JUDICIAL AFFAIRS

Summary of Student Discipline Procedures

The Trustees of the California State University are authorized by the Higher Education Code to establish student disciplinary procedures for CSU campuses. Per CSU Executive Order No. 970: Student Conduct Procedures, the President of Sonoma State University has designated the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management as the student conduct administrator in charge of University student discipline. The conduct administrator follows the procedures below.

Procedures

1. The discipline process begins when the administrator receives a written or verbal report regarding an alleged violation of one or more provisions of Title 5, Article 2, of the Higher Education Code (also known as the Student Code of Conduct). These reports come from University Police, Residential Life, faculty or any member of the University community.
2. The administrator begins an investigation by notifying the accused student in writing of the allegations against him/her. The administrator may also call witnesses and seek information from other sources.
3. The student has an opportunity to meet with the administrator to discuss the allegations and present her/his point of view.
4. The administrator weighs the gathered information regarding the allegation and decides whether to take action against the student for violating the Student Code.
5. If the administrator finds that the student has violated the Student Code, the student:
   1. may accept the sanctions (see below) determined by the administrator. The student then waives the right to a formal hearing. If such a resolution is reached, an informal settlement agreement is written up. The agreement is signed by the student and the administrator.
   2. may deny the allegation, reject the recommended sanctions, and request a formal hearing.
6. If the student requests a formal hearing, the administrator sends the student a Notice of Hearing. The student may:
   1. choose to accept the recommended sanction(s) stated in the Notice of Hearing. If a resolution is reached, the agreement is put in writing, and signed by the student and the administrator. This action negates the need for a formal hearing.
   2. not accept the recommended sanction(s), in which case a hearing is scheduled and Hearing Officer chosen.
7. The hearing is held. The conduct administrator represents the University position. The student represents her/himself. The student may have an advisor present who is not an attorney.
8. The Hearing Officer submits a recommendation regarding the appropriateness of the allegations to the University President or designee.
9. After reviewing the Hearing Officer's recommendation, the President or designee makes the final decision regarding disciplinary action.
10. The President or designee notifies the student of the decision.

Sanctions

1. Possible sanctions include, but are not limited to: a letter of warning, disciplinary probation, restitution, educational seminars, community service, suspension, or expulsion.
2. If sanctions are assessed, a confidential discipline file will be established and maintained by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Office for a minimum of five years. Expulsion from the University will result in permanent discipline files.

Policies Regarding Student Discipline

Copies of the policies regarding student discipline are available in the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Office, Salazar Hall 1018, and on this web site under Judicial Affairs.

Questions concerning the discipline process should be directed to: Matthew Lopez-Phillips, Assistant Vice President
Sonoma State University
Salazar Hall 1018
707.664.2838

This summary is not the official statement on University discipline policies and procedures. Please refer to the policies listed above for comprehensive information.