If you have been alleged to violate a university policy, you will receive a notice of hearing through your Bravemail from the Office of Student Conduct. This notice will include:
Notice of Hearing Includes:
- Details of the Alleged Violation(s): Specific information about the policy or conduct violations you are alleged to have committed.
- Overview of the Conduct Process: A summary of your rights and responsibilities throughout the process.
- Case Documents: All relevant documents and evidence related to your case.
- Type of Hearing: Either an Administrative Hearing or a Conduct Hearing Board (CHB) Hearing.
Types of Hearings: What’s the Difference?
- Administrative Hearing: A meeting with an Administrative Hearing Officer, who is a trained university representative. This officer will discuss the alleged violation(s) with you and adjudicate the case in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct and best practices in student development and due process.
- Conduct Hearing Board (CHB) Hearing: A formal hearing convened when a case is referred by the Office of Student Conduct. The CHB consists of university officials selected, trained, and designated by the Chancellor to review charges and evidence, determine whether a violation has occurred, and decide on appropriate sanctions.
What to Expect During a Hearing:
- You will be asked to explain your account of the events in question.
- You will have the opportunity to present any relevant information or evidence (e.g., images, videos, documents).
- You have a right to challenge the objectivity of a Conduct Hearing Board member or an Administrative
Hearing Officer if you believe that a bias or conflict of interest may exist. - Witnesses may be called to provide statements (if applicable).
After the Hearing:
- You will receive a notice of outcome via Bravemail, detailing the hearing's results, any sanctions, deadlines, and necessary contact information.
- If you disagree with the outcome, you have the right to appeal. An online Request for Appellate Consideration form will be provided with the notice of outcome in your Bravemail. You must submit this form within three (3) business days.
FAQs
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Student FAQs about the Student Conduct Process
Q: Does my conduct off-campus matter?
A: Yes, the conduct of students, on-campus or off-campus matters. Student behavior that required the involvement of law enforcement or other authorities may result in university disciplinary sanctions (UNCP Drug and Alcohol Policy).
Q: When and why would a hold be placed on my student account by the Office of Student Conduct?
A: Generally, a student conduct hold is placed on a student’s account when they are reported for an alleged policy violation. The hold is removed once a student contacts the Office of Student Conduct and participates in a scheduled hearing. If a student does not contact the Office of Student Conduct or assigned sanctions are not completed, a hold is again placed on a student’s account until successfully completed.
Q: Will my parents/guardians be notified if I am involved in the conduct/honor code process?
A: Parents/guardians will only be notified only in cases of a student under the age 21 is found in violation of the UNCP Drug and Alcohol Policy.
Q: Am I responsible for my guests on campus?
A: Yes, students are responsible for any violation of the Code of Conduct by one’s non-UNC Pembroke guest.
Q: What is FERPA?
A: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Generally, schools must have written permission from the student in order to release any information from a students’ educational record.
Q: Am I allowed to withdraw from the university if I receive notice about an alleged conduct violation?
A: Once a student has received notice that the student is alleged to have violated Code of Student Conduct and has been notified of the allegation, the student may not withdraw from the university in order to avoid the penalty.
Q: Am I allowed to have an attorney/non-attorney advocate during the conduct process?
A: In accordance with North Carolina Statute, students that have allegedly violated policy may have an attorney/non-attorney advocate except for cases involving academic honor code violations.
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Faculty/Staff FAQs about the Student Conduct Process
Q: How can I file a report?
A: Complete and submit a campus incident reporting form or call UNCP Police and Public Safety at 910.521.6235
Q: What is the best way to contact the Office of Student Conduct?
A: Visit our office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday in the UC Annex, call us at 910.521.6851 or email us at studentconduct@uncp.edu.
Q: How can I request a training or presentation?
A: Call us at 910.521.6851 or email us at studentconduct@uncp.edu.
Q: How do I know if a student’s behavior potentially violates the Code of Conduct?
A: Please fill out the campus incident reporting form and the Office of Student Conduct will follow up with you and determine what, if any, policies may have been violated and the student conduct process moving forward. If you prefer to contact us prior to submitting a report, give us a call at 910.521.6851or email us at studentconduct@uncp.edu.
Q: What if I need to make a referral after normal business hours?
A: If you are in an emergency situation that requires medical, psychological or police services, call 911 from a campus phone or UNCP Police and Public Safety at 910.521.6235.
Q: When should I call the police?
A: You should contact UNCP Police and Public Safety whenever you feel there is an immediate threat of violence or unlawful behavior, including a student’s refusal to leave class after being told to do so. This is especially true during evening and weekend hours when campus offices and resources are not open to provide support.
Q: What information do I need to make a referral to the Office of Student Conduct?
A: Your referral should be as descriptive as possible. If you have student names, documentation, photos or any information that would assist the student conduct process, you should include that information in your referral.
Q: How can I address students who display disruptive behavior?
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Include clear and specific information regarding your expectations for student behavior in your syllabus and during the first day of class to proactively address student conduct concerns.
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Meet with the student to discuss the behavior, reiterate your expectations for classroom conduct and give the student an opportunity to change the behavior.
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If the behavior continues, refer the behavior to the Office of Student Conduct through the incident reporting form
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After receiving a report, the Office of Student Conduct staff will be in contact with you regarding the next steps in the student conduct process, outcome of the student conduct process (if applicable) and discuss how to move forward after a behavioral issue has occurred. If the behavior does not fall within the Code of Conduct, the Office of Student Conduct staff will work with you on gathering resources that are most relevant to your situation.
Q: I do not feel comfortable confronting students; can I just forward the information to the Office of Student Conduct?
A: Managing student conduct concerns in the classroom is meant to be an educational experience and allow for dialogue between the student and faculty regarding appropriate behaviors within an academic community. We strongly encourage you to discuss the behavior with the student first, before referring the behavior to our office. In incidents that involve the health and/or safety of you, your students or any member of the UNCP community, please contact UNCP Police and Public Safety immediately.
Q: I believe a group of students/student organization is involved in misconduct. Do I still refer the behavior to Office of Student Conduct?
A: Yes. Both individual students and student organizations have expectations and responsibilities under the Code of Student Conduct. If the behavior seems to be related to a student organization, staff will work with other campus partners to address the behavior.
Q: Once I make a referral to the Office of Student Conduct, is my participation in the student conduct process complete?
A: Possibly. After the Office of Student Conduct receives your referral, you may be asked to provide additional information if necessary. In instances where a hearing or appeal occurs, you may be notified and asked to serve as a witness to provide direct knowledge regarding the incident in question. Office of Student Conduct staff will follow up with you after the referral is received, walk you through each step of the process and answer any questions that arise as the student conduct moves forward.
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Parent/Guardian FAQs about the Student Conduct Process
Q: My Student has a conduct case. Can you talk with me about it?
A: Staff members in the Office of Student Conduct are always able to share information regarding the Code of Conduct and Student Discipline Procedures. A student may sign a FERPA release permitting staff in the Office of Student Conduct to discuss the specifics of the student’s case. This release must be made voluntarily and will stay on record in the office with the student’s case information. Sometimes it is necessary for a parent to explain the importance of open communication to the student and the reasons behind the request to allow staff to share information.
Q: Can I be present while my student is meeting with the Office of Student Conduct?
A: Yes, as long as the student signs a release allowing you to participate. Students records are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a federal law, which prevents universities from disclosing a student’s educational records without that student’s permission. In cases where the student agrees to have their parent present during a meeting or hearing, the student must first sign a document allowing their disciplinary records to be disclosed.
Q: Can I speak for my student at the meeting/hearing?
A: A parent/guardian is welcome to be present at the meeting/hearing; however, parent/guardian is not allowed to speak for the student but can advise the student during the meeting/hearing.
Q: Should I hire an attorney for my student?
A: The decision of whether to hire an attorney should be made on a case-by-case basis and might depend on the severity of the circumstances involved.
Q: How will this incident affect my student in the future?
A: This depends on the materials in the student’s file and the educational plans of the student. In general, the more serious the charges and events in the file, and the more intrusive the scrutiny of the graduate program—medical or law schools for example—then the more likely there will be some post-undergraduate effect from the incident(s). Staff in the Office of Student Conduct have sufficient experience to review your students file and describe the possible effects, as well as any opportunities you might have to mitigate those effects.