The Student Discipline Process

As authorized by the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System, the Office of the Dean of Students is responsible for the administration of student discipline, which is implemented by Student Judicial Services (SJS).

SJS routinely receives reports of alleged violations of University rules from campus offices (e.g., University of Texas Police Department, Division of Housing & Food Service, Parking & Transportation Services, Information Technology Services, etc.) as well as individual faculty members and students. In response to such a report, SJS generally schedules a meeting with the student to discuss the suspected violation(s).

Potential Outcomes

After meeting with the student and, if warranted, investigating the matter further, SJS staff:

• may determine that no further action is necessary and/or dismiss the allegation(s) as unsubstantiated; or
• may, based on the evidence, find the student responsible for violating University rules, and then offer an Administrative Disposition, which the student can either accept and waive the right to a hearing, or decline and choose to dispute the allegation(s) at a hearing.
  • With an administrative resolution, the student accepts a penalty deemed appropriate by SJS, knowing beforehand what penalty will be assessed. The student does, however, retain the right to appeal the penalty to the President within the designated time period.
  • If the matter is resolved through a hearing, an SJS staff member presents evidence and witnesses on behalf of the University, and the student can also present evidence and witnesses on behalf of himself/herself. A hearing officer appointed by the President presides over the proceeding, determines if the evidence supports a finding of violation and, if so, assesses a penalty. The student and/or the Dean of Students may appeal the hearing officer's decision to the President within the designated time period.
  • Assessed penalties vary with the circumstances, including the nature of the violation(s). Penalties can include, but are not limited to: written reprimand, warning or disciplinary probation, alcohol/other drug education programs, suspended privileges, restitution, community service, counseling, grade-related penalties (only in cases of scholastic dishonesty), bar against readmission, deferred suspension, and/or suspension or expulsion.

Note: This overview is not the official statement on University policies regarding the discipline process. For the official policies, please click on the following links.

Investigation
This link will take you to Section 11-301 of the Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities on the Office of the Registrar Web site.

Administrative Disposition
This link will take you to Section 11-303 of the Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities on the Office of the Registrar Web site.

Hearing
This link will take you to Subchapter 11-400 of the Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities on the Office of the Registrar Web site.

Penalties
This link will take you to Subchapter 11-500 of the Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities on the Office of the Registrar Web site.

Appeal
This link will take you to Subchapter 11-600 of the Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities on the Office of the Registrar Web site.