am found responsible?
- Records are created and expunged according to the Student Records Policy. Under the Student Records Policy, the file will be purged one to five years after graduation or the student's last attended date at the University. Serious Conduct cases, Academic Integrity files, and information about suspension or expulsion are maintained permanently in the student's conduct record.
- What is a sanction?
- Sanctions are consequences or penalties assigned if you are found responsible of a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, Housing and Dining Contract, or Academic Integrity policy which are intended to help the student learn about the repercussions of behavior that is a violation of the Code and make better choices in the future. Sanctions are based on the student's intent to act, prior experience, or violations or related behavior. They can include, but are not limited to educational workshops, probation, papers, or restitution.
- If I go to a hearing will the sanctions be worse?
- Sanctions are typically the same, regardless of which process the student chooses. However, if other issues surface during the hearing process, additional sanctions may be applied.
- Will I have to pay for the substance information program and/or substance abuse assessments?
- Yes, you are required to cover expenses related to your sanctions.
- What if I am withdrawing from the University?
- If a student withdraws from the University with a pending conduct /academic integrity violation or without completing the requirements the process (i.e., failure to fulfill a sanction), a Student Affairs "hold" will be placed on the student's records. This "hold" prevents, among other things, registration, enrollment, or the awarding of a degree.
- I can't finish my sanction by the deadline. What should I do?
- Contact the Office of Student Conduct immediately to discuss your options. Failure to complete the sanctions within the specified period of time without contacting the Office of Student Conduct will result in non-compliance and could lead to a "hold" being placed on your records, separation from the University, or other conduct actions.