Procedures : Resolution Options
Following are the possible steps in the process, leading to a resolution:
1. REPORT RECEIVED
The Office of Student Judicial Affairs can receive reports of incidents of possible violations of the Code of Student Conduct from any source, including local police, University Housing, students, faculty and staff of the Ohio State University, or any other interested party.
2. INVESTIGATION
The Office of Student Judicial Affairs may investigate reports received. Investigation may involve interviewing those involved in the incident, consulting with police or other University officials who are co-investigating, or collecting materials relevant to the situation.
3. PRELIMINARY CONFERENCE
Students who are the subject of allegations of misconduct will meet with a Hearing Officer in the Office of Student Judicial Affairs in a Preliminary Conference. This is the student’s opportunity to learn about the judicial process, to make an initial statement regarding his/her involvement in the reported incident, and to ask any questions of the Hearing Officer.
4. RESOLUTION OPTIONS
- NO CHARGE
Some incident reports and subsequent Preliminary Conferences may not result in a charge of possible violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Students may receive an informal warning and recommendations for modifying behaviors in the future. Or the case may be dismissed. - ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION
A student who has been charged with possible violation of the Code of Student Conduct may choose to accept responsibility for the violation. The hearing officer will then issue a sanction to the student. - ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING
Students who do not accept responsibility for the possible violation of the Code of Student conduct may choose to have an Administrative Hearing with a hearing officer frfom the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. This is a formal hearing process in which witnesses are called, evidence is heard, and the hearing officer will determine if the student is In Violation of the Code of Student Conduct. - UNIVERSITY JUDICIAL PANEL HEARING
Students who do not accept responsibility for the possible violation of the Code of Student conduct may choose to have a hearing with the University Judicial Panel. The University Judicial Panel is a standing body members from The Ohio State University community, comprised of students, faculty, and staff. This is a formal hearing process in which witnesses are called, evidence is heard, and the University Judicial Panel determines if the student is In Violation of the Code of Student Conduct. - In some cases, the hearing officer may refer the case directly to the University Judical Panel.
5. SANCTIONS
Sanctions will be issued to students found In Violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Disciplinary sanctions range from a Formal Reprimand to Permanent Dismissal from The Ohio State University. Most disciplinary sanctions will be accompanied by an educational sanction, with the purpose of aiding the student in learning from his/her experience and helping to repair any harm that was done.
6. APPEAL
Students found In Violation may appeal the decision of a hearing. Appeals may be addressed to the Vice-President for Student Life. Guidelines for grounds for appeal may be found in the Code of Student Conduct.
Note: From The Ohio State University Code of Student Conduct, Section 3335-23-19, Minor deviations from procedure: "A student and hearing officer may agree in advance to minor deviations from procedure. Such deviations are not then subject to appeal. Other minor deviations are acceptable as long as such deviations are not found upon appeal to be unreasonably harmful to the student."