Investigation and Resolution Process

Investigation and Resolution Process

The Housing student conduct process utilizes an investigatory model, not an adversarial model, in resolving allegations of misconduct with the primary goal of uncovering the truth. The standard of proof shall be a Preponderance of the Evidence. An investigation begins when a complaint is forwarded and the case is opened by the Coordinator of Student Conduct or department designee. During the investigation, a student should continue to attend class and required Institute functions unless otherwise instructed by the Dean of Students. The investigation and resolution process are as follows:

  • After the Department of Housing and Residence Life Conduct Officer receives a complaint, the Accused is formally notified and is requested to contact a Housing and Residence Life Conduct Administrator within five (5) business days of the notification to schedule a conduct meeting. Conduct meetings must be scheduled within ten business days of receiving the request to contact a Housing and Residence Life Conduct Administrator. This time period can be extended only at the discretion of the Hearing officer or designee. Should the Accused fail to contact the Housing and Residence life Conduct Administrator within the required time frame, or fail to attend the conduct meeting, the Housing and Residence Life Conduct Administrator may determine the resolution of the case in the resident’s absence, or may refer the case to the RHA Conduct Board. During the meeting, the Housing Conduct Administrator will provide documents that must be approved by the student. 

  • At the time of the conduct meeting, the Accused is presented with the alleged violation of Residence Hall Community Policies and/or the Housing contract, supporting information, and an explanation of her/his rights. The Housing and Residence Life Conduct Administrator offers the Accused the opportunity to provide her/his statement regarding the alleged misconduct, supporting information, and Witnesses. The Accused(s) may bring an Advisor to the meeting, however if the Advisor disrupts the meeting and/or resolution process, s/he may be asked to leave.

  • The Housing and Residence Life Conduct Administrator continues the investigation by meeting with the Complainant(s) and Witnesses and gathering additional information. The investigation will be completed in an expeditious fashion.

  • Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the Housing and Residence Life Conduct Administrator will determine the level of the case as low level or high level. If the case is determined to be low level, the Housing and Residence Life Conduct Administrator will render a decision. If the case is determined to be high level, the Housing and Residence Life Conduct Administrator may choose to have the case heard by a RHA Conduct Board or to resolve the case. The Accused can also choose one of the two following forms of case resolution 1) Administrative (see Forms of Case Administrative Resolution below) or 2) RHA Conduct Board (see Forms of Case Administrative Resolution below). The Housing Conduct Administrator reserves the right of choosing who will ultimately render the decision of the case, but will take the student’s preference into consideration.

  • The Accused shall submit a list of desired Witnesses to the Housing and Residence Life Conduct Administrator no later than 48 hours following the conduct meeting.