Honor System Flow Chart
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When cases are submitted to the Honor System, the following flow chart illustrates the process from investigation to either dismissal or assignment of sanctions:
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Case Reported: once the case is reported, the Chief Justice assigns the case to an Associate Justice who begins the investigation. The accused's transcript is monitored, and an opening packet is mailed to the accused. BACK TO FLOW CHART
Case Investigated: the Associate Justice conducts the investigation by obtaining information relevant to the case from the reporter and the accused. Once the case is investigated, the Associate Justice schedules a Judicial Panel to hear the case. Often, students who are guilty and who choose to accept responsibility for their actions choose to waive the Judicial Panel. Those who waive panel have their case heard by the Chief Justice and the Faculty Advisor. The recommendation of the Chief Justice and the Faculty Advisor are reported to the Honor System Review Board. BACK TO FLOW CHART
Judicial Panel: the Judicial Panel is an administrative hearing consisting of the accused, the reporter, the Associate Justice, counselors assigned to the accused (if wanted), four student panel members, and one faculty panel member. The Judicial Panel is conducted in a professional manner. Panel hears the evidence of the case, asks pertinent questions, and determines whether a violation occurred. Additionally, the panel determines the classification and sanction for the case in the event a guilty verdict is reached. If a "not guilty" verdict is reached, the case is dismissed. BACK TO FLOW CHART
Review Board: the Honor System Review Board consists of three faculty members and all Associate Justices. Additionally, the Advisor to the Honor System chairs the board. The Review Board meets regularly to review the decisions of the Judicial Panels and to hear appeals. The Review Board maintains consistency among the recommended decisions, and where appropriate, forwards the decisions from Judicial Panel to the Provost for final review. Also, where applicable, the Review Board may recommend the following:
  • Re-Panel. At the discretion of the Board, a case my be re-paneled. Once a new verdict is obtained, the case proceeds as normal depending on the panel's findings.
  • Reinvestigation. The Board may request additional information about the case before recommending the case to the Provost. The Associate Justice originally assigned to the case conducts the additional investigation and reports back to the Review Board. At that point, the Board makes a decision on the case as noted.
  • Dismissal. In certain cases, the Review Board may recommend that a case be dismissed.

Once the Review Board makes a determination on a "guilty" verdict, the case is forwarded with recommendations to the Provost.

The Review Board also hears appeals. If an accused student is found guilty, the student may appeal the verdict of the panel based on certain grounds. These grounds are: New Evidence, Arbitrary or Capricious Treatment by the Honor System, or Violation of Student's Rights by the Honor System. After hearing the appeal, the Board determines the merits of the appeal. The outcomes are as follows:

  • Deny Appeal. The appeal is found to be without merit. Previously determined sanctions remain in effect.
  • Appeal Granted. If an appeal is found to have merit, there are several outcomes that can occur based on the particular situation of the appeal or circumstances surrounding the case:
    • Re-Panel. Similar to the initial option of re-paneling a case. The Review Board directs that a new panel be seated and the accused's case is heard. The outcome of the new panel follow this same process to completion.
    • Reinvestigation. Again, similar to the reinvestigation option described above. The Board requests additional information to be provided by the Associate Justice assigned to the case before making a final determination.
    • Dismissal. The case is dismissed. There are no further actions taken by the Honor System.

At this point, if a case is determined to have merit, it is passed along to the Provost's Office for final evaluation. BACK TO FLOW CHART

Provost Office: After receiving the Review Board's recommendation, the Provost determines the final action and sanction for the case. Any grade change that is recommended as part of a sanction is authorized through the Provost.

Once a final determination is made and sanctions determined, students must meet with the Provost to satisfy the Education requirement of their sanction. Additionally, students must meet with the Provost's Office to arrange any University Service hours that are assigned as part of a sanction. Failure to complete these hours may result in a one-term suspension from the university. BACK TO FLOW CHART