Student Handbook - University of Dubuque

STUDENT CONDUCT STRUCTUREThe guidelines indicated above shall be implemented by the following student conduct bodies.Student LifeThe Vice President and Dean of Student Life shall have jurisdiction in all cases of allegedviolations including rape, attempted rape, physical violence against a University official (includingResident Assistants), and any alleged violation that may have substantial negative impact on theUniversity. The Vice President and Dean of Student Life may refer a case to another Universityofficial for a hearing. When this is done the University official becomes a hearing officer. Allegedviolations occurring within the resident student housing or by a resident student will most oftenbe the responsibility of the Director of Residence Life to adjudicate. Students found in violation ofUniversity values, policies, or procedures may appeal. The appeal must be in writing and follow allestablished guidelines. Based on the nature of the violation and/or whether or not this is a repeatoffense, the Student Conduct Board will act upon the case.ProcessIn cases of original jurisdiction or appeals, the accused shall be accorded the full right of dueprocess as outlined. Hearing proceedings shall be conducted as outlined in the guidelines above.Alleged violations of the University regulations shall be reported to the Vice President and Dean ofStudent Life in writing. The Vice President and Dean of Student Life or Director of Residence Lifeshall inform or request a member of the Student Life staff or another University official (who willserve as a hearing officer) to inform the accused in writing concerning the alleged violation, of hisor her rights of due process, and arrange for a hearing.Reasonable time extensions because of the accused person’s inability to appear shall be granted,but normally limited to a single reschedule. A record of proceedings shall be kept including thename of the accuser and the accused involved, the violation, the decision of the hearing officer,the reasons therefore, and the sanctions imposed. Pertinent records, exhibits, and writtenstatements may be accepted as evidence for consideration by the hearing officer.Rules of EvidenceThere are varying standards of proof that are recognized in the various levels of civil proceedings.First, “substantive evidence” will most likely be required in the case before it reaches the board,meaning there must have been “enough” evidence as determined by University officials beforethe case would be adjudicated.The three levels of evidence recognized in the civil courts are a “preponderance of evidence”, “clearand convincing evidence”, and “proof beyond a reasonable doubt.”96