Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Community Standards & Student Conduct System?
Suffolk University strives to provide students with a living and learning environment that reflects the values of the Suffolk community and supports the university’s commitment to developing the intellectual, social and civic competencies of our students.
How do I report an incident?
To report an alleged violation of the Community Standards, please complete the Incident Reporting Form.
Any member of the Suffolk University community may submit an Incident Reporting Form. Forms should be submitted as soon after the event as possible to ensure an accurate recollection as well as a prompt response. Incidents can be reported to the Student Affairs Office via email.
If you would like to speak with someone in the Student Affairs Office about your complaint prior to its submission, contact the Student Affairs Office at 617-573-8239 or by email for an appointment.
I received a letter that I have to attend an administrative meeting or schedule an administrative meeting? Do I have to respond?
Yes. Be sure to respond to your Notice to Appear for an Administrative Meeting. This is your opportunity to discuss any alleged violations of community standards. Your meeting will either be with a member of the Residence Life team or a representative from the Student Affairs Office. Every effort is made to schedule your meeting around your academic commitments, but we know things come up. If you are unable to attend the meeting as scheduled, please follow the instructions in the letter to reschedule.
What happens at an administrative meeting?
Generally, but not always, the order of an administrative meeting will proceed as follows:
- Introduction
- Review of the alleged charges
- Open discussion/dialogue regarding the incident and alleged violations
- Discussion of next steps
What are my rights within the Student Conduct System?
A student is entitled to:
- Receive written notice of charges;
- Receive a copy of an appropriately redacted incident report within one (1) business day of the written request for a copy. (Names of other individuals involved are redacted to adhere to applicable law). Be notified of the date, time, and place of the charged student’s administrative meeting;
- Receive notice of the fact that the charged student’s failure to schedule an administrative meeting by the due date or appear for an administrative meeting may result in the administrative meeting being conducted in the absence of the charged student;
- Provide the names of a maximum of four (4) witnesses with knowledge of the incident at least one (1) business day prior to the administrative meeting. The administrator will decide, whether to seek to obtain information from witnesses;
- Decline to answer any questions or make any statements during an administrative meeting. The outcome of the administrative meeting will be based on the information or lack thereof presented at the administrative meeting and information gathered through an investigation (if applicable);
- Be informed in writing of the decision and sanction, if any; and
- Request in writing an appeal of the decision resulting from an administrative meeting no later than two (2) business days after the date of the determination letter.
How can I find out the details of a report/referral?
A student must contact the administrator whose name appears on the Notice to Appear for an Administrative Meeting to make arrangements to obtain the written report. All names (other than the student requesting the report) will be redacted to protect the privacy and confidentiality of other individuals.
What if I was not aware of the particular policy for which I am being charged?
Every student is responsible for knowing University rules and regulations as outlined in the Student Handbook. Therefore, it is important to ask questions if you are unsure of the policies.
Can I be held accountable for my behavior off-campus?
Yes. The Community Standards and Student Conduct System applies to off-campus conduct that adversely affects the University community or the pursuit of its objectives or calls into question the suitability of a student as a member of Suffolk University Community.
What should I do to prepare for an administrative hearing?
- Familiarize yourself with the Community Standards and other University policies (add links)
- If required to do so, schedule the Administrative meeting within the required time frame. Make arrangements to be there on time.
- Learn the details of the complaint.
- If you plan to have witness(es) submit information about the incident, submit their names to the hearing officer within 1 business day of the meeting and inform your witness(es) that the administrator listed on your letter may be contacting them to discuss the incident
How many witnesses can I bring?
Students may bring a maximum of four witnesses to an administrative meeting who have knowledge of the incident. The names of the witnesses should be submitted to the administrator, Character witnesses are not permitted.
Can legal counsel represent me during the hearing process?
Legal counsel may not represent you at a hearing.
What happens if I cannot attend the administrative meeting?
If you cannot attend the hearing due to an unavoidable circumstance then you should immediately contact the administrator listed on your Notice to Appear letter. You should be aware that a hearing could proceed in your absence if timely contact is not made.
What will happen if I am found responsible for violating University policy?
If you are found responsible for violating University policy, you will be assigned a sanction(s) that you will be required to complete. The types of sanctions will depend upon the seriousness of the violation and your disciplinary history.
When and how can I appeal a decision?
The outcome of an administrative meeting may be appealed within two days of the date of the determination letter. An appeal will be considered only if one or more of the following conditions are met:
- If there was a failure to follow the process or procedures outlined in the Student Conduct System;
- If new information, not available at the time of the meeting, is now available.
Please note that an appeal is not a new hearing on the matter.
Will my parents/guardian be notified of an incident?
Your parents/guardian may be notified of an incident if you are under 21 and you are found responsible for an alcohol or other drug violation. Typically this is done as part of your meeting with the administrator by either calling or discussing a plan to notify parent/guardian. Note that this is at the discretion of the administrator.
What goes on my record if I am found responsible for violating University policy and how might that impact me in the future?
Records of disciplinary actions involving students are maintained in the Student Affairs Office. Your disciplinary record is not part of your academic transcript. Repeated violations of the Community Standards may affect your active participation in some University activities. If you transfer to another institution, you may be required to submit a dean’s certification as part of the application process. If that is the case, the incident may be discussed by the a member of the Student Affairs Office. You may also be required by employers to provide a letter from the Student Affairs Office that you had a clear disciplinary record disciplinary record in college.
Please remember that it is not Suffolk’s responsibility to determine what information should be shared with employers or other institutes of higher education. Note that in accordance with our records retention policies, we may no longer have access to the information requested.