1. I was involved in an "incident" last night. What will happen to me? (back to questions)

After the ORLH receives a report of the incident you will most likely be contacted to attend an administrative hearing or disciplinary conference. For hearings, you will be given at least five (5) business days notice in writing. This charging letter will outline the policy violations in question. Summons for disciplinary conferences can either be written or oral. Note: The ORLH may also contact students involved in incidents to conduct a preliminary investigation before issuing a charging letter or summons.

2. Does the University enforce policies off-campus? (back to questions)

Through partnerships with local law enforcement officials, the University receives reports of students who are involved in off-campus incidents. All students are held accountable for their behavior, both on and off-campus.

3. What is the difference between a disciplinary conference and an administrative hearing? (back to questions)

A disciplinary conference is a meeting between a student and a member(s) of the Office of Residence Life and Housing. Conferences are usually held for first-time incidents or lower level policy violations which will not result in suspension or expulsion

Administrative hearings are reserved for more serious cases where the outcome could potentially result in suspension or dismissal. Witnesses may be called. Hearings are adjudicated by a 2-3 person hearing panel (all ORLH administrators). Students may contact a member of the Student Judicial Council (631-7668) for peer support.

1. Who should I contact if I have questions before my disciplinary meeting? (back to questions)

If you receive a charging letter requiring your attendance at an Administrative Hearing, you may call 631-5551 to schedule an appointment with the primary hearing officer (the individual who sent you the letter) to ask questions about the process. This is not an opportunity to discuss the case, recount the events, etc.; it is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the process (structure, witnesses, etc.). If you will be attending a Disciplinary Conference, a prior appointment is not necessary. You will have the opportunity to ask questions during the conference.

2. Can I change my disciplinary meeting? (back to questions)

Disciplinary Conferences can be rescheduled; however, it is your responsibility to speak with your Rector (if living on campus) to inform him/her of the change. Administrative Hearings are very rarely rescheduled. Excused class absences will be issued if you miss a class due to your disciplinary meeting.

3. How did the ORLH determine the policy violations in question (found in charging letters for Administrative Hearings)? (back to questions)

The charges listed in the charging letter establish a framework for discussion during the Administrative Hearing. The charges are not foregone conclusions. Based on the information in the report(s) received by the ORLH, the primary hearing officer (the individual who sent you the letter) determines which violations of University policy will be the focal point of discussion. It is common for students to have between 1-6 charges listed on the charging letter, depending on the incident.

1. Can I bring witnesses to my disciplinary meeting? (back to questions)

Students can bring witnesses to administrative hearings. As stated in the charging letter, the lead discipline officer of the case must be informed of the names of the witnesses at least two days prior to the discipline meeting. Witnesses may not attend Disciplinary Conferences.

2. Will my rector be at the meeting? ;(back to questions)

Rectors receive copies of all summons and charging letters for discipline meetings. They are encouraged to participate in the process but the decision is left up to them individually. Students should contact their rector personally to further discuss the rector's involvement.

3. What if I decide not to attend my disciplinary meeting? (back to questions)

Disciplinary Conferences and Administrative Hearings will be held and decisions of responsibility will be made regardless if a student attends the meeting or not. With this in mind, it would be in your best interest to attend the meeting.

1. How do I file a case review? (back to questions)

Case review procedures can be found in duLac. Keep in mind that there are only two options for filing a case review: 1. procedural defect, or 2. discovery of new information not known during the time of the disciplinary meeting. Severity of sanction is not grounds for a case review.

2. Will the ORLH communicate with my parents? (back to questions)

Communication with parents typically occurs after the process is complete. Parents are typically contacted via a carbon copy of the decision letter which is sent to after the decision meeting. For more information about contact with parents, contact the hearing officer assigned to the case.

3. What do I need to submit to verify the community service hours I completed? (back to questions)

For more information on community service verification, refer to our community service information page.

4. Can I get an extension for my community service or fine payment deadline? (back to questions)

Extensions are generally not granted. Community service sanctions may be fulfilled by submitting $10.00 for each incomplete work service hour.

5. Will I have a "file" if I am involved in an incident? (back to questions)

Students found responsible for violating University policies will have a file maintained in the Office of Residence Life and Housing.

6. How will my disciplinary record affect my future plans (study abroad, graduate school, etc.)? (back to questions)

The Director of Residence Life and Housing will release pertinent information about disciplinary cases only if a release (signed by you) is received in writing. International Studies administrators will make decisions about student status for study abroad programs (note: students on disciplinary probation are not eligible to participate in Notre Dame study abroad programs during the length of their probation and the semester following probation). Should you have any questions about your disciplinary record affecting study abroad opportunities, please contact the appropriate ISP administrator.