SECTION 3.10 - DISCRETION REGARDING THE HANDLING OF STUDENT CONDUCT CASES

In certain situations, it may become difficult, impractical, or impossible to handle a case according to the Student Conduct Process as outlined in this Handbook. In some cases, adjustments may be necessary depending on the seriousness of the violation and/or the availability of persons involved or persons taking part in the process. The Dean of Students or designee has sole discretion to make such adjustments. For example, if circumstances arise, the Dean of Students or designee has the discretion to determine the number of individuals who will serve on a Hearing Panel to hear a particular case. Convening such a panel is not limited to the following situations, but may often be necessary: (1) at the end of a semester or academic year when a case must be resolved due to the sensitive nature of the charges; (2) early in the academic year before the appropriate Board has been appointed or trained. Every attempt will be made to convene a panel that is comprised of individuals who have had prior experience and training as an Administrative Hearing Officer or Board member.

3.10.1 Timing of Student Conduct Process

Depending on the circumstance of each case, it may become difficult, impractical, or impossible to handle a case within the time frame allocated, as set forth in this Handbook; as such, all time frames may be altered at the sole discretion of the Dean of Students.