As members of the Illinois State community, Illinois State University expects its students to act as responsible members and citizens both on campus and in the local community. In the event a situation, or conflict, arises in which the Code of Student Conduct is in question, Community Rights and Responsibilities administers the student conduct process for Illinois State University. Illinois State University prides itself on providing a high level of individualized attention and fostering trust within the community, so we hold our students to a higher standard for their behavior both on and off campus.

The Opportunity to Tell Your Story – Informal Resolution

When a report of a possible Code of Student Conduct violation is received, the student(s) involved are contacted and provided with the opportunity to attend a required meeting with a staff member, or Case Manager, to share their version of the event(s) in question. The nature of the conflict determines who a student may meet with in this initial intake meeting, whether a staff member from University Housing Services or Community Rights and Responsibilities. In either case, student(s) are asked to aid the Case Manager in determining an appropriate educational response by offering information that is both truthful and complete.

As a result of the dialogue in the meeting, the staff member may dismiss the complaint if it is determined that the initial report lacks substance, is unsupported based on the new information or falls outside the purview of the Code of Student Conduct. If it is determined that the alleged conduct would constitute a violation of the Code, then the student will be provided with an opportunity to accept responsibility and resolve the matter informally. The student may decide not to accept responsibility, or feel that the offered resolution is unacceptable, in which case he/she may decide to use the formal process to resolve the matter. It is possible that the Case Manager may be unable to offer an informal resolution if there are conflicting versions of the events which would result in the situation being addressed through the formal process.

Every student is guaranteed rights under the Code of Student Conduct and charged with responsibilities within the process as well. For a complete listing of these rights, please refer to the Code of Student Conduct.

Code of Student Conduct (online PDF)

The Formal Resolution Process

Should a student determine that they are dissatisfied with the informal resolution offered to them, or if the case manager is unable to determine what occurred in the situation, then the formal resolution process is necessary. It is up to the discretion of the case manager to determine the format of the hearing -- administrative or with the University Hearing Panel. If the hearing is scheduled with the University Hearing Panel, a group of three members of the University community would hear the case and determine the outcome. Faculty, staff and students are approved by the Student Government Association and/or Academic Senate to serve on the University Hearing Panel. The Code of Student Conduct details all of the specific information about how the University Hearing Panel is selected and functions. After reviewing the Code, if students still have questions about the UHP process, then they are encouraged to contact Community Rights and Responsibilities for a meeting with a staff member to clarify.

In some instances the case may need to be addressed more quickly, or if the information presented is of a sensitive nature, then the determination may be made to utilize the Administrative Hearing process. Administrative Hearings are held with a designated, and trained, professional staff member or partner for Community Rights and Responsibilities. In this type of hearing, the administrator will consider the information and determine the outcome.

In either case, information and witnesses on behalf of the complaint will be presented in the hearing. Then, the student is afforded the ability to provide information, including witnesses, in response to the charge(s) of alleged violations of the Code of Student Conduct. Once all of the information has been presented, the UHP or administrator will move to closed session for determining whether a violation(s) occurred and what the appropriate response will be from the Community. For information about how the hearings flow, please reference the respective scripts below.

Administrative Hearing Script (online PDF)
University Hearing Panel Script (online PDF)

Use of Advisors in the Process

A student can have up to three advisors present with him/her at any stage in the conduct process, whether a parent, member of the University community or attorney. However, advisors may not speak in the formal resolution process, rather they may only communicate with the student. Students and their advisors should refer to the Code of Student Conduct for more information about the role of the advisor(s) in the process.

Student Records/Releases

Disciplinary records of students are maintained in compliance with the State of Illinois Records Act, and maintained for a minimum of five years. Records will be maintained by Community Rights & Responsibilities (CR&R) for a period of five years past the date at which the student returns to good standing in the University community. In cases of disciplinary suspension or disciplinary dismissal, the record will be maintained indefinitely.

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), all disciplinary records are considered confidential records, with exceptions noted in FERPA. Only those persons authorized by the student or by Community Rights & Responsibilities may have access to these records.

To request records, complete the Records Request Packet (pdf file).

To request records to a third party, complete the Records Release Form/FERPA Waiver.

Educational Outcomes from the Resolution Process

When students are found in violation of University regulations, educational outcomes or sanctions will be imposed. The purpose of sanctioning is to educate a student as to why her/his behavior is inappropriate, as well as to make the student aware of and sensitive to all the possible consequences of the behavior in question. Sanctions for misconduct will be determined on a case to case basis, utilizing three main criteria: a) the nature of the offense; b) the precedent established at the University for similar offenses, and; c) the previous disciplinary history of the student, as well as the student's attitude and behavior throughout the resolution process.

Sanctions shall always be comprised of two components: a) an "inactive sanction" or written sanction (Censure, Disciplinary Probation, Deferred Disciplinary Suspension, Disciplinary Suspension, or Disciplinary Dismissal), as well as; b) an "active sanction" or educational outcome, requiring the student the student's active participation. Students are encouraged to review the Code of Student Conduct for information regarding types of sanctions which may be imposed.

Note:

More than one sanction may be imposed for any violation.
CR&R may impose other restrictions, such as restriction from class registration and other academic activities as is deemed necessary.
In cases of academic dishonesty, it is recommended that the minimum sanction imposed be Disciplinary Probation.
In cases where it is determined that a student has been involved in the sale and/or distribution of illegal or controlled drugs or substances, it is strongly recommended that the minimum sanction imposed be Disciplinary Suspension for at least one calendar year.
In cases where it is determined that a student has been involved with the possession and/or use of illegal or controlled drugs or substances, it is strongly recommended that the minimum sanction imposed be Disciplinary Probation for at least one calendar year.
A disciplinary body may recommend removal from or relocation within University residence halls. Final determination is the responsibility of University Housing Services.
There are recommended minimum sanctions for alcohol and drug policy violations.
Official agencies or organizations of the University such as but not limited to Milner Library, University Housing Services, Campus Dining Services, and Parking Services may establish, assess, and collect fines independent of any disciplinary action.

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