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Initial Appointment Letters and Hearing Process

I received an initial appointment letter, what should I do?

You should make sure to follow the directions in the letter. Typically this means attending the meeting that has been scheduled with a case resolution coordinator/investigator. 

How should I prepare for my meeting?

Be prepared to 榴梿视频 a conversation regarding the incident as well as the alleged policy violations that were in your initial appointment letter. If you would like to prepare a written statement you are welcome to, however, that is not an expectation. If you would like an advisor for your meeting you are welcome to bring one, however, please remember that your advisor cannot be a witness and must be a member of the University community (faculty, staff, or student). An advisor also cannot be a family member or attorney of either the reporter or respondent.

How does a case resolution coordinator/investigator decide if I am found responsible for violating a policy?

The Community Standards Office uses a standard called “preponderance of the evidence.” This means that the person making a finding must determine that it is more likely than not that an alleged violation occurred. This is not the same standard as a court of law, which is “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Can I be found responsible for violating a university policy if the incident occurred off-campus?

Yes, you can be found responsible for violating a University policy off-campus and, in fact, anywhere in the world.

What is an "advisory letter?"

An advisory letter is outreach from the Office of Community Standards making a student aware that a report with limited or unsubstantiated details was submitted to the OCS. The letter does NOT constitute a formal response or student conduct finding for violation of University policy. Instead, the letter is intended to be an educational reminder of expectations. This letter does not create a student conduct record.

I received an Acceptance of Responsibility (AOR) letter? What do I need to do?

Review the letter carefully to understand the allegations outlined in the letter. Follow the specific prompts in the letter which guide you through the process of either accepting responsibility for the alleged violation(s) of University policy or rejecting the AOR proposal. Students who reject the proposal should do so through completing the form linked in the letter. Students rejecting the proposal may also submit documentation (if available) using that same form. The documentation will be used during the administrative hearing. If there are questions about this process, please contact community-standards@northwestern.edu with questions.