FAQ about Student Conduct Administration

I was involved in an incident and told that I had to come to Student Conduct Administration, what does that mean?
The Office of Student Conduct will receive a written report from a member of the University community including faculty and University Police if a student is accused of violating the Standards for Student Conduct. You will then receive a letter and/or email at your CSUSM account from us mandating that you call our office to schedule a conference to discuss the allegation. This one-on-one conference with the Associate Dean of Students will be your opportunity to tell what happened from your perspective.

May I request information regarding my case 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 scheduled a conference with the Associate Dean of Students, you may call (760) 750-4935.

What happens if I don’t make a conference with the Office after I receive a disciplinary letter?
If a student fails to comply with the request to schedule a conference, then the Associate Dean may place a hold on your registration record prohibiting you from dropping or adding classes or obtaining a transcript. You may also be scheduled for a Disciplinary Hearing.

Can someone attend the conference with me?
Yes, you may ask another person to accompany you to the conference.  However, under current University policy, that person may not be an attorney.  However, nothing precludes you from consulting with an attorney prior to the conference.  If you invite another person into the disciplinary conference you are providing authorization for that person to hear information about the allegation. You must be aware that separate conferences are scheduled for any students involved in the same disciplinary matter, including those who have been referred to Judicial Affairs and/or who may have witnessed an incident being investigated by Judicial Affairs.

I have an attorney, what is the attorney's role in the disciplinary process?
While you may consult with your attorney concerning the matter, your attorney may not accompany you in either the conference or at a hearing.

Can my parents obtain information from the Office of Student Conduct about my case?
The issue in question is between you and the University. Your disciplinary proceedings are therefore confidential and protected by University policy based on federal law (for more information see FERPA). If a parent contacts our office concerning a disciplinary matter, the parent will be referred back to you for clarification.

Our office will provide disciplinary information to your parents if you have signed a Discipline File Release Form, 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 available to appropriate University officials, faculty and/or staff who have a legitimate education 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 seven years. Some records however are kept permanently, including those in which sanctions assessed include suspension, expulsion, denial or revocation of a degree, and/or withdrawal of a diploma.

If the violation also involves an alleged crime, can I also be prosecuted through the criminal courts as well as being referred to the Office of Student Conduct?
Yes, the violation may result in an investigation by both the University and the courts.

How can I have a hold lifted from my record?
You will need to call the Office of Student Conduct at (760) 750-4935. Generally, the hold means that you have either failed to respond to the disciplinary letter or you have failed to fulfill other obligations concerning a disciplinary case including mandated sanctions.

What steps do I take to complete questions on applications or reference forms about disciplinary records?
You will need to bring the form to the Dean of Students Office, The Office of Student Conduct is located in Craven Hall 3600. You will need to bring an official photo ID, the signed form, and a stamped, addressed envelope. If the form does not have a signed released allowing us to provide information of that nature, you will be asked to sign a release in our office. Generally, these forms are processed within 72 hours.

How can I report a suspected violation of the Student Conduct Code?
If you have reason to believe that a student may have violated University policies, you may contact the Office of Student Conduct at (760) 750-4935. Arrangements can be made for you to meet with the Associate Dean of Students who will discuss the situation with you and inform you of your options.

Will I be able to know the outcome of another student’s disciplinary matter?
We will only release information when required to do so by state or federal law and Executive Order 1043.

What if I am accused of academic dishonesty?
If you are accused of academic dishonesty you will have an opportunity to speak to your instructor about the allegation. If you understand that you have committed an act of dishonesty it is best to admit to doing so and to apologize to the professor. It will not prevent the instructor from assessing a lower academic grade; however it is the honorable thing for you to do.Under the University policy on academic honesty, the professor may assess a sanction ranging from an oral reprimand to an F in the course.

The professor will also refer the matter to Judicial Affairs.

Where may I find out more information about Conduct Hearings?
Please see California State University Executive Order 1043.