EASTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY

STUDENT HEARING COMMITTEE

(Subcommittee of Assembly Student Affairs Committee)

Purpose

The functions of the Student Hearing Committee include:

1. Provide an opportunity for communication between students and faculty members;
2. Consider any campus-wide problems of student-faculty relationships and make recommendations to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (Provost) and/or VP for Student Affairs;
3. Conduct hearings for students whose conduct is not in keeping with the standards of the University as described in the Student Code of Conduct;
4. Conduct hearings for students who have filed a grievance or appeal in relation to the Student Code of Conduct. Appeals will be conducted with five members of the Student Hearing Committee presiding; with two faculty members, two student members, and one classified staff.

Composition of Student Hearings Committee

The Student Hearing Committee shall be selected by the Assembly Student Affairs Committee at the beginning of each academic year. The Student Hearing Committee shall be comprised of two one teaching faculty members, two one administrative faculty members, four three student members, and two one classified staff. Disciplinary Hearings with the Student Hearing Committee presiding will be conducted with three members of the Student Hearing Committee with all members of the hearing committee present; at least one member must be a student and one member must be a faculty member. The Assembly Student Affairs Committee designates one of the faculty members either the administrative or teaching faculty to be the chair. A quorum (at least five members, three of whom shall be a student) is needed to make recommendations.

Responsibilities of Members

• The Student Hearing Committee will attend a training session designed to familiarize them with the Student Code of Conduct, campus hearing procedures, disciplinary actions, and the rights and responsibilities of campus citizenship.
• Provide the Student Conduct Coordinator with a current class schedule each term.
• If a conduct hearing is needed before the Student Hearing Committee is in place, members of the Assembly Student Affairs Committee will serve as the Student Hearing Committee.
• The Student Conduct Coordinator will contact the members of the Student Hearing Committee when the need arises for a hearing before the Student Hearing Committee.
• Review all materials pertinent to hearing/issue.
• Keep all information confidential. Members will only receive a packet on an individual case if they have confirmed their attendance at that meeting. If a committee member cannot attend the meeting, they must return the unopened packer to the Student Conduct Coordinator. Also, it is imperative that commission members not discuss proceedings or commission decisions with others on or off campus.
• Return all materials upon completion of hearing to the Student Conduct Coordinator

• Declare conflict of interest if applicable.

Conflict of Interest

Any member who has a prior bias in favor or opposition to the individual and/or the alleged violation must declare a conflict of interest. Testimony may be offered, but said member may decline any further input or vote in the mater.

Hearing Protocol

• Printed materials pertinent to the alleged violation are to be compiled and distributed (hand-delivered) by the Student Conduct Coordinator to all members who are able to attend the hearing at least two days prior to the scheduled hearing.
• The entire hearing may be audio recorded. If so, get permission from accused student to tape record hearing prior to use. Make sure tape recorder is on.

• Following the hearing all notes and printed materials are to be shredded.

At the hearing

• The Chair will open the hearing with a closed session to determine appropriate procedures for this hearing.
• Conflicts of interest?
• Confidentiality, DO NOT discuss with others
• The Chair will invite appropriate individuals to join the hearing.
• The entire hearing may be audio recorded. If so, get permission from accused student to tape record hearing prior to use. Make sure tape recorder is on.
• The Chair will make introductory comments and provide an overview of the hearing. Chairperson reads the charges against the accused student.
• Each person in attendance will state his/her name and representation.
• The Chair will then provide the agenda and procedure for the session. Questions to clarify the process may be entertained.
• The committee will then hear and question the statements(s)/report(s) for the person(s) initiating the report.
• The committee will hear and question the statement(s)/report(s) of the respondent(s).
• The committee will hear and question any other witnesses scheduled.
• The Chair will ask for any further response from all involved then dismiss all but voting members, secretary and Hearings Officer.

In Closing Session:

• The Committee shall consider the case
• Collect confidential information
• Submit recommendation for disciplinary sanctions to the Senior Hearings Officer.