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 judicial 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
The Student Code of Conduct applies to all students in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs on all three campuses and their surrounding communities. The Code 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 University officials and other activities. 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 Judicial Review
Judicial Review 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 judicial process for victims and for students who are accused of a Student Code 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.
Judicial Review is conducted by a Judicial 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 of the Code an opportunity to learn from a fair judicial process and develop into responsible community members.
The Judicial 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 Code violation, alleged victims and witnesses have an opportunity to question and respond to each other. After the presentation of evidence and testimony, the Judicial Board meets in private to determine whether the student is responsible for violations of the Student Code of Conduct. The Board also determines any sanctions for Code violations, such as warnings, probation, suspension or dismissal from the University. The Judicial Board uses a standard of "preponderance of evidence" to determine responsibility for a violation and any sanctions. The sanction of dismissal requires "clear and convincing" evidence of a Code violation.
A respondent may choose to appeal the outcome of a Judicial Review Board. In an appeal, the University Vice President of Student Life appoints a five-member Judicial Appeals Committee. The Appeals Committee may affirm, increase or decrease the findings and sanctions of the Judicial 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.