Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Judicial Process?
The goal of the student judicial process is to provide students with a fair method of disciplinary case adjudication. Because the University of Arkansas is an educational institution, the disciplinary process reflects the values and norms of an educational system. This system does not mirror the criminal court system. The focus is one of redirecting student behavior into more appropriate modes of expression. The Student Judicial System is outlined completely in the Code of Student Life. The Code of Student Life applies to all students in the UA community.
I received a letter in the mail from the Office of Community Standards and Student Ethics; What is this about? What do I do now?
When the Office of the Dean of Students receives information that a student may have been involved in a violation of University policies, a letter is sent to the students university email address notifying them to contact the office. A student who has received such a letter should contact the office at 575-5170 as soon as possible to schedule a preliminary interview. During this preliminary interview the complaint or violation will be explained, the student's rights and the judicial process will be completely outlined, and the student will be afforded the opportunity to tell "their side of the story." At the close of the preliminary interview, the student will be informed of the several options for the resolution of their judicial case.
Can someone come with me to this preliminary interview?
Yes, a student may bring an advisor (the process limits the role to one (1) person) to their preliminary hearing. The advisor may be anyone that the student feels comfortable with during the judicial process. A student should select an advisor that can lend honest advice and support during the process. This individual could be a fellow student, member of the university community or family member. A student is allowed to use an attorney as an advisor but that attorney must conform to the role of advisor during the process. The advisor is allowed to perform the following: 1) Advise the student or student organization concerning the preparation and presentation of his/her case. 2) Accompany the student or student organization to all judicial proceedings. It must be clearly stated that the advisor will not be allowed to speak for the student or student organization. All information presented and questions asked of individuals involved in the process must be presented by the student respondent.
What do I need to bring with me to the meeting?
If the student has any information that they would like to submit for the hearing officer or judicial board to consider, they should submit those items as quickly as
possible prior to the hearing. Students may also ask any witnesses to appear at their hearing. It is a students responsibility to submit all relevant information or to request that witnesses appear at the hearing. The Office of Community Standards does not have the authority to make individuals participate in the judicial process.
What's going to happen if I am found responsible of violating the Code of Student Life? Am I going to be suspended or expelled from the University of Arkansas because of a violation of the Code?
The majority of student conduct cases do not result in suspension or expulsion. Appropriate disciplinary and educational sanctions are imposed according to the nature of the violation. In the judicial process students are treated in a fair manner with dignity and respect.
What is the Code of Student Life and where can I find a copy?
The Code of Student Life outlines University policies, provides students with guidelines for appropriate behavior both on and off the UA campus, and describes requirements for student organizations.The Code of Student Life is printed annually in the Student Handbook. This document is also available on the web at and is available on compact disc. This document is distributed to all students who reside in the residence halls at the beginning of the Fall semester. In addition, anyone can pick up a copy of the Student Handbook on compact disc in the Administration Building in Room 325.
Where is the Office of Community Standards and Student Ethics located?
The office is located in room 325 of the Administration Building . The Administration Building is located on Maple street west of Silas Hunt Hall.
What are my rights as a student in the Judicial Process?
During the pre-hearing conference, the Dean or designee will fully explain a student's rights and outline the judicial procedures that will be followed. Specifically, the accused student’s rights are as follows:
- To have a pre-hearing interview with the Dean or designee during which the student’s rights, responsibilities and the judicial procedures are explained under University policy. If the student fails to schedule or attend a pre-hearing interview, the student waives their rights to review all available information and to request a hearing type.
- To have written notice of the charge(s) and an outline of rights. In the event that additional charges are brought, a further written notice must be forwarded to the student.
- To review all available information, documents, exhibits, and a list of witnesses that may testify against him/her/them. It is a continuing obligation of the Dean or designee to inform the respondent of any new information that becomes part of the file.
- To request an Administrative or AUJ hearing.
- To elect not to appear at the hearing. The hearing would then be conducted in the student’s or student organization’s absence.
- To be assisted by an advisor from within the University community, and/or to be accompanied by a family member acting as an advisor. An attorney may act as an advisor only as required by State or Federal Law. The advisor, upon request of the student or student organization, may:
- Advise the student or student organization concerning the preparation and presentation of his/her case. The advisor may not speak for the student or student organization.
- Accompany the student or student organization to all judicial proceedings.
- In cases involving sexual offenses, the alleged victim may have a support person or support persons present during the hearing. The support person(s) may not participate in any way in the hearing.
- To have written notice of time, place and format of the hearing forwarded to the accused at least five class days prior to the hearing. Unless the student or student organization waives all or part of the notice, the formal hearing will not be held less than five class days from the date of the original charge letter.
Download a copy of the General Office Brochure.
