The resolution process has a unique vocabulary, and understanding the meaning of these key terms in the context of the resolution process is important.
The terms and language used in the Code of Conduct is intentional to be another example of how the policy reflects the University's values and motto of EQB. This process is not a legal proceeding which means legal terms are not used. For example, students who have been alleged to violate a policy are not referred to as "perpetrator" or even "the accused." We also do not use the terms "guilty" and "innocent" when discussing whether a student has violated a policy and instead use "responsible" or "not responsible."
Using the language outlined in the Code of Conduct and explained here is important to accurately reflect the philosophy of the resolution process.
The Appeals Board oversees and resolves appeals to outcomes of the resolution process as described in the Code of Conduct. The board has three members - one faculty member, one staff member, and one student - selected from and trained by the Office of Community Standards.
A person who alleges violation(s) of the Code of Conduct.
Any student organization including, but not limited to, fraternities and sororities, club sports, and athletic teams. The Student Organization Handbook defines a Recognized Student Organization (RSO) as a group of undergraduate or graduate students who unite to promote or celebrate a common interest. The Code of Conduct applies to RSOs just as it applies to individual students.
A University official who has been designated by the Dean of Students and received special training from the Office of Community Standards to resolve potential violations of the Code of Conduct in an Educational Conference.
A student or RSO alleged to be in violation of the Code of Conduct or other University policy.
For the purposes of the Code of Conduct, any person who is admitted to and made deposit, registered, or enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences and not yet received a degree is considered a student. Student status continues between terms.
A person attending a portion of the resolution process to provide emotional or other support to the Respondent, Complainant, or witness. Support persons may not have an active role during resolution proceedings unless specifically permitted by the Code of Conduct. For example, they may not speak for or represent the person they are supporting.
University administrators, faculty, staff, and Sewanee Police Officers are considered University Officials.
Students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus are considered our University Community.
A person participating in a resolution process who can provide additional information about an alleged violation based on their personal knowledge of the incident.
The Community Hearing Board is a panel composed of one faculty member, one staff member, and one student, trained by the Office of Community Standards who are responsible for resolving cases as outlined in the Code of Conduct.
An Educational Conference is an informal resolution process where the Respondent meets with the Resolution Facilitator to mutually resolve alleged violations of University policies including the Code of Conduct. With few exceptions, all cases begin resolution at an Educational Conference. The alleged violation may be resolved during the Educational Conference if the Respondent and Resolution Facilitator mutually agree on appropriate resolution, including responsibility and outcomes as relevant.
A hearing is a formal resolution process heard either by the Student Conduct Board or the Community Hearing Board which is a panel of trained people selected from a larger pool. The type of hearing depending upon the circumstances of the alleged violation. This contrasts to informal resolution processes called Educational Conferences.
An Outcome Review is the appeals process for cases managed via the Residential Life resolution process. Outcome Reviews can only be requested in cases where the outcomes include housing relocation, housing probation, or restitution greater than $50.
A Resolution Meeting is an informal resolution process for violations of Residential Life policies. A Respondent meets with a member of the Residential Life staff serving as the Resolution Facilitator to discuss alleged violations and appropriate resolution. A Resolution Meeting is analogous to an Educational Conference in many ways.
The Student Conduct Board is a panel composed of trained students who have been selected through an application and interview process with the Office of Community Standards. The Student Conduct Board is responsible for resolving cases as outlined in the Code of Conduct.
A time-bound restriction or requirement of participation in the resolution process issued by the Dean of Students. Interim Measures are issued prior to the resolution of the alleged violation(s). Examples include interim suspension, interim restriction, and interim organization restriction.
Outcomes are the assigned administrative, educational, or reflective activities a Respondent must complete if they are found responsible for a violation of University policies. Outcomes include disciplinary statuses such as probation.
The University uses the preponderance of the evidence standard when determining responsibility for a violation of University policies. The preponderance of the evidence standards means that if it is more likely than not that the Respondent violated a policy, the Respondent will be found responsible.
Information received by the Office of Community Standards about a potential violation of University policies is called a report. Reports can be received in multiple formats including in person, via email, or via the online submission form. Reports are also called Incident Reports.
A supportive measure is any action taken by the Office of Community Standards to provide appropriate support to a participant in the resolution process to ensure their continued access to educational programs and activities. Supportive measures can be implemented even if an incident has not been resolved via the resolution process. Examples may include no contact orders, housing relocation, and academic supports.
