Disciplinary Proceedings

Complaint Resolution Procedures

The formal process by which a student brings forward a complaint regarding an issue related to university policies, student conduct, or other concerns affecting their rigts or well-being. This process typically involves several steps, including submitting a written complaint, an initial review, investigation (if necessary), and attempts at resolution through mediation, administrative action, or disciplinary proceedings. Depending on the nature of the complaint, resolutions may include corrective actions, or sanctions against those found responsible. The goal of complaint resolution procedures is to ensure fairness, transparency, and a supportive environment for all students.

A. Student Rights

The University strives to provide a resolution process, which allows for a careful, fair, and thorough review of the allegations. The goal is to ensure that students accused of nonacademic misconduct have an opportunity to describe their alleged involvement and, where applicable, the decisions they made. If found responsible, the process also provides mechanisms for students to take responsibility for their actions, receive appropriate educational interventions (e.g., substance use assessments), and repair harm to the individual(s) or community.

In disciplinary meetings based on allegations brought by the Dean of Students, the student will have the right to:

  1. Receive a written notice of the alleged violation(s) in reasonable time to permit the student to adequately respond to the allegations of a Code violation.
  2. Have a presumption of non-responsibility until a finding is reached.
  3. Privacy to the extent possible, consistent with law and University policy.
  4. Receive information about the University’s policies and procedures.
  5. Have an advisor of their choice present in a supportive role.
  6. Receive reasonable and appropriate accommodations through Boston University’s Disability & Access Services.
  7. Identify witnesses and present evidence.
  8. Receive written notification of the determination.
  9. Appeal the finding of a Code violation and any sanction imposed.

Though access to language services is not guaranteed, the University will endeavor to enlist these services when appropriate to ensure that the Respondent can fully and meaningfully participate in the process.

B. Investigation

The student conduct process ensures that all allegations of misconduct are reviewed fairly and thoroughly. When a complaint is received, the OSCCR follows a structured procedure to determine whether the allegations may constitute a violation of the Code of Conduct. This process includes notifying the student of the allegations, offering an opportunity for discussion, and conducting a fact-finding investigation if necessary. The goal is to uphold community standards while providing students with due process and access to relevant resources.

1. Notice of Allegations

Upon receipt of allegations, the Dean of Students or Director of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution will review the complaint to determine whether the complaint of the allegations may rise to a potential violation of the Code. OSCCR will send an email to the student’s official University email account and include the following:

  1. The specific allegations and a summary of the incident(s).
  2. The date by which the student must schedule their student conduct meeting.
  3. That the student may be accompanied by an advisor of their choice who may not participate in the meeting.
  4. That a decision not to participate in the process either in whole or in part will not prevent the University from proceeding with the available information.

2. Informational Meeting

When a student’s alleged behavior is problematic or disruptive to the community but does not appear to rise to a Code violation, OSCCR or Residence Life may contact the student to make them aware of the concerns. This communication usually includes a request to meet to discuss the complaint(s) and should provide an opportunity for the student to learn about the complaint, discuss constructive strategies to better engage with the community, and/or learn about University support services and resources. Although a communication summarizing this conversation may be issued, no findings will be noted on the student’s record.

3. Format of a Disciplinary Meeting

Student conduct meetings provide an opportunity for the student to meet one-on-one to discuss the complaint and their alleged involvement. A meeting with OSCCR constitutes a disciplinary hearing. During the meeting, OSCCR clarifies the alleged policy violation(s), summarizes the reported information, and, if available, shares any relevant documentations (e.g., security footage, photos, etc.). The student:

  • may, but is not obligated to, provide a written statement, which they may reference during the meeting.
  • may submit relevant supporting documentation or materials (e.g., photos, screenshots of text-message exchanges, videos, etc.). OSCCR may decline to review materials that are not relevant to the investigation. Character references are accepted and included in the student’s disciplinary record but do not factor in the determination.
  • will be asked to provide their account of the incident and should be prepared to answer questions and provide the names of any witnesses.
  • may take breaks as needed to confer privately with their advisor.
  • may not record any meeting or interview but may take their own notes.

Students who require accommodations for a disability in order to participate in this process, should contact Disability & Access Services at 617-353-3658 or access@bu.edu.

4. Fact-Finding Process

OSCCR will attempt to resolve allegations of misconduct or Code violation(s) in the following manner:

  1. They will seek to determine the facts and relevant information relating to the complaint or allegation. During the investigation, they may interview the student(s) against whom the allegations have been made.
  2. Before making a determination or imposing any sanction, other than an interim sanction, OSCCR will inform the student(s) against whom allegations of misconduct have been made of the nature of the allegations.
  3. If, as a result of the investigation, OSCCR determines that the matter should be closed without findings, they may do so and will so inform the student(s) involved.
  4. OSCCR will endeavor to complete the investigation into a complaint within 45 days of the filing of the complaint. At the conclusion of the investigation and if the administrator determines that a violation of University policy occurred, a sanction or sanctions will be imposed.

C. Notification & Considerations

Disciplinary action against any student may entail serious consequences. This action may result in the student’s suspension or expulsion from the University.

Notification under FERPA: In recognition of the support and concern provided by most parents and family members and considering the importance of such support to a student who has been found responsible for a violation of this Code, and received a suspension or expulsion, or other serious disciplinary action, it is Boston University’s policy to notify a student’s parents, guardian, or family members of serious disciplinary action involving the student, consistent with the information on file.

Refund Schedule: The University’s published refund schedule applies to voluntary leaves and withdrawals only; there is no provision for any refund of tuition and fees when a student is expelled or suspended due to conduct.