Students: Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Student Judicial Services (SJS) located?
Student Judicial Services (SJS) is in the Office of the Dean of Students and is located in Suite 4.104 of the Student Services Building (SSB) at 100 W. Dean Keeton Street.

May I request information regarding my disciplinary matter over the telephone?
As a general rule, we do not provide such information over the phone because information regarding disciplinary matters is highly confidential, and we must be sure that we are providing the information to the correct person. If you have not already been notified of a scheduled meeting with SJS, you may call 471-2841 to make an appointment.

What happens if I refuse or fail to meet with SJS after being notified of a scheduled appointment with that office?
Provided adequate notice was given consistent with University rules, the Dean of Students may bar or cancel the enrollment or otherwise alter the status of a student who fails without good cause to attend a scheduled meeting with SJS.

Can someone attend the meeting with me at SJS?
Yes, an individual may attend a meeting with you at our office, provided that you sign a release authorizing us to release information about your disciplinary matter to that person. However, separate meetings are scheduled for any students involved in the same disciplinary matter, including those who have been referred to SJS and/or who may have witnessed an incident being investigated by SJS.

Am I allowed to examine my discipline file?
Yes. You will need to go to SJS and fill out a request to view your file. (This paperwork can be completed when you meet with an SJS staff member about your disciplinary matter.) You will also need to present an official photo ID. After your request is processed, a time may be arranged for you to review the file in our office.

How do I report sexual discrimination, including a sexual harassment incident?
Contact Dr. LaToya Hill, Coordinator of Student Emergency Services, at 471-5017. When calling to schedule an appointment, if you tell the staff member who answers the phone that you have a question or concern about sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual misconduct, an effort will be made to schedule the meeting as soon as possible. For more information please refer to http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sh/. Students can also report any such concerns to Linda Millstone, Associate Vice President for Institutional Equity and Workforce Diversity, Equal Opportunity Services, at 471-1849.

How can I have a Dean of Students bar removed from my record?
Call SJS at 471-2841. Generally, a Dean of Students bar means that you failed to respond to a summons letter or fulfill some other obligation concerning a disciplinary matter, so you will probably need to schedule an appointment and meet with an SJS staff member before the bar is removed.

How can I obtain my confiscated UT identification (ID) card?
If your UT ID card was confiscated on campus, it will probably be sent to SJS. Provided the ID card was received by SJS, you will be sent a letter from that office outlining your options. Please note: A UT ID card is nontransferable and for your use only. So, if you have allowed someone else to use your ID card, it will not be returned to you, and you will need to purchase a replacement ID card at the ID Center.

What steps do I take to complete questions on applications or reference forms about disciplinary records?
You will need to go to SJS. You must bring an official photo ID, the signed form, and a stamped, addressed envelope. If the form does not have a signed release allowing us to provide information of that nature, you will be asked to sign a release at SJS. Generally, these forms are processed within a week of their submission to our office.

How can I report a suspected violation of Institutional Rules to the Office of the Dean of Students?
If you have reason to believe that a student may have violated University rules, you may contact SJS at 471-2841. Arrangements can be made for you to meet with an SJS staff member who will inform you of your options and discuss the situation with you.

If I file a complaint and disagree with the outcome, can I appeal the decision?
No, only the accused student or the Dean of Students may appeal a disciplinary decision.

Will I be able to know the outcome of another student's disciplinary matter?
We will only release information about the outcome of another student's disciplinary matter upon his/her written consent or when required to do so by state or federal law.

What if I disagree with an accusation of scholastic dishonesty made by my professor?
You may request that your professor refer the matter to SJS in the Office of the Dean of Students.

How do I appeal my penalty if I resolved my disciplinary matter with a professor through a Faculty Disposition?
You must provide SJS written notice of your decision to appeal the penalty within fourteen (14) days from the date on which you signed the Faculty Disposition form. The required notice is informal, but should contain your name, the date you accepted the Faculty Disposition, and the name of your adviser, if any, in the disciplinary matter.

What if I disagree with the findings of SJS?
You may choose to have your disciplinary matter resolved through a University disciplinary hearing.

How do I appeal my penalty if I resolved my disciplinary matter through an Administrative Disposition with SJS?
You must provide written notice to the President of your decision to appeal the penalty within fourteen (14) days of the date on which you signed the Administrative Disposition. The required notice is informal, but should contain your name, the date on which you accepted the Administrative Disposition, and the name of your adviser, if any, in the disciplinary matter.

How do I appeal my penalty if I resolved my disciplinary matter through a disciplinary hearing?
You must provide written notice to the President of your decision to appeal the penalty within fourteen (14) days after being notified of the hearing officer's decision. The required notice is informal, but should contain your name, the date of the hearing officer's decision, and the name of your adviser, if any, in the disciplinary matter.

Will my financial aid be affected by the penalty I received?
Maybe. For information regarding your financial aid please contact The Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS) at 475-6282. Additional information about OSFS can be found on their Web site.

I have an attorney; what is his/her role in resolving my disciplinary matter?
Your attorney may attend and advise you throughout the disciplinary process. But if you elect to resolve your matter through a disciplinary hearing, your attorney would not be permitted to question witnesses, introduce evidence, make objections, or present arguments to the hearing officer during that proceeding.

Can my parents obtain information from SJS about my disciplinary matter?
Our office would provide such information to your parents if you have signed a release authorizing us to do so.

Who has access to my disciplinary record?
Your disciplinary record is considered confidential. However, information concerning your disciplinary record may be made available to appropriate University officials, faculty, and/or staff members who have a legitimate educational interest in such information. In addition, information regarding your disciplinary record may be released to other individuals or entities upon your written request or in accordance with state and federal law.

How long will my disciplinary record be maintained?
Most disciplinary records are maintained for at least five years. Some records, however, are kept permanently, including those involving an assessed penalty of suspension, expulsion, denial or revocation of a degree, and/or withdrawal of a diploma. Records of disciplinary matters resolved through University disciplinary hearings are also maintained permanently.

Note: The official University policies concerning scholastic dishonesty and the disciplinary process are outlined in Chapter 11 of the Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities, which may be found in Appendix C of the General Information catalog.