We want to take a moment to outline the University’s student conduct process and how cases are resolved when concerns arise. The University of Minnesota's Board of Regents Policy: Student Conduct Code outlines the behavioral expectations for all students and student groups, emphasizing academic integrity, freedom of expression, and the promotion of a safe and inclusive campus environment. University leadership is committed to creating a campus environment that supports and preserves adherence to the Student Conduct Code. Our approach is designed to be educational, fair, and supportive while maintaining the integrity of our community standards.
Conduct Process Overview
Overview
- Informal Resolution – In most cases of scholastic dishonesty, the informal resolution is determined by the reporting faculty member. For all other cases, the Office for Community Standards (OCS) facilitates an informal resolution process.
- Formal Resolution – If an informal resolution is not accepted, the case proceeds to a formal hearing before the Campus Committee on Student Behavior (CCSB), an arm of the University of Minnesota’s shared governance structure, or another hearing panel within a specific college.
- The CCSB is appointed by the University Senate Office Committee on Committees and it is composed of volunteer faculty, staff, and students.
- Apply to get involved.
- (Note: In cases involving sexual misconduct, the matter is reviewed by the System-wide Sexual Misconduct Hearing Committee.)
- Appeal – The final step in the process is a written appeal reviewed by the Provost’s designee. Appeals are only considered on limited grounds, such as procedural errors or potential unfairness, and changes to decisions or outcomes at this stage are extremely rare.
Additional Offerings
We have two separate programs outside of the student conduct process to support students:
- Academic Integrity Matters (AIM): This program addresses scholastic dishonesty. You can find more details here: AIM Program.
- Expungement Program: This program applies to certain kinds of non-academic misconduct. More information is available here: Expungement process.
Both programs have some exclusions but are designed to provide restorative and educational support for students who have taken full responsibility for their violations, made efforts to repair harm, and are ready to move forward.
Key Considerations
- Some incidents may be addressed through both a criminal process and the University’s conduct process. These are separate systems with different standards of review.
- While certain aspects of the criminal process are public, the student conduct process is private, as required by law and University policy.
- Above all, our process is designed to be educational while providing due process and procedural fairness to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for everyone.
For more details, you can find the full Student Conduct Code Procedures in the University’s policy library. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office for Community Standards.
Thank you for your attention to these important processes that help maintain a respectful and accountable campus community.
Notifying the Student of the Report
When OCS receives a report, they will send an email to the accused student telling them about the report. Often, this letter will direct the student to schedule a meeting in our office. There are some situations where a student may not be required to meet with a staff member.
Meeting with the Student About the Report
An accused student may be required to attend an informal meeting with an OCS staff person to discuss the incident and learn about the disciplinary process. Even if not required, a student may still choose to have an informal meeting to discuss an incident. If appropriate, OCS may also meet with others who witnessed or reported the incident.
Opportunity for Further Review
After an informal meeting, the student will receive an email from OCS offering an informal resolution to the incident. The student can then choose whether they agree with the resolution and the case is closed, or they can disagree with the resolution and can request a formal hearing.
The University's disciplinary process is designed to be fair to all the individuals involved.
The University uses preponderance of the evidence as the standard of proof for alleged violations of the Student Conduct Code. This means that students will be held responsible for a violation of the Student Conduct Code if it is more likely than not that the violation has occurred.
Some colleges or departments may have additional policies and procedures for students enrolled in their programs.