Section 5: Overview of the Conduct Process

This overview gives a general idea of how the University of Saint Francis’s campus conduct proceedings work, but it should be noted that not all situations are of the same severity or complexity. The campus conduct process and all applicable timelines commence with notice to an administrator of a potential violation of University community expectations.

The Vice President for Student Affairs (or designee) may in his/her sole discretion, adjudicate Code of Student Conduct violations outside the parameters of this policy if so deemed necessary.

NOTICE: Once notice is received from any source (victim, RA, RD, 3rd party, online, etc.), the University of Saint Francis may proceed with an investigation and/or may schedule a meeting with the responding student to explain the conduct process to the responding student and gather information.

STEP 1: Review Report

Reports of alleged misconduct are reviewed by designated Student Affairs administrators to determine whether there is sufficient evidence that misconduct may have occurred. If sufficient evidence exists, a hearing officer is assigned to investigate and determine findings of responsibility for alleged violations.

STEP 2: Notice of Alleged Misconduct

The hearing officer notifies the responding student in writing of allegations of misconduct and schedules a meeting with the responding student to discuss the alleged misconduct.

STEP 3: Investigation/Conduct Meeting

The hearing officer gathers information and evidence from the involved parties and any identified witnesses. The responding student(s) meet with the hearing officer to provide their narrative of the incident and alleged misconduct.

STEP 4: Finding Rendered and Sanctions Assigned

After reviewing all evidence and hearing from all involved parties, the hearing officer renders a finding based on a preponderance of the evidence for each responding student. Findings will be one of the following: 

• Responsible. This finding means that the responding student is found to be responsible for violating the Code of Student Conduct. Students found responsible for violating the Code of Student Conduct are assigned sanctions that must be completed within an identified timeframe.  
• Not Responsible. This finding means that the responding student is found to be not responsible for violating the Code of Student Conduct. There are no sanctions assigned, and the case is closed.  
• Insufficient Evidence. This finding means that there was not enough evidence to support a finding of responsibility for violating the Code of Student Conduct. There are no sanctions assigned, and the case is closed until or unless additional evidence is presented in an appeal.  

The hearing officer sends an outcome letter to the responding student. The outcome letter includes the finding and any assigned sanctions, as well as information regarding the student’s right to appeal.  

STEP 5: Right to Appeal

Any party may request an appeal of the decision of the hearing officer by filing a written request to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, subject to the grounds for appeal requests and appeal procedures outlined in this Code of Student Conduct. The written request should identify the grounds on which the student believes the appeal is warranted and appropriate supporting information.