FAQ — Adapting the Student Conduct Process
What is happening to honor system policies and procedures at Carolina?
The honor system process would shift from being a student-led honor system model to a conduct board model, which will include continued student involvement. This shift is consistent with peer institutions across the country and in the UNC System.
When would these changes go into effect?
These changes will go into effect following conversations with stakeholders.
Why are these changes being made?
- Student Conduct is looking to implement these changes to simplify and streamline the disciplinary process. Our goal is to make the process easier, shorter, and clearer for students involved in cases and for students, faculty, and staff who hear cases.
- We would shift away from a decentralized approach to student conduct that encompasses several policies, all with distinct standards of evidence, timelines and other requirements. These changes would also reduce the significant workload created for student leaders, resolve an inherent imbalance of power between licensed attorneys and student attorneys general, and address potential concerns related to institutional risk and precedence inconsistencies.
- These changes would aim to resolve potential concerns related to institutional risk and precedence inconsistencies created by not having a University official involved in most hearings or decision-making processes, as this authority has been delegated almost entirely to students — none of whom see “across the landscape” of related conduct cases.
Who has the authority to make this change?
The University’s student conduct policies are created through the chancellor’s delegated authority. Interim Chancellor Roberts will rescind the current delegation in order to implement a new policy and approach.
How are the changes to Student Conduct determined?
These changes are modeled based on other student conduct policies and procedures among peers within the Association of American Universities and the UNC System. The changes are designed to create an improved student experience, ensure consistency across our processes and address potential risks to the University based on legal and regulatory environments in which we operate.
How would the changes to the honor system affect students?
We anticipate students involved in cases would experience a more streamlined, expedited process.
How can I continue to be involved as a student, faculty, or staff member?
This new model would continue to have many opportunities for members of the campus community to be involved in the conduct process. These would include opportunities to volunteer to participate as a member of a hearing board pool or to serve as a peer/professional advisor to a student involved in a case.
How can I provide feedback about the new policies and procedures?
Members of the Carolina community can email [email protected].