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Administrative Conference
An Administrative Conference is an educational and non-disciplinary meeting with a hearing officer to discuss a student's alleged behavior of concern. Although the administrative conference is not disciplinary , the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards may utilize any details gathered during the meeting for future instances of similar concerns. During the Administrative Conference, the student will be informed about the provisions of the Duke Community Standard that could be violated if the alleged behavior continues. The hearing officer may also suggest helpful resources for the student and address any further concerns.
Adaptable Resolution
OSCCS, in conjunction with involved students, may choose to use an adaptable and/or restorative process to resolve and respond to issues of student behavior that may or may not involve an alleged policy violation. If the resolution process is unsuccessful, the matter may be referred back to the formal conduct process. Records of adaptable resolution will be kept internally and will not be considered part of a student’s reportable disciplinary record, unless otherwise specifically stated.
Adaptable Resolutions May Include:
Resolution through Agreement
If a student/student organization accepts responsibility for (an) alleged violation(s), the hearing officer, or designee, may propose (an) appropriate outcome(s) based on the specifics of the case, precedent and university interests. If the student/student organization accepts responsibility and agrees to the proposed outcome(s), the student/student organization waives their right to a hearing and/or appeal, the resolution becomes final, and the outcome is recorded on the student’s/student organization’s disciplinary record.
If the student/student organization accepts responsibility, but is unable to agree to the proposed outcome(s), the case will be forwarded to a hearing to determine (an) appropriate outcome(s). If the student/student organization denies responsibility, the case will be forwarded to a hearing to determine responsibility and (a) outcome(s) as appropriate.
Restorative Practices
The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards utilizes practices derived from Restorative Justice principles, which may not align with typical Restorative Justice procedures, to address instances of conflict that arise in the community. The purpose of a restorative process is to bring together all parties involved in an incident for the purpose of addressing the harms associated with the conflict. This affords the opportunity for discussion of varying points of view and an opportunity to gain a better understanding of those involved. This may include restorative conversations, circles, and/or other processes to address harm that has been caused.
Mediation
Mediation is a process that empowers students to resolve their own disputes. Through mediation, a neutral third party assists students in coming to a peaceful and agreeable solution. The university encourages informal mediation whenever practical or appropriate. Students interested in mediation to resolve a conflict should contact the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Staff within the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards may also refer cases to mediation as appropriate. Ultimately, all parties involved must agree to mediation. If one party does not agree to mediation, or if the mediation fails, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards may refer a case for disciplinary resolution if it involves allegations of a university policy violation(s). Failure to comply with the results of mediation may be cause to commence the disciplinary process.
Faculty-Student Resolution (FSR)
A Faculty-Student resolution is an one- time optional resolution process for minor cases of academic dishonesty involving undergraduates where student accepts responsibility for the allegation and agreed upon resolution with their course instructor.
The faculty member must first contact the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards to discuss the appropriateness of this option with respect to the nature of the offense, as well as to learn of any prior academic dishonesty violations by the student. If there is no record of prior offenses of academic dishonesty and the case appears to be one that, if adjudicated by a hearing panel, would result in disciplinary probation or an outcome less severe than disciplinary probation, (i.e. deemed appropriate), it may be resolved between the faculty/staff member and the student. Otherwise, the case must be forwarded to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
A student may not drop, change course grading to S/U or withdraw from the course once a report of alleged academic dishonesty has been submitted and/or resolved.
A faculty-student resolution may result in a reduced grade on the assignment, a reduced grade in the course, additional assignments, and/or other educational initiatives. The outcome must comply with university policies and be agreed upon in writing using the FSR form and signed by the involved student, and faculty/staff member. The faculty must ensure that any agreed upon terms for the resolution, whether discussed in person, discussed in email, or codified in writing via the FSR form, must comply with the Undergraduate Bulletin and applicable grading policies.
The faculty member must report the outcome(s) of a faculty-student resolution to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards and OSCCS will notify the student's academic dean for record keeping. This resolution will not become part of the student’s reportable disciplinary record unless there is a second violation, at which time both cases will be noted on the student’s disciplinary record.