Students attending Penn State University are expected to conform to the Code of Conduct.
If you are a student accused of misconduct or charged with a crime, you must schedule a hearing at the Office of Student Conduct. Serious consequences are possible, but the university allows you legal representation.
Understanding the disciplinary hearing
The administration expects all students at Penn State to adhere to the Code of Conduct, which includes values such as integrity and responsibility. If you are alleged to have committed a violation of the code, which would include misconduct or criminal behavior, you face a disciplinary hearing with a case manager at the Office of Student Conduct. If found guilty of the misconduct or crime, the next step is for the case manager to assign sanctions.
Assigning sanctions
The case manager will assign sanctions according to the nature of the misconduct, the impact it has on the college community and any prior history of disciplinary action. The sanctions range from a formal warning and a probationary period to separation from the university. You might also have to attend an educational program based on the charge against you. If you believe that one or more sanctions are not justified or are not within the university guidelines established for the charge, you can request a sanction review.
Looking ahead
If you are a student facing a disciplinary hearing at Penn State or another school, you can depend on the support of an advocate. It is a matter of protecting your rights and your future, and you want the best outcome possible for your case.