Hearing Procedures

The steps below specify the procedures that must be followed when determining if a violation of community standards has occurred and assures that due process is followed.

Notice--Students will receive a letter electronically from the appropriate SNHU staff member requesting a judicial hearing to discuss the incident. Students must be given at least a 48 hour notice for hearings to take place. It is the responsibility for all students to check their SNHU email account daily.
Attendance--The student is required to attend his/her meeting. If the student fails to attend the meeting, the review will be made in his/her absence and the student will also forfeit his/her right to appeal the findings. Only members of the university community may attend the hearing.
Burden of Proof--The burden of proof is on the university to show that the student is responsible for the violation or a pattern of misconduct. The standard of proof is not that of the criminal courts. The decision shall be made on the basis of whether a violation of university policy more likely than not occurred.
Presentation--If the case suggests that an initial investigation should take place due to the complexity of the case, the residence director or designee will coordinate the investigation and present the case. The individual hearing the case may not be involved in the development of the presentation for either party.
Witnesses--Written witness statements must be presented to the hearing officer 24 hours in advance of the hearing. Witnesses may also be present at the hearing to answer any questions if needed. This will be at the discretion of the hearing officer. Written statements by non-residents and other SNHU community members unable to attend the hearing may be submitted for consideration. As the student’s character is not in question, character witnesses will not be allowed to be a part of the hearing.
Legal Counsel--Both the student and the staff presenting the case may seek the advice of counsel in preparing the case but legal assistance will not be allowed during the hearing (whether by means of presence at the hearing or by recess and conference outside the hearing). If there is a criminal case pending against a student, he/she may have the advice of counsel during a hearing regarding his/her own statements and answers to questions, but on no other matter. Counsel may not assist the student or advise him/her on questions he/she may ask of others during the hearing.
Advisor-- An accused student may have an advisor of his/her choosing from within the college community present at the meeting. The advisor may be selected from the faculty or staff at the university. The advisor shall not participate directly in any aspect of the hearing; the advisor may only confer with the student. It is the student’s responsibility to present all aspects of his/her own defense.
Hearing--The hearing will be conducted formally and summary notes could be kept. If a tape recording of the hearing is made, students may request and pay for a copy.
Finding and Sanction--Based upon the information presented, the hearing officer will determine if the student is responsible or not for the alleged violation(s). If a student is found responsible, the appropriate sanction will also be determined by the hearing officer. Circumstances may dictate a finding that the student is responsible for a violation of university standards, but that a sanction other than the usual minimum for that violation is appropriate. If probation results, the notice will include a statement defining conditions that violate the probation.
Refund Policy for Discipline Cases--If the student is terminated from a program or housing, he/she is not eligible for a monetary refund from the university.
Notice of Results – An email with an attached letter notifying the student of the results of the hearing will be sent electronically no later than 5 business days following the hearing. A copy of the notification may also be sent to the parents at the discretion of the hearing officer.
Appeal--If the student is found responsible, he/she may file a petition to appeal if one of the three basis for an appeal is reasonable met. Please refer to the specifics of the appeals process located in the appeal section of the student handbook.