Office of Student Conduct
Strengthening Personal Responsibility and Accountability
The Office of Student Conduct investigates and resolves alleged violations of the Code of Student Conduct. We are committed to providing a fair and educational process that fosters the highest standards of behavior, student learning, and civic responsibility while promoting a safe environment that respects the rights of all students. We strive to adjudicate cases of alleged misconduct in a fair, responsible, and timely manner emphasizing respect, trust, and integrity. Additionally, we serve as an advocate for and resource to student victims of crime, illness, harassment, or other crises.
[UNA: provide link for code on new site – current link: https://www.una.edu/student-conduct/policies/index.html]
Report a Violation
Use this form to report alleged violations of the Student Conduct Code and/or Student Organization Conduct Code. Reports are submitted to the Office of Student Conduct for review.
[UNA: confirm this link will still be correct for new site]
Meet the Staff
Mr. A.J. Benavides
Assistant Director of Student Conduct and Development
256-765-5558
Dr. Nick S. Gordon
Asst. Dean of Students and Director of Student Conduct
256-765-5195
[Content Entry Note: Photos here, if helpful: https://www.una.edu/student-conduct/staff.html]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the student conduct process?
The student conduct process strives to maintain an educational environment, protecting the rights of others, while holding individual students accountable for their actions in a positive, educational manner.
What are the differences between an off-campus and on-campus offense?
The University has jurisdiction over behavior off campus. Our main concerns are serious behaviors and/or behaviors that may have an effect on the University community. So, even if it happens off campus, it may still be a violation of the Student Conduct Code, which will be handled by the Office of Student Conduct.
What if I am also facing criminal charges?
The legal system and the Student Conduct Process are two different entities. The Student Conduct process focuses on violations of the Code of Student Conduct and must be completed if a student wants to stay in good standing at UNA. Outcomes of legal proceedings have no impact on the outcome of the Student Conduct Process.
When a report is submitted, what happens next?
The Office of Student Conduct receives reports and will review them to determine whether there is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. If it is determined there was a violation, the Student Conduct Process begins and will be carried out by the Director of the Office of Student Conduct or his/her designee.
What happens if I don’t show up for my meeting with a conduct officer?
The Student Conduct staff member may make a decision concerning the outcome of the incident based off of the information that is present without the benefit of your involvement and perspective.
What happens if I do not complete an assigned sanction?
Additional sanctions may be added. In some situations, failure to complete sanctions may result in suspension or expulsion from the University. In addition, a hold will be placed on your registration and records. Remember that sanctions are placed as a result of your violation of the Student Conduct Code and are designed to educate you about the expectations and norms of the University community.
Can I appeal a conduct decision?
A student found responsible for a Code of Conduct violation may appeal the outcome of the Student Conduct Process by submitting an appeal to the Director of the Office of Student Conduct within three days of receiving official notice of that outcome. Students may appeal in writing on one or more of the following grounds:
- The conference/hearing was not conducted in accordance with established procedural standards. Significant procedural errors that have substantially affected the outcome of the hearing will be considered.
- The hearing was not conducted without bias or prejudice on the part of the decision maker/decision-making body. This may include, but is not limited to, a demonstration of a conflict of interest and/or failure to objectively evaluate all relevant information.
- To consider new evidence, unavailable during the original hearing or investigation, that could substantially impact the original finding or sanction [1].
- The sanctions imposed are extraordinarily disproportionate for this type of offense or the cumulative conduct record of the responding student.
Will my parents be notified that I’ve violated the Code of Student Conduct?
Unless you waive your rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), only you (the student charged with the violation) and the staff members of the University Office of Student Conduct will know that you have been charged with a conduct violation. A FERPA amendment permits colleges and universities to inform the family of a student under 21 years of age when their student has been found in violation of university alcohol or other drug policies and/or in the case of a health or safety emergency.
Will I be immediately suspended or expelled from the University for violating the Student Code of Conduct?
Suspension and/or expulsion from the University depends on the severity of the violation of the Code of Student Conduct at the time of the incident. If it is believed by the Office of Student Conduct and/or the Student Conduct Board that separation from the university is best for the UNA community, a suspension and/or expulsion will be implemented. However, in most cases, an educational sanction is used to educate students on behavior that is expected at the University of North Alabama and prevent further violations of the Code of Student Conduct.
Reporting and Student Records
View and complete the student conduct reporting form, academic dishonesty form, and student records request at these links:
[UNA: confirm these links for new site]
Contact the Office of Student Conduct
Still have questions? Please reach out to the Office of Student Conduct at 256-765-5012 or email Nick Gordon, Asst. Dean of Students and Director of Student Conduct at ngordon@una.edu.