Do I have to attend my hearing? No, attendance is not required at the hearing; however, if you choose not to attend you have forfeited your right to present information about the situation that created the allegation of a policy violation. It is strongly recommended that students attend any scheduled hearings. What is the difference between an administrative hearing and a University Hearing Board? An administrative hearing is required for alleged policy violations that are not deemed serious enough to warrant suspension or expulsion. These hearings may be handled by the Director of Student Conduct or one of the Resident Directors from the Department of Residence Life. A University Hearing Board is required when the allegations of a policy violation are deemed serious, and/or may have a significant impact on the overall campus community. Cases that are serious enough to warrant suspension or expulsion are required to be heard by the University Hearing Board. The University Hearing Board is composed of a non-voting Hearing Officer and five voting Hearing Board Members. Why do I have to go through the Student Conduct Process if I'm already going to court? The Student Conduct Process is an educational experience that directly relates to the mission and values of William Paterson University. It is separate and distinct from New Jersey state law that informs the civil and criminal code which can result in arrest. By choosing to affiliate with William Paterson University, all student members of the University are expected to uphold the standards of this community. As a result, the University administers its own conduct process. Who can I bring as my advisor? All students who have been alleged to have violated policy have the right to bring an advisor to the hearing. The student may choose any one person to serve as her or his advisor throughout the student conduct process. This person can be a parent, an instructor, a mentor, or even a lawyer. An advisor may counsel the student on what information to present or offer advice on the inclusion of other relevant information. An advisor is not permitted to advocate on behalf of the student, to address the hearing officer or members of the University Hearing Board, to question the eyewitnesses or to request a schedule change. An advisor who interferes in the hearing process will be removed. What if my lawyer will be my advisor? This is permitted. Prior to the hearing, please review with your lawyer the restrictions placed on advisors within the student conduct process. The expectation is for the student to speak for herself or himself at any student conduct proceeding. Your lawyer may counsel you on what information to present or offer advice on the inclusion of other relevant information. Your lawyer is not permitted to advocate on your behalf, to address the hearing officer or members of the University Hearing Board, to question the eyewitnesses or to request a schedule change. If your lawyer interferes in the hearing process, he or she will be removed. Who qualifies as a witness? All students who have been alleged to have violated policy will be informed of the right to bring witnesses to the hearing. The witness must be an eye-witness: someone who was present at the time of the event and who has direct knowledge of the alleged violation(s). Who gets to know what happens during my hearing? You will be informed of the hearing outcome via written communication from the Hearing Officer. Only University Hearing Boards are digitally recorded for appeal purposes. The information presented during a hearing is confidential and cannot be shared with others except in circumstances where there has been a clearly identified victim or victims. What information can be given to victims of sexual assault violations? New federal regulations regarding Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 require that victims of sexual assault violations will be simultaneously provided with written notification of the outcome of the hearing and have the right to file an appeal within three days of notification. What information can be given to victims of physical assault violations? The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 allows for victims of physical assault violations to be notified of the hearing outcome and any sanctions assigned for the purposes of that student's peace of mind.
