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. 

Learn more about the complainant role by downloading the Process Guide for Complainants in the Individual Student Conduct Process.

Respondent

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

Learn more about the respondent role by downloading the Process Guide for Respondents in the Individual Student Conduct Process.

Student Conduct Process Overview

Download the Student Conduct Flowchart.

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.