1. Resources
  2. Information for Respondents

Information for Respondents

After receiving a notice of initial meeting

Interim measures are conditions that may be placed on a student alleged of misconduct. Instructions can be found in the Notice.

Learn more about interim measures

The Notice will contain the alleged violations under the Student Code of Conduct.

 Student Code of Conduct (PDF)

If you would like to have a support person attend the meeting, please email the Case Manager with their name. You will be asked to sign a Consent to Release Information form.

A support person can be a parent/guardian, family member, University Official, Residence Life Don, etc.

Learn more about Support Persons/Advisors

Write down questions you may have and bring the list with you to the meeting.

Before Fact-Finding

Review the disclosure

You will be provided information relevant to the complaint. It may include an Incident or Security Report, photos, documents, etc. Review the information carefully and plan your response.

Create a witness list

You may make a list of witnesses including their names and Queen’s email addresses. Submit the list to the Case Manager.

Prepare evidence

Evidence may be photos, videos, emails, text messages, etc. You may prepare the evidence for submission to the Case Manager.

Submit a written response

You may prepare a written response to the allegation and submit it to the Case Manager.

Balance of probabilities

Queen’s University Non-Academic Misconduct Proceedings are decided on a “balance of probabilities.” The decision-maker must have enough relevant and credible evidence to persuade them that the Respondent is more probable than not responsible for the alleged violation.

Before the resolution

Informal Resolution

If you accept responsibility for your actions, you should review the outcomes/sanctions found in the Student Code of Conduct. Consider what outcomes/sanctions may be appropriate for the impact that was caused by your actions.

Formal Resolution

If you do not accept responsibility for your actions and the Case Manager has gathered information to support a finding of responsibility for violating the Code, a Formal Resolution will be pursued. Review your Decision Letter carefully for the reasons supporting the decision and any assigned sanctions and their deadlines for completion. 

After the resolution

Appeal the decision (if applicable)

Formal Resolutions may be appealed within a specific timeframe. The grounds for an appeal are Breach of Procedural Fairness and/or Acting without Authority.

Learn more on the NAM Appeals website

Complete outcomes/sanctions

In your Outcome Letter, the outcomes/sanctions will be listed, including any deadlines for completion. If an extension is required, please contact the Student Conduct Office.

Office of the University Ombudsperson

The University Ombudsperson helps to ensure procedural fairness in the decision-making process at Queen’s University. They are a resource to review policies and procedures regarding the Non-Academic Misconduct process. 

Office of the University Ombudsperson website

If you would like a printable handout or alternative format of this information, please email studentconductoffice@queensu.ca.