Prep Tools for Student Conduct Hearings 

Student Conduct Hearing Preparation Tips

• Read section IV of the current Code of Student Conduct.
• Ask for a copy of the Student Conduct Hearing outline, if you do not already have one, and review it.
• Inquire about the ground rules of the Student Conduct Hearing in advance.
• Prepare a 2-3 minute opening statement that will outline your stance during the hearing.
• Prepare a 2-3 minute concluding statement that will summarize your stance and highlight your desired outcome for the case.
• Gather your thoughts and write down your version of the incident in a chronological narrative and/or bulleted format.
• Be prepared to read or tell your version of the incident to the Director of Student Conduct or a student conduct body consisting of faculty, students, and possibly staff community members.
• Request to review the case packet of documentation (the findings of the University investigation) that may be presented during the student conduct hearing.
• Write down any relevant open-ended and/or closed-ended questions for your accuser or the alleged victim, which may help to prove your version of the incident.
• When you address the designated student conduct body, make eye contact with them.  Their task is to determine what more than likely occurred.  You can make their task a little bit easier if they can get a feel for you verbally and non-verbally.  
• Be prepared to answer potentially and seemingly adverse or uncomfortable questions truthfully.
• Be respectful to the panel members of the student conduct body and avoid being argumentative, rude, and overly defensive when answering their questions.
• If any, ask an eye-witnesses, circumstantial witnesses, or character witnesses to be present, who may be able to provide an objective, yet favorable account of the incident for you.
• If necessary, ask a character witness to be present on your behalf.
• If necessary, ask for an advisor to be present at the hearing and inform the Director of Student Conduct, no later than two (2) University business days  in advance. 
• Inform the advisor that they cannot represent the student.  Students must represent themselves at Student Conduct Hearings.
• Tell the truth.