Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are frequently asked questions (FAQ's) about the Student Conduct Program at Boise State University and what happens when a complaint is received that alleges a student may have violated the Student Code of Conduct.
1. What is the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities(OSRR)?
OSRR serves as the central coordinating office for violations of the Student Code of Conduct. The office acts on reports of possible violations of the Student Code of Conduct from students, faculty and staff or others (such as law enforcement).
2. As a student, can I file a charge against another student?
The answer to this often-asked question is a resounding YES!!! Any student that is being harassed, threatened or intimidated in any way may fill out a Conduct Report Form with OSRR. If a student has a question about whether to file a charge or not, he/she should make an appointment to meet with the Director of OSRR to discuss his/her particular situation. You can set up an appointment by calling 426-1527.
3. What happens if I am referred to the OSRR for a violation of the Student Code of Conduct?
You will receive a letter from our office instructing you to call and make an appointment to meet with the Director of the OSRR. It is important that you follow-up with this request, make the appointment and keep it. Ignoring the situation will not make it go away.
4. What can I expect from meeting with the Director of office of OSRR?
At this meeting, the conduct process will be explained to you and a method of resolving the allegations will be determined. You will also have your rights and responsibilities explained to you as they are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
5. What will take place during the Conduct Hearing?
As the Respondent, you will have a formal presentation of the charges against you and have the opportunity to respond to the allegations. You will be given time to share your side of the story before any final decisions are made. You will be able to bring witnesses to talk on your behalf. You may also have people submit witness statements if they are unable to attend. The Complainant (or person filing the charges against you) will have the same opportunity. You will each be given the opportunity to question the other person’s witnesses. The Conduct Body will then determine if any section of the Student Code of Conduct has been violated and assign appropriate sanctions if applicable.
6. If I really did do it, I could lie and deny my involvement in the incident, couldn’t I?
Yes, you could. But that would be a bad idea. People almost always are caught in their lies. One lie leads to another and another. Eventually, everything comes crashing down, and what was a single violation at the start is compounded by additional dishonest acts, with potentially more severe sanctions. It is highly recommended that you accept personal responsibility for your behavior and speak openly and honestly about what you did and why.
7. If I am found responsible, will this violation go on my record?
A disciplinary file is kept with the University. Usually, no permanent records are retained, except in the cases of Suspension or Expulsion. No documentation is attached to the student’s academic transcript regarding the disciplinary action. Furthermore, disciplinary records are confidential and generally cannot be released to others without the student’s consent. Those with a “need to know” on campus are notified of hearing outcomes.
8. What happens if I get reported for an act of Academic Dishonesty?
Your instructor is responsible for determining if any academic dishonesty occurred. He/she also determines what the appropriate sanction should be if you are found responsible. OSRR will then be notified through the submission by the faculty of an Academic Report Form. The form includes a summary of the incident and your reaction to the accusations. It also outlines the instructor's action or recommendations for sanctions. Your instructor will review this form with you and have you sign it before it is sent to our office. Upon our receipt of the form, the incident is recorded with our office and kept on file. A notification will be sent to you from our office outlining the sanction imposed by the faculty member. You may contact the OSRR on your right to appeal if you disagree with the finding.
9. What are some of the typical sanctions for academic dishonesty?
Sanctions may include, but are not limited to:
A. Academic penalty (usually an F) on the assignment
B. Academic penalty for the course (this could be the lowering of the entire course grade to failing the course)
10. What if I am found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct?
If you are found responsible, you will be assigned sanctions or consequences which could include educational activities, probation, restitution, restrictions, university service, etc. See the Student Code of Conduct for more information on the various sanctions.
11. What if I disagree with the decision?
You may appeal a decision made as a result of a Conduct Hearing to the Student Conduct Appeal Board. The appeals procedures will be explained at the conclusion of the Conduct Hearing and in your decision letter. The Director of the OSRR may also advise you of the steps for making an appeal.
12. If the violation occurred off campus can the university take action?
Yes. The University reserves the right to address student behavior, even though it may occur off of the campus, when such behavior runs contrary to the mission of the University and contrary to the Student Code of Conduct. Any student who violates any provision of those laws is subject to disciplinary action, including expulsion, notwithstanding action taken by civil authorities on account of the violation.
13. If the violation involves an alleged crime, can I be prosecuted criminally?
Yes. Students retain the responsibilities of citizenship upon enrollment to the university and may be prosecuted criminally for any illegal activity. Criminal hearings and University Conduct Hearings may even occur at the same time.
14. But I was not aware of the Student Code of Conduct...I did not mean to do anything wrong!
Ignorance of University policies and procedures is not an excuse for inappropriate behavior. Students are responsible for knowing the rules and what is expected of them both on and off campus, in the classrooms, in the residence halls, and as a member of the university community.
15. My parents pay a lot of money for me to attend the University. I’m going to have them talk to the University about this!
Students are always encouraged to utilize the support systems they have in place whenever they have to deal with difficult issues. However, please understand that the University views you as an adult and thus will treat you as one accordingly. Confidential student information will not be disclosed to anyone, including your parents, without a signed release of information form. If you wish for your parents or anyone else to be involved, you must first provide the university with this release. Even with this release, the University’s primary responsibility is to you, the student, and thus may choose to limit the amount of information that is shared directly with your parents and/or other family members.
16. But I did not do anything wrong!
Then relax. Just be honest about your involvement. The primary goal of student conduct processes is to be educational and provide students with opportunities to reflect on their behavior and how it affects the university community.
17. I have more questions about the student conduct process. What should I do?
If you have further questions, you are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities and schedule a time to visit with the Director.