Handbook for Faculty and Academic Administrators IV.H. Charter of the University Student Judicial System
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(Source: Office of the Provost, July 1, 1996)

Introduction

     The Charter of the Student Disciplinary System sets forth the procedures under which alleged violations of the University's Code of Student Conduct, Code of Academic Integrity, and other policies, rules, and regulations are resolved.

     The Code of Student Conduct sets forth the responsibility of all students at the University of Pennsylvania to exhibit responsible behavior regardless of time or place. This responsibility includes, but is not limited to, the obligation to comply with all provisions of the Code of Student Conduct; with all other policies and regulations of the University, its Schools, and its Departments; and with local, state, and federal laws.

     The Code of Academic Integrity, and similar codes adopted by some of the University's Schools, set forth the standards of integrity and honesty that should be adhered to in all student academic activities at the University of Pennsylvania.

     Violations of the Code of Academic Integrity or School regulations are also violations of the University's Code of Student Conduct. Further, violations of local, state, and federal laws may be violations of the Code of Student Conduct. Therefore, throughout the Charter references to violation(s) or alleged violation(s) of the Code of Student Conduct include violations of these other policies and laws.

The University disciplinary process at Penn may involve the following stages: 
  • Bringing a Complaint to the Office of Student Conduct
  • Resolving a Complaint by Mediation
  • Investigating a Complaint
  • Filing Charges by the University Against a Student
  • Resolving Charges by Voluntary Agreement to Sanctions
  • Resolving Charges by Disciplinary Hearing
  • Appealing the Decision of a Hearing Panel
  • Imposing Sanctions on a Student
  • Fulfilling Sanctions Imposed by the University
     Under the University's Student Disciplinary System, charges are brought on behalf of the University, not on behalf of the complainant(s) who brought the matter to the Office of Student Conduct (OSC) or the party(ies) who may have been directly or indirectly harmed by the alleged violation of University regulations. Therefore, complainants who wish to maintain greater control over the investigation and resolution of their complaints, such as is sometimes appropriate in cases of sexual offenses or in cases involving serious cultural or communicative differences, or those who wish merely to create a record of their complaint without necessarily beginning a formal disciplinary process, may wish to bring their complaint to other University resource offices, particularly the Office of the Ombudsman, which are equipped to handle cases in this manner. Such offices may, when appropriate and helpful in an individual case, consult with relevant campus communities or other resource offices in the process of investigating and resolving a complaint and are able to work closely with both complainants and respondents in resolving such matters. If such efforts fail to arrive at a satisfactory resolution, the complainant still has the option of bringing a complaint to the OSC.

     Through the University Conduct Council and the University Honor Council, students play a major role in the Student Disciplinary System by advising the Director of the Office of Student Conduct and the Provost on matters of policy and the operation of the System, and by sitting as members of disciplinary hearing panels. Students also serve as advisors and mediators within the System.

     The System places great emphasis on the mediation of disputes, as is appropriate in a University community.

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Contact: Arberetta W. Bowles - arwillia@pobox.upenn.edu
Office of the Associate Provost
URL: http://www.upenn.edu/assoc-provost/handbook/iv_h.html
Updated: Tuesday, 26-Jun-2001 13:46:52 EDT