Campus rule

Q: How do these committees work?

A: They’re normally made up of students, faculty, staff, alumni and other members of the university community. Students are generally referred to the committee when a problem is very serious or when all other methods of resolution have been exhausted. Students are usually required to answer some questions and tell their side of the story. They sometimes have an opportunity to address whoever made the complaint against them, whether it be another student, a professor or a security officer, but the accuser is often protected and respondents might only be able to defend themselves against a complaint or report. Reports can be written by anyone involved in the situation, from a campus police officer to a faculty member to a special investigative officer appointed by the committee.

Q: If I do come before a disciplinary committee, do I need a lawyer?

A: Disciplinary committees are set up so students can tell their side of a story and engage in discussion without legal representation. Just like in Scent of a Woman, many schools allow students to have an advocate (often a faculty member, parent or, rarely, a lawyer). But hold the hoo-ah: an advocate isn’t normally allowed to speak on a student’s behalf.

Q: How does the appeals process work?

A: If new evidence comes to light or if a sentence is believed to be too harsh, a student may be able to appeal to a specific appeals committee, to the dean of students, or to another university official. But not all universities have an appeals process.