Student Conduct FAQ

You will receive an email via your Butler address asking you to make an appointment or assigning you a time to meet with the conduct officer. The email 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” on your student record and 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.

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.

Informal conduct review meetings 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. Students may have an advisor with them; the advisor is there for support and advice but not to represent the student.

Visit the Conduct Review FAQ page for more information.

The conduct officer may make a decision in the case without the benefit of your involvement and perspective. You will be held to the decision that is made.

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 review the online Student Handbook containing the Rules of Conduct. Apartment and residence hall students also need to be aware of rules and guidelines pertinent to living in campus housing. These are found on the Housing and Dining website. If you are unsure about any policies, ask for clarification.

Maybe, but it is not a good idea. If it should be found that you lied, there can be additional conduct charges or consequences.

Generally not.

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 in the following cases: to University officials with legitimate educational interests and to parents of a student if the student violates the drug or alcohol policy and is under 21 years old. Additionally, victim/s of an alleged crime of violence or of an alleged violation of the sexual misconduct guidelines have a right to learn the outcome of those cases.

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 and one may not be able to sign up for classes or get access to one’s transcript. Remember that sanctions are placed as a result of your violation of the Rules of Conduct, and are designed to educate you about the expectations and norms of the University community.

Your conduct record will only be accessible to them if you provide written permission allowing it.