Judicial Procedures

Alleged violations are reviewed by the Assistant Dean of Students who identifies those that may be in conflict with Southern New Hampshire community standards.  Violations are categorized as either “minor” or “major.”  Violations that occur outside of the residential areas will be handled by a member of the Public Safety Staff. Violations that occur within the residence halls will be handled by a member of the Residence Life Staff.
 
If a violation occurs between the end of classes and graduation, the hearing will be expedited.  In this case, the assistant dean reserves the right to determine the appropriate hearing officer. 

Any violation of a federal or state law or local ordinance is a violation of the SNHU community standards. These violations could be considered either minor or major violations depending on how serious the criminal violation is.

Minor Violations
Students who have allegedly been involved in a low level violation of community standards will meet with a Residence Director or Public Safety Staff member in an administrative hearing. These meetings are intended to be educational in nature.  These cases are typically less serious and are used in situations where probation or suspension is not warranted.

Major Violations
A major violation of university policy is defined as either a pattern of misconduct or a single incident which causes significant concern for the health of the community, the safety of its students or the impact on the community.  If the reported violation(s) is considered a violation of “major” policy, an administrative hearing will be conducted by either a hearing officer, or the judicial board.  

Issues of controlled substances are automatically handled by the Assistant Dean of Students in a preliminary hearing.  During the preliminary hearing, students will be given a detailed description of their rights and an explanation of the judicial process.  If the Assistant Dean designates, or if there is a dispute of the facts, the case would then be referred to the judicial board for adjudication. 

Any form of violence against another person is considered a major violation of university policy and may result in suspension or expulsion from the university. Hearings on allegations of violent acts will be conducted by the assistant dean of students or the judicial board.  These hearings may be expedited to protect the members of the SNHU community.  Students involved in serious issues of violence may be summarily suspended from either residence or the university pending a hearing if the Assistant Dean deems it is necessary.  If the Assistant Dean or his/her designee designates, students may also be temporarily re-located pending a hearing.