Overview of Process and Resolution

Every case of non-academic misconduct is different. In some cases, there will be lots of meetings with a Case Manager in the Student Conduct Office and in other cases there may be just a few. It depends on the participants and the nature of the misconduct.  The following content illustrates the basic process for Category 2 misconduct. The NAMIO refers allegations of Category 1 misconduct to one of the other NAM Units (i.e. AMS, Residences, Athletics & Recreation).  Case Managers have the discretion to deviate from this process when appropriate.

Intake

The Non-Academic Misconduct Intake Office (NAMIO) decides that the report of non-academic misconduct meets the threshold for Category 2 misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. The case is referred to the Student Conduct Office. At this point, a Case Manager is assigned. The Case Manager may impose interim measures. 

Fact-Finding

The Case Manager will reach out to students involved in the case to gather information. This information could include statements of experience, pictures, videos, and/or digital messages. After the Case Manager has enough information on the balance of probabilities, the case will move to a resolution stage. 

Resolution

Case Dismissal: There is no evidence of Non-Academic Misconduct (NAM) or not enough evidence to make a finding. 
Informal Resolution: The student accepts responsibility for their actions and sanctions are agreed upon. 
Formal Resolution: The Case Manager makes a decision of responsibility when an Informal Resolution cannot be reached or is not appropriate.

Appeals

In cases with a formal resolution, a student may appeal the decision to the NAM appeal panel. The grounds for an appeal are Breach of Procedural Fairness and/or Acting without Authority. Learn more about the appeal process on NAM Appeals website.

NAM Appeals Website

The things to know about the Student Code of Conduct and Procedures Under the Code

All students are made aware of their responsibility to acknowledge and adhere to the Code before registering for class on SOLUS. In this sense, adherence to the Code is an important term of the contract between each student and the University.

  • Transcripts: If you are found responsible for non-academic misconduct it will not appear on your transcript except in circumstances where a student has been sanctioned with a Requirement to Withdraw (e.g., suspension or expulsion).
  • Family: Your parents will not be notified by the Student Conduct Office. With your consent, a Case Manager may speak with your parent or Support Person. Some students prefer to have the support of their parents when participating in a non-academic misconduct process and our system allows for this to occur. The university in accordance with applicable procedures may reach out to an emergency contact in limited extenuating circumstances.
  • Private Records: We keep any records of non-academic misconduct in accordance with FIPPA and the university's Records Management Policy.

The length of a non-academic misconduct case depends on the participants and the complexity of the case.  Some may be resolved in 2-3 weeks and some may take a full academic term or longer.

  • In a case of non-academic misconduct, you will be treated fairly. Fair treatment includes being respected, being notified of the case and meetings, having an opportunity to be heard, being informed of decisions and reasons, and having the right to appeal findings of responsibility and sanctions.
  • Decisions about whether or not a violation of the Code has occurred are made on "a balance of probabilities". What this means is that the decision maker has to believe that it is more likely than not that a violation of the Code occurred in order to make a finding of responsibility.
  • We approach outcomes (sanctions) from an educational and restorative lens and reserve the right to use corrective sanctions when necessary to maintain a safe campus environment.

 Learn more on our Restorative Approaches and Practices page

Support Persons

While students involved in NAM proceedings have the option to be accompanied by a Support Person. A Support Person may be any one of the student’s choosing as long as that person has had no involvement in the incident, i.e., as a witness or co-respondent. The Support Person’s role is to provide moral support and assistance to the student in understanding processes and procedures.

A Support Person may attend any meetings that occur as part of the process, such as the initial meeting, investigation interviews, resolution discussions, and hearings. When a Support Person accompanies a student, they generally do not have a speaking role and are not there to advocate or speak on behalf of the student. Parents, mentors, and a family friend are some examples of Support Persons for students.

The University Ombudsperson does not typically fulfill the role of a Support Person. Respondents in NAM proceedings may wish to consult with the Ombudsperson for clarification on relevant policies and procedures.

Advisors

An Advisor is a more formal type of support to a student, such as a Legal Counsel or other similar representative. Students who are facing serious incidents of non-academic misconduct are encouraged to consider obtaining legal advice from a lawyer or other legal advisor of their choosing. Even where a student has retained the assistance of an Advisor, Case Managers and other University Administrators retain the right to address the student directly; moreover, the student’s Advisor is ordinarily not permitted to answer questions on the student’s behalf.

Participants may be involved in both a non-academic misconduct process and a criminal/civil proceeding for the same incident. Fact-finding inquiries by the Student Conduct Office are internal administrative processes that are separate and independent from any parallel criminal/civil proceeding. A person who submits a complaint of non-academic misconduct always has the right to take personal legal action for the same incident.

We know that the non-academic misconduct process can be stressful and encourage you to take advantage of campus and community supports. The Case Manager can help connect you to support resources on campus.

For general information on non-academic misconduct

If you are interested in learning more about the entire Non-Academic Misconduct system, check out the Non-Academic Misconduct website.