Student Conduct Hearing Board

The Hearing Board is a committee of students, faculty, or staff members who hear disciplinary cases. The hearing board is authorized to determine whether a student and/or a student organization has violated the Student Code of Conduct and to recommend sanctions that will educate and promote healthy behaviors.

The Hearing Board supports student rights that are guaranteed through the University in regard to disciplinary proceedings. These rights are deeply entangled with the idea of a hearing body where students can come forth and plead their case. This is reflected in the student rights listed below:

• To be informed of the Student Code of Conduct and its corresponding procedures;
• To petition for redress of a grievance arising from an incident which violates University policy and/or the Student Code of Conduct.
• To receive notice of any alleged violation of University policy and/or breaches of the Student Code of Conduct.
• To have the benefit of an opportunity to be heard by an impartial Hearing Board or Hearing Officer in addressing an allegation(s) of a violation of University policy.
• To have an advisor, including an attorney, present in a hearing.
• To examine evidence to be used against him or her;
• To view the list of witnesses against him or her at the administrative discipline conference or prior to a hearing in front of a hearing board.

The role of a Board Member is to attend hearings and listen to the case presented by the complainant, respondent, and witnesses. By objectively looking at the evidence and testimony presented at the hearing, Board Members will give input on whether or not they feel the respondent is responsible or not responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct given the information presented and preponderance of evidence.

If a respondent is found responsible, the Board Members will then be tasked with discussing and recommending appropriate sanctions proportional to the code of conduct violation.

The role of a Chairperson is to control the ebb and flow of a case. They are tasked with keeping the case on track and moderating discussions. This role is reserved for experienced hearing board members. Students that show outstanding leadership qualities and dedication to the mission of the board may be promoted to serve as a student chairperson.

Student Board Members are also highly encouraged to participate with the Student Outreach and Advocacy Representatives or SOAR, which furthers educational advancement through our various community outreach and awareness initiatives.

Hearing Board members are expected to:

• Be objective and impartial during cases
• Show a strong sense of integrity
• Maintain confidentiality
• Critically analyze and evaluate cases and evidence
• Be respectful of all parties involved of cases

Hearings are arranged on an as needed bases depending on the case:

• Participation as a panelist will depend on your schedule and when the hearing is arranged.
• If you are available to attend a hearing, we encourage you to RSVP. There will be times that your schedule will not permit service and this will not be counted against you.

• Communication Skills – shows an awareness of verbal and non-verbal skills, can express self clearly and defend expressed thoughts
• Assertiveness – expresses self honestly without infringing on the rights of others
• Listening Skills – hears ideas and opinions of others, attentive, does not interrupt, does not repeat ideas already expressed
• Leadership – can direct others without being over bearing, encourages participation, earns respect
• Sensitivity – understands feelings, shows concern for others, tolerant of others, open to other’s ideas, concern for personal rights
• Decision-making – makes decisions objectively after thinking through most aspects of the issue
• Problem-solving – able to analyze and evaluate all aspects of a conflict situation and determine possible alternative solutions
• Flexibility – willing to reconsider viewpoints given new and significant information, willing to make compromises, willing to work as a group member
• Maturity – exhibits sound judgment, can set goals and evaluate progress, purposeful, reliable, and responsible; ability to be fair and honest
• Motivation/enthusiasm – express sincere interest and enthusiasm for working with other students, general understanding of the position, desire to learn more
• Personality – friendly, outgoing, honest, patient; ability to relate with a variety of individuals
• Confidence – composed, willing to take an unpopular stand; able to support own ideas; strong self concept

 All potential student board members must hold the following:

• A 2.5 Cumulative GPA,
• Good disciplinary and academic standing,
• A minimum 30+ hours earned (Sophomore status)
• Be able to serve for the full academic year (Fall & Spring)
• A strong work ethic,
• The ability to maintain confidentiality.

Hearing Board members will be required to complete SUNY training. The Hearing Board advisor will contact new members with training module requirements after selection. 

Hearing Board Recruitment takes place once a year during the Fall semester, usually during the first few weeks of classes. Student membership does not cost anything to join and looks great on a resume!

Interested in applying to this prestigious committee?

Fill out the online application: Hearing Board Application