Student Handbook 2016

Conference is subject to review, reversal, or modification by the Vice President of Student Development. The administrative hearing - If a complaint has not been resolved through the disciplinary conference, an informal administrative hearing will be scheduled. The Vice President for Student Development or designee will conduct this informal hearing. The administrative hearing provides the elements of due process required for administrative sanctions and/or educational alternatives less than a separation from the College. The student is encouraged to seek the assistance of an advisor, if they wish, to be with him/her at the administrative hearing. The student may present witnesses, ask questions, provide written statements, and explain his/her version of the event(s). The informal stage of the hearing could occur at one time or over several meetings to accommodate schedules. The administrative hearing would not be used in any case which may result in a separation from the College unless specifically requested by the student. Cases, with the potential for separation from the College would normally be referred to the Disciplinary Council. The disciplinary council - The Disciplinary Council at Bluefield College determines the presence or absence or responsibility for Community Living Standards violations that may result in separation from the College. The Council may also hear cases referred by the Vice President for Student Development or designee. When the student is contesting a potential separation but accepts responsibility for the conduct violation, the Council will conduct a review rather than a formal hearing to determine the appropriate sanction. The review will consist of an examination of the records, the student’s acceptance of responsibility, the student’s written request for the review and a written or oral argument or rationale for the final decision as requested by the Council. Council composition - When hearing or reviewing a case, the Council is composed of one (1) faculty chairperson, two (2) students, one (1) faculty, and one (1) staff member. With the exception of the Chairperson, a hearing or review may proceed with not more than one of the five members absent. The President, in consultation with the faculty and with the Student GovernmentAssociation, will appoint four (4) faculty, four (4) students, and two (2) staff members to the Disciplinary Council. Additional Council members may be appointed as required by the case-load. Conduct of hearings - The hearing shall be conducted in such a manner as to require substantial justice and shall not be restricted unduly by rules of procedure or evidence. Evidence not directly related to the manner at hand will not be considered for review. The focus of inquiry in disciplinary proceedings shall be whether or not the accused person was in violation of a community expectation and/or the Standards of Conduct. The Office of Student Development believes community members have a responsibility to uphold community expectations and support the discipline system at the College. Any student who witnesses a Conduct violation is obligated to give hearing testimony to such an occurrence. Failure to comply with this request may lead the College to file a complaint against such a witness. Judicial affairs records or other exhibits may also be requested. In the event any person, including the student charged and/or his/her advisor, shall disrupt the hearing, that person shall be excluded and the hearing will proceed in his/her absence.

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