1. Resources
  2. Information for Respondents

Information for Respondents

After receiving a Notice or Request to Meet

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 and/or the Policy on Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Violence Involving Students.

 Student Code of Conduct (PDF)
Policy on Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Violence Involving Students

If you would like to have a Support Person or Advisor 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 Disclosure

You will be provided information relevant to the alleged incident. 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 and/or the Investigator.

Prepare evidence

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

Submit a written response

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

The 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 likely than not responsible for the alleged violation.

Before the Resolution: Code Cases

Informal Resolution

If you accept responsibility for violating the Student Code of Conduct, you should review the outcomes/sanctions found in the Code. 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 violating the Code, and the Case Manager has gathered sufficient information to support finding you responsible, 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 under the Student Code of Conduct may be appealed within a specific timeframe. The grounds for an appeal of a decision under the Code are Breach of Procedural Fairness and/or Acting without Authority. 

Learn more on the NAM Appeals website

Decisions under the Policy on Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Violence Involving Students may also be appealed on specific grounds and within a specific timeframe. To learn more, review Section 13 of the Sexual Violence Policy.

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 Office of the University Ombudsperson (the "OUO") 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. The OUO can also connect Respondents in Sexual Violence Policy cases with Support Persons.

Office of the University Ombudsperson website

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