Complainant

A reporting party or member (of a group) of the university community who initiates proceedings against another member (or group) of the MSU community. 

Respondent

An individual or group against whom a complaint is filed alleging violation of one or more regulations/policies. 

Student Conduct Process Overview

1. Complaint Submitted: A complaint is submitted to OSSA. 
2. Notification of Complaint: OSSA Notifies the respondent via MSU email of the alleged policy violation.
3. Administrative meeting: Respondent meets with OSSA designee to review the complaint and discuss options. 
4. Respondent Decision:
   1. Take 5-class Days: Respondent has up to 5 class days to decide how to proceed. 
      1. Deny responsibility: Respondent does not accept responsibility and requests a hearing. 
      2. Accept responsibility: Respondent accepts responsibility for the alleged violation(s), waiving their right to a hearing
   2. Hearing: A structured meeting where parties share perspectives and a decision-maker determines responsibility and, if applicable, sanctions. 
      1. Administrative: One OSSA Designee reviews information and makes a decision. 
      2. Board: A group of trained students, staff, and faculty reviews information and makes a decision
5. Sanctioning
   1. Administrative: One administrator issues sanctions
   2. Board: A group of trained students, staff, and faculty issues sanctions
6. Appeal (optional): The respondent or complainant may submit an appeal based on specific grounds.