Serve on the Hearing Board

Information and Application

2012-2013

• Spring 2013 Hearing Board Application Packet

 

 

 

What is the Hearing Board?

At USD we have both Student Conduct Hearing Boards (comprising of Peer Review, Critical Issues, and Appeals boards) and Greek Discipline Hearing Boards that are advised by staff in the Office of the Assistant Dean of Students and Greek Life. Each board consists of students who are responsible for adjudicating cases involving alleged violations of either The Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities (The Code) and/or the USD Greek Guidelines through a hearing process. Board members consider information contained in the incident report(s) and presented by involved students and any witnesses. They are responsible for determining whether students are responsible for the alleged violation(s) in either The Code or Greek Guidelines.  If students are determined to be responsible, the Board assigns appropriate sanctions.

Why do we have Hearing Boards?

The Code and Greek Guidelines are intended to maintain a safe environment for the campus community, one that supports the academic mission and provides a productive living and learning environment. Alleged violations are adjudicated through the University conduct system and/or Greek Discipline Board, which is in place to foster the personal development of students and emphasizes understanding of their behavior as well as their responsibilities to the community. The university places a high value on having students participate in the conduct process. As peers of the involved students they bring a unique perspective to the process and can help the involved students to better understand the impact of their actions on others and their obligations to the community they impacted.

Responsibilities

• Participation in Hearing Board training on Thursday, February 21^st from 12:15-2:00 p.m. in UC 104
• Hear cases of student conduct to determine responsibility and assign sanctions if appropriate.
• Keep information presented in the hearing process confidential.
• Model good judgment and behavior outside of Hearing Board meetings.
• Adhere to all rules and policies as outlined in The Code and Greek Guidelines. 
• Respond to hearing board related e-mails and show up prepared for hearing boards you are assigned. 

Qualifications

• Understanding of the educational philosophy of The Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, demonstrate compassion, and be fair-minded.
• Willingness to challenge peers and successfully manage social pressures.
• Good oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• No serious or repetitive violations of The Code or Greek Guidelines.
• Good academic standing with the University.

Application Process

Complete the attached application and submit it to the Office of the Assistant Dean of Students in the Hahn University Center Room 132 or to Sean Horrigan at horrigan@sandiego.edu by Wednesday, February 13th, 2013.  You will be contacted by the Office of the Assistant Dean of Students on or before Friday, February 15^th regarding the status of your application. However, you should plan to attend the mandatory training on 2/21 from 12:15-2 p.m., in case you are selected to be on the Hearing Board.  

 

Meeting Times

Please take into consideration that during the 2012-2013 academic year, the Peer Review Boards will meet on Thursdays from 12:15-2 p.m. The Critical Issues, Appeals, and Greek Discipline Boards will meet as needed and members are asked to serve on a particular case via e-mail.  If you are selected to be on the Peer Review Board, you will be assigned to a Board based on your availability. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:        Can a Resident Assistant serve on a Hearing Board?

A:        No.  Resident Assistants (RAs) often document behavior that is inconsistent with community standards and university policies and those reports often serve as the basis for a hearing.  If RAs also serve as members of a hearing board, there is the potential for a documented student to feel that the board member is biased. Resident Assistants are able to serve on Greek Discipline Boards.

Q:        Do I need to have experience with student government or leadership opportunities to apply?

A:        No.  You will be trained to on the conduct process, community standards, and how to conduct a hearing.  We are looking for students who have demonstrated good judgment, who understand the University’s mission, and who have good communication skills.

Q:        If I have been held responsible for a conduct code violation, will I automatically be taken out of the applicant pool?

A:        No.  If you have learned from your experience going through the conduct process, you may bring an important perspective to the Board.  However, if you have demonstrated a pattern of misconduct or if you have been subject to more serious conduct action, you will not be considered for the Board.

Q:        Do I apply for both the Student Conduct Boards and the Greek Discipline Boards? 

A:        Any student who meets the qualifications is eligible to apply for the Student Conduct Boards (PRB, CIB, and Appeals).  Each Greek chapter is required to nominate two members to apply for the Greek Discipline Board. Greek members are also encouraged to apply and use their training to participate on the Student Conduct Boards. The application will ask the students to indicate which hearing boards they are applying to serve on. 

 

 

For more information please contact:

Sean Horrigan, Director of Student Conduct - horrigan@sandiego.edu

Mandy Womack, Director of Student Orgs and Greek Life - awomack@sandiego.edu

Marie Minnick, Assistant Dean of Students - mminnick@sandiego.edu