We know that finding yourself charged with a Code of Conduct violation can be overwhelming and confusing. This information is designed to help you understand the Student Code of Conduct and the process for resolving your disciplinary case with the University. 

I received a letter, now what?

The Office of Student Conduct sends a variety of letters and notices to students and student organizations ranging from warning letters, to alternative resolution eligibility, to non-suspension level charges, and suspension level charges. It is important that you review the information carefully to understand the type of letter you have received and the next steps.  In some cases, such as warning letters, there is nothing that you need to do. For most letters, however, you have the opportunity to engage with the staff member noted on your letter in order to respond to the allegation. 

The letter will include information on how to schedule an appointment. Please note who your hearing officer is prior to scheduling the appointment. 

Rights and Responsibilities

Students have certain rights as members of the university community and the responsibility to not deny these rights to other members of the university community. Students are encouraged to review their Rights and Responsibilities as outlined in the Code of Conduct.

Standard of Proof: Preponderance of Evidence

The Office of Student Conduct uses the preponderance of evidence standard for all allegations of the Code of Conduct. Information about the standard of proof can be found in the Code of Conduct.

Case Types and Sanctioning

The Alternative Resolution Programs are opt-in programs designed to work with students in cases involving low level academic misconduct and substance use through an informal process that holistically addresses the behavior and any underlying factors that led to the decision.

A student who is eligible and opts-in to the program is required to complete specific steps based on the program. If successfully completed, the alternative resolution program results in no disciplinary record with the university.

A majority of the cases heard in the Office of Student Conduct are non-separation level cases. Students and student organizations are charged with an alleged policy violation based on the Prohibited Conduct section of Code of Conduct.

Students and student organizations who have been charged with an alleged policy violation and are not facing suspension or expulsion typically resolve their case through a student conduct conference with a staff member in the Office of Student Conduct. 

For students and student organizations not facing suspension or expulsion, sanctions can range from disciplinary reprimand, to educational sanctions, to conduct probation and deferred suspension. Please review the Code of Conduct for detailed information about the types of sanctions permissible in a non-separation level case.

Students and student organizations are charged with an alleged policy violation based on the Prohibited Conduct section of Code of Conduct. For students and student organizations facing separation from the University, sanctions can range from disciplinary reprimand, to educational sanctions, to suspension or expulsion from the institution. Please review the Code of Conduct for detailed information about the types of sanctions permissible in a separation level case.

Students and student organizations who are facing separation from the University have two options for resolving their case with the Office of Student Conduct: an agreed resolution or student conduct hearing board.

An agreed resolution occurs when the Office of Student Conduct and the accused student or student organization reach an agreement upon a reasonable sanction for the conduct. Please review the Code of Conduct for detailed information about this process.

The Student Conduct Hearing Board is a board comprised of at least three members including faculty, staff, and students that hears the case, determines responsibility, and recommends sanctions. Please review the Code of Conduct for detailed information about this type of hearing.

Students residing in or visiting the Department of Residence are responsible for adhering to the Student Code of Conduct and Department of Residence policies. 

Students who have been charged with violating DOR policies should contact their hall director or apartment community manager with any questions.

The Office of Equal Opportunity handles investigations regarding allegations of discriminatory harassment, sexual misconduct, and Title IX related matters. Options for reporting can be found on the Equal Opportunity webpage. For questions, contact the Office by calling 515-294-7612 or emailing eooffice@iastate.edu.

For information on harassment and free speech, visit our student resource page.

For information on Title IX and the sexual misconduct process, visit the Title IX page.