Student Conduct Summary and Rights: Rochester

This appendix supports Administrative Procedure: Student Conduct Code Procedure: Rochester.

UMR Student Conduct System

The purpose of the student conduct process is to provide a framework for resolving reports of violations of the Student Conduct Code, so that:

• Informal resolution is encouraged. In many cases, a one-on-one conversation and minimal sanction has a better educational outcome for the student(s) than a formal hearing.
• Student development is emphasized. The conduct process emphasizes the educational purpose in student conduct, including helping students understand and accept responsibility for and modify their own behavior.
• Community interests are met. While the emphasis of the conduct process is on responsible student self-development and restorative justice principles, the nature of the offense may require, in fairness to the community, the imposition of sanctions.
• Students receive fair treatment. Most conduct matters are resolved informally, with the agreement of the student(s). When the people involved are unable to reach agreement, however, Board of Regents Policy: Student Conduct Code requires that students have the opportunity to receive a fundamentally fair hearing and a campus-wide appeal.

Student Rights

• A finding of responsibility for violation of the Student Conduct Code is based on a preponderance of the evidence. The preponderance of the evidence standard requires the hearing officer to believe that the policy violation was more likely to have taken place than not. The amount of evidence does not factor into the decision of whether or not the policy violation occurred, rather the hearing officer is at least 51 percent convinced that the violation took place based on the evidence provided. 
• Any student or student group charged with violation of the Student Conduct Code shall have the opportunity to receive a fair hearing. A fair hearing process must include the following: 
  • Notification of the report and a request to meet;
  • A meeting to learn more about the steps of the student conduct process and to share information related to the incident;
  • If the student or student group is found responsible, a proposal of an informal resolution that includes the findings and outcomes being offered to resolve the incident, except in exceptional circumstances where the University determines that an informal resolution is not appropriate; 
  • If the informal resolution is not accepted, a request for a formal hearing in which a panel will determine responsibility and potential outcomes; and 
  • If the formal resolution is not accepted, a request for an appeal. 
  • In exceptional circumstances where the University determines that an informal resolution is not appropriate, a student’s responsibility will be decided through a formal hearing in which a panel will determine responsibility and possible outcomes.