Basic Rights and Expectations
Students who choose to attend the University of Rochester should understand that they have certain fundamental rights and that they have committed themselves to adhering to academic and social standards which are essential to the well-being of the community. Any student charged with misconduct will be treated in accordance with the basic standards of fundamental fairness which include timely notification of charges, fair and impartial hearings, and the right of appeal. Students are expected to respond in a timely fashion to any and all written or verbal communication, including but not limited to voice mail, electronic mail, letters, and other forms of correspondence. Failure to check for these forms of communication does not relieve students of their responsibility to reply.
A significant goal of campus judiciary proceedings is to promote the welfare of the student, making the student aware of community standards, and discouraging the student from engaging in behavior that negatively impacts the University community. Another significant goal is to protect the University community’s collective interests and deter potential offenders.
There are important technical differences between campus and criminal judicial proceedings. The University of Rochester, in contrast to the state, does not have fully trained police or investigative units, does not have legal counsel in preparing or presenting cases, and has limited capabilities in comparison with the state to subpoena witnesses or punish them for perjury. It would not be in either the University’s or the student’s best interest to attempt to incorporate these features in the campus judicial system. Indeed, a formal and adversarial procedure might have the effect of suppressing information that, in the interest of a student’s long-term development, is best to bring out.
The University of Rochester views the conduct system as only one tool to address student behavior and concerns. The Office of the Dean of Students seeks to include a variety of individuals in the University community in assisting students in the pursuit of positive growth and a fulfilling college experience