A Quick Summary of the Student Code and Judicial Review
University of the Pacific Student Policies
Summary of Student Code and Judicial Review
University of the Pacific uses an internal Judicial Review process to look into reported violations of the Student Code of Conduct. The process is designed to provide a fair hearing to those reported to have violated the Code. It is also designed to ensure a safe, respectful and private process for our students.
Matters that also violate criminal statute may also be reviewed concurrently or in advance by the District Attorney.
"Tiger Lore" Student Handbook
Each incoming student is given a printed copy of "Tiger Lore," which summarizes the University Honor Code, Student Code of Conduct, residential policies and student conduct review policies and procedures. Tiger Lore is also available to the public online at http://web.pacific.edu/x3957.xml. At entry-student orientation, students participate in presentations and workshops highlighting these University policies.
Student Code of Conduct and University Policies
The Student Code of Conduct (including all University Policies) applies to all students in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs on the Stockton campus. The Code also prohibits all violations of local, state, and federal law. It also prohibits a range of other behaviors, such as interference with University activities, property damage, interfering with the rights of others, lying to and failure to comply with the instruction of University officials. The Code defines policies governing academic honesty, use and abuse of alcohol, parent notification of abuses, free speech, social events and all forms of harassment, coercion and discrimination, sexual assault and hazing.
The full text of the Student Code of Conduct is published as part of the Tiger Lore student handbook at http://web.pacific.edu/x3957.xml.
Student Conduct Review
The Student Conduct Review process at University of the Pacific is based on best-practices at the leading universities in the country. As such, it is designed to ensure a fair, private and supportive process for victims and for students who are accused of a policy violation. The system presumes innocence until proven otherwise, though in the University setting the standard of proof to determine if a policy has been violated is different from the standard of "beyond a reasonable doubt" used in criminal cases. This helps the University maintain a safe and respectful academic environment.
The Student Conduct Review is conducted by a Board comprising five members appointed by the University Director of Judicial Affairs: three students, a faculty member and a staff member. One of the student members also serves as board chair. This arrangement gives students the opportunity to develop into citizen-leaders by giving them a central role in reviewing and interpreting University policies and ensuring that the process be an educational one. It also offers violators an opportunity to learn from a fair judicial process and develop into responsible community members.
The Student Conduct Review Board conducts hearings in which evidence is presented and witnesses are called by both alleged victims and respondents (students accused of a violation). Students suspected of a violation, alleged victims have an opportunity to question and respond to each other. After the presentation of evidence and testimony, the student Conduct Review Board meets in private to determine whether the student is responsible for the alleged policy violation(s). The Board also determines sanctions for violations, such as warnings, probation, suspension or dismissal from the University. The Student Conduct Review Board uses a standard of "preponderance of evidence" to determine responsibility for a violation and any sanctions.
A respondent may choose to appeal the outcome of a Student Conduct Review Board. In an appeal, a five-member Student Conduct Appeals Committee is convened to consider the appeal. The Appeals Committee may affirm, increase or decrease the findings and sanctions of the student Conduct Review Board. The findings of the Appeals Committee are subject to the review and approval of the Vice President for Student Life, who has final and binding authority to withdraw, defer, suspend, or confirm decisions and sanctions.
Full details of University Judicial Review procedures may be found online at http://web.pacific.edu/x3957.xml.