PSU Student Handbook

Hearing Types

Administrative Hearing

An administrative hearing is a discussion between a student/group alleged to be in violation of university policy and a hearing officer. Students/groups will be notified (typically via e-mail) of the specific violations under consideration in advance of an administrative hearing. The hearing officer will review the complaint with the student or group and give the student/group an opportunity to respond. The hearing officer will determine whether the student/group is responsible for the alleged policy violation, and, if so, issue (an) appropriate sanction(s). Administrative hearings are conducted in private.

Upon proper notice, if a student/group fails to attend an administrative hearing, the hearing officer may proceed to resolve the case without benefit of that student’s/group’s input.

All decisions of responsibility are based on preponderance of evidence. In determining sanctions, the hearing officer will take into account the interests of the student/group and the university, previous violations of the student/group, and prior university response to similar violations.

Student Conduct Hearing Panel

The Coordinator of Student Conduct & Community Standards (COSC) will determine appropriateness of using a 3-member student conduct hearing panel, using all of the information and recommendations gathered during the investigation. Based upon the nature of the case, the make- up of a student conduct hearing panel may vary.  The following are examples of the type of panel that may be comprised:

-Judicial Officers Panel

-Faculty/Staff Panel

-Student Panel

-Blended Panel (judicial officers, faculty/staff and students)

Student panel members are recruited through a nomination process during the academic year. All student members of the PSU community may submit applications to be considered for nomination to the panel. All faculty and staff will be encouraged to notify the COSC if they are interested in serving as a panelist.

The COSC is responsible for constituting, training, advising, and assigning cases to members of the panel.  Each new nominee shall be required to successfully participate in a panel training seminar, generally conducted by the Coordinator of Student Conduct & Community Standards. Upon completion of the seminar, the COSC confirms to the Dean/VPEMSA that the student, faculty, or staff member possesses the knowledge, skills, and temperament to serve as a member of the panel. The names of those eligible to serve as panel members are submitted to the Dean/VPEMSA for appointment.

All decisions of responsibility are based on preponderance of evidence and a 2-1 panel vote; with the final decision resting with the COSC. In determining sanctions, the panel will take into account the interests of the student/group and the university, previous violations of the student/group, and prior university response to similar violations.

Records of Hearings

All judicial hearings are closed to the public and are to remain confidential. Minutes and/or tape recordings of the hearing may be taken by hearing officers. Such records may not be copied or released. However, the University may be required to release judicial records in order to comply with a legally ordered subpoena.

The accused student may receive permission from the hearing officer to review the tape in the accompaniment of an administrator. The hearing officer will determine the appropriate location for the review.

Tape recordings of a hearing are erased after the University judicial process is closed and completed.