FAQ for Parents

What is the ABOR Student Code of Conduct?

The Code sets forth the standards of conduct expected of students who chose to join the university community. You may view the code online here.

Will I be notified if my student is charged with violating the ABOR Student Code of Conduct?

Conduct proceedings are confidential and in most cases are not shared with anyone. The details and related documents to a student conduct case are considered as part of the student's educational record, which is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). However, if the student continually finds themselves in difficulty and/or regularly places themselves in risky or dangerous situations, the SRR staff member may involve parents in order to best support the student. We encourage students to speak with their parents about the alleged incident and encourage students to sign a consent to allow the SRR staff member and parents to speak freely. Through the Emergency Notification Protocol the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities reserves the right to contact parents/guardians or identified responsible parties related to any student safety concern or serious student issue. Federal legislation allows Arizona State University to notify parents/guardians of student misconduct that results in the student being found responsible for violation of the alcohol/drug policy on campus. Notification to parents/guardians is at the discretion of the SRR staff member in the event he/she feels there is a concern to be conveyed to parents/guardians.

If my student is charged with violating the ABOR Student Code of Conduct, what happens?

A "First Notice Letter" is sent to the student. This letter is an official notification that is electronically sent, informing a student that there is an allegation of their involvement in a possible Code of Conduct violation. The letter briefly discusses the incident, includes corresponding information about the Student Code of Conduct, and provides the student with information regarding a mandatory meeting with a Student Rights & Responsibilities (SRR) staff member. The meeting serves and an educational conversation between the student and the SRR staff member. The SRR staff member will discuss the conduct process and the alleged incident. The student will be provided with an opportunity to present relevant information regarding the incident. The SRR staff member will also use this time to gather any additional information needed. The SRR staff member may resolve the case at this meeting or may schedule a follow-up meeting if necessary.

What is my role in the university conduct process? How can I help my student?

You can help guide the student through the process and be supportive while holding the student accountable to the university's expectations. You can also help identify and provide necessary interventions, such as alcohol or drug assessments.

Can I be present in a conduct meeting?

The student may have an advisor present throughout the conduct process and that person may be a parent. The student must complete a FERPA consent (release) beforehand for the parent to be present. The role of the advisor is to support and advise the student but not to speak for or represent the student.

Do I need to hire an attorney to represent my student?

Students may have an attorney serve as an advisor. Students most often hire attorneys when there are criminal charges that relate to an incident.

What is a sanction and how are sanctions decided?

When a violation of the ABOR Student Code of Conduct takes place, sanctions are imposed. Sanctions are meant to be educational, not punitive. Sanctions affirm the university standards and help students make better choices in the future. Several factors are considered in sanctioning a student including, but not limited to: their role in the incident, their conduct history, the severity of the incident, and the impact of the incident on the campus community.

Can my student appeal a disciplinary decision?

Decisions are final, unless the student requests a hearing to review a decision of suspension, expulsion, or revocation of a degree.

Does the outcome go on my student's record?

Most discipline issues are not a part of the permanent academic transcript, but are maintained separately. However, some cases involving academic dishonesty, or those incidents resulting in expulsion from the university, may be permanently indicated on the transcript.

My student was charged criminally. Why go through the Code of Conduct Process too?

The University conduct process runs separately and often concurrently to any process the law requires.

My student is having a problem with a fellow student. Can they file a report with SRR?

Yes. A staff member from SRR can consult with your student to discuss options on responding to the issue.

 

Emergency Notification Protocol

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities reserves the right to contact parents/guardians or identified responsible parties related to any student safety concern or serious student issue. Federal legislation allows Arizona State University to notify parents/guardians of student misconduct that results in the student being found responsible for violation of the alcohol/drug policy on campus. Notification to parents/guardians is at the discretion of the Hearing Officer in the event he/she feels there is a concern to be conveyed to parents/guardians.

 

Additional Resources

Records Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
ASU Student Conduct Record Retention Policy
Role of an Advisor in the Investigative Process