The university affirms the following student rights and privileges in disciplinary proceedings for both the victim and accused:

A) To be informed of the Student Code of Conduct and its corresponding procedures;

B) To petition for redress of a grievance arising from an incident that violates university policy and/or the Student Code of Conduct. Any member of the University community may file a discipline charge or complaint against a student when that person believes the student has violated any University policy.

C) To receive notice of any alleged violations of University policy and/or breaches of the Student Code of Conduct;

D) To have the benefit of an opportunity to be heard by an impartial Hearing Board or Hearing Officer in addressing an allegation or violations of university policy;

E) To have an advisor, including an attorney, present in a disciplinary conference and/or hearing. Advisors may not participate directly in a disciplinary conference and/or hearing process, nor may an advisor address any participant in the disciplinary conference and/or hearing process other than the student the advisor represents. An advisor may be present in cases that are associated with Title IX.

F) To examine evidence to be used against him or her at the administrative discipline conference or prior to a formal hearing;

G) To view the list of witnesses against him or her at the administrative discipline conference or prior to a formal hearing.

Southeastern prides itself on being a caring university. We encourage students to help in maintaining a culture of care by assisting us in educating students who violate the code of conduct and to help provide a safe campus environment for all university members. Safety is an important aspect of university settings. By reporting student conduct violations, you are helping to contribute to a safe and secure environment for yourself and others.

A disciplinary conference is an informal meeting between the student respondent and a student conduct officer. At the disciplinary conference, the student is given the opportunity to discuss the incident in question, be informed of their student rights, review the alleged charges, examine information, and discuss the conduct process. If the respondent admits responsibility for violating the Student Code of Conduct, the student may sign an Administrative Agreement accepting the imposition of sanctions and waive the right to a formal hearing and appeal.

A hearing is a formal meeting between the complainant, respondent, witnesses, and a hearing board composed of administrators and students in order to gather information from all involved parties regarding the incident in question. If the student respondent is found responsible, the Hearing Board will recommend a typical range of sanctions for the infraction for the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability to impose.

Preponderance-of-the-Evidence is the standard of proof that our office uses in determining responsibility for a violation, which means that 51% more likely than not, the violation occurred.

Students may appeal decisions rendered by the Hearing Board to the Vice President of Student Affairs within ten business days of being informed of the decision if:

1) If the disciplinary process was conducted in an unfair manner or fails to follow prescribed procedures.

2) If previously unknown information significant enough to alter the findings that was not known by the hearing board or the accused is brought forth,

3) If the sanction imposed was disproportional to the violation,

Separations from the university (suspensions, dismissals, or expulsions) lasting over one year may be appealed to the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.

Students will be notified directly by the appellate body.

Failure to complete sanctions will result in a registration hold that restricts a student’s ability to enroll or make changes to their classes. Registration holds will remain in place until all sanction obligations are met. Additional charges may also be brought against the student for “failing to comply with sanctions.”

Generally, jurisdiction and discipline shall be limited to conduct that occurs on university premises, at university-sponsored events, or off-campus that has an adverse impact on the university and detrimentally impacts the educational function.

Yes. Records for disciplinary cases are kept on file for seven years after the student last attended the university. Records may be expunged at the student’s written request one year after graduation in minor cases that do not involve separation from the university and if all obligations have been met (i.e., sanctions, deadlines, etc.).

Records involving the imposition of sanctions or separation from the university are kept indefinitely. Transcripts will have a notation for any sanction resulting in a separation from the university.

Disciplinary records are part of a student’s educational record and are protected under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

Students may schedule an appointment with our office to inspect and review their disciplinary record during normal business hours.

The Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability is located at 204 Azalea Circle, Mims Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 207.

Phone number: 985-549-2213

Fax Number: 985-549-5103

Email Address: [email protected]

Regular Hours

Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Friday: 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Summer Hours

Monday–Thursday: 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Friday: Closed

A third party may only inspect or review records with the student’s signed authorization, given through the Authorization to Release Information form.

In certain situations, parents may be notified, depending on the severity of the offense, and in cases of alcohol and drug violations among students under the age of 21.

For Incomplete Sanctions: In cases of incomplete sanctions, students will have a registration hold placed on their Leonet account, restricting them from registering for classes. To have holds removed, they will need to email [email protected] for assistance. They will be instructed to complete the outstanding sanctions before the hold is lifted.

Unresolved Cases through Housing or OSAA: Matters of unresolved incidents that occurred on campus or within the residential halls will need to be adjudicated before any holds will be lifted. Please Schedule an Appointment, email [email protected], or email [email protected] to request a disciplinary conference or meeting with the conduct officer to address any unresolved issues.

Witnesses are allowed to participate in the conduct process voluntarily. First-hand witnesses are preferred. Witness statements may also be provided and authenticated with the date, signature, and W# of the witness for credibility. Witnesses are not mandated participants in the conduct process.

The Hearing Panel is a committee of students, faculty, or staff members who hear disciplinary cases, determine whether a student and/or student organization has violated the Student Code of Conduct, and recommend sanctions that will educate and promote healthy behaviors.

In matters involving transferring to another university, they may ask for permission to seek information about past disciplinary concerns. Any separation from Southeastern Louisiana University (suspension, dismissal, or expulsion) will be stated on the transcript with a deadline date. Ex. ‘Ineligible to return until mm/dd/yy”