Students FAQs Regarding Student Conduct Matters
If I am being charged
with a violation, what will happen?
You will receive a letter from us asking you to make an
appointment or assigning you a time to meet with the Hearing
Officer. The letter will also describe any charges. It is important
to make an appointment and keep it. Ignoring the situation will not
make it go away. If you don't respond, a decision can be made in
the case without your input. This decision could affect your status
as a student. In the meantime, our office may place a "hold" your
student account, this may prevent you from registering for classes.
The block may remain on your account until the case has been
resolved and if necessary sanctions have been completed.
If I am being charged in
court, why do I also have to deal with Butler University? Isn't
this double jeopardy?
It is not double jeopardy which only applies to the criminal court
system. As a student, the University holds you responsible for your
behavior under the University Rules of Conduct, rather than
criminal statutes.
Do I need an
attorney?
Informal hearings and other proceedings at an educational
institution do not follow the same procedures used in courtrooms.
The university does not employ lawyers to "prosecute" students, or
apply the rules of evidence used in civil or criminal trials.
Instead, charges are investigated and resolved in an atmosphere of
candor, truthfulness, and civility. You may have an attorney
present if you desire, but you are not required to have an
attorney. When facing serious allegations, however, some students
find it helpful to have the expertise of an attorney in responding
to allegations. Attorneys may only serve in an advisory role and
may not address the board.
What do I need to do to
prepare for a hearing?
Visit the Hearing Preparation page for more
information.
What if I don't show up
for my meeting with the hearing officer?
The hearing officer will make a decision in the case without the
benefit of your involvement and perspective.
What if I was not aware
of a rule and didn't know I was breaking it?
Lack of knowledge of a rule is not an excuse for misconduct. Every
student is responsible for knowing the rules and regulations of
Butler University's Rules of Conduct. It is important for you to
read your 2011-12 Student Handbook containing
the Rules of Conduct. If you are unsure about any policies, ask for
clarification.
Can't I just lie about
the situation and get away with it?
Maybe, but it is not a good idea. If it should be found that you
lied, there can be additional conduct charges or consequences.
Will conduct sanctions
appear on my academic transcript?
Generally not.
Will my parents be
notified of any sanctions I receive?
Not necessarily. Conduct proceedings conducted by the university
are subject to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA). Generally, under FERPA conduct records may not be released
or disclosed without the expressed written permission of the
student whose conduct record is being sought unless provided by
law. Release of student conduct records is permitted without prior
consent to university officials with legitimate educational
interest; victim/s of an alleged crime of violence or of an alleged
sexual assault; and parents of a student who can provide written
documentation that the student is financially dependent or if the
student violates the drug or alcohol policy and is under 21 years
old.
What if I do not complete
an assigned sanction?
Additional sanctions may be added and a hold may be placed on your
record. In some cases, failure to complete sanctions may result in
suspension or expulsion. In addition, a hold will be placed on your
registration and records. Remember that sanctions are placed as a
result of your violation of the Student Rules of Conduct, and are
designed to educate you about the expectations and norms of the
University community.
Will potential employers
have access to my judicial record?
Your conduct record will only be accessible to them if you provide
written permission allowing it.