Student Handbook - Sweet Briar College

Administrative Representative remain to deliberate—while all deliberate, only
the jurors vote.
2. The standard of guilt is “clear and convincing evidence,” which means that
there is a high degree of certainty in the mind of the reasonable person that the
student in question violated the Honor Code.
a. This standard of determination is greater than a “preponderance of the
evidence,” which requires only that the greater weight of evidence be
considered, but is less than the familiar “beyond a reasonable doubt”
required for criminal convictions.
b. Factors the jurors should consider are intent, motive, opportunity,
deception, and malice.
3. The jurors shall vote by secret ballot. A finding that the student is responsible
requires the affirmative vote of not less than three- fourths (3/4) of the jurors.
F. Sanctioning Phase
a. If the student in question is found responsible, the sanction is determined
by a majority vote of the Presiding Officer, the Administrative
Representative, and the jury. During the consideration of sanctions, the
prior academic and disciplinary record of the student can and should be
consulted where appropriate, as well as the actual or potential
consequences of the incident.
b. Implementation and final evaluation of compliance with sanctions is to be
done by the respective Chair in conjunction with the Dean. Failure to
comply with a sanction is a serious violation of the Honor Code.
VI. Appeal Process
A. Academic and Non-Academic Conduct Trial appeals must be made in writing
to the President of the College within 72 hours of the Trial.
B. An appeal can be made only on the following grounds: a) new evidence or b)
an error in the process of the Trial, either of which could necessitate a new
Trial.
C. In the preparation of an appeal, the student can have access to the record of the
Hearings and Trial, as well as consult with an Advocate or the Honor Advisor.
D. If the sanction includes Suspension, Dismissal, or Expulsion, the student can
also request a reduction of sanction by appealing for Presidential clemency.
E. Only one appeal is permitted, unless the credible evidence of a previously
unknown gross violation of fundamental fairness is presented.
F. The President of the College, at her discretion, may appoint a Temporary
Appeal Board to review the outcome of the initial Trial. The composition,
process, and mandate of an appellate board are at the discretion of the
President.
G. On appeal, the President can impose any remedy she deems appropriate,
including without limitation, upholding the result of the trial, imposing
different (including stronger) sanctions, reversing the results of the trial, or
ordering a new trial.
VII. Referral
A. Residence Life Review
a. At any point in the Non-Academic Judicial Process, with the discretion of
and in consultation with their Administrative Representative, the Judicial
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