We know you have worked hard to help your student make the most of their Husky Experience. Part of their Husky Experience is learning to make decisions and understanding the consequences of one’s actions. If your student has been accused of an alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code, they may turn to you for advice. The following FAQs have been designed to provide you with more information, however, we strongly recommend you encourage your student to get in contact with us directly at cssc@uw.edu so we can work with them directly to answer questions and to provide support.
Frequently Asked Questions
My student received a letter accusing them of a violation of the Student Conduct Code. What does that mean?
If your student received a letter, the University received information about a potential violation of the Student Conduct Code. The letter lets the student know they have a meeting with a conduct officer to discuss the alleged violation(s).
Why was I not directly notified of my students’ alleged violation?
The Family Education Right to Privacy Act (FERPA) does not allow the University of Washington to share student records unless the student signs a release giving us permission to do so. Please see information on FERPA for complete rules about confidentiality. We encourage students to speak with their families and believe that as adults they should take responsibility for initiating that conversation.
What is my role in the student conduct process? How can I help my student?
We strongly believe that families play a vital role in the support and development of college students as they learn to manage their independence and responsibilities. You can help guide and support your student through the conduct process while holding the student accountable to your expectations and the standards of the university.
Can someone attend the meeting with my student?
Yes, students may be accompanied by one advisor of their choice. This advisor can be a family member, friend, attorney, or anyone else the student prefers. The advisor’s role is to provide support to the student during the meeting. The advisor may not speak on the student’s behalf or interfere with any aspect of the meeting. Please see the Full Hearing page to read more about an advisor’s role in other aspects of the process.
Does the university provide assistance to students in this process?
A respondent resource is available to offer support and information to students named as respondents in a student conduct proceeding, including matters being investigated by the Title IX Investigation Office. A respondent resource will meet with respondents throughout the process to help provide support. While our staff is not a confidential resource and will not advocate for the respondent during the process, we will work to ensure that respondents are prepared for the process.
My student told me they did not do the things they were accused of. What happens now?
Your student will need to speak with the conduct officer to discuss the alleged violation(s). Your student can present the conduct officer with names of witnesses or information to support their view of the allegations. After talking with your student and completing the investigation, the conduct officer will make a decision about whether the student is responsible for the alleged violation based on a preponderance of the evidence.
What is a sanction and why was my student given one?
Sanctions are imposed on a student if they are found responsible for a violation of the Student Conduct Code. Sanctions are intended to hold students accountable for their behavior while also providing educational opportunities to reduce the likelihood of future engagement in prohibited conduct. Some conduct, however, is so egregious in nature, or so damaging to the educational environment that it requires more serious sanctions, including suspension or dismissal. A list of possible sanctions can be found under Student Conduct Process.
How long is this process going to take?
Conduct officers work quickly toward the resolution of a case. Conduct officers conduct thorough fact-finding, including interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence, and in some cases speaking with the respondent multiple times. Your student may contact their conduct officer at any time to get an update on their anticipated timeline.