SDS Types of conferences and hearings

Community Standards Conference​

Community Standards Conferences are the first stop in the community standards process and serves to give the client an opportunity to discuss the allegations made against them.​These conferences are run more like a conversation giving the client an opportunity to tell their side of the story. ​If the client wants you to, you may speak for your client and ask questions to your client and the hearing authority.​ After the conference is done, the client is given the opportunity to accept or deny responsibility for the charge(s). If they accept, they will be given sanctions. If they deny for one or more charges, the hearing authority will proceed to schedule a hearing chosen by the client based on their circumstance.  

Administrative Hearing

Administrative Hearings are presided over by a single hearing officer. The hearing officer will be someone other than the staff member who conducted the original community standards conference. If the client fails to appear at a scheduled Administrative Hearing and the absence is not excused, the hearing may process in the client's absence or may be rescheduled.​

University Hearing Board

University Hearing Board hearings are presided over by members of the university hearing board (two students and six faculty members). If the client does not attend this hearing, they can move forward without them or reschedule. There will always be a hearing board chair whom does not participate in the determination or sanctions but only is there to keep order and follow the script. ​These hearings are scripted and you, as well as your client, will be given a script to follow along with. Because this hearing is scripted, you, nor your client, can speak freely and must speak only when it is your turn in the script, or when asked to by the hearing administrator or your client. You may speak for your client if they want.

RARELY handled ​

Sanctioning Hearing

Clients may select a Sanction-Only Hearing only when they accept responsibility for the charges against them but would like the opportunity to have the hearing authority review the matter for purposes of determining an appropriate sanction. ​Sanction-Only Hearings are structurally similar to Administrative and University Hearing Board Hearings, except that the hearing authority will only make determination regarding sanctioning.​ Also scripted

Advice for Client before a CSC, UHB, AH and SH​

TELL THE TRUTH (we cannot advise our clients to lie)​

- Be respectful to the staff member hearing their case ​

- For both CSC's and hearings, advise your client, and yourself, to dress presentable, dress how you want to present yourself ( this does not mean that they will but advise them to do so). ​

- As Reps you are also responsible for dressing presentable ​

What Client Should Bring to Conference and Hearings​

Witness Statement if needed - statement must include witness's PID, signature, date and their exact recount of the alleged violation, DARS Report, Reflection Letter, Character Statements

Medical Emergency Assistance

Medical Emergency Assistance (MEA) is applicable to a client's case if and only if the client was in violation of the Code of Conduct but in doing so resulted in them needing medical attention. ​A client can only be given MEA if they have NEVER had emergency services called for them. ​

Appeals

In order for a client to appeal they must appeal on one of three grounds​

Three grounds: the sanctions and/or conditions of sanctions are extraordinarily disproportionate to the violation(s); a procedural defect occurred that significantly impacted that outcome of the hearing; discovery of new and significant information that could have affected the outcome of the hearing and that was not known, or could not reasonably have been discovered and/or presented at the time of the hearing​.

Must be done in 5 business days, unlikely to work, but has a right to try

Advisor vs. Support Person​

Advisor- Students Defending Students Representative; We may advise and assist the client in preparation for any meetings or hearings that may occur, accompany the client through their process and actively participate in the proceedings to the extent the client wishes. Advisors are not provided by CSSR but is the student's responsibility to obtain one. ​

Support Person- Any person chosen by either the complainant or the client to provide support to them throughout their interactions with CSSR. This person does not actively participate in the process, but can be present at meetings and hearings to provide support to the complainant or client. They cannot be a witness in the matter in question. ​