How Does the OSRR Formal Hearing Process Work?
To better familiarize faculty and staff with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, we have been running a series of articles on what it is we do, how and why. Last week, we shared in the Daily Flyer a review of the informal hearing process. This week, we will go into greater depth regarding the formal hearing process.
While most cases are resolved via the informal hearing process, what happens if the student does not accept responsibility for violating the Student Code of Conduct? As stated under the “Conduct Process” section in the Student Code of Conduct, “if the student does not accept responsibility, OSRR [student conduct] will initiate formal disciplinary charges.” In the event formal charges are filed, the student and OSRR determine whether a formal administrative hearing by OSRR or a formal hearing by a student conduct panel will be imposed.
Overview of the Formal Hearing Process:
- All involved parties are invited to the Formal Hearing
In the formal hearing, all involved parties are invited to come and present their testimony and witnesses. Formal Hearings allow for all parties to ask questions of one another and to be asked questions by the OSRR. - Arranging the Formal Hearing
The Formal Hearing generally takes 2-3 weeks to schedule as Student Conduct does its best to accommodate everyone’s schedule to present testimony in real-time. The formal hearing generally lasts 1-2 hours, time is dependent upon the complexity of the process. All hearing proceedings are recorded and will become a part of the student’s disciplinary record. - The role of the Formal Hearing panel
During the Formal Hearing, the conduct panel’s role is to listen to the incident details, ask questions, review the evidence presented, determine the facts of the case and by majority vote determine if the student is responsible or not responsible for violating the student code of conduct. - Decision and appeal
Once the hearing is complete, Student Conduct will have ten business days to send the decision to the accused student via e-mail. If the accused student disagrees with the decision, they have the right to appeal the decision to the appropriate campus provost. After review of the information, the provost will render a decision. The provost’s decision is final.
To learn more about the Formal Hearing process and a definition of relevant terms used in the process, please review the Conduct Process section of the student code of conduct or feel free to reach out to your campus Coordinator for Student Integrity and Conduct:
Dr. Chevella Wilson (chwilson@nvcc.edu): LO and WO
Lisa Zandel (lzandel1@nvcc.edu): AL and MA
Steven Mosley (smosley@nvcc.edu): AN and MEC
Being well versed with NOVA’s Student Code of Conduct and understanding the role of OSRR is is an opportunity for the NOVA community to equip ourselves as we engage in our daily work. As outlined this month, OSRR looks forward to working with the NOVA community in understanding the ins and outs of both the informal and formal hearing process. OSRR will continue to provide opportunities to share the full breadth and scope of the great work in OSRR and the vital role our NOVA community members share in this important process to ensure student success.
Submitted by:
Lisa Zandel, OSRR for AL and MA, LZandel1@nvcc.edu