Student Conduct

Informal Resolution

During a pre-resolution meeting, the Conduct Resolution Administrator will, in their professional judgment on the basis of the provided information or in consultation with appropriate University officials (e.g., Title IX Coordinator; University Housing; the Dean of Students), propose findings regarding any alleged violation(s) and may specify any outcome(s) described in this Code.

• If the Respondent accepts the Informal Resolution, they waive their right to a Formal Resolution and, if applicable, accept responsibility for the violation(s) and the outcome(s) imposed.
• If the Respondent declines the Informal Resolution, the case will be referred to a Formal Resolution. 
• The Respondent may be given up to two (2) days to review the Informal Resolution and decide if they would like to accept or decline the proposed findings and outcomes. 

How to Prepare for an Informal Resolution

• Schedule an appointment as outlines in your Pre-Resolution Meeting Request.
• Review your rights as a student.
• Come to the meeting prepared to honestly communicate about the incident, and bring any questions you might have.
• During your meeting, the Conduct Resolution Administrator will explain the allegations, your rights as a student, and your options for resolution.

Formal Resolution

• Unless an Informal Resolution is accepted, the Conduct Resolution Administrator shall refer the case to a hearing for Formal Resolution. The Director may also refer any case directly to a hearing without the option of an Informal Resolution.

Types of Boards available for Formal Resolution

• Hearing Administrator– an Administrative Hearing generally will be conducted by a one-person hearing officer. The Hearing Administrator is assigned from a pool of trained University officials.
• University Conduct Board – The University Conduct Board shall be composed of individuals selected by the Director from a pool consisting of members of the University faculty; staff and students. Student members are students in Good Disciplinary Standing and enrolled full-time, all Faculty members, and Directors, Associate Directors, Assistant Directors, and Coordinators, or the equivalent, in the Division of Student Affairs or in departments with a student services function.

How to Prepare for a Formal Resolution

• After receiving official notice of a Board hearing, schedule a meeting with your Student Conduct Advisor. The Student Conduct Advisor will assist you in preparing for the Board, provide further details about the Board process, and be present with you during your hearing.
• Coordinate with the Student Conduct Advisor any witnesses to the incident to be present for your hearing. These witnesses are individuals who can speak specifically to the incident and provide additional information to the Board.
• Coordinate with the Student Conduct Advisor any character witnesses. These witnesses are individuals who can speak about you as a person. They may be an academic advisor, a professor, RA, personal friend, etc. This gives you an opportunity to provide additional information about you as a person and allows the Board to understand more about you as a student here at Appalachian.
• Prepare a personal statement. This provides you with an opportunity to express the impact this incident has had on you, why you may have been involved, etc.

Failure to Engage with Processes to Address Alleged Violations

• If the Respondent has been notified pursuant to this Code and fails to respond within five (5) days of the initial notice, a hold may be applied to prevent registration, transcript attainment, and/or graduation.
• If the Respondent fails to attend their scheduled hearing for a Serious Violation, the Board or Hearing Administrator shall adjudicate the case in their absence.
• The Conduct Resolution Administrator will, in their professional judgment, determine findings for any alleged violation(s) and may specify any outcome(s) described in this Code.
• The resolution must be delivered in writing to the Respondent within five (5) days of the decision. The Office of Student Conduct may place a hold on the Respondent’s account until such time as they confirm receipt of the written decision.
• If the Board or Hearing Administrator determines that the Respondent’s failure to appear was not for the purpose of defeating the disciplinary proceedings, they may rescind the disciplinary action and move forward with either an Informal or Formal Resolution.