Student Conduct Council

What is the Student Conduct Council?

The Student Conduct Council is a judicial hearing board comprised of trained faculty, staff and students from the SUNY Delhi community. The Student Conduct Council is bound by ethics and the Code of Conduct to appropriately apply policies and procedures as outlined in the Student Handbook. The Council is presided over by the Director of Student Rights & Responsibilities or designee.

What is the role of the Student Conduct Council?

The Student Conduct Council hears cases of alleged violations of SUNY Delhi's Code of Conduct and is charged with determining whether or not a student is in violation of the charges. The Student Conduct Council uses "preponderance of evidence" as its standard of proof and will recommend sanctions if the student is found in violation of any charges. Typical Student Conduct Council hearing boards are comprised of between five and nine members. The Council members are provided with all appropriate information upon which to base their recommendations. The Director of Student Rights & Responsibilities will coordinate the proceedings, and all recommendations will be given to the Director of Student Rights & Responsibilities who notifies the accused student(s) of the outcome.

What types of cases does the Student Conduct Council adjudicate?

The Student Conduct Council hears disciplinary cases of a serious nature including behaviors such as physical violence, drugs, alcohol, weapons, sexual violence, destruction of college property, arson, harassment, sexual harassment, retaliation, bias-related crimes, disrespect for those in authority at the college and other violations that can warrant sanctions up to, and including, suspension or expulsion from the college. The Student Conduct Council also hears cases in which a student has exhibited a pattern of behavior resulting in progressive sanctions being exhausted. A Student Conduct Council hearing is an additional option for students who choose not to have their case heard by a single administrative hearing officer.

What is a sanction?

Disciplinary sanctions are outcomes and/or requirements placed upon a student who has been found to be responsible for violations of college policies. Sanctions are designed to be educational in nature, and are intended to balance the needs of the individual with the needs of the college community. Sanctions also provide students with opportunities to develop the necessary skills to eliminate harmful behavior and to learn from poor decisions. They also provide relevant outlets for personal growth and development, so that students may become contributing members of the college community. Sanctions are recommended by the Student Conduct Council for approval by the Director of Student Rights & Responsibilities.

What are the qualifications for being a member of the Student Conduct Council?

Membership on the Conduct Council is open to all faculty and staff. Students must be enrolled as full-time learners, maintain a minimum 2.25 GPA and be in good academic and judicial standing. Council members must possess excellent listening skills, the ability to be fair, consistent, and impartial, and the desire to contribute to the college community. Students and employees of diverse backgrounds, academic disciplines and administrative departments are encouraged to apply for membership.

How can I apply for membership?

If you are interested in learning more about the Student Conduct Council or applying for membership, you may contact Lacey Williams in the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities, Russell Hall 127, at 607-746-4443, or at studentrights@delhi.edu. Interested individuals must complete an application and participate in a selection interview with the Director of Student Rights & Responsibilities. Applications will then be forwarded to the College President for appointment to the position. Members will also be provided with comprehensive training prior to serving.