Common Questions

How are Student Conduct Officers notified of policy violations?
  • Faculty, staff, COM Police, or students will submit a report that contains some information that may indicate one or more of the Standards of Student Conduct have been violated. From there, a notice is sent to the student involved to provide them the opportunity to respond to the alleged violations.
What happens if a student chooses not to attend the requested administrative conduct meeting?
  • A determination will still be made in that student’s absence, just without the benefit of that student’s perspective on the incident that occurred. If a student is unable to attend the meeting due to a scheduling conflict, there is a number provided in the meeting letter which they can call to reschedule for a time that works better for them.
What standard of evidence is used in the student conduct process?
  • The preponderance of evidence standard or “more likely than not.”
What can a student expect during the meeting?
  • The conduct officer will introduce themselves, give an overview of the conduct process, and explain what information they have to indicate that one or more of the Standards of Student Conduct have been violated. The student will be given the opportunity to respond to the information and provide any relevant information. A determination is not always made during the meeting, but the conduct officer will discuss possible sanctions.
Who will be present at the meeting?
  • The Student Conduct Officer or Director of Student Activities and Advocacy serve as the primary designees of the College to meet with students who violate Standards of Student Conduct. Other staff members may be invited as a support or resource. For example, a representative of Student Accessibility Services may be invited.
What can I do if I don’t agree with the determination made?
  • If the determination is a written warning or a short-term suspension, the student can set up a follow-up meeting with the student conduct officer who can discuss the rationale behind the determination.
  • If the determination is a long-term suspension or expulsion, the student can request an administrative hearing within five business days of the determination being issued.
What is the difference between an administrative conduct meeting and a hearing?
  • An administrative conduct meeting is a meeting between a student and one or two staff members from the Office of Student Activities and Advocacy, whereas a hearing is a process that involves a hearing board comprised of a student, a faculty member, and an administrator from the College. A full description of the hearing process can be found in section 6 of Administrative Policy 5520 – Student Discipline and Due Process.