Student Hearing Panel Script
University of Minnesota Duluth
Page |1
Let it be noted by everyone present that this hearing is being digitally recorded. No other audio or video
recordings may be made of this hearing. At this time, please turn off any cell phones or pagers. The
hearing will now be convened. I am ____________, Chairperson of the Student Hearing Panel. The
other members of the Panel will introduce themselves, beginning on my far right.
The purpose of this hearing is to consider a report for ___________________________.
For the benefit of everyone present, would you please introduce yourself and any other persons with
you. We will begin with the Respondent.
ALLOW TIME FOR RESPONDENT INTRODUCTIONS
Thank you. All persons participating in this hearing are expected to be truthful. Honesty and truth are
guiding principles of the academic environment, and are valued highly in this proceeding. Subdivision
3- Falsification- includes. “Willfully providing University officials with false, misleading, or incomplete
information.” Therefore, failure to provide truthful information can result in disciplinary action.
[IF WITNESSES ARE PRESENT] Witnesses are asked to leave at this time. Please wait outside until
you are called in to present your information.
WITNESSES LEAVE THE ROOM.
REGULAR HEARING PROCEDURES
It is alleged that ____________ violated…
READ REGULATIONS THE STUDENT IS ALLEGED TO HAVE VIOLATED.
** The record indicates the Respondent has denied violating the conduct policy. Is that correct?
** The record indicates the Respondent has accepted violating the conduct policy. Is that correct?
ACCEPT Procedures on PAGE 3
DENY PROCEDURES
It is important for everyone to understand that this is not a court of law and is not bound by the rules of
evidence and procedure used in civil and criminal courts. As such, this hearing is considered part of the
educational process and need not be adversarial. All parties should strive for a mutual exploration of the
conflict and support the search for truth.
The hearing itself will be generally informal; however it is assumed that a proper decorum will be
maintained at all times. Before we begin with the opening presentations, let me review the procedures
to be followed. First, the Student Hearing Panel Chair will read the case information as provided by the
Office of Student Conduct, including calling witnesses. Then, you will be given thirty minutes to
present all relevant information regarding the allegations, including calling witnesses. After the initial
presentations have been completed, a period of time will be provided to ask questions and to re-call
Page |2
witnesses. When we have finished with questions, you will be given ten minutes for a summary or
closing statement. During the course of the hearing, persons involved frequently gain new insights.
Rigid adherence to your initial positions is not expected, and we welcome expressions of new insights in
your closing statements.
Before we begin with the initial presentations, are there any questions about the procedures?
We are ready to begin with the Student Hearing Panel’s presentation
Present Case From OSC
We are ready to proceed with the Respondent’s presentation. I would like to remind you that all
information you would like considered should be presented at this time, including calling witnesses.
ALLOW 30 MINUTES FOR RESPONDENT’S OPENING PRESENTATION
[IF WITNESSES ARE PRESENT] Make sure to excuse them after their statements.
With the opening presentations completed, we will now move into the question and answer period. At
this time you and/or the Panel members may ask questions of one another, including witnesses. When
necessary, I will rule on the appropriateness of a question or line of questioning. Who would like to
begin with the questions?
ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO EXPLORE RELEVANT QUESTIONS
LIMIT REPEAT, UNNECESSARY OR RELEVANT QUESTIONS
You now have ten minutes to summarize your position. I recommend that you address each of the
allegations separately and state why you think that the evidence does or does not support the allegations.
ALLOW 10 MINUTES FOR RESPONDENT’S CLOSING PRESENTATION
Does anyone have any final questions?
With the hearing now completed, we would like to thank everyone for being present and for your
participation. At this time, we will deliberate the information presented in a closed session. The
question of whether there is sufficient evidence to substantiate a violation will be decided on the basis of
a preponderance of the evidence (i.e., that which is more convincing, more credible, and of greater
weight or probability). If we conclude that a preponderance of the evidence does support the
allegations, appropriate disciplinary action will then be considered. Potential sanctions include but are
not limited to:
Warning
Probation
Suspension
Expulsion
Restitution
Restriction of Privileges
As soon as a decision is made, an outcome letter will be sent to the Respondent(s). Normally, such
decisions are ready within a week and delivered to the Respondent’s UMD e-mail address. Are there any
final questions? If there are no further questions, the hearing stands adjourned.
Page |3
ADMIT PROCEDURES
As the Respondent has accepted responsibility for violating the regulations cited, the primary purpose of
this meeting is to provide all parties with an opportunity to present relevant information regarding an
appropriate consequence. Potential sanctions include, but are not limited to:
Warning
Probation
Suspension
Expulsion
Restitution
Restriction of Privileges
It is important for everyone to understand that this is not a court of law and is not bound by the rules of
evidence and procedure used in civil and criminal courts. As such, this hearing is considered part of the
educational process and need not be adversarial. All parties should strive for a mutual exploration of the
conflict and support the search for truth.
The hearing itself will be generally informal; however it is assumed that a proper decorum will be
maintained at all times. Before we begin with the opening presentations, let me review the procedures
to be followed. First, the Student Hearing Panel Chair will read the case information as provided by the
Office of Student Conduct, including calling witnesses. Then, you will be given thirty minutes to
present all relevant information regarding the allegations, including calling witnesses. After the initial
presentations have been completed, a period of time will be provided to ask questions and to re-call
witnesses. When we have finished with questions, you will be given ten minutes for a summary or
closing statement. During the course of the hearing, persons involved frequently gain new insights.
Rigid adherence to your initial positions is not expected, and we welcome expressions of new insights in
your closing statements.
Before we begin with the initial presentations, are there any questions about the procedures?
PRESENT CASE FROM OSC
We are ready to proceed with the Respondent’s presentation. I would like to remind you that all
information you would like considered should be presented at this time, including calling witnesses.
ALLOW 30 MINUTES FOR RESPONDENT’S OPENING PRESENTATION
[IF WITNESSES ARE PRESENT] Make sure to excuse them after their statements.
With the opening presentation completed, we will now move into the question and answer period. At
this time you and/or the Panel members may ask questions of one another, including witnesses. When
necessary, I will rule on the appropriateness of a question or line of questioning. Who would like to
begin with the questions?
Are there any other questions?
Make sure to ask complainant/respondent if they have any questions for the panel or any witnesses
Page |4
The Respondent, ____________, may now provide a closing statement.
ALLOW 10 MINUTES FOR RESPONDENT’S CLOSING STATEMENT
We would like to thank everyone for being present and for participating. At this time we will move into
a closed session to consider the information and perspectives presented. As soon as a decision is made,
an outcome letter will be sent to the Respondent(s). Normally, such decisions are ready within a week
and delivered to the Respondent’s UMD e-mail address. Are there any final questions? If there are no
further questions, the hearing stands adjourned.
If there are no further questions, the hearing stands adjourned.