What kinds of issues/problems/complaints fall under Student Judicial Affairs?

The Student Affairs Office processes issues/problems/complaints that involve students who are accused of violating constitute the Student Code of Conduct. The Code addresses a wide variety of behaviors, including assault, computer and telephone misuse, and vandalism.

Who can file a complaint against a student?

Any member of the FHSU community may file a complaint against a student - that means that a faculty member, staff person, or student may file a complaint.

Does filing a complaint automatically mean that there will be a formal hearing?

No, filing a complaint does not automatically result in a formal hearing. The student that is accused will first participate in a "Student Conference" with a staff member from the Student Affairs Office. If the accused student admits to violating the Code of Conduct in that conference, sanctions are developed and the matter is considered resolved once those sanctions are completed. If the student does not admit to violating the code as accused, the process advances to a hearing (either a Student Panel Hearing or Administrative Hearing).

Who decides if the hearing will be administrative or with the Student Hearing Panel? How is that decision made?

That decision is made by the Administrative Officer (Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs). In most cases, the matter will be heard by the Student Hearing Panel. Examples of when an adminstrative hearing is used are when the matter must be resolved in a timely way, or during finals week or the week immediately prior to finals.

If the violation involves an alleged crime, can a student be prosecuted criminally as well as referred to Student Judicial Affairs?

Yes. Students are held responsible for the behavior as members of the University community. Judicial Affairs does not process violations of the law (as courts do), but violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Students have a separate relationship with FHSU that is different from their responsibilties as citizens of Hays, the state of Kansas, and the USA.

How can someone get involved in serving on a University discipline board?

Students can become involved in serving on a number of different hearing boards. Students living in a University Residence Hall should contact their Hall Director to get more information about being part of Hall Council and Judicial Board. Students that belong to a Greek letter organization may serve on the Greek Standards Review Board - interested students should contact the Panhellenic or IFC advisor in the Student Affairs Office. Applications for the Student Panel become available at the beginning of the fall semester, and the panel is selected at that time. Contact the Student Affairs Office to find out if there are openings on the Student Panel.

Faculty involvement is also important in FHSU Judicial Affairs. Three members of the FHSU faculty serve on the Student/Faculty Court. In addition, faculty may be invited to participate in adminstrative hearings. Please contact Lisa Heath in the Student Affairs Office for more information.

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