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What are my rights?
Students are guaranteed certain rights within the conduct process, including:
- To be notified promptly of the charges of the incident.
- To have a fair and prompt hearing.
- To be notified promptly of the results of the hearing.
- To be advised of the appeal process.
What are my responsibilities?
A student also has responsibilities that include:
- To attend a hearing with a University official.
- To be respectful during the conduct process.
- To provide accurate, truthful, and appropriate information regarding the incident throughout the conduct process.
What are the sanctions I can receive?
Sanctions will depend on the policy violated, severity of the violation, and prior violation history.
| Sanctions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Warning | Educational Sanction | Restitution | Housing Probation |
| University Service | Education Opportunities | Mandatory Storage | Loss of Privileges |
| Written Parental Notification |
Counseling Referral | Room Reassignment | Extended Probation |
| Banning from Residence Halls |
Contraction Termination with Financial Penalty |
What can I expect after an alcohol violation?
All alcohol violations that occur within the community by enrolled UW-Stout students will be addressed by the student’s Residence Life Coordinator. Sanctions will be issued based on the severity of the incident and the frequency of the violations. Minimum sanctions will include a period of probation and educational and/or service sanctions.
The University of Wisconsin-Stout also has the authority to contact parents/guardians in any situations involving alcohol. The University will send a parental/guardian notification on all second offenses involving alcohol and has the discretion to notify parents on any first offense that involves dangerous conduct (high BAC, incapacitation, transport to the hospital, etc).
Multiple alcohol related offenses or dangerous conduct involving alcohol can lead to long term disciplinary probation, housing relocation, contract termination, or suspension from the University of Wisconsin System.
What can I expect after a marijuana and/or marijuana paraphernalia violation?
All policy violations involving marijuana and/or drug paraphernalia and that occur within the community by enrolled UW-Stout students will be addressed by the student’s Residence Life Coordinator. Sanctions will be issued based on the severity of the incident and the frequency of the violations. Minimum sanctions will include a period of probation and educational and/or service sanctions.
The University of Wisconsin-Stout also has the authority to contact parents/guardians in any situations involving controlled substances. The University will send a parental/guardian notification on all second offenses involving marijuana.
Multiple marijuana/drug paraphernalia violations can lead to long term disciplinary probation, housing relocation, contract termination, or suspension from the University of Wisconsin System. Distribution or possession with intent to distribute marijuana or controlled substances have a strong probability to result in loss of student status (suspension) from the University of Wisconsin System.
Why did I get contacted regarding a conduct meeting/hearing?
An incident occurred in which the student may have been involved. A report was filed regarding the incident and was forwarded to a “Conduct Officer” (Residence Life Coordinator, Assistant/Associate Director of University Housing, or the Assistant Dean of Students). The Conduct Officer is responsible for deciding what policy/policies may have been violated and what sanctions should be recommended and assigned.
Any student needing to meet with a Conduct Officer regarding a conduct incident will receive an email within 7 working days (Monday through Friday are considered working days). This email will inform the student of the alleged policy violation(s) and when they will have the opportunity to meet with the conduct officer regarding the violation.
What happens when I meet with the Conduct Officer?
The Conduct Officer will explain the conduct process to the student and ask the student to share their perspective of the incident. Based upon the information the Conduct Officer has obtained, they will decide to what extent the student is responsible for the policy violation(s). If a student is found responsible for any violation, the Conduct Officer will issue sanctions.
What happens if I do not schedule or attend a hearing?
Should a student take no action to schedule or attend the conduct meeting/hearing, a decision will be made regarding student responsibility and the issuing of sanctions with the information available (incident report, police report, witness statements, etc.). Unfortunately, the student will miss out on the opportunity to have their voice heard regarding the matter.
What is the purpose of a sanction?
A sanction is a consequence that typically includes an assignment or duty to complete. Sanctions are intended to be educational in nature, allowing a student to reflect on past behaviors, consider future options, and deter additional violations.
Typically, sanctions will be determined at the conduct meeting/hearing, but some situations may require time for investigation and consideration of all the information before sanctions can be issued. Previous conduct incidents will be considered when determining appropriate sanctions.
What if I don't complete a sanction?
Failing to complete a sanction by the deadline will result in a “HOLD” being placed on the student’s record. This “HOLD” will prevent the student from registering for classes and will exclude the student from University opportunities, such as studying abroad.
The “HOLD” on the student’s record will be removed once successful completion of the sanction is confirmed. The “HOLD” will also remain on the student’s record should they leave the University and will have a detrimental effect on the student if they should want to re-enroll at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in the future.
Who will find out about this?
Housing staff members value confidentiality and avoid discussing the student’s case outside of this process. Federal law requires that a student must sign a release for a University official to discuss specific incidents and consequences with the student’s family members or future employers. Parents/Guardians can be notified when a student is found responsible for an underage drinking violation or any illegal drug possession violation.
How long will this be on my transcript?
University Housing policy violation records and information are not part of an academic transcript. Chapter 17 conduct related records and information are part of an academic transcript.
Can I appeal the decision?
Yes, students can appeal the outcome of their conduct case under one or more of the following reasons:
- Severity of sanction
- Introduction of new evidence not available at the initial conduct meeting/hearing
- Lack of procedural due process (student’s rights were not honored)
An appeal must be made in writing, using the University Housing online appeal form, and must be submitted within 5 working days of the decision. Appeals will be heard by an Assistant/Associate Director of University Housing or the Assistant Dean of Students.
Appeals submitted based on the severity of the sanction are a review of the disciplinary action and not a “rehearing” of the case. Appeals submitted based on the introduction of new evidence or lack of procedural process are a “rehearing” of the case based on new pertinent information.