MSU Student Conduct Processes: Frequently Asked Questions
The following is a list of questions commonly asked by those involved in MSU's student conduct process. The list is not exhaustive, so if the answer to your question is not here, please reach out to the Office of Student Support and Accountability (OSSA) directly at (517) 884-0789 or email conduct@msu.edu.
General FAQs
What are common terms I should know about the student conduct process?
Below are some commonly used terms:
- University Community: All University students, Trustees, administrators, faculty, and staff
- Respondent: An individual or group against whom a complaint is filed
- 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.
- Witness: A member of the University Community who observes an event, situation, or occurrence and can provide firsthand information regarding the concern/issues.
- Reporting Party: A member of the MSU community who submits a report detailing an incident or concern.
- Advisor: Any individual chosen by a party to advise, support, and/or consult with throughout a resolution process.
- Student: A person enrolled or participating in a collegiate-level, University-sponsored program or course, regardless of program level; this person includes a person who is on a leave of absence, recess, has withdrawn, or graduated after an alleged violation of student conduct policies.
- Student Rights and Responsibilities: Set of guidelines, expectations, and adjudication procedures to support student rights and responsibilities as a Michigan State University student.
Note that non-University Community members can participate in the conduct process in four different capacities: respondent, complainant, witness/reporting party, or advisor.
How does an incident or concern get reported?
Anyone can file a report with the Office of Student Support & Accountability (OSSA), whether the person is a victim, witness, or observer. Reports should include specific details of the violation that occurred. They can be submitted using the Public Reporting Tool. Please be advised that anonymous reports will limit OSSA's ability to respond.
What are some examples of academic misconduct violations?
Academic violations include (but are not limited to) plagiarism, cheating, fabrication of data, and unauthorized collaboration. More information on specific violations can be found in the Student Rights and Responsibilities.
What are some examples of non-academic/person conduct policy violations?
Examples of non-academic violations include (but are not limited to) alcohol and drug violations, theft and vandalism, physical assault or violence, and unauthorized entry or trespassing. More information on specific violations can be found in the Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Can an incident or concern be resolved outside of the formal disciplinary process?
Yes. Informal resolution is encouraged, prior to filing a complaint (when appropriate). Informal methods of resolution including restorative justice, shuttle diplomacy, and conflict coaching can be used when an impacted party prefers an informal resolution as opposed to a formal investigation or wishes to maintain anonymity. Reports of academic dishonesty should also attempt to be resolved through informal, direct discussions.
How are student conduct regulations/policies enforced at MSU?
Student conduct regulations are developed and enforced based on specific guidelines outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities. These regulations are public and accessible to all MSU community members and were designed to be clear, specific, and respectful of the free expression of ideas. Student conduct outcomes are designed for education, guidance and correction of behavior and correspond to the seriousness of the offense.
How does MSU address retaliation against those who report incidents/concerns?
Retaliation, defined as acts against individuals participating in protected activities, is a serious violation of University policy. Protected activities include aspects of the student conduct process such as opposing prohibited conduct, reporting prohibited conduct to the university and participating in investigations or hearings.
MSU takes retaliation serious and has policies in place to address and prevent it, including encouragement of immediate reporting of alleged retaliation. Specific procedures are in place to address and resolve cases of retaliation, with an emphasis on ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all students. More information on protected activities and retaliatory actions can be found in the Student Rights and Responsibilities.
What does "preponderance of the evidence" mean?
Preponderance of the evidence is the standard of evidence used in the University conduct process to determine responsibility for violating policy. A student or student organization will be found responsible for violating policy if it can be demonstrated that it is "more likely than not" that the student violated policy.
I've been asked to be an advisor. What does that entail?
Advisors are individuals selected by either a respondent or complainant to support them throughout the adjudication process. Advisors may support students by providing counsel throughout the conduct process and may be present at formal hearings. It is important to be familiar with the adjudication process and understand that the advisory role does not have a speaking part in the adjudication process, but rather, you are there only in a support capacity to the involved party.
How do I know if I should report something?
Any community member is welcome to report student or student organization behavior they believe violates University policy. You may consult with the Office of Student Support and Accountability if you have questions.
I'm an attorney. What can I do?
Attorneys may serve as advisors to parties going through the adjudication process. Attorneys may not speak for or on behalf of their party; however, they may consult with them as needed.
Individual Student Conduct
I received an email from "conduct@msu.edu". The letter says there is a meeting I'm supposed to attend. What does this mean?
It means that the University has received a report claiming that you violated University policy. This email was sent:
- To notify you of the allegations (i.e. what you are being accused of)
- To provide you with an opportunity to learn your rights and responsibilities in an initial meeting
- To respond to the allegations, if desired, in an initial meeting
You should read the email closely, follow instructions carefully, and respond accordingly. Failure to do so may result in a hold on your account, which will prevent you from adding or dropping classes and may eventually drop your previously scheduled classes.
What happens if I don't attend this initial meeting?
The initial meeting will be held virtually, unless you would like to come to the Student Services Building in person (feel free to request an in-person meeting). In this meeting, you will meet with an OSSA administrator who will help you learn about your rights and responsibilities as a respondent. Together, you will review a detailed account of the claims being made against you and the policies you would be in violation of in this incident if the report is true. You will have the opportunity to confirm or deny elements of the incident report. You will have the opportunity to make decisions regarding how and when you will respond to the claims. Options for response may include:
- Resolving the allegation at the time of the meeting, or
- Choosing a more formal resolution hearing, either to a board or to an administrator
What if I accept responsibility?
You may ask the administrator to recommend appropriate sanction(s) (subject to appeal), and the matter can be resolved at that time.
You may also request to meet with a hearing board and have community members recommend appropriate sanction(s).
In either case, you will be asked to reflect on what happened, what you were thinking at the time, what you have thought about since, who has been affected and how, and what you can do to make things right. If you have a prior record of misconduct, that will also be discussed before sanctions are determined.
What if I deny responsibility?
A formal hearing will be scheduled, where the complainant and respondent will provide information to allow the hearing body (administrator or board) to determine if the regulations in question were violated.
Who has access to my disciplinary/conduct record without requiring my permission?
University officials with a "legitimate educational interest" may review your record without your written permission. Most commonly those individuals are conduct administrators, hearing boards, appeal officers/boards, and the Office of the Registrar.
Will my family or guardians be informed about my involvement in the student conduct process?
No, unless there is a related health and safety emergency. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 is a federal law that prohibits educational institutions from disclosing certain information from a student's educational record without the student's consent.
Can I be found in violation of a University policy while off campus?
Yes. Student conduct regulations apply in various scenarios, including but not limited to the ones listed below:
- On any land governed by the Board of Trustees at MSU
- When students engage in off-campus activities sponsored by the University or group
- When a student's conduct poses a clear danger to health and safety, particularly in cases of hazing, serious bodily harm, or acts that have substantial impacts on safety, services, or property and are not protected by the First Amendment.
If I am found responsible, what are examples of potential outcomes?
The range of potential outcomes (also called sanctions) include a warning, completing of educational programs/activities, change of residence, probation, restitution, disenrollment from a course, suspension, and dismissal from the University. Detailed information on each sanction can be found in the Student Rights and Responsibilities.
What happens if I don't complete a sanction by the deadline given?
A hold will be placed on your registration, which will prevent you from registering for classes, changing your schedule, and could potentially result in you being disenrolled from your previously scheduled classes.
What is the individual conduct appeals process and who can appeal?
A respondent may appeal any decision based on one or more of the following:
- The finding of responsibility did not meet the preponderance of the evidence standard
- The sanction is too harsh
- Proper procedures were not followed
- The decision maker (board or administrator) had a conflict of interest
A complainant may appeal based on one or more of the following:
- Proper procedures were not followed
- The decision maker (board or administrator) had a conflict of interest
A written appeal must be filed in the manner outlined in the decision letter within five class days of the date of the decision.
Recommended sanctions will generally not go into effect while under appeal unless specified otherwise in the Student Rights and Responsibilities. The University Student Appeals Board (USAB) will issue a written decision within ten class days of convening to review the appeal. Decisions of the USAB are final and effective immediately, except suspensions and dismissals, which are subject to implementation by the Dean of Students.
How are members of hearing boards selected?
Board members are appointed in several ways, including appointment by student governing bodies like the Residence Halls Association, Associated Students of MSU, and Council of Graduate Students; nomination by Academic Governance and Human Resources; and appointment by academic colleges.
If an incident/case goes to a hearing, how long does that process take?
From the time a respondent decides to have a hearing to the time when a final decision is rendered varies depending on a number of factors, including whether an administrator or board hearing was selected; when an appropriate administrator or board can coordinate its schedule with the complainant, respondent, and board advisor (only in the case of board hearings); what time of year it is; and other factors. This process typically takes about one month after requesting a hearing. Hearings by board typically take longer to coordinate than hearings by administrators.
Written decisions are generally delivered within five class days of a formal hearing and include both the rationale for the decision and notification of the right to appeal. Appeals, if filed, are reviewed within an additional ten class days.
May I have someone accompany me to any part of the resolution process?
Yes. You may designate one individual to act as an advisor so long as they are not involved in the process in some other way (for example, if they are serving on the hearing board for your case). Advisors may support you through each stage of the conduct process. Please be aware that advisors do not have a speaking role in the hearing process and may not speak on your behalf.
What happens if I leave the University before this is resolved?
The process may continue without you. In addition, a hold may be placed on your registration which will prevent you from seeking reenrollment prior to conclusion/resolution of the case.
Student Organization Conduct
How can I submit a report regarding a student group I believe is violating one or more policies?
There are multiple avenues for submitting a report regarding a student group, including the public reporting form and the MSU Misconduct hotline or web form. Individuals wanting to talk through reporting may also call the Office of Student Support and Accountability during business hours at 517-884-0789.
What is a temporary restraining action (TRA)?
A Temporary Restraining Action (or TRA) is a restriction on some or all operations of a student organization. A TRA may be placed against a student organization pending the outcome of the disciplinary complaint if the student organization's continued operation or conduct threatens immediate and irreparable harm tot he health or safety of persons or property. Prior to a TRA being implemented, the Dean of Students will meet with the president (or another executive board member, if the president is unavailable) of the organization.
What is a petition to remove a TRA? How do I submit one?
Any organization placed on a TRA may submit a petition to have their TRA removed. This petition should be submitted in writing to OSSA and will be reviewed by the Senior Vice President for Student Life and Engagement (SVP for SLE). The SVP or their designee will meet with at least one representative from the student organization (president or another executive board officer) within five class days after the receipt of the petition for the sole purpose of determining if the TRA should continue or be removed. The decision will be emailed to the organization.
I have been emailed to schedule an administrative meeting - who can attend with me?
As the president of your group, you may have the following individuals present: a risk manager (or equivalent), your advisor, and/or a representative from a headquarters or district/regional staff, if appropriate. For any questions specific to your organization's structure, please do not hesitate to ask about who may attend prior to the scheduled meeting occurring.
How long do administrative meetings last?
On average, administrative meetings last approximately one hour per report/case. Where possible, an organization with multiple reports will be scheduled in a larger time block.
I have been emailed to schedule an interview - what do I need to do? What should I expect?
Please follow the directions in the email to schedule your interview. You should expect to have an interview with a small number of individuals present. These individuals may be MSU staff and/or representatives of your student organization (district/regional/headquarters volunteers or staff). You should expect to be asked questions about your student organization and your experiences. Some questions may focus on specific events and/or activities relevant to the investigation.
How long do interviews related to a student organization last?
A scheduled interview typically lasts anywhere from 30-60 minutes. You will know in advance the length of the interview.
What are common sanctions an organization may receive if found responsible?
Sanctions an organization may receive if found responsible for one or more violations include but are not limited to: disciplinary reprimand, educational sanction(s), attainment of standards, restitution, student organization probation, revocation or restriction or privilege(s), or a loss of registration.
How can I appeal an outcome letter from a student organization case?
An appeal must be submitted in writing to OSSA within five class days of the outcome being issued. The Director of OSSA, or their designee, will review submitted appeals on one or more of the below:
- The information presented does not support the decision reached;
- The information presented does not support the sanction imposed; or
- The procedures described in the Student Organization Conduct Policy for adjudicating the case were not followed
Any sanctions issued will not go into affect while the appeal is pending. Any Temporary Restraining Action (TRA) in effect for the organization will remain in place until an appeal decision is issued. The Director of OSSA, or their designee, will do one of the following:
- Affirm the decision (maintain the finding of responsibility and/or the sanction(s) issued)
- Reverse the decision (change either the finding of responsibility and/or the sanction(s) issued, or both)
- Remand the case to the investigator for future investigation
- Modify the decision as deemed appropriate
Don't see your question answered? Please call us at 517-884-0789 to discuss your questions during business hours or email ossa@msu.edu with your question.
