Frequently Asked Questions About the Conduct Process

FAQS

• Is this process confidential?

  Answer: With the exceptions noted in the Student Conduct Manual, as per the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, information from a student’s conduct file will not be made available to anyone other than the student without that student’s written consent.

  Student Conduct Manual

• Are my parents or guardians notified of any charges against me?

  Answer: Students under the age of 21 who are found to be responsible for violating the alcohol and/or drug policy as outlined in the Student Conduct Manual will have a copy of their outcome letter sent to their home address regardless of dependent status.

• If I have already been convicted by the police, why does a case need to be adjudicated by the school as well?

  Answer: Criminal charges are just that, criminal. They are filed by the police and adjudicated in a court of law. College charges are filed against you through the college for a violation of college policies. These establishments are two totally separate entities and therefore are adjudicated independently.

• Who will be deciding my case?

  Answer: The Director of Student Conduct (designee) is charged with the responsibility for seeing that due process is provided to students accused of violating college regulations. The Director (designee) will be present at a review of the conduct charges where a student will offer a plea of Responsible or Not Responsible. If a student offers a plea of Responsible at the review then a sanction will be assigned. If a student offers a plea of Not Responsible, the student will be granted either an Administrative or Student Conduct Board Hearing. An Administrative Hearing will be decided by either the Director of Student Conduct (designee). A Student Conduct Board Hearing is decided by the members of the Student Conduct Board.

• Can I bring a lawyer or witnesses to the hearing?

  Answer: Every student has the right to bring witnesses and up to two advisors to either the Administrative or Student Conduct Board Hearing. Attorneys may serve as advisors. University policy permits the presence of advisors for privately advising the student at the hearing. Advisors are not, however, eligible to participate in the hearing, e.g., by presenting the student’s case or cross-examining witnesses.

• Does the conduct process cost me any money?

  Answer: The actual conduct process will not cost any money. If restitution is assigned as part of a sanction, you will be required to pay the cost of damage or loss of property/services. Reimbursement may be partial or complete depending on circumstances, e.g., number of people involved or degree of responsibility.

• If I am placed on disciplinary probation, will that affect my academic status?

  Answer: Disciplinary probation has no bearing on your academic status. However, if your GPA falls below a 2.0, a review of your records, including conduct records, may take place prior to a decision on your continuation as a SUNY Plattsburgh student.

• Can any case in or out of school affect my financial aid?

  Answer: Generally, conduct sanctions do not impact the status of your financial aid. However, criminal convictions for drug law violations can affect your status.

  Financial Aid Eligibility for Students with Criminal Convictions

• What will happen if I do not complete the required sanction given to me?

  Answer: If you do not complete the required sanction then a Judicial Hold will be placed on your record. This hold will prevent you from registering for classes, adding/dropping classes, requesting transcripts, and receiving a diploma. Students who violate or do not complete their sanctions as assigned may also subject themselves to additional referrals.