It is the responsibility of the student to provide correct permanent and local mailing address information at all times and on all documents at the university. Failure to do so constitutes a breach of the Student Code of Conduct. Students who change their mailing address must notify the Registrar's Office immediately by calling (940) 565-2111.
The identification card is distributed during registration after all fees have been paid. The card entitles the bearer to student admission to athletic events, University Program Council entertainment, Fine Arts Series programs, dances, movies, general access computer laboratories and the University Health Center. It provides identification at the libraries for checking out materials, at the University Union for check cashing, and at Recreational Sports and the UNT Health Center for use of these facilities. The ID card also serves as the meal card for those students with meal plans. As the student's official university identification, it must be presented to any UNT official upon request. Each enrolled UNT student with a valid ID card is eligible to receive one catalog per year beginning July 1.
Lost ID cards may be replaced for a $10 charge in the ID Systems Office of Student Accounting and University Cashiering Services in the Eagle Student Services Center, first floor. Misplaced ID cards that have been turned in are held in the ID Systems Office.
The card is void upon termination or interruption of enrollment and when not properly encoded. Students are asked to retain their ID cards, even though they may not be enrolled. The cards are reactivated upon subsequent enrollment.
Fraudulent use of the ID card subjects the user to a fine not to exceed $4,000, confinement not to exceed one year, or both (Class A Misdemeanor). Anyone who uses the ID card to give false information to a police officer is subject to a fine of not more than $500 (Class C Misdemeanor).
The university is not responsible for and does not assume any liability for loss of or damage to personal property, including damage to vehicles. Students are encouraged to obtain personal insurance coverage for loss or damage to possessions on campus, including possessions in dormitories and vehicles.
Persons who operate motor vehicles and bicycles on the UNT campus must comply with the Texas uniform traffic code and the published university regulations regarding vehicle and bicycle use, parking, display of decals and penalties for violation. The regulations are available from the Parking Office in the Sullivant Public Safety Center at 1700 Wilshire.
State law does not permit the university to extend credit; bills must be paid when due. Checks must be made payable to the University of North Texas for the exact amount to be paid. Checks on which money must be advanced and postdated checks are not accepted.
Student checks in limited amounts may be cashed in the University Union. Personal checks are accepted for tuition and other fees.
Weather conditions may temporarily disrupt university operations. The university policy regarding severe weather disruption pertains to all university classes, in Denton in the Dallas_Fort Worth area and at the UNT Dallas Campus (UNT System Center at Dallas) unless exceptions are noted specifically in the news media announcements.
Courses taught online via Web CT are unaffected by severe weather closings unless instructors inform students otherwise. Those students should continue course work as regularly scheduled.
The Presidents of UNT and the UNT Health Science Center_Fort Worth, and the Director of the Universities Center at Dallas will issue appropriate policy guidance for those institutions. The current policy may be found in the Schedule of Classes.
Closings due to severe weather are posted on the UNT web site at www.unt.edu.
Policies and regulations governing students are explained or recorded in full in the Student Handbook, which freshman and transfer students receive at orientation. The handbook also deals with other applicable state, local and university policies, student services and programs. The student is responsible for knowing and abiding by these policies. The handbook is also available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Development, University Union, Suite 319.
Additional policies and guidelines pertaining to particular subjects or for specific publics are listed in other publications, such as the ABCs of Residence Hall Living, available in the Housing and Residence Life Office; the Student Code of Conduct brochure, available from the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities; Parking Regulations, available from the Parking Office and the UNT Bookstore in the University Union; The Financial Connection, available in Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, etc. International students should consult the International Admissions and Advising Center for information regarding policies and procedures required by federal regulation agencies.
All university policies are subject to change throughout the year.
The university may issue a summons when a student's conduct or behavior is reasonably believed to be in violation of a published policy or regulation, a summons may be issued. A summons is an official request that the student appear before a university administrator. A student who receives a summons should always consider it important and respond immediately. Failure to answer a summons can result in disciplinary action up to and including administrative withdrawal from the university.
The primary concern of the University of North Texas is the student. The university attempts to provide all students a campus environment that is conducive to academic achievement and social and individual growth. To that end, rules, regulations and guidelines governing student behavior and the student's relationship with the university have been formulated into a student code of conduct and discipline. Application for enrollment at the University of North Texas is considered implicit acceptance of these and other policies applicable to students, all of which are educational in nature and designed to help students understand expectations and accept responsibility for their own actions. This code and other university policies are subject to change without notice. The student is responsible for obtaining all published materials and updates from the Vice President for Student Development Office relating to the code and to become familiar with other rules and guidelines which address student behavior and responsibilities.
As both the responsibility and the authority for discipline at the University of North Texas ultimately rest with the Board of Regents, the President, acting in their behalf, has delegated authority to administer a fair and just disciplinary program to the Vice President for Student Development Office. Therefore, the Judicial Officer, his or her staff, and certain committees to whom this responsibility has been delegated, have the authority to enforce all regulations approved and stated in university documents or otherwise and to administer disciplinary procedures. This code is applicable to currently, continuing and formerly enrolled students, as well as individuals seeking admission to the university. Conduct prior to admission to the university that may have an adverse affect on the student/university relationship may be considered by the university. Applicant and formerly enrolled student cases shall be reviewed exclusively by the Judicial Officer without right to appeal to the Committee on Student Conduct.
The university expects each student to conduct him or herself in a manner compatible with the university's function as an educational institution. Regardless of place of residence, each student must observe all federal, state and applicable local laws both on and off campus. Any student who violates any of these laws is subject to disciplinary action, including expulsion, notwithstanding action taken by civil authorities on account of the violation.
The Code of Student Conduct is not a contract and serves only as a guideline for the fulfillment of acceptable and fair procedures. The standard of review in all hearings is by preponderance or greater weight of the credible evidence. The Board of Regents has the authority and may modify or change the Code of Student Conduct at any time. In addition, the procedures contained herein may be modified by the university at any time in order to effectuate justice.
Misconduct for which students and/or groups or organizations are subject to discipline falls into the following categories:
A. Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to the following.
1. Academic dishonesty - Cheating
The term `cheating' includes, but is not limited to:
a. use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations;b. dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments;
c. the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a faculty or staff member of the university;
d. dual submission of a paper or project, or resubmission of a paper or project to a different class without express permission from the instructor(s); or
e. any other act designed to give a student an unfair advantage.
2. Academic dishonesty - Plagiarism
The term `plagiarism' includes, but is not limited to:
a. the knowing or negligent use by paraphrase or direct quotation of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment; andb. the knowing or negligent unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.
3. Furnishing false or misleading information to any university office official, faculty or staff member acting in an official capacity, or giving false or misleading testimony or other falsified evidence at any campus disciplinary proceeding.
4. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any university document, record, or instrument of identification, in any way related to the student's education at UNT.
5. Tampering with the election of any university-recognized student organization.
6. Attempted or actual theft of university property, or damage to property of the university, other than accidental.
7. Attempted or actual theft of personal property of a member of the university community or of a campus visitor.
8. Theft, unauthorized access or other abuse of computer systems or computer time relating to university endeavors.
9. Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any university premises, or unauthorized entry to or use of university premises.
10. Conspiring, planning, or knowingly acting as an accessory to any of the charges above; being present while the offense is committed and advising, instigating or encouraging the act; facilitating in the committing of any offense in any way.
B. Conduct which adversely affects the university community, including but not limited to the following.
1. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures or other university activities, including public service functions or other authorized activities on or off university premises. Includes interrupting, hindering or preventing classroom instruction or other official educational activities from occurring intentionally through noise, acts of incivility, or other means.
2. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion; and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person. Speech protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is not a violation of this provision, although fighting words and statements which reasonably threaten or endanger the health and safety of any person are not protected speech. Each allegation of a violation under this provision shall be reviewed in consideration of these factors.
3. Use or possession on campus of ammunition, firearms, explosives, or other objects that are dangerous or flammable or that could cause damage by fire or explosion to persons or property. Firearms are prohibited in or on any portion of buildings, grounds or parking lots except as allowed under Subchapter H, Texas Government Code. Felony status and penalties for breach of state law apply.
4. Hazing as defined by Section 51.936 and 37.151-157, Texas Education Code, such as engaging in, soliciting, encouraging, directing, aiding or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly permitting behavior such as physical brutality, risk of harm to mental or physical health or safety, intimidation, threat of ostracism, mental stress, humiliation, or other behavior adverse to health or human dignity to occur in association with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in a student organization or having firsthand knowledge of the planning of hazing or of its occurrence and failing to report it to school authorities.
5. Disruptive activities as defined by Section 37.123 and 51.935 of the Texas Education Code, such as intentionally obstructing, restraining, preventing or attempting to prevent passage of individuals on campus or into/out of campus buildings by force, by violence or by the threat of same; seizing control of a building/portion of a building to interfere with an administrative, educational, research or other authorized activity; preventing participation in or the holding of a lawful assembly or attempting to prevent same by force/violence, by threat or by causing reasonable fear of force/violence; or disrupting an assembly in progress by one or more such means.
6. Illegal use, possession, sale, manufacture, distribution or effective control of chemical precursors, controlled substances, controlled substance analogues, dangerous or illegal drugs; misuse, possession or effective control with intent to misuse of a legal drug or other substance which when not used in accordance with legal intent could cause harm to the user; possession of drug paraphernalia; or being a party to any of the above, whether on or off campus.
7. Use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages, except as expressly permitted by law and university regulations, or public intoxication.
8. Conduct that is disorderly or obscene; breach of peace; or aiding, abetting or procuring another person to breach the peace on university premises or functions sponsored by or participated in by the university.
9. Intellectual property violations including the use or distribution of copyrighted or trademarked works of another without the expressed consent of the owner of the copyright or trademark. A student who receives written notification from a faculty member that the information provided in his or her course is the faculty member's intellectual property shall not distribute, use for commercial purposes, or create derivative works of the intellectual property without obtaining the express written permission of the faculty member. Students shall not assume permission absent written notification from the faculty member.
10. Violation of policies or regulations at the university or other institution of higher education previously attended by the student which have been published and are/were readily available to the student, including but not limited to those which govern academic matters, housing, alcohol use, financial matters, student life, and the maintenance of the health, safety, and welfare of any college or university community.
11. An act which constitutes a violation of federal, state, civil or criminal laws or city ordinances, regardless of whether the act occurred on or off campus and regardless of whether the individual is ultimately convicted of the act.
12. Conspiring, planning, attempting or knowingly acting as an accessory to any of the charges above; being present while the offense is committed and advising, instigating or encouraging the act; facilitating in the committing of any offense in any way.
C. Misconduct relating to official obligations between the student and the university or its officials, including but not limited to the following.
1. Issuance of a check without sufficient funds.
2. Failure to fulfill financial obligations to the university.
3. Failure to fulfill other legally binding obligation(s) to the university.
4. Failure to comply with reasonable directions of or failure to heed an official summons of university officials, faculty or staff members acting in the performance of their duties.
5. Failure to comply with sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code of Conduct or sanctions otherwise imposed by the university.
6. Failure to report a change of address with the university Registrar.
7. Conspiring, planning, attempting or knowingly acting as an accessory to any of the charges above; being present while the offense is committed and advising, instigating or encouraging the act; facilitating in the committing of any offense in any way.
Should adjudication determine violation of policy has occurred, one or more of the following misconduct penalties may be imposed by the university upon individuals, groups or organizations, to become effective normally as of the date the offense occurred, regardless of whether the student files an appeal. Students are afforded the opportunity to appeal as part of the disciplinary process except as provided below. Should appeal restore the student's status, reinstatement with opportunity to complete work will be afforded when practicable or another arrangement will be made so the student is not penalized for the absence. Penalties for violation of institutional policies or rules and regulations may be administered, regardless of whether the actions of the student are civil or criminal violations. Students are advised that cumulative offenses will be cause for more serious consequences, including but not limited to suspension or expulsion. Whenever disciplinary actions lead to the student leaving the university, grades will be assigned in accordance with the university grade policy and the academic calendar.
Students who have not been assessed a penalty for serious violations of the Code of Student Conduct and who are not presently under permanent disciplinary status are considered to be in good conduct standing with the university. Students who are presently under disciplinary probation or have been previously expelled or suspended for disciplinary reasons are not considered to be in good conduct standing with the university. Students not in good conduct standing should inquire about their eligibility to apply for, hold office in, or continue involvement with university organizations and/or activities (students should consult with the specific organization or activity sponsor for details).
A. Admonition. A verbal or written warning. Admonitions will not become a part of the student's permanent behavioral record in the Vice President for Student Development Office. Students may not appeal this sanction; the Judicial Officer's decision is final.
B. Loss of privileges or imposition of certain
requirements. This penalty includes such actions
as prohibiting pledging, membership or leadership in student organizations; denying an organization use
of university space or denying the right to register as a student organization, or denying the privileges
accorded to registered groups; prohibiting or limiting participation in events on the social calendar; denial of
participation in any official athletic or non-athletic extracurricular activity, including practices; withholding of
official transcript or degree; blocking from enrollment for a specified period of time; recommendation of
failing, reduction, or changing a grade in a test, course assignment, course or other academic work; denying
of computer-related privileges; cancellation of the housing contract or removal from the residence hall
system; loss of money-related privileges; making restitution, whether monetary or by specific duties;
attending counseling sessions; performing additional academic work not required of other students in a specific
course; moving to another residence hall or within the same hall; complying with a behavioral contract; paying
of
special fees, fines or service charges; or other appropriate penalties. Unless this sanction is in
conjunction with disciplinary probation or a greater sanction, it is not appealable and the Judicial Officer's decision
is final.
C. Conduct probation. The lesser form of probation indicating that the student has been notified that he or she has engaged in unacceptable behavior. This penalty allows a student to remain in good conduct standing with the university and will not be a permanent part of the student's behavioral record in the Vice President for Student Development Office. Students who are assessed this penalty will be removed from probation automatically upon the expiration of the probationary period. This sanction will only negatively affect a student should the student further violate the Code of Student Conduct. Students may not appeal this sanction and the decision of the Judicial Officer is final.
D. Disciplinary probation. The greater form of probation indicating that the student has been notified that he or she has engaged in unacceptable behavior. Students who are assessed this penalty are no longer in good conduct standing with the university and the sanction will be a permanent part of their behavioral record in the Vice President for Student Development Office. Students who are assessed this penalty will remain on the probation for their entire academic career.
E. Suspension. Removal from the university for a specified period. Continued and/or flagrant violation of the probation terms or serious offense cases that warrant such action may result in suspension from the university for a specified period. The student may be blocked from re-enrollment until he or she applies for re-admission to the university and is cleared by appropriate officials. Suspension becomes a part of the student's permanent behavioral record in the Vice President for Student Development Office. The penalty of suspension may carry an immediate administrative withdrawal from the university. Students who are suspended will be trespassed from all university property for the duration of the suspension. A student assessed this penalty is no longer in good conduct standing with the university.
F. Administrative withdrawal. Administrative removal of a student from a class, a course, or from the university in instances such as unmet financial obligation(s) to the university; health reasons which constitute a danger to self or to others, pending the outcome of competent medical evaluation and/or treatment; a threat to the safety, life or property of members of the academic community; to prevent the disruption of the educational process; for failure to respond to an official summons from a university official; upon suspension or expulsion from the university; whenever the student's conduct would preclude his or her meeting licensure or certification guidelines within his or her academic discipline, upon recommendation from the appropriate academic department. The withdrawn student may also be trespassed from the campus and barred from re-enrollment until such time as specific conditions have been met. This penalty may be imposed effective with the date of the violation, or as otherwise appropriate.
G. Expulsion. Permanent severance from the university; carries with it a permanent trespass from being present upon all university property. A student assessed this penalty is no longer in good conduct standing with the university and the sanction will be a permanent part of the student's behavioral record in the Vice President for Student Development Office.
H. Revocation or denial of degree. This penalty may occur for discovered misconduct of current or prior students and must be considered by appropriate academic process.
Upon receipt of information regarding an alleged violation of the code, a disciplinary file will be generated in the Vice President for Student Development Office. At the conclusion of the disciplinary process, the file, including original complaint or evidence, summons, statements, hearing notations, conclusions and sanctions, if any, will become a part of the disciplinary records in the office. Disciplinary records are kept for seven years from the date of incident. At that time, the material will be destroyed, except for files dealing with misconduct penalties such as disciplinary probation, suspension or expulsion, which become a part of the student's permanent behavioral record in the Vice President for Student Development Office and will be retained indefinitely. Disciplinary records may be introduced and given due consideration in any subsequent case in which the student may be involved.
A. Initiation of disciplinary action: Disciplinary action may originate in the office of the Judicial Officer or in other units of the university which may initially deal with the alleged misconduct. Examples of disciplinary action which may originate in other units include but are not limited to the following:
1. Matters of academic dishonesty. The following procedures are recommended for adjudicating a case of academic dishonesty, however, a faculty member may refer a case at any time to the Judicial Officer. A faculty member who believes a student to be guilty of academic dishonesty shall provide the student with opportunity for a hearing, after which, if still convinced that academic dishonesty has taken place, he or she may assign a sanction such as withdrawal from or failure in the course, reduction or changing of the grade, performance of additional work, etc. [In instances where a degree has been or is about to be awarded on work for which academic honesty is in question, the department and school/college may also deny or revoke the student's degree using the same process as noted herein.] Acceptance of the faculty member's sanction by the student shall make the penalties final and constitute a waiver of further administrative procedures. Once an academic sanction has been assigned, the faculty member [or the department/college/school] shall so inform the Judicial Officer, who will make the documentation part of a disciplinary file and may assign additional non-academic sanctions.
A student who contests the faculty member's accusation of academic dishonesty may request a hearing by the academic department Chair. This request must be made within three (3) working days of notification of the faculty member's decision. If the student does not accept the department Chair's decision, he or she may have the matter referred to the Judicial Officer. If the student does not accept the decision of the Judicial Officer, he or she may then follow the normal hearing procedures listed below under the Committee on Student Conduct. If the student is ultimately found not to have been involved in academic dishonesty, the instructor shall not base the student's grade on the alleged but unproven dishonesty. If the student is found to have been so involved, the faculty member's academic penalties will stand. Any student who believes a grade has been inequitable awarded may request a hearing under the Grade Appeals Procedure.
2. Housing disciplinary matters. Students who reside within the residence hall system are under a contractual obligation to abide by the rules and regulations governing residence hall living, as well as being bound by the university catalogs and all other university rules and regulations governing the conduct of students. Violations of rules or regulations may be handled directly by housing staff, referred to the Housing Judicial Board or referred, in whole or in part, directly to the Vice President for Student Development Office at any time the severity of the violation so warrants. The Judicial Officer or housing staff member may recommend sanctions such as cancellation of contract, removal from the residence hall system, reassignment to another hall or within the same hall, imposition of behavioral contract, restitution or special fees, as outlined in the Residence Hall Room and Board Contract and the Rules and Regulations for Residence Hall Living or other appropriate sanctions. The student's acceptance of the sanctions recommended by the housing staff shall make the sanctions final and constitutes a waiver by the student of further administrative procedures. If the student does not accept the recommended decision of the housing staff, he or she may have the matter heard by the Judicial Appeals Board, Assistant/Associate Director of Housing, and/or the Director of Housing, as stipulated by Central Housing. If the student does not accept the decision of Central Housing, he or she may appeal the matter to the Housing Appeals Board, within three (3) working days of receipt of the decision. If the student does not accept the decision of the Housing Appeals Board, the student may appeal the matter to the Judicial Officer in the Vice President for Student Development Office, within three (3) working days of the receipt of the decision. The decision of the Judicial Officer is final.
3. Financial matters. Failure to fulfill financial obligations to the university, including issuance of a check without sufficient funds, may constitute a violation of state law. Such violations ordinarily will be addressed first by the department in which the funds are owed. The department may initiate administrative action such as assigning late fees and service charges, and revoking money-related privileges, etc. Upon failure of the student to meet financial obligations within time limits set by state statutes, the appropriate department official may recommend the student's withdrawal from the university. Financial withdrawal is not a disciplinary measure but may require nullification of the institutional/student relationship. If the student believes an error has been made regarding whether he or she has fulfilled his or her financial obligations to the university, he or she may have the matter reviewed by the appropriate department official. The student may appeal the department administrators decision, to the Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs, whose decision is final. Whenever unpaid financial obligations have led to withdrawal and when these obligations have remained unpaid more than five (5) days from the date of withdrawal, students must pay the debt, meet all administrative procedures related to financial matters, and request consideration for re-instatement/re-enrollment from the Judicial Officer. If the student does not accept the decision of the Judicial Officer, he or she may appeal to the Vice President for Student Development, whose decision is final.
4. Health matters. Students whose physical or mental health may affect the health, safety and/or welfare of the university community, who represent a danger to themselves or others, whose continuing presence disrupts the academic or administrative process, or who fail to follow the directives of the university Health Center or other medical or psychological authority regarding health matters, may be medically withdrawn from the university. Action may be initiated by the Judicial Officer upon the recommendation of the Director of the Health Center or other medical or mental health officials or attempts to secure the student's cooperation have failed. If the student does not accept the decision of the Judicial Officer, he or she may request a hearing before the Committee on Student Conduct. After the mental or physical health problem has been resolved and the student has complied with directives of the university Health Center or other medical/mental health officials, he or she may apply for re-admission to the university.
5. Admissions/re-enrollment matters. Prospective students and former students seeking re-admission whose applications indicate possible ineligibility of the applicant on grounds involving personal conduct or falsification of admissions documents may be referred to the Judicial Officer for disciplinary review. The potential of the applicant to benefit from university attendance, as well as the welfare and safety of the student body and of the university community, will be carefully considered before permission to enroll or re-enroll will be granted. When evidence indicates the applicant has participated in acts disruptive to the normal operation of an educational institution; when it appears that an applicant or a current/former student has falsified the application or other admissions forms; when the applicant has committed an act which is in violation of one or more of the categories of misconduct stipulated in the code; when an applicant has been formally charged with the commission of a criminal act; when an applicant has been convicted of a criminal act and is on the date of application still under any sanctions imposed by the court, including but not limited to imprisonment, parole and/or probation, the Judicial Officer may deny admission or re-enrollment or place the appropriate sanction upon the student.
B. Interim or emergency disciplinary
action. Pending a hearing, the President of the university or
the Judicial Officer may take such immediate interim disciplinary action against a student or group of
students when, in his or her opinion, such action is necessary to protect the health, safety, life or property of
members
of the academic community or to prevent the disruption of the educational process. In cases where
contact with the student reasonably can be obtained, the Judicial Officer shall contact the student, provide
information regarding the nature of the charges and provide the student with an opportunity to respond.
C. Vice President for Student Development Office disciplinary procedures. The following disciplinary procedures will be used in all cases referred to the Vice President for Student Development Office:
1. When a complaint or report alleging misconduct is received in the Vice President for Student Development Office, the Judicial Officer staff will conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether the Code of Student Conduct has been violated. If the investigation reveals that the code has been abridged or appears to have been abridged, the student may be summoned to appear before the Judicial Officer. Students are expected to respond to the summons in a timely way. Failure to report after two summons notices may result in suspension from the university or other appropriate disciplinary action as provided for in the Code. Students who voluntarily withdraw from the university prior to the determination of a sanction remain subject to the case being adjudicated.
2. Upon meeting with the student, the Judicial Officer will explain the charges against him or her and the disciplinary procedure, will inform the student of names of witnesses and will summarize their testimony. The student will then be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations and present pertinent information on his or her behalf.
3. The Judicial Officer shall then conduct any further investigation which may be warranted by the information given by the student to make a determination whether the student violated the Code. If the Judicial Officer determines that a violation occurred, he or she shall assign appropriate misconduct penalties as outlined in the Code. The Judicial Officer will explain the code violations the student has been found to have violated and the misconduct penalties imposed. The Judicial Officer will provide the student a copy of the Code and procedure for appeal to the Chairperson of the Committee on Student Conduct, if applicable.
4. If applicable, the student may either accept the penalties or appeal to the Committee on Student Conduct. Penalties are final if not appealed. If the student appeals, he or she must follow the procedures for review by the Committee on Student Conduct and request an appeal in writing, within three (3) working days from the date of disciplinary action was imposed by the Judicial Officer. Failure to request committee's review within three (3) working days from the date disciplinary action was imposed shall constitute a waiver of all rights for further review of the matter. However, the Judicial Officer may extend the time limits for any appeal by the Committee on Student Conduct when it is in the best interests of the student or the university to do so.
D. Procedure for review by the Committee of Student Conduct. The purpose of the Committee on Student Conduct is to ensure that fairness is observed in the administration of student discipline. Whenever misconduct penalties have been assigned under the code, the student may appeal the case to the Committee on Student Conduct for just cause. The student must submit a written request or review to the Chair of the Committee, within three (3) working days from the date disciplinary action was imposed by the Judicial Officer. The request must set forth the following.
1. Name, address (to which appeal information should be mailed) and phone number.
2. Description, date(s) and place(s) of alleged act(s).
3. Date and by whom discipline was imposed.
4. Disciplinary penalty assigned and detailed circumstances which he or she feels merit review.
5. Objective of the appeal (i.e., reduction of the sanction severity or change in the case decision).
6. Signature and date.
E. Composition and authority of the Committee on Student Conduct. The composition of the Committee on Student Conduct shall be two faculty members, two students, one administrative staff member, and a Chairperson appointed by the President. A representative from the Vice President for Student Development Office will be present during the hearing.
1. Faculty members are appointed by the Faculty Senate to serve on the Committee on Student Conduct for a period of three consecutive years. A pool of faculty members will be appointed, one-third of whom will be replaced each year to preserve continuity of experience.
2. A pool of students shall be selected annually by a committee appointed by the Vice President for Student Development. At a minimum, student participants must have completed 45 cumulative hours to be in good standing with the university.
3. A pool of administrative staff members are appointed by the university president, two of whom will be replaced each year. No administrative member shall be selected from the Vice President for Student Development Office.
4. The president shall appoint an additional member from the faculty to serve as permanent Chair of the committee. The Chair may select a co-Chair from among the faculty/staff membership of the committee to serve in the event of his or her necessary absence. The Chair shall participate fully in the hearing process but shall vote only in case of a tie. All members, except the Vice President for Student Development Office representative, shall have voting privileges.
5. In exigent circumstances, such as during finals week or a holiday, the Vice President for Student Development may appoint an ad hoc committee to fulfill the duties of the Committee on Student Conduct.
6. The permanent Chair of the committee and the Judicial Officer shall coordinate training for all members of the committee at the beginning of each fall term to familiarize members with the code and other rules, regulations and policies of the University of North Texas. Failure of a committee member to attend training may constitute grounds to nullify the member's appointment and may result in a request that a new appointment be made.
7. For a given case, two faculty members, two students and one administrative staff member will be chosen, based on availability, from the roster of the current committee.
8. The Committee on Student Conduct has the authority to summon witnesses. Refusal to obey the summons may subject the student to disciplinary action upon the recommendation of the committee.
9. The Committee on Student Conduct has the authority to review disciplinary matters which have been properly brought before it in accordance with the procedures stated above. Upon completion of its hearing, the Committee has the authority to modify, uphold or overturn the disciplinary penalties, or to issue new or different penalties as supported by the evidence and circumstances of the case.
10. All members of the Committee on Student Conduct are cautioned of the confidentiality of the Committee's entire function and are admonished not to discuss any case with any person, other than authorized individuals.
F. Duties of the Chair of the Committee on Student Conduct. The Chair or co-Chair of the Committee shall, normally within ten (10) working days after the receipt of a written request for hearing, complete the following.
1. Request the Judicial Officer submit a written statement of his or her position to the Chair of the Committee and the names of witnesses he or she may call to testify.
2. Notify all Committee members of the request for a hearing. A copy of the student's request and the statement of the Judicial Officer's position shall be enclosed with the notice.
3. Notify the committee, the Judicial Officer and the student of the place, date and time of the hearing. Generally, the hearing will be scheduled for the next scheduled hearing-free week following the request if practicable. Otherwise the hearing will be scheduled within ten (10) working days of the Judicial Officer's decision, or as soon as practicable. The student shall be provided notice of the hearing at least three (3) working days prior to the date. Such notice shall include a brief explanation of procedure and request the names of witnesses the student may call to testify at the hearing. Procedures may be modified by the Chair, if it is in the best interests of the student or university to do so.
4. Summon witnesses on behalf of the Committee on Student Conduct, the student and/or the Judicial Officer if such witnesses are requested and reasonably available. The student and Judicial Officer shall provide the Chair the email or street address and a synopsis of the testimony of any witness they wish to be summoned.
5. Preside over the hearing before the Committee on Student Conduct and assure compliance with appropriate procedures. Hearing procedures may be modified by the Chair if in his or her judgment such mediation is necessary to effectuate justice.
6. Send a written statement to the student within a reasonable time, normally within five (5) working days after completion of the hearing, stating the findings of the committee and disciplinary penalties, if any.
G. Hearing Procedures for the Committee on Student Conduct. The hearing procedures for the Committee on Student Conduct are established to promote effective and efficient administration of student justice. The procedures may be modified by the Chair if in his or her judgment such modification is necessary to effectuate justice.
1. Presence of the Public and Recording of Hearing. The hearing shall be closed to the public unless requested otherwise by the student in writing. If the accused student requests an open hearing, any student witness may have his or her testimony closed to the public. A tape recording or written summary of all hearings shall be made and retained as a part of the Committee's file. Students will be allowed access to review hearing materials upon written request.
2. Hearing Composition and Quorum. A quorum of the Committee shall be present during the course of the hearing. A quorum shall consist of at least one faculty member, one administrative staff member and one student appointee, plus the permanent Chair or alternate permanent Chair.
3. Presence of Student. The student requesting the hearing is expected to attend in person. The Committee on Student Conduct may consider the matter with available information and impose misconduct penalties, if any, in the student's absence.
4. Opening of Hearing and Objection to Members. The Chair will open the hearing by introducing the committee members and asking each party if there is an objection to a member. Lack of impartiality or the employment/student status of the members are the only basis for an objection. The objection, if any, shall provide a factual basis for the request that a member should not serve. The Chair will decide whether to remove the member based on the objection. In such case, a replacement will be chosen by the Chair if a quorum is not otherwise present to hear the case.
5. Rights of Students and Presence of Attorneys and Witnesses.
The Chair will then advise the student of the Committee's procedures and his or her right to make a statement, call and question witnesses,
introduce documentary evidence, make brief closing statement, and have an adviser of his or her own choosing
present. The adviser can be a member of the university faculty, a parent, an attorney, or other individual.
However, only the student may speak and ask questions on his or her own behalf. If the student has an attorney
present
as an advisor, the institutional representative may bring an attorney from the General Counsel's office for
the same purpose. The Committee may seek the advice of the university's attorney at any time. Witnesses shall
be present in the hearing only during their testimony. Upon conclusion of their testimony, witnesses shall
be informed that the proceeding is confidential and may not be discussed.
6. Review of Allegations. The Chair shall review, in the presence of the student and the Judicial Officer, the allegations against the student for the matter under review.
7. Rules of Evidence, Standard of Proof and Burden of Proof. Legal rules of evidence do not apply to hearings before the Committee on Student Conduct. The standard review is by a preponderance or greater weight of the credible evidence. The Judicial Officer has the burden of proving a violation occurred.
8. Judicial Officer and Prosecution of Case. The Chair shall then call upon the Judicial Officer for a formal statement and questioning by members of the Committee and the student. The Chair shall then ask the Judicial Officer if he/she cares to call witnesses, the student and committee members shall have the right to question witnesses called by the Judicial Officer. The Judicial Officer shall have a maximum of 45 minutes in which to complete the formal statement and introduce evidence.
9. Student Presentation of Case. The Chair shall then call upon the student for a formal statement and questioning by committee members and the Judicial Officer. Also during this time, the student may call witnesses if he/she chooses and introduce other evidence. The Judicial Officer and Committee members shall have the right to question witnesses called by the student. The student shall have a maximum of 45 minutes to complete the formal statement and introduce evidence.
10. Committee's Right to Call Witnesses and Stay Proceeding. The Committee may call additional witnesses it believes, in its sole discretion, are necessary and essential to effectuate justice. The Committee may temporarily stay the hearing to call additional witnesses.
11. Close of Evidence, Reopening Case and Closing Statements. After hearing all formal statements, witnesses, and the introduction of all evidence, the Chair shall ask for a concluding statement, first from the student and then from the Judicial Officer, if they desire to make one. No further questions shall be asked during the closing statements, unless the Committee determines the information solicited by the question is necessary to effectuate justice. The Committee in its sole discretion may open the proceeding for the limited purpose of addressing any new issue raised as a result of the information provided.
12. Use of Prior Discipline Records. Previous discipline records of the student may not be introduced by the Judicial Officer in any hearing to determine whether policy violation has occurred. If the committee finds a student in violation, the previous disciplinary record, if any, may be introduced and considered in assessing penalties.
13. Deliberation and Voting. Following the concluding statements, if offered, the Chair shall request that everyone other than him- or herself and the Committee leave the room. The Chair shall preside over deliberations and may vote in case of a tie. The Committee shall deliberate and voice opinions. A ballot shall be taken to decide whether the student has violated standards of acceptable conduct as governed by this code. A majority vote will control. In the event a majority decision cannot be reached regarding whether the student is or is not in violation of the Code of Student Conduct, the case may be dismissed or the Judicial Officer may request that a second committee be formed to rehear the case.
14. Committee Actions Upon Finding of Code Violation. Upon determining that the student has violated the code, the Committee shall either dismiss the disciplinary matter or deliberate the misconduct penalties, whichever is appropriate. If misconduct penalties are to be deliberated, the committee shall consider any penalties recommended by the Judicial Officer and may affirm, modify, or reject such penalties. The committee shall not issue a penalty that is less than the applicable minimum penalty provided in the Code of Student Conduct. In these deliberations, but not before, the committee shall request from the Judicial Officer a statement of prior disciplinary actions, if any, taken against the student. If such previous action exists, the student shall be present while the Judicial Officer gives his or her statement regarding prior disciplinary action and have the right to make a responding statement. Upon conclusion of any statements the hearing shall be closed for deliberation by the Committee. Only voting members shall be present during deliberation. The committee's deliberations shall continue until a majority opinion has been obtained.
15. Notification of Committee Decision on Penalties. When the committee's deliberations are concluded, the student, the Judicial Officer, and their respective representatives, if any, shall be called back into the hearing and informed of the Committee's decision by the Chair. The Chair shall advise the student, the Judicial Officer, their advisors (if any) and the members that the information discussed in the hearing is confidential and may not be disclosed unless authorized by law.
16. Retention of Hearing Record. Upon conclusion of the hearing, the student's written request for review, the Judicial Officer's position statement, the Committee's written findings and decision, and the tape recording or written summary of the hearing, shall be made a part of the student's file in the Vice President for Student Development Office.
Within three (3) working days after the decision has been made by the Committee on Student Conduct,
either or both parties may appeal to the Vice President for Student Development. The appeal shall be in writing and
set forth the specific facts upon which the appeal is based. The decision will be reviewed upon the basis of
the written summary or tape recording of the hearing and/or documents filed and produced at the hearing and/or
any witnesses the Vice President for Student Development wishes to call. The Vice President for Student
Develop
ment may request both parties submit oral or written arguments to support their positions. All documentation
the appealing party wishes to be considered, including written arguments when appropriate, must be filed with
the Vice President for Student Development within three (3) working days after notice of appeal is given or after
a request for documentation is made by the Vice President. The Vice President for Student Development
may modify, uphold or overturn the decision in question or may require that the original hearing be re-opened for
the presentation of additional evidence and reconsideration of the decision. All decisions by the Vice President
for Student Development concerning matters of student disciplinary appeal are final.
Organizations will follow the same process as outlined above; however, organizations may appeal a sanction of conduct probation. In addition, organizations may ask for an administrative review after one year from the date their sanction becomes final. The organization will submit a written request to the Judicial Officer with documentation supporting such request. The Judicial Officer may grant, deny or modify the request. Organizations may not appeal the decision of the Judicial Officer, but may submit subsequent requests for review annually.
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