The Most Frequently Asked Questions by Students About Judicial Affairs

	If I am being referred to Judicial Affairs, what will happen? You will receive a letter from us asking you to make an appointment to meet with a Judicial Affairs staff member. The letter will also describe any charges and will include a copy of the complaint or report. It is important to make an appointment and keep it. Ignoring the situation will not make it go away. If you don't respond, a decision can be made in the case without your input. This decision could affect your status as a student.
	If I am being charged in court, why do I also have to deal with the university? Isn't this double jeopardy? It is not double jeopardy, which only applies to the criminal court system. As a student, you are held responsible by the university for your behavior under the Student Conduct Code, rather than criminal statutes.
	What if I don't show up for my meeting with the conduct officer? The Judicial Affairs staff member will make a decision in the incident without the benefit of your involvement and perspective.
	What if I was not aware of a rule and didn't know I was breaking it? Lack of knowledge of a rule is not an excuse for misconduct. Every student is responsible for knowing the rules and regulations of the university. So it is important for you to read your catalog and Ralphie's Guide, and the Guide to Residence Hall Living, if you live on campus. Also, if you are unsure about any policies, ask for clarification.
	What if the incident happened off campus? The university has jurisdiction for behavior off campus. Our main concerns are serious behaviors and/or behaviors that may have an effect on the university community. So even if it happens off campus, it may still be a violation of the Student Conduct Code, which will be handled by the Office of Judicial Affairs.
	Can't I just lie about the situation and get away with it? Lying is not a value of our community, and if it should be found that you lied, there can be additional disciplinary charges or consequences.
	I was put on probation. What does that mean? Probation is notice to you that any violation of the Student Conduct Code or the conditions of probation committed during the probationary period will subject you to further action, with a likely result of suspension or expulsion. Probation lasts for a specific period of time, and is implemented by semesters.
	Explain the strike process. The word "strike" is used by students to refer to a violation of the alcohol and/or drug policies. Violations of those policies count towards a possible suspension. A single violation of the noise policy and leaving trash in the hallway, for example, would not put a student in danger of being suspended.  If a student already on probation is again found to be in violation of alcohol laws or policies, that student will be subject to suspension. Alcohol and drug violations ("strikes") remain on a student's record throughout their tenure at this university.  The student's record is not wiped clean after they complete their probationary period or move out of the residence halls. A student found to be in violation of alcohol laws or policies on three occasions over the entire period of their enrollment will be subject to suspension.
	Will disciplinary sanctions appear on my academic transcript? The only sanctions that appear on transcripts are suspensions and expulsions. Disciplinary probation, educational sanctions and other outcomes do not appear. In some situations, a notation of pending disciplinary action may be placed on your transcript.
	What if I do not complete an assigned sanction? Additional sanctions may be added. In some situations, failure to complete sanctions may result in suspension or expulsion from the university. In addition, a stop will be placed on your registration and records. Remember that sanctions are placed as a result of your violation of the Student Conduct Code, and are designed to educate you about the expectations and norms of the university community.
	Will potential employers have access to my judicial record? Your judicial record will only be accessible to them if you provide written permission allowing it.
	What are the violations of the Student Conduct Code that are most likely to result in suspension or expulsion from the university? In no particular order: sexual misconduct possession and/or use of weapons (including firearms, guns, air rifles and paint guns, throwing stars, nunchucks, etc.) falsely pulling a fire alarm setting a fire theft of a bicycle theft of a computer drug sales physical assault provision of alcohol to minors with injury or endangerment resulting from the use of the alcohol hazing stalking riot any repeated pattern of violations
	Why am I being charged an adjudication fee of $50 for going through the Judicial Affairs procedure? The aim of the Office of Judicial Affairs is to encourage and educate students to take responsibility for their actions in the community. Students who meet with the Director, Assistant Director, Judicial Coordinator, or any of the Judicial Affairs Assistant Conduct Officers will be assessed this fee if responsible for a violation of the Student Conduct Code.  The funds accrued from the fees are provided to Victim Assistance and the A Matter of Degree program to support their efforts in working with students.