Office of Student Conduct - University Hearing Board

Who We Are

The Office of Student Conduct wants you to be a successful and responsible member of our community throughout your time at WCU. Our mission is to maintain an educational environment through upholding community standards and foster personal development by assisting individuals in evaluating decisions to promote learning and social responsibility.

What We Do

The Office of Student Conduct serves students, faculty, staff and parents as well as the University's community constituents to address student conduct issues by:

  • Assisting in the dissemination, interpretation and enforcement of campus policies;
  • Ensuring that the student's right of due process is applied fairly and consistently;
  • Collaborating with the University and community constituents to address student behavioral issues;
  • Providing leadership opportunities for students participating on the University Hearing Board;
  • Offering learning experiences for students through the University conduct process.

How To Get Involved:
University Hearing Board

The University Hearing Board is an integral part of the campus community and strives to support the mission of the department and the larger WCU community. Comprised of students, faculty, and staff, the University Hearing Board reviews student conduct cases and is the most formal process in the University's conduct system.

The University Hearing Board provides an opportunity for students to serve the University community, develop life-long skills in facilitating and resolving conflicts, and promote civility and citizenship within the WCU community.

Board members can look to enhance their skillset in:

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking helps us to make good decisions, understand the consequences of our actions, and solve problems.

Communication

Good communication is an essential tool in achieving productivity, maintaining strong working relationships, and effective team building.

Effective Listening

Effective listening helps to resolve conflicts, build trust, inspire people, and strengthen teams.

Learn More

Review the information below to learn more about what it means to be a University Hearing Board Member.

  • What is the benefit of joining the University Hearing Board?

    University Hearing Board members gain a variety of skills through their experience.  Participation on the University Hearing Board will be included on your cocurricular transcript and is a unique leadership position for your resume.

    Additionally, Board members will:

    • Have an opportunity to make an impact on students by assisting them in their growth and development.
    • Gain experience in analytical and critical thinking, decision making, and understanding the principles of due process.
    • Become more familiar with University policies and procedures.
    • Uphold community standards that support our commitment to civility, including maintaining an environment that affirms the worth and dignity of each member of our community and which supports the ideals of an inclusive society.

  • Is this related to my major?

    Experience on the University Hearing Board can be directly tied to a wide array of career choices and academic majors including, but not limited to:

    • Anthropology
    • Business Management
    • Communication Studies
    • Criminal Justice
    • Education
    • English
    • Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Languages and Culture
    • Liberal Studies
    • Peace and Conflict Studies
    • Philosophy
    • Political Science
    • Psychology
    • Social Studies
    • Social Work
    • Sociology

  • What does my role look like?

    • Your role is to review all the information presented at the hearing, ask questions and listen carefully to all parties, and, based on the evidence presented, make a determination of whether or not it is more likely than not that the Student Code of Conduct was violated.
    • If a student or a student group is found to be responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct, you will also be responsible for determining an appropriate sanction outcome.
    • Boards are composed of a Chairperson (a faculty or professional staff member) and two student members. As one of three decision makers, it is your responsibility to prepare in advance of the hearing by reviewing all the materials and preparing questions for the various participants.

  • What does training involve?

    In order to serve on a University Hearing Board, you will complete an initial 3-hour on-boarding training to ensure you are well-versed in the Student Code of Conduct, due process, and the Office of Student Conduct's procedures. Supplemental training sessions and case reviews will be provided as needed.

  • What is the time commtiment?

    In addition to the time commitment for training, your participation and time commitment will vary depending on your academic, work, and extracurricular schedule. Board hearings typically take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.  The time for each case depends upon the number of witnesses and the complexity of the case but you are typically asked to block two hours for a hearing.  Prior to a hearing, you will also need to spend 30-60 minutes reviewing the materials and preparing questions.

  • What are the requirements to be on the University Hearing Board?

    Students wishing to serve on the University Hearing Board must complete an application and submit two letters of reference.  In addition, a student must:

    • Be in good academic standing (GPA 2.5 or above);
    • Be free of any disciplinary restrictions;
    • Complete an interview with the University Hearing Board Advisor;
    • Uphold the ethical standards and expectations of the Board; and
    • Attend the University Hearing Board new member training.

What's Next?

If you are interested in learning more, visit the University Hearing Board website.  There you can find the University Hearing Board Application as well as the Recommendation Form.  Any questions should be directed to the University Hearing Board Advisor, Lauren Zahour at lzahour@wcupa.edu

    Apply noW!  UNIVERSITY HEARING BOARD MEMBER APPLICATION