Student Judicial Affairs

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1. General Information
   • Mission
   • Code of Student Conduct/Policies
   • Records Policies/Disciplinary Clearances
   • Criminal Process vs. Student Conduct Process
   • Sexual Harassment by Students
   • Interim Suspension
   • Disruptive Students
   • Troubled Students
   • Statistics
2. Procedures
   • Resolution Options
   • Hearing Information
   • Sanctions
   • Appeals
   • Charged Student Information
   • Complainant/victim information
   • Witness Information
   • Advisor Information
   • Parent Information
3. Sexual Violence
   • Definitions
   • Intimate Partner Abuse
   • OSU's Sexual Misconduct Policy
   • Consent
   • Filing a Complaint
   • Standard of Proof
   • Victim's Rights
   • Victim's Resources
   • Law Enforcement Information
   • No Contact Orders
   • Protection Orders
   • Accused's Rights
   • False Complaints
4. Hazing
   • Hazing Defined
   • Ohio Hazing Law
   • Myths of Hazing
   • What To Do
   • How To Report
   • Alternatives to Hazing
   • Hazing Resources
5. Student Mediation Program
   • About Mediation
   • Frequently Asked Questions
   • Request a Mediation Session

COMPLAINANT/VICTIM FAQs

Who can file a complaint or incident report?

Any person with relevant information concerning a possible violation of the Code of Student Conduct may provide information, or file a complaint or incident report.

How do I file a complaint or incident report?

You may write a statement about what happened and provide it to Student Conduct. You are encouraged to set an appointment to meet with a hearing officer, so that the hearing officer can assist you and obtain any additional information he/she may need.

What should I include in my statement?

It is important that the statement be as clear and detailed as possible.  Try to be as objective in reporting.  If possible, include the following:

1. The names an anyone involved and any witnesses
2. Whether the matter was reported to police or any university staff or officials
3. The sequences of events and any other relevant facts or background
4. Include specific times, dates, names and quotes
5. If any injuries resulted, indicatte what the injuries were and whether any medical treatment was obtained.

What happens after I submit a complaint or incident report to Student Conduct?

Student Conduct will review all reports received for possible investigation.  Investigation may involve interviewing those involved in the incident, consulting with police or other University officials who are co-investigating, or collecting materials relevant to the situation.

Students who are the subject of reports alleging misconduct will meet with a hearing officer in Student Conduct in a preliminary conference.  This is the student’s opportunity to learn about the disciplinary process, make an initial statement regarding his/her involvement in the reported incident, and to ask any questions of the hearing officer.

What is my role in the discplinary process as a complainant after a report or complaint is filed?

You are not responsible for "prosecuting" or presenting the case.  You may be asked to meet with a hearing officer to provide additional information, answer any questions the hearing officer may have about the incident, and/or testify in a hearing.

If you choose not to be involved in the disciplinary process once you have filed a complaint or report, the process will continue if there is sufficient information. In some cases, there may not be sufficient information to sustain charges. Please understand that the process, and perhaps the outcome, might be more powerful if you choose to participate.

May I have a support person with me?

You may have a support person with you throughout the process. The person serves in an advisory and supportive role, and may not speak for you. Your support person should not also be a witness in the case.

Am I required to attend a hearing of the accused student?

We strongly encourage, and may require, the complainant to participate fully in the disciplinary  process, including attending a hearing of the accused if necessary. If you are unable to attend a hearing, you may provide a statement to be read and/or given to the panel members or hearing officer at the hearing.  However, without the information you provide, the charges may not be sustained.

If you are uncomfortable with attending a hearing, we may be able to make arrangements so that you will not be in the same room or be required to interact face-to-face with the accused.  The accused student will have the right to ask questions of you, but the hearing officer or panel chairperson can determine how this will occur.  We make great effort to keep the questioning from being done in an inappropriate manner and to make the environment feel as safe as possible.    

Can I choose to stop the process from happening?

That depends on the nature of the allegations. In some cases, you can choose to stop the process. In some others, if there is an issue of safety for you or members of the OSU community, the university may have to take action, even if you do not want it to.  You may discuss your concerns and preferences with the hearing officer who is handling the case and/or the Director.