What will happen when I am referred to the DOS for Conduct?
You will receive a notice of complaint letter instructing you to make an appointment with a Dean of Students representative. It is important that you follow-up with this request, make the appointment and keep it. Ignoring the situation will not make it go away. In fact, ignoring the request is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and could result in a misconduct penalty or sanction.
What will take place during the Disciplinary Conference?
You will be told the reason for the referral and have the opportunity to respond to the allegations. You will be given ample time to share your side of the story. The Dean of Students representative will then determine if any section of the Code of Student Conduct has been violated and assign appropriate behavioral sanctions if applicable.
Is it my word against the individual who referred me (instructor, R.A., UNT Police)?
In addition to information from witnesses, the referring party may submit other evidence, including documents such as tests, notes, term papers, assignments, and incident reports. The referring party does not attend this initial conference. Instead, it is a one-on-one conference between the student and the Dean of Students representative.
I could lie and deny my involvement in the incident, couldn't I?
This is a bad idea. People almost always get caught in their lies. One lie leads to another and another. Eventually, everything comes crashing down, and what was a single violation at the start is compounded by additional dishonest acts.
Will this violation go on my record?
A disciplinary file will be kept in the Vice President for Student Affairs Office; but a single violation will not ruin one's life. The university policies that impact student behavior are educational in nature. They are published for student use and are designed to help students understand and accept responsibility for their own actions. Usually, no permanent records are retained, except in the cases of Disciplinary Probation, Suspension or Expulsion. No documentation is attached to the student's academic transcript regarding the disciplinary action. Furthermore, disciplinary records are confidential and generally cannot be released to others without the student's consent.
But I was not aware of the rules; I did not mean to do anything wrong!
Ignorance is not an excuse. Students are responsible for knowing the rules and what is expected of them both on and off campus, in the classrooms and in the residence halls, and as a member of the university community.
What if I don't agree with the decision the Dean of Students Representative Officer makes?
Should the student believe he/she has been treated unfairly, he/she may seek a review of the case with a hearing before the Committee on Student Conduct if applicable. The student must submit a Request for Review to the Dean of Students Office within 3 business days of the decision made by the Dean of Students Representative. If applicable, the review procedures will be explained at the conclusion of the Disciplinary Conference.
If the violation occurred off campus can the university take action?
Yes. Each student must observe all federal, state and applicable local laws both on and off campus. Any student who violates any provision of those laws is subject to disciplinary action, including expulsion, notwithstanding action taken by civil authorities on account of the violation.
If the violation involves an alleged crime, can I be prosecuted criminally?
Yes. Students retain the responsibilities of citizenship upon enrollment to the university and may be prosecuted criminally for any illegal activity.
But I did not do anything wrong!
Then relax. You may still receive a Notice of Complaint from the Dean of Students Office; but keep in mind that a Notice of Complaint does not constitute a violation. The Dean of Students Office may need some information from you if you possibly saw or know something about a particular alleged violation. You do need to be compliant and follow up with the Notice of Complaint. Again, ignoring the request is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and could result in a misconduct penalty or sanction.