Administrative Hearing

The Office of Student Conduct strives to have a fair and unbiased process in which all students have the opportunity to be heard. A letter containing charges is not a finding that you have violated the Code of Student Conduct. The Office of Student Conduct recognizes that the reports we receive reflect only part of the story and you will have the opportunity share your perspective before any decisions are made. 

An accused student (i.e. respondent) will receive notice to their Tulane email address that an administrative hearing will occur, including information as to why they are being called to an administrative hearing.  

The respondent is not required to participate in these proceedings, although they may continue in absentia.  

The respondent is considered not to have violated the Code until/unless found in violation at the conclusion of the administrative hearing. 

The student may bring one advisor with them when engaging in the conduct process. This advisor must be a current faculty, staff, or student from within the Tulane community. The role of this advisor is to assist the student in reflecting on their choices and to assist with the learning process. This advisor shall not be a witness in the matter or a practicing attorney. Advisors may not speak on behalf of the respondent and may not take an active role in the process. In issues involving sexual and/or gender-based harassment and violence, this advisor may be anyone of the student’s choosing, including an attorney. 

Note the date of your hearing and take steps to prepare. The best way to prepare is to reflect on the event and be ready to describe what happened. Your hearing will focus on your choices, behavior, and role in the event; as such, it generally does not help to blame others for your behavior or compare yourself to other students. At your hearing meeting, your rights and the charges will be reviewed. You will have a meaningful opportunity to share your version of events and present any evidence in your defense. 

The conduct officer has the discretion to consider what, if any, relevant witnesses or information may be introduced, including the discretion to seek additional information not provided initially or by the student 

The conduct officer will use the preponderance of the evidence standard (more likely than not) to determine whether any transgression has occurred. 

You will be notified via email of the hearing officer's decision regarding responsibility and sanctions, if any. Please note that cases heard at this level will NOT result in university suspension/expulsion and will not adversely affect any existing scholarships or financial aid you may have.  

Any student found Responsible for violating the Code through the Administrative Hearing process has a right to appeal that determination and/or the consequences delivered for the specific reasons set forth in the Code. 

To access (i.e. view) a conduct file, including all statements submitted in the conduct process except as prohibited by FERPA or other federal, state, or local law, a request must be submitted in writing to the Office of Student Conduct. To receive a copy of a conduct file, a request must be submitted in writing to the Office of General Counsel.