What is the residence hall judicial board?

The Residence Hall Judicial Board exists to help uphold the integrity of the University's Community Values and to adjudicate violations of the Residence Hall Community Standards and the Student Code of Conduct. The Residence Hall Judicial Board is an official arm of the University’s judicial system, and has the authority to hear disciplinary cases and to recommend sanctions.

Why do we have a residence hall judicial board?

By empowering residents to create and enforce community living standards, students will develop a sense of pride and ownership of their residence hall community. Through the Residence Hall Judicial Board, students are directly responsible for establishing an atmosphere that is conducive to safe community living, learning, and respectful of individual differences.

How can I become a member of the judicial board?

Each of the residence halls has an active Residence Hall Council, composed of representatives from the floors of the building. The Residence Hall Council officers, in conjunction with their Residence Hall Coordinators, must interview and appoint student representatives from their building to serve as members of the Residence Hall Judicial Board.  Also, each building’s Resident Assistant (RA) staff will elect one Resident Assistant to serve on the Judicial Board.  Residents interested in joining the Board are encouraged to notify their Residence Hall Coordinator.  Residence Hall Judicial Board members will take part in a training session to familiarize them with the University’s judicial system. Those who successfully complete the training will serve in a pool of students who are available to be called upon in the event of a Residence Hall Judicial Board Hearing.  All Residence Hall Judicial Board members are required to maintain a minimum 2.5 QPA and a clear disciplinary record.  Each case will be heard by three to five Residence Hall Judicial Board members. A staff advisor will be present at hearings to ensure that judicial procedures are followed.

What types of cases will the residence hall judicial board hear?

Residence Hall Judicial Board members can expect to hear cases involving the following violations: alcohol, quiet hours, community living standards, emergency procedures, visitation, cleanliness, safety, misuses of recreational and safety equipment, lounge/common area usage, conflict resolution, failure to comply, prohibited items, smoking, and misuse of University property.  The Residence Hall Judicial Board is a joint venture between the Office of Residence Life and Housing and the Office of Student Judicial Affairs.

What types of sanctions can the board recommend?

Disciplinary Warning:                         Written action taken when the individual’s conduct merits an official admonition. The student is advised that further misconduct may result in more severe disciplinary action.

Alcohol Awareness Program:            Mandatory attendance at the University's Alcohol Awareness Program. Students must attend all classes, and any missed classes will be considered a violation of this sanction. The program has a course assessment fee of  $100.

Drug Awareness Program:                 Mandatory attendance at the University's Drug Awareness Program. Students must attend all classes, and any missed classes will be considered a violation of this sanction. The program has a course assessment fee of $100.

Anger Management Workshop:       Mandatory participation in the University’s Anger Management Workshop to improve conflict resolution skills.

Community Service:                            An assignment to provide volunteer assistance to a University department or community non-profit agency.

Mentoring:                                            Students will be connected with a faculty, staff, or student mentor to provide support in the areas of academic and personal development.

Restitution:                                           A requirement to submit payment to the University or other specified person or groups for damages incurred as a result of any violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

Housing Reassignment:                     A reassignment of housing to a new location on-campus.

Disciplinary Probation:                       A period of official censure, whereas a further violation by a student while on disciplinary probation may result in a University suspension or expulsion.

What procedures are followed during a residence hall judicial board hearing?

1. The chairperson reads an opening statement and everyone is instructed to identify themselves.
2. The chairperson administers an oath to the respondent and the complainant.
3. The chairperson reads the alleged violation(s) and circumstances and asks the respondent if he or she has violated the standard.
4. If a violation is acknowledged, the respondent and the complainant will be permitted to make statements elaborating on the incident before the judicial board goes into executive session. If a violation is not acknowledged, the judicial board will hear an opening statement from the complainant, followed by an opening statement from the respondent.
5. The complainant presents his or her case and any relevant witnesses.
6. The chairperson opens the hearing to questions from the respondent and/or the judicial board.
7. The respondent presents his or her case and any relevant witnesses.
8. The chairperson opens the hearing to questions from the complainant and/or the judicial board.
9. The chairperson opens the hearing to any final questions.
10. The complainant makes his or her closing remarks.
11. The respondent makes his or her closing remarks.
12. The judicial board convenes into executive session, rules on the case, and prepares a recommendation for sanctioning.
13. The judicial board’s recommendation is relayed to the Coordinator of Student Judicial Affairs who accepts or modifies the recommendation and issues a decision letter to the respondent.
14. The respondent may appeal, if eligible, to the Dean of Student Life.