If the investigating officer determines that suspension or expulsion is the proper disciplinary response, the student receives a formal statement of charges requesting his suspension or expulsion from the university. The student will then have 10 days to respond to the charges and to request a student conduct hearing tribunal which would hear the case and decide what, if any, disciplinary action should be taken against the student. The hearing tribunal, if requested, issues a written decision to students. If the maximum penalty sought by the investigator does not include suspension or expulsion, an informal system of adjudication can be followed. While the informal system is created by each institution, it must include a written notice to the student of the charges against him, an opportunity for a hearing on the case and a written notice to the student of the outcome of the hearing.
Students can appeal the disciplinary decisions in both the formal and informal adjudication systems.
In most cases, victims will be called on to provide information at the student conduct tribunal hearing. She will be asked to give a detailed description of the incident, along with any other relevant information. Advocates should be able to accompany the victim at her request - check with the university to find out the specific practices and procedures used. Victims may also be given the opportunity to submit a written victim impact statement prior to the disciplinary decision - again, check with your local schools to see if this option is available to victims in your area.