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Answers Frequently Asked Questions about
students conduct and University discipline procedures are provided
below. If you have other questions about student conduct or University
policy, please contact the Coordinator of Student Conduct at x4206.
If I am facing criminal charges for
an incident do I also have to go through the University's conduct and
discipline process?
Yes. The purposes of the University's
campus conduct and discipline processes are to determine if a
violation of the MSU Code of Student Conduct has occurred and to
determine what consequences are appropriate. Students have a
relationship with the University that is different from their
responsibilities as citizens of the larger Montclair and New Jersey
communities. Therefore, if a student's behavior violates local or
state laws, he or she will also face adjudication in the appropriate
court system. The court system will determine whether laws have been
breeched. Because the campus conduct and discipline system is distinct
from the courts, students should keep in mind that the University may
pursue or enforce disciplinary action even if criminal charges are
reduced or dismissed. This is because University hearings are internal
processes meant to serve an educational rather than a punitive purpose
and because they deal with the University's Code of Student Conduct.
Can I bring a lawyer to my hearing?
The University's procedures allow
students to bring an advisor or an attorney, but students are expected
to speak for themselves at hearings. Attorneys are permitted to
communicate at hearings anly with the individuals they represent and may
not speak on behalf of a student or address the hearing body.
How does my discipline history
impact my status as a student, or future cases in which I might be
involved?
Your discipline history will not impact
a Conduct Officer or Hearing Panel's decision regarding your
responsibility. That decision is made on a preponderance of the
evidence related to the case at hand. Your history of prior
violations, however, does affect your sanctions. Sanctions are
cumulative, so if you have a disciplinary history at the time of the
incident, you can expect more severe sanctions.
What are sanctions?
A sanction represents the consequences
a student faces for violating the University's Code of Student
Conduct. Sanctions are intended to educate students about their
responsibilities to themselves and to others as well as help them
understand and critically reflect on the effects of their behaviors.
In this way, sanctions reinforce the community standards that protect
the rights and responsibilities of all MSU students.
I don't think my sanctions are
necessary, so do I have to do them?
Yes. If you do not complete your
sanctions satisfactorily, or by the deadline indicated in your letter,
you will be subject to additional disciplinary action. Depending on
the sanctions issued, you may be issued additional stipulations or
restrictions, or you may be placed on probation or suspension.
Students should keep in mind these are examples of the potential
disciplinary action that may be taken if a student does not complete
his or her sanctions.
What can I do if I don't agree with
the disciplinary action that was taken against me?
Students may appeal a Conduct Officer
or Hearing Panel's decision if they believe one of the following
conditions exist:
- There was substantial and
prejudicial failure to follow procedures.
- The student can provide evidence
that the sanction was unduly severe.
- The student has additional evidence
that was not available at the time of the hearing.
Additional information about filing an
appeal is published in the Code of Student Conduct.
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