UndergraduateStudent Codeof Conduct
23
MultipleDefendants
Two or more accused studentsmay be required to participate jointly in a hearing
if they arealleged to haveparticipated in the same incident, act, events, or series
of related acts. The charge(s) or factual circumstances need not be identical for
theaccused students inhearingsheld jointly.
An accused student may make a written request to the conduct officer for a
separate hearing, citing specific reasons why a joint hearing would unfairly
prejudice his/her defense. This request must be received in the Office of
Community Standards within two (2) business days of the accused student’s
receipt of the hearing notice. A decision will be communicated within two (2)
businessdaysof receipt of the request.
NoticeofWitnesses
Each party shall arrange for the attendance of his/her own witnesses, if
appropriate. The conduct officer will assist in securing the attendance of
witnesses, if a written request for assistance is made to the Office in a
reasonableamount of time inadvanceof thehearing date.
Roleof theWitness
The role of awitness is not that of an advocate or helper for one side; awitness
is required to tell the truth by sharing information at theproceeding aboutmatters
directlyor indirectly related to the incident.
Character witnessesmay only be called to attest to the character of theaccused,
not to assail the character of the complainant, victim, or witnesses brought by the
conduct officer.
Roleof theAdvisor
Students accused of violating theStudent Codeof Conduct arepermitted to have
an advisor with them during a conduct hearing. Assistance in finding an advisor
who is knowledgeable concerning the operation of the conduct process may be
obtained from theOfficeof CommunityStandards.
The role of the advisor is passive and limited. The advisor should assist the
accusedwith the following:
1. Review and understand the charge(s) and Clayton State University’s
DisciplinaryProcedures.
2. Help accused student prepare their presentation of the information and
develop a fair and logical defense.
3. Think of questions to ask the conduct officer and witness(es) called to
provide informationat theproceeding.
4. Suggest additional questions to ask Witnesses on the information they
provided.
5. Provide moral, ethical, and emotional support to the accused during the
proceeding.
The advisor may not actively participate in the hearing, conduct the defense or
ask questions of any witnesses or the conduct officer. However, the advisor can
offer comments of clarification to theaccused.
