The term "respondent" refers to the student or student organization alleged to have violated the CWRU Student Code of Conduct. See Common Terms for additional definitions.
Step 1: Initial Meeting with Administrator
Respondents alleged to have violated a Student Code of Conduct policy will initially meet with an administrator to discuss the incident in question and give their perspective on what happened.
If the respondent agrees that a violation occurred and agrees with the conduct sanctions being proposed, the case may be resolved informally in the initial meeting. With this agreement, the conduct case will be closed. The respondent will receive a decision letter after the meeting.
If the respondent does not agree that a violation occurred and/or does not agree with the sanctions being proposed, the respondent has the right to request an administrative hearing.
Step 2: Administrative Hearing
If the respondent requests an administrative hearing, a different administrator will review all of the available information and then meet with the respondent to determine responsibility and possible sanctions. The respondent will receive a decision letter after the meeting.
If the respondent is found not responsible for any violations, then the hearing will conclude and no sanctions will be imposed.
If the respondent disagrees with the outcome of the administrative hearing, the respondent may appeal the decision.
Step 3: Appeal Process
Respondents wishing to appeal the hearing decision must file an appeal petition within five business days of the hearing decision being sent. A third administrator from the Office of Student Affairs or a designee will review all information related to the case and render an appeal decision. The respondent will not meet with the appeal officer. An appeal decision letter will be sent to the respondent after a decision is made. The appeal decision is final.
Last Updated: August 14, 2019