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TIPS FOR THE ACCUSED IN A CONDUCT BOARD HEARING
This information was developed to help you prepare for your University Conduct Board hearing. It is meant to supplement the Student Handbook, Chapter 8, Student Conduct Policy, which details the conduct process you will go through. You should read the section thoroughly as well as follow these tips when preparing for your case. Questions about the process should be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards at (215) 895-6074.
You have been charged with a violation of the Drexel University Student Code of Conduct. Although you have been charged with a violation, you are presumed "not in violation" until proven "in violation.” It is the responsibility of the accuser to present and "prove" the case against you. The standard of proof the University Conduct Board will use in reaching its decision will be whether it IS MORE LIKELY THAN NOT that the violation occurred. The accuser will present the case against you first. Then you, as the accused, will present your case (see enclosed University Conduct Board Hearing Format).
As you prepare for the case, you should keep in mind the following pointers.
Tell the truth.
Failure to tell the truth (also referred to as perjury) is itself a serious charge and can result in further disciplinary action even if you are found not in violation for the charge against you.
You will be allowed to submit documents or statements for use at the hearing.
They must be submitted to the University Conduct Officer prior to the hearing so that copies can be made and distributed to the members of the University Conduct Board. Statements should be submitted, signed, dated and typed or clearly written in ink.
Statements should be recollections of the incident and answer who, what, where, when, and why questions.
Written statements will generally be requested during the investigation and should be turned into the University Conduct Officer no later than three (3) days prior to your hearing. They should be written by individuals having first-hand knowledge of the incident. These individuals may also be called as witnesses at the hearing. Character witnesses will not be permitted to appear on your behalf as they are not needed and have little, if any, relevance to the charges against you.
You are entitled to review the written statements and incident reports which will be used by the accuser to prepare the case.
You must schedule an appointment to do this. Please contact (215) 895-6074 to set up an appointment to view the file. You may not duplicate these materials by photocopy or writing. Read the materials carefully and think of any questions you will want to ask the witness(es) at the hearing. Write the questions down in advance of the hearing. When reviewing these documents, look for missing information, gaps in time that are not explained well or fully, and misinformation or inconsistencies among various statements. This approach will probably be used by the accuser in preparing the case against you. You may contact the University Conduct Officer 1- 2 days prior to the hearing to inquire as to any witnesses the complainant may be bringing to the hearing.
Pick an advisor carefully.
Your advisor must be someone internal to Drexel University (i.e., professor, staff member, active Drexel student). Your advisor is not permitted to speak during the hearing. Your advisor cannot be included in the list of witnesses. He/She may only function in the capability of an advisor. Be sure to share the document entitled “Tips for the Advisor of the Accused in a Conduct Board Hearing” with your Advisor. The advisor can help you with the following:
a. Review the charge(s) against you
b. Prepare an opening and closing statement
c. Think of questions you will want to ask of the witness(es) called to testify against you
d. Help you think of questions to ask your witness(es)
e. Take notes during the hearing
f. Suggest additional questions to ask the witness(es) based on their testimony.
g. Help keep you calm and in control
Your opening and closing statements are important.
If you are not responsible for the charge(s), you should state this up front and be prepared to show why the accuser is wrong in bringing the charge(s) against you. If you prefer not to read an opening or closing statement, you may want to prepare an outline format to ensure that you do not forget any major points. Your summary or closing statement is always presented last and will allow you to summarize the findings of the case from your vantage point.
During the hearing the accuser and the board members may ask you questions.
Answer only the questions asked of you and do so in a clear, concise and direct manner. Do not be evasive.
When you question a witness(es) you may ask "open" or "closed" questions.
A "closed" question can usually be answered with a one word response. Asking an open ended questions will draw more information from the witness(es). Ask concise, specific questions of the witness(es). Seek general information first; then move to more specific questions. Do not badger a witness. Allow each witness enough time to answer the question(s) you ask.
Eye contact should be made with the board members when they address you.
They are not the enemy! They are there to do three things: hear the information, formulate an opinion regarding whether it is more likely than not that you engaged in prohibited conduct and if so, recommend a sanction(s). Do not allow yourself to become defensive or argumentative with board members.
You may appeal the decision of the University Conduct Board.
The appeal process is explained in the Student Handbook (Chapter 8) and should be used if one or more of the appeal criteria seems appropriate. Your advisor may be helpful in formulating your appeal letter if you choose to appeal the decision.
Do not hesitate to consult with the University Conduct Officer and/or the SCCS staff if you have any questions on how to prepare for the hearing or an appeal. In general, you should take the process seriously and prepare carefully.
Additional information regarding the Student Conduct Process may be found on-line at www.drexel.edu/studentlife/studenthandbook
(Source: Dr. Lee E. Bird, Ph.D., former Asst. VP for Student Life and Development, St. Cloud University, St. Cloud, MN) |
OFFICE OF STUDENT CONDUCT AND COMMUNITY STANDARDS
