A-to-Z Index

The Judicial Process


The following section explains the judicial process step-by-step. Each step explains what the actions of the Office of Judicial Affairs and what a student should expect when going through the process.

To see a diagram of how the process works, please download our Judicial Process Diagram (PDF).


  1. Notification
    • A student will receive a letter informing you that a judicial charge has been brought against that student.
    • The student must then schedule an appointment with the Office of Judicial Affairs by the date indicated in the letter.
  2. The Appointment
    • A hearing officer will see the student to explain the charges.
    • A hearing officer will discuss the student's rights.
    • A hearing officer will explain all judicial procedures.
    • A hearing officer will hear any statement that student may wish to make.
    • Click here to view a mock administrative option hearing.
  3. The Decision
    • The student will be informed of the decision regarding the charges.
    • If the student is found not responsible, the process ends here.
    • If the student is found responsible, a sanction will be assigned.
    • The student may then accept or reject the decision.
  4. Your Options
    • If the student chooses to accept the decision, the process ends here.
    • If the student chooses to reject the decision, the case will then be referred to the University Judicial Council.
  5. The Judicial Council Hearing
    • The Judicial Council will, independently and without knowledge of the judicial officer's decision, determine your responsibility.
    • The sanction assigned by the council may be more, the same, or less severe than that assigned by the hearing officer.
    • Click here to view a mock council hearing.
  6. The Appeal Process
    • The student may appeal the decision of the judicial council. The appeal must be in writing and within three working days of the hearing.
    • An appeal must be based on harshness of sanction, violation of due process, or new evidence.
    • An appeal decision may confirm the original decision, reduce the sanction, or find the student not responsible.