Q: Why would I be sent a notice to contact the Office of Student Conduct?

A: Because the Office of Student Conduct addresses violations of the Code of Student Responsibility and The Guide to Residential Living.  Our office acts upon information we receive from law enforcement, faculty, staff, students or other members of the community about possible violations.  The Office of Student Conduct investigates the matter, and when warranted initiates the conduct process.

Q: I live off-campus; does the Code of Student Responsibility still apply to me?

A: Yes it does.  When you became a student here at WOU, you agree to abide by the rules in the Code of Student Responsibility.  The Office of Student Conduct has jurisdiction if the reported incident is on University owned property or controlled property.  If you violate any federal, state or local laws, it is also a violation of the Code, which means that applies to your off-campus behavior. The Office of Student Conduct wants to help you become accountable for your personal behavior, but to also understand what it means to be a member of a community.

Q: How am I notified about a possible student conduct violation?

A: We will contact you via your WOU email address. It is your responsibility to check your WOU email regularly and often for University correspondence.

Q: What are my rights?

A: During the conduct process you have the following rights:

• To have knowledge of the charges and accusers.
• To challenge the statements of the accusers.
• To request a hearing with the Student Conduct Committee.
• To be notified in writing of the outcome of the hearing within five working days while the University is in session.
• To appeal sanctions if any are assigned.

Q: What are my responsibilities?

A: During the conduct process you have the responsibility to:

• Acknowledge receipt of the notification
• If you live on-campus, call the contact number on your notification to schedule a meeting letter.
• If you live off-campus, call (503) 838-8311 to schedule an appointment.
• Take prompt action to resolve the matter

Q: What does it mean to have a judicial hold on my account?

A: A judicial hold on your account can mean several different things, which include but are not limited to, needing to schedule a meeting with a hearing officer to failure to complete a sanction.  With a judicial hold on your account, you will be unable to conduct most forms of business with the University, including registering for classes. If you have a judicial hold on your account, you need to come to the Office of Student Conduct (located in Ackerman Hall) or call 503-838-8311 for assistance.

Q: What can I expect at a meeting?

A:  You will meet privately with one of the following hearing officers depending on your case: Dean of Students, Coordinator for Conduct and Community Standards or a Resident Director.  WOU’s student conduct policies, procedures and the different types of hearings are outlined in the Code of Student Responsibility.   You will select a hearing process.  Most students choose to have an informal hearing with whomever they are meeting with.  However, you do have the right to request a hearing with the Student Conduct Committee.  The hearing is an opportunity for you to provide information about the alleged violation. After the incident has been discussed, a decision will be made on whether or not a violation occurred and whether or not you are responsible.

Q: How long does the conduct process take?

A: You have the right to 5 business days to schedule a hearing with a hearing officer.  In your notice, a phone number will be provided for the hearing officer hearing your case so that you can schedule a meeting.  During that 30 minute meeting, the incident will be discussed.  If information is presented that requires additional verification or the hearing officer or yourself needs more time, the process will continue until another meeting can be held to discuss that information.  Otherwise, the hearing and results should happen within 2 business days of each other.

Q: What happens if I am held responsible for violating the Code of Student Responsibility?

A:  If you are found responsible for a violation, you might be assigned disciplinary and educational sanctions that relate to the violation.

Q: Can I be suspended?

A: Depending on the severity or repetition of the violation(s) in the Code to Student Responsibility the result could end in suspension or expulsion from the University.  These cases are normally heard by the Student Conduct Committee.

Q: What if I disagree with the decision made in my case?

A: You have the right to appeal the decision made by a hearing officer or by the Student Conduct Committee.  It is your responsibility to initiate this process and follow it through.  The appeal process is outlined on our website under Services then select Procedures. You have 5 business dates from the date your decision letter is sent to file an appeal.  Forms are located in the Office of Student Conduct (located in Ackerman Hall) or can be found here.

Q:  Does being held responsible go on my criminal record?

A: No, being found responsible for a violation in the Code to Student Responsibility only creates an University conduct record.

Q:  Will my parents be notified if I am found responsible for a violation(s) of the Code to Student Responsibility?

A: No.