Frequently Asked Questions

Which office normally handles student conduct matters?

The Dean of Students is the University’s Chief Disciplinary Officer and oversees students’ rights and responsibilities, as described in the Student Handbook.  Typically, the Dean of Students Office will handle matters concerning the conduct of students who live off-campus, i.e., alleged violations of UNC’s Student Conduct Rules and Regulations.

Students living in University Housing will typically meet with the Hall Director of their residence hall or an Assistant Director of Housing and Residence Life.  Students living on-campus are expected to abide by the rules and regulations delineated in the Residence Life Handbook, as well as UNC’s Student Conduct Rules and Regulations.

For more information can be found on the Housing and Residence Life Conduct Process web site.

To Top

What is the jurisdiction of the University?

The UNC Student Conduct Code applies to conduct that occurs on University premises, at University sponsored activities, and to off-campus conduct that adversely affects the University community, poses a threat to safety of persons or property, or damages the institution’s reputation or relationship with the greater community.
ADD: For more information on UNC’s jurisdiction regarding student conduct, see the Student Handbook.

For more information on UNC’s jurisdiction regarding student conduct, see the Student Handbook.

To Top

Who may make an allegation against a student?

Anyone may make an allegation against a student; however, allegations are preferably in writing and may not be anonymous.

What if someone makes a false allegation against a student?

Written allegations are evaluated by the Dean prior to contacting the accused student. Evaluation includes determining the credibility of the complainant. In addition, the evidence is evaluated to determine its value and relevance to the case. It is exceedingly rare for the Office to receive false or vindictive allegations of misconduct. In addition, it is a violation of University policy to submit false information to the Office in the hopes of getting another student in trouble.

To Top

What will happen if I am written up for an alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code by a University Official (including an RA), UNCPD or Greeley PD OR EVANS pd?

The Dean of Students Office and the Department of Residence Life have an excellent relationship with the UNC Police Department and the Greeley Police Department.  If the Dean of Students Office receives information regarding a student’s conduct on or off-campus, you will receive a letter informing you of the date and time on an informal hearing in our office. 

This meeting will be scheduled no less than three days in advance and will take place in the Dean of Students Office in Carter Hall, Room 3005.  We will typically try to schedule this meeting around your class schedule, but if you need to reschedule due to another conflict, please contact the Dean of Students Office at (970) 351-2796.

Failure to attend your informal hearing without rescheduling may result in a decision being made in your absence and therefore, without your input.

To Top

What will happen when I meet with the Dean or Assistant Dean of Students in an Informal Hearing?

First, the hearing officer will verify that you have received proper notice and that you understand the allegation(s) being made against you. Next, s/he will likely attempt to determine what happened. This is your chance to provide relevant information concerning the incident(s) in question. Very often students admit to the allegation (or some portion of the allegation).
The purpose of the informal hearing is to discuss what took place, what you may have been thinking during the incident(s), and to determine an appropriate University response.
This is accomplished by asking a series of questions designed to help the Dean or Assistant Dean understand the mitigating and aggravating circumstances to the case. When the best course of action is determined, the Dean will explain the outcome of the case and the reasons for the decision. Students should understand that these matters may take several meetings or a period of follow-up while the hearing officer gathers additional information. The Dean will carefully investigate the case and verify statements made during meetings with the parties involved, when appropriate.

To Top

What if I'm responsible for the violation?

If you student accept responsibility for violating the Student Conduct Code, or are found responsible in an informal hearing, you will likely receive some educational sanctions. Sanctions range from a Warning to Expulsion from the University and often include some form of participation in an educational program, reflection, or service back to the University or greater campus community. The Dean strives to impose sanctions that are appropriate given the violation and the student’s individual needs and past choices. A complete list of possible sanctions can be found in the sanctions section.

What if I'm not responsible for the violation?

The University has a burden of proof called a Preponderance of Evidence.  This means it must be more likely than not that a student violated the Student Conduct Code in order to be found responsible.  If the hearing officer does not determine that it is more likely than not that you violated the Student Conduct Code, you will be found “not responsible.”  In this case, you will receive no sanctions.  A record of the informal hearing process will be maintained for seven years in compliance with federal reporting laws.  Furthermore, this will allow us to verify that you were found not responsible for the alleged violation.

To Top 

Can I appeal a decision made in an Informal Hearing?

 If you are found responsible for a violation of the Student Conduct Code and receive sanctions other than suspension or expulsion, or loss of recognition, you have the write to appeal the decision and/or sanctions.  You can find the instructions for this process online in the Statement of Appeal Form.  This appeal must be submitted to the Dean of Students Office within five (5) business days following the receipt of the decision letter.  An appeal reader appointed by the Dean of Students Office will review your request and make a decision, as explained in the Student Conduct Code.

To Top

When would I go to a Formal Hearing?

Students who are suspended or expelled may request a formal hearing. Formal hearings are conducted by a Hearing Office or Hearing Panel, at the option of the Respondent.  (This is the suspended or expelled student.) The Hearing Panel is made up of three (3) members (two students and one faculty member).  Further information about the Formal Hearing process is available in the Student Conduct Code.

To Top

Can I appeal the decisions of the Hearing Officer/Panel?

Yes.  Students who receive the sanction of suspension or expulsion in a Formal Hearing may request a review of the decision by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.  Further information regarding this appeal process, including the deadline to appeal a Formal Hearing decision, is available in the Student Conduct Code.

To Top

If I receive sanctions, will there be a mark on my transcript?

If suspended, notation of that Suspension will appear on the transcript while the student is suspended.  An expulsion appears on the transcript indefinitely.  Disciplinary sanctions other than suspension or expulsion will not appear on your academic transcript.

To Top

Who will have access to my discipline record?

Records are confidential. Information regarding your discipline record will only be shared with individuals who have a legitimate academic interest in the matter.  Those individuals often include the Registrar, a faculty member involved in the initial complaint process, some schools, and the Graduate School.

The Dean of Students Office maintains records for at least seven (7) years, in compliance with federal reporting laws.  Cases resulting in suspension or expulsion will be maintained indefinitely. 

 To Top

Will potential employers or other colleges have access to my discipline record?

The Dean of Students Office will not release your discipline record to employers or other colleges or universities without your written authorization.  Students applying to other academic institutions (graduate/professional school, etc.), study abroad programs, or some employment positions may be asked to disclose any disciplinary history and to explain the circumstances.

Send comments to: elaine.reinert@unco.edu