Overview
In a community as dynamic as a college campus, conflicts occasionally arise when students exhibit inappropriate behavior. It is advantageous that such problems be addressed in a fundamentally fair and timely manner. To that end, the purpose of this brochure is to highlight the process that students can avail themselves to if they are victims of or witnesses to inappropriate student conduct.
File charges or mediation?
If you are experiencing problems because of an interpersonal conflict, Student Conduct Services may be able to assist you without formal charges being filed. Contact the office to make an appointment to discuss options such as allowing Student Conduct Services to mediate a dispute between you and the other party to resolve differences. However, students have the right to file official Student Code of Conduct charges when they feel they have been subject to inappropriate conduct.
Filing Charges
The Student Code of Conduct outlines behavioral expectations of students. The code is published in the student handbook The Key and is available online at thekey.kutztown.edu.Students should familiarize themselves with these policies and procedures before filing a charge against another student. Violations of Student Code of Conduct standards are grounds for charges to be filed. A student who charges another student with a violation is also expected to present testimony at a University Conduct Board hearing should the need arise.
How do I file charges?
In order to file conduct charges against another student an Incident Report Form must be submitted to Student Conduct Services in room 262 of the McFarland Student Union. Students can obtain an Incident Report Form in the office or online at the website listed on the back of this brochure.
Submitting an Incident Report Form
The Incident Report Form is where behavior must be documented. The form contains essential information necessary for a complaint to be processed. The form must be filled out as accurately and specifically as possible and include:
- Name, local address and gender of the accused student
- Date and time of incident
- Location of incident including the address, building name/number, floor number, wing and/or room number
- The specific violation that occurred
- Description of any damage
- Any evidence that was observed, collected, or documented.
- Names of witnesses and other individuals involved in the incident
- Name of the person submitting the report.
The description of the incident should be brief, precise, specific and chronologically accurate. Profanity and/or abusive language should be indicated. Hearsay and opinion are not appropriate inclusions for a report. It is also important to note that the burden of proof falls on the accuser. In other words, it is the responsibility of the party filing the report to present proof to substantiate his or her charges that a violation occurred through the Incident Report Form and or testimony at a University Conduct Board hearing.
What happens next?
In most instances, Student Conduct Services will process an Incident Report Form within a week of receipt. The accused party will then receive a letter requesting that he or she contact the office to schedule an appointment for a preliminary briefing to discuss the incident with the assigned case officer. Students have five business days to respond to this letter. At a preliminary briefing, the student may either accept responsibility for the violation and receive a sanction or deny responsibility for the violation. Failure to respond will result in a scheduled hearing.
When is a hearing necessary?
When a student denies responsibility, a hearing will be scheduled in approximately two to three weeks. This hearing will be with the University Conduct Board which consists of a faculty member, an administrator and a student. A Process Administrator will preside over the hearing. The accusing party and its witnesses, along with the accused party and its witnesses, will be notified of the hearing and their presence will be required.
How will the problem be resolved?
After hearing all relevant testimony and examining any evidence, the University Conduct Board will meet to determine whether the accused party is responsible for a violation and assign sanctions if appropriate.
Summary
Student Conduct Services can often mediate to resolve interpersonal differences without the need to file official charges. Students have the right to file charges if they are victims of inappropriate conduct. Students can file charges by completing an Incident Report Form through Student Conduct Services. The burden of proof of wrongdoing falls to the party filing charges. The accused party will be notified and can accept or deny responsibility for a violation. When a student denies responsibility a hearing will be scheduled. After hearing testimony of all parties and witnesses, the University Conduct Board will deliberate, render a decision and apply sanctions if appropriate.
Need help preparing for a hearing?
Student Advocates are undergraduate or graduate employees of Student Conduct Services that help advise their peers about the student conduct process. The Student Advocates are trained and have experience with the student conduct process. They can help advise students on their rights, inform them of options for addressing their concerns, and provide support services for hearing preparation. To consult with a Student Advocate contact the office or email: studentadvocate@kutztown.edu
Student Conduct Services
Office of the Associate Vice
President and Dean for Student
Services and Campus Life
262 McFarland Student Union Building
Kutztown University
Kutztown, PA 19530
Phone: 610-683-1320
Fax: 610-683-1521
A Member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
If you need the information contained in this brochure in an alternative format, please contact Student Conduct Services