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.
University Hearing Board members gain a variety of skills through their experience. Participation on the University Hearing Board will be included on a student’s cocurricular transcript and is a unique leadership position.
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.
Students interested in applying for the University Hearing Board need to complete an application and supply references. Applicants must be in good academic standing (2.5 or higher GPA) and free of any disciplinary restrictions. Training is required prior to serving on a case.
Interested staff and faculty members should contact the Office of Student Conduct.
FAQs
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.
Who is involved in a hearing?
Each board is comprised of one professional staff or faculty member and two other members. All three members have equal involvement in hearing disciplinary cases and rendering decisions. An Appeal Board is comprised on one faculty member, one staff member, and one student member.
Is this related to my major?
- 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 training involve?
What is the time commitment?
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 if I know about the case or the people involved?
Members may remove themselves from a case if knowledge of an event or of the individual(s) involved would affect their objectivity.