Frequently Asked Questions We’ve outlined some of the questions we are most Frequently Asked to try and answer your questions in advance. If we haven’t answered your question here, be sure to ask your Student Conduct Administrator. Dean of Students ☰ Menu About Student Care expand or collapse menu What We Do Care Team Absence Information Temporary Health Conditions Pregnant & Parenting Students Resources Student Accessibility Services Military & Veteran Student Services Student Conduct expand or collapse menu Student Conduct Code Conduct Process Frequently Asked Questions Good Samaritan Provision Background Checks Programs & Initiatives expand or collapse menu ACT Exams Student Emergency Fund Panthers Against Hunger Student Complaints Spiritual Leaders Association Dr. Sue Follon Scholarship for Leadership Student Leadership Awards I received a letter from the Dean of Students. What should I do next? Your letter is likely from one of our trained Student Conduct Administrators, which may include our Dean of Students. Read the letter thoroughly and follow the instructions for next steps which is likely a hearing. What is a hearing? A hearing is a meeting with a student conduct administrator, that could be a staff member in the Dean of Students area or a member of the university housing staff. During the hearing, the staff will discuss the incident with you, and you will have an opportunity to provide explanation, ask questions and receive information about the hearing process. You will also have the opportunity to state whether or not you believe you are responsible or not responsible for the violation. What if I have a scheduling conflict with the scheduled meeting time? Please use the phone number or email address for your Student Conduct Administrator and contact them to reschedule. If you do not contact them in advance of your scheduled meeting, your hearing may be held in your absence. What rights do I have during the conduct process? The Student Conduct Code outlines the specific rights that all students have in the conduct process, specifically: A student has the right to be treated with dignity and respect by all persons involved in the student conduct process. A student has the right to a hearing that is conducted fairly. A student has the right to a hearing by a fair and impartial Student Conduct Administrator. A student has the right to an advisor present at meetings or hearings regarding allegations of misconduct. A student has the right to written notice of the alleged violation(s). A student has the right to share as much information as desired; however, a decision will be made based on the information available or shared. A student has the right to identify witnesses, share written or oral statements, and any other information pertaining to the incident. A student has the right to an appeal. A student has the right to see the contents of their student conduct file. Should I read the Student Conduct Code before attending my hearing? We recommend that all students read the Student Conduct Code. What if I don’t attend the meeting? Can I take responsibility for my actions without meeting with anyone? Students are strongly encouraged to attend all meetings as a part of the student conduct process. If you do not attend, you miss the opportunity to influence the outcome, as your Student Conduct Administrator will need to make a decision about the outcome without hearing your account of the incident that occurred. Do I have a right to read the report that describes my alleged misconduct? Yes. During your meeting, you can ask your Student Conduct Administrator to share the report with you. The report is one part of your misconduct file and you have the right to view the contents of your file. What if the incident report is inaccurate? How do I dispute this? Your hearing is your opportunity to provide your account of what occurred during an alleged incident. You have the right, as a part of the hearing process, to submit other documents and relevant evidence, or to identify witnesses who may have relevant information. Why do I have to meet with the university when I’m resolving the incident through the courts? Charge(s) through the court system and charge(s) from the Student Conduct Code are separate and distinct matters, even though they are a result of the same incident. The court system will work to resolve criminal or civil violation(s) of law. As a student at the University of Northern Iowa, you are also responsible for upholding our institutional expectations of all students. What if I don’t like the outcome of my hearing? Students have the opportunity to appeal in the student conduct process. Typically there is no meeting in the appeal process. Upon submitting your appeal, the Dean of Students (or designee) will review your record and issue a final decision letter. Can I have an advisor with me at the hearing? Yes. Students can have an advisor with them during the hearing. This person may be a member of the university community (faculty, staff, non-involved student) or outside of the university (parent, guardian, attorney). However, this person may not speak for you or on your behalf. The purpose of an advisor is to assist you in preparing for the hearing or appeal and support you through the process. Who has access to my disciplinary record? You as the student and any outside party who has the student’s written consent would have access to disciplinary records. School officials (as defined by the university) who have “legitimate educational interests”. A person in response to a lawfully issued subpoena or court order, as long as the university makes a reasonable attempt to notify the student first. If I am found responsible for violating university policy, will that appear on my transcripts? Students who are suspended or expelled from the institution will have a notation on their transcript.
