FAQ
The Office of Student Conduct (OSC) received a report alleging that you or your student organization violated the ISU Student Code of Conduct. The letter states the alleged policy violation(s), the summary for why you are receiving the letter, and whether it is a separation level or non-separation level case. You can find more details about the charges, prohibited conduct, and case classifications by visiting the Student Conduct Code.
The letter also gives the name of the OSC staff handling your case, provides a date deadline for you to schedule your conduct conference, and information about how to schedule.
The Student Conduct Conference is your opportunity to share information and evidence that is relevant to your alleged policy violation with an administrator from the Office of Student Conduct. During the meeting, the staff will discuss the incident with you, and you will have an opportunity to provide an explanation, ask questions, and receive information about the student disciplinary process. You will also have an opportunity to state whether or not you take responsibility for the incident. If you have any information, including physical evidence or names of others involved, you should bring those to your conference. For example, if you have been charged with academic misconduct and you have evidence (such as a cheat sheet for the exam) that is relevant for determining responsibility, you should bring that to your conference.
If you are found responsible for the violation, there are various sanctions (outcomes) that could be imposed. Sanctions are impacted by the seriousness of the incident and if there are prior student disciplinary considerations.
When students do not attend their meetings, the case may be decided in your absence without your input. In some cases, failure to respond may result in a Registration Hold being placed on your university account, preventing you from changing your course schedule, obtaining transcripts, etc.
It is not uncommon for students to be navigating a University and criminal case simultaneously. These processes are separate and distinct including differences in the standard of proof, charges, and representation in the process.
If you've already been to court for the alleged incident, then you have fulfilled your obligation to any violation of Iowa Law. You may still have to follow up with the university. Even if the courts found you "not guilty" or determined there was not sufficient evidence to hear your case in court, there may still be a pending student conduct case.
If students are concerned about navigating their criminal and University process at the same time, they are encouraged to seek advice from their attorney and, as needed, request a reasonable extension from the Office of Student Conduct.
Students have the right to have any two persons of their choosing present at any meeting, conference, or hearing during the disciplinary process, which can include an attorney. The role of an adviser is limited during the conduct process to advising the student, not to actively participe in the process. While some students choose to have an attorney present at their hearing, many students participate in the hearing without the use of an adviser.
Read more about the role of an adviser in the Code of Conduct.
The main distinction between a separation and non-separation case is the potential sanctions resulting from the hearing. Separation level cases can result in suspension or expulsion, while non-separation level cases do not result in the option of removal from the university, unless additional alleged violations occur while the case is pending.
There is a range of sanctions used by the Office of Student Conduct from a disciplinary reprimand to expulsion. Many times, other educational sanctions may be imposed, such as educational referrals for an alcohol assessment or referral to the Academic Success Center. If damage to property is involved, restitution may be required as a part of the sanction. This list is not inclusive of all sanctions. Sanctions can be reviewed by visiting the Code of Conduct, sections 7.6h and 7.7b.
The appeals process is outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, section 8. There are specific criteria upon which an appeal may be filed. Depending on the type of hearing in your case, the appeals process will be different. Your student conduct administrator is available to answer questions regarding the appeals process.
Student Disciplinary records are considered "educational records" and are normally maintained in the Dean of Students Office for a period of seven (7) years, after which the file records may be purged.
Disciplinary files are protected under a federal law called the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Iowa State University does not generally disclose information regarding disciplinary hearings/situations with parents/guardians without your written permission to do so.
According to the Student Code of Conduct, only cases determined to be a separation level case could result in a suspension or expulsion from the institution.
Unless a student is suspended or expelled, individual student disciplinary records are kept confidential, and nothing from them appears on a student's academic transcript. If a student is suspended or expelled, a notation will be placed on the transcript that the student was dropped due to disciplinary action and is not eligible to enroll at Iowa State.