For Students

The University of Idaho conduct process works to balance the safety and security of the members of the University of Idaho and the Moscow community through personal accountability, reflection and growth.

The Complaint

The Dean of Students Office (DOS) and Conduct and Community Standards will open an investigation when we receive a complaint alleging that a University of Idaho student possibly violated the Student Code of Conduct. Complaints come in different forms from a variety of sources:

• Moscow Police Department often refers reports to our office when they encounter students whose conduct may have violated the law, the Code or both.
• Other university offices frequently provide information to our office that will prompt an investigation. We routinely receive complaints from Housing and Residence Life, the Department of Student Involvement, Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Office of Civil Rights & Investigations, as well as academic departments.
• Individuals can also submit a complaint using a VandalCARE report.

When the Dean of Students Office receives a complaint, they may:

• Open an investigation
• Refer the report to another office for consideration or further action.
• Review the report for other response or resolution options.

The Investigation

Once DOS receives a complaint, a conduct hearing officer will begin an investigation. You may receive a letter via your Vandal email that outlines the nature of the violation and a date/time to meet with the conduct officer.

The conduct officer will explain the student conduct process and offer you some options on how best to proceed. This is your opportunity to explain your involvement in the incident and to identify any other relevant individuals or information that would be helpful to the investigation. The best way to approach this conversation with the conduct officer is to be as open and honest as possible, so that they can best understand the situation. No special dress code is necessary for the meeting — just come as you are!

The Resolution Options

You may choose to have an informal resolution of the matter, which is an opportunity to provide your version of the incident.  The conduct officer will assess your level of involvement in the incident and then make the determination of your responsibility and the outcomes/sanctions will be shared with you via email after the meeting. With this informal resolution process, outcomes will not include suspension or expulsion.

OR

You may choose to have a formal resolution of the matter.  In this resolution, you will have the opportunity to provide your version of the incident. There will be an investigator assigned who will review documentation of the incident, meet with any witnesses, and draft a report. You will have the opportunity to review the report and provide written comments. An Administrator from the Dean of Students Office will adjudicate or refer to a Student Conduct Board for a hearing.

The Decision and Educational Outcomes/Sanctions

After the conduct meeting, you will receive a decision outcome letter via your Vandal email that will let you know if you have or have not been found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct. If you are found responsible, you will see a list of educational outcomes and a deadline to complete them. The outcomes or sanctions are in place to help you develop and grow from the incident. When possible, outcomes are selected to provide opportunities for you to repair the harm caused by your behavior. Educational outcomes may also address university values and community expectations for behavior.

Educational outcomes are selected appropriately for the violation, but keep in mind that subsequent violations may result in more serious disciplinary outcomes such as suspension or expulsion.

Amnesty

The Amnesty Policy aims to remove the barriers that may prevent any student from seeking emergency medical attention by providing an opportunity for the University to intervene in a caring and non-punitive manner. The goal is to reduce the potential risk of alcohol and/or drug-related injuries or deaths and increase the likelihood that students will seek medical attention in crisis situations.

Please read the full policy for more information.

The Student Conduct Board

Section 2400 Section F of the Faculty Staff Handbook describes the University’s Disciplinary Process for Alleged Violations of the Student Code of Conduct and the Student Conduct Board. The SCB is an option for some students seeking a formal hearing and for those situations designated by a Dean of Students Administrator.

Please read the full policy for more information.