Below you will find Frequently Asked Questions for students and for families. Please note that each situation is different and sometimes requires different responses. If you have a specific question, please contact the Office of Community Standards at conduct@iit.edu.
Where can I find a copy of the Code of Student Conduct and the Resident Student Handbook?
The Student Handbook can be found on the Office of Student Affairs website. Access the Student Handbook here.
What is the purpose of the student conduct system?
The philosophy of discipline at Illinois Tech is one of education. Discipline is exercised with the primary goal of promoting the welfare of the individual and the university community. The focus is on individual growth and development, personal responsibility and fostering respect for the community and its members.
What can be expected at an administrative hearing?
An administrative hearing is a one-on-one meeting between the student and the hearing officer. Students should expect to discuss the incident(s) that occurred, an opportunity to share their account of the incident, both hearing officer and student are afforded an additional opportunity for question, and answer any questions about the conduct process.
Does the Office of Community Standards accept anonymous reports?
Though individuals are encouraged to come forward and report complaints, reports may also be made anonymously. However, Illinois Tech’s ability to investigate and to address anonymously reported complaints is generally significantly limited, which may inhibit Illinois Tech’s ability to pursue disciplinary proceedings against potential or alleged responsible parties. Accordingly, the more information that can be provided, the more thorough the investigation.
May I have an advisor attend?
In order to maintain the integrity, civility and efficiency of the process, any advisor and/or parents attending a meeting or hearing will be limited to advising the student and will not be allowed to participate in the meeting and/or hearing; this includes, but is not limited to, presenting the case, answering questions, questioning witnesses or making statements during the hearing. Failure of an advisor or parent to adhere to these standards may result in their removal from the hearing.
Can I appeal the decision?
Students who receive a decision, may appeal the decision to the Dean of Students. If a decision is made by the Campus Judicial Board, the appeal may be heard by the Provost. An appeal may be made only for one of the following reasons:
- The procedures outlined above were not substantially followed and such occurrence reasonably could be deemed to have impacted the outcome;
- The sanction imposed was inappropriate for the offense; and
- New evidence that was not available at the time of the original decision, due to no fault or lack of diligence of the student, has become available.
More information about the Appeal process can be found in the Student Handbook.
Where can I find a copy of the Code of Student Conduct and the Resident Student Handbook?
The Student Handbook can be found on the Office of Student Affairs website. Access the Student Handbook here.
My student received a letter from the Office of Community Standards. What does that mean?
If your student received a letter from the Office of Community Standards, this means that your student may or may have not been involved in an incident and the Office of Community Standards is requesting the meeting to learn more about your student’s involvement.
Why was I not directly notified of my students’ alleged violation? Will I be notified if my student is charged with a violation?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. We encourage students to speak with their parents and believe that, as adults, they should take responsibility for initiating that conversation.
We may notify parents of students under the age of 21 when a student has been found responsible for an alcohol or drug related violation as allowed by an amendment to FERPA. Students are generally notified when parents will be contacted and are given the opportunity — and encouraged — to contact the parents first.
Who will hear my student’s case?
Depending on the violation(s) the case may be heard by a professional staff member from the Office of Residence Life and/or Office of Community Standards. For cases that are complex in nature or may result in suspension of expulsion, it will be held by a Campus Judicial Board.
My student was a bystander and completely not involved. Why did he/she receive notice to attend a hearing?
All students identified in an incident may be in violation of university policy and receive a hearing notification letter. A bystander may have valuable information that is relevant to the case.
As a family member, may I attend the hearing with my student?
An advisor (that may be a family member, friend, professor, TA, etc.) is permitted. An advisor will be limited to advising the student and will not be allowed to participate in the meeting and/or hearing; this includes, but is not limited to, presenting the case, answering questions, questioning witnesses or making statements during the hearing.