Parent FAQs

Question 1

My student has been asked to come in for a meeting about an allegation of misconduct. What can I do to help?

Accepted Answer

Often students and parents are anxious about the conduct process. One way to help is to become informed about how our process works. You can review our website to learn about our expectations as well as how our conduct process works. Please know that our process is administrative in nature and not the same as the criminal or civil process you would find outside of the university. Our primary goal is to create a safe environment that supports the mission and goals of the academic community.

Although they are now in college, we encourage you to talk with your student about their values and how their actions can impact their future. While your student is now technically an adult, college is a time of growth, change and challenge and USD encourages parents to coach their students to make use of the established university policies, procedures, protocols, and resources.

Question 2

What should my student expect during an administrative hearing?

Accepted Answer

For more information on the student conduct process and administrative hearings, please watch this video: OEDRP What to Expect

Question 3

If my student is found responsible for misconduct what will happen?

Accepted Answer

The conduct process allows for flexibility in determining the outcome of an incident based on the circumstances and seriousness of the incident and the conduct history of the student. There is no set sanction for any violation. Sanctions are primarily meant to be educational for the student. In some instances sanctions may also be designed to support the educational goals of the university or protect the community. Visit our sanctions page to see examples.

Question 4

How will this impact my student’s school record?

Accepted Answer

A student’s conduct record remains in the Office of Ethical Development and Restorative Practices for 7 years after graduation or last date of attendance (where the sanction included university probation, suspension, or removal from university housing). It is permanent (where the sanction included expulsion or withdrawal pending a disciplinary action), however, most records are maintained 1 year after graduation or last date of attendance (where the sanction did not include expulsion, university probation, suspension, removal from university housing, or withdrawal pending a disciplinary action). If a student gives an employer or graduate or professional school permission to access his or her conduct record prior to this point, information about the student's violation(s) will be shared.

A student’s conduct record may impact their ability to gain approval to study abroad, transfer to another university or gain entrance into a graduate program.

Question 5

How does violating university policy affect my student's ability to apply to graduate school?

Accepted Answer

While a conduct record does not prohibit a student from applying to graduate school, it may be a factor considered when the school is deciding if the student is a good “fit.” Most graduate school applications ask about the student’s criminal or disciplinary history. Some schools request more information than others, so be sure to read the application carefully. Obviously, the student should be honest about his or her history. Occasionally, someone from the graduate school (most often law or medical schools) will contact the Office of Ethical Development and Restorative Practices to verify information included on an application or ask for more details. This information can divulged only if the student has waived his or her right to privacy. Most applications include this waiver in the “fine print” and by signing the application the student typically waives the right to privacy.

Question 6

Are conduct violations reported to financial aid?

Accepted Answer

No, our office does not report anything to financial aid.

Question 7

Will my student's college staff (faculty, dean's office, academic advisor) be informed of any student conduct proceedings?

Accepted Answer

Student conduct information is not regularly forwarded to deans, preceptors or faculty members. However, there are times when a dean, faculty member or preceptor will contact the Office of Ethical Development and Restorative Practices inquiring about a student. There are also circumstances when our office feels that these individuals can help support your student through a particular challenge. In these cases there is serious concern about the student and we are trying to get a complete picture of the student’s behavior and participation on campus so that we can better support your student.

Question 8

Why weren't we notified earlier, such as when the incident happened or before the Administrative Hearing?

Accepted Answer

We believe college is an opportunity for holistic growth and that students are learning both inside and outside of the classroom. College gives students the opportunity to begin to learn how to live in community with all the rights and responsibilities that go along with that. Ideally your student will confide in you when a situation involving conduct violations arises, and perhaps ask you for advice and support as he or she goes through it. If, however, your student decides to resolve it on his or her own, thus increasing his or her independence and ability to resolve situations, that’s his or her choice.

As permitted by the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1974, when a final outcome of responsible is reached in cases regarding serious and/or multiple alcohol violations or any drug violation, parents are generally notified with a letter from the Office of the Assistant Dean of Students. It would include the violations your student was responsible for violating, a copy of the Conduct Contract your student signed, and information about the available resources and services on campus that can provide support for your student. If you have questions after talking with your student please feel free to contact the Assistant Dean of Students at (619) 260-4590.

Occasionally parents may be contacted before a case is resolved when it is believed the student may be a danger to him or herself or others. In these rare circumstances, the combined efforts of you, the Office of Ethical Development and Restorative Practices staff and other University officials will benefit your son or daughter in addressing the situation.

Question 9

Can we attend the hearing for our student?

Accepted Answer

All hearings are closed proceedings so you will not be allowed into the hearing. However, if you wish to come to campus to offer moral support, you may certainly do so. The only exception to this are cases of sexual misconduct and relationship violence. Specific information can be found under Student Conduct Procedures.

Question 10

Can our family lawyer be involved?

Accepted Answer

The conduct process is an educational process rather than an adversarial one, therefore we do not permit lawyers to participate in our process. Legal procedures are different from the administrative student conduct process, and advice you receive from your attorney may be inaccurate and not applicable. Our office has worked with students' attorneys in the past to provide information about our process or specifics about a student's incident (with the student’s permission and a signed Release of Information when the student faces a concurrent criminal or legal charge.

A student may invite an advisor into the hearing if they wish. The advisor must be a member of the University community (typically a faculty, staff, or student). They can accompany your son or daughter during the hearing but may not verbally participate in the proceedings. Every student also has the right and is encouraged to sit down with a University hearing officer to discuss in advance the process and important considerations.

The only exception to this are cases of sexual misconduct and relationship violence. Specific information can be found under Student Conduct Procedures.

Question 11

What if my student is not satisfied with the outcome of the case?

Accepted Answer

Conduct appeals are only allowed from decisions made by the Critical Issues Board or when the sanction includes expulsion, suspension or removal from housing. Request for appeal must be submitted by the student in writing to Dean of Students within five (5) business days of the date of the letter notifying the accused student of the findings and imposed sanctions of the Critical Issues Board. Failure to appeal within the allotted time will render the original finding and imposed sanctions final and conclusive.

Question 12

How do other universities respond to Student Conduct?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to: The Student Conduct Process: A Guide for Parents

Question 13

What resources are available on campus to support my student?

Accepted Answer

USD has many valuable services that are designed to help students manage the conduct related challenges they face during their college career. We would be happy to discuss them more with you but some for consideration are:

Center for Health and Wellness Promotion

This office provides clinical and education services on wide variety of wellness topics including alcohol and other drug use, misuse, and abuse as well as sexual assault. Visit Center for Health and Wellness Promotion for more information.

Counseling Center

This office provides free, confidential, counseling services to enrolled students. Most students’ counseling needs can be readily addressed by the center’s professional staff. Visit Counseling Center for more information.

Department of Residential Life

The professional staff members living in each residence hall are dedicated to supporting students and referring them to appropriate campus resources. The Community Directors are an ideal resource for students unsure about how to locate information and services. Visit Residential Life for more information.

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