Sewanee provides a resolution process in which members of the Sewanee community may resolve violations of the Code of Conduct with mutual respect for one another while fostering positive relationships. These relationships help to create an environment where members of the community are held responsible for their actions with the ultimate goal of encouraging and fostering the personal growth and development of each student.

You can view the resolution process flow chart here. 

Resolution Process

1. Report

The resolution process begins with a report of a potential violation of the Code of Conduct. Any member of the University community, any anonymous person, or any concerned person can file a report here.

2. Fact-Finding

The Resolution Facilitator assigned to manage the report by the Office of Community Standards will oversee fact-finding related to the nature of the report. Fact-finding efforts are designed to determine if there is enough information to support an alleged violation of the Code of Conduct or other University policies.

 

Fact-finding includes many different activities including meetings with involved parties, review of information submitted, and corroboration of reports with other University information.

3. Notice

If the fact-finding conducted by the University determines there is sufficient information to support an alleged violation of the Code of Conduct or other University policy, the respondent(s) will be notified in writing to their University email. Respondents receive a minimum of five (5) business days notice before an Educational Conference or Hearing.

4. Scheduling

Educational Conferences and Hearings are scheduled based upon the class schedules of the involved parties, availability of the Resolution Facilitator, Hearing Board panelists, and any witnesses relevant to each case.

 

Educational Conferences are the first step for almost all conduct resolutions. The goal of the Educational Conference is to mutually resolve the alleged violation(s). In this meeting, the Respondent and Resolution Facilitator discuss the information collected, the potential policy violation(s), and work together to determine if the Respondent is responsible or not responsible for the alleged violation(s). If the Respondent is responsible for a violation(s), they will discuss outcomes - sometimes called sanctions - with the Resolution Facilitator to help resolve the violation and promote the Respondent’s learning. Most resolution processes end at an Educational Conference because of the mutual agreement between the Resolution Facilitator and Respondent. However, if there is not agreement, the Respondent can request a hearing.

 

Hearings are formal resolution processes where the Respondent meets with the assigned hearing board to review the case. There are two different hearing boards - the Community Hearing Board and the Student Conduct Board - who hear cases depending on the circumstances and proposed outcomes. The hearing board makes their determinations about responsibility and/or outcomes in private after hearing from the Resolution Facilitator, Respondent, Complainant, and witnesses (as applicable).

 

Learn more about what to expect in an Educational Conference or Hearing here.

5. Outcome

Decisions regarding responsibility and outcomes, if any, will be delivered to the Respondent in writing through the student’s University email address within seven (7) business days of the Educational Conference or Hearing.

 

In the case where the Respondent is a Recognized Student Organization (RSO), this outcome letter is sent to the RSO's leadership and advisor.

6. Appeals

Cases heard by the Community Hearing or Student Conduct Board may be appealed under certain circumstances. For more information on whether a decision may be appealed, please review the appeals section listed within the Code of Conduct and this quick reference guide. All appellate responses are final.