Student Judicial Affairs
Welcome, UC Merced campus community!
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Our Mission
Our Functions and Services
Student Rights and Responsibilities
The student disciplinary system at the University of California, Merced has been established to support the mission of the campus by upholding standards of academic excellence, promoting integrity and fairness, and confronting behaviors that impair the teaching and learning environment through the use of outreach, support, and educational sanctions.
At UC Merced, Student Judicial Affairs oversees the student disciplinary system for reports of suspected student misconduct, both academic (e.g., cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized collaboration) and nonacademic (e.g., computer misuse, alcohol and other residence hall violations, theft, and conduct that threatens health and safety).
- To facilitate student learning opportunities for ethical growth and development in connection with disciplinary, grievance, or conflict resolution processes;
- To support the educational mission of UC Merced by supporting, publishing, enforcing, drafting, and interpreting standards of behavior as they relate to policies and procedures;
- To facilitate student learning opportunities for ethical growth and development in connection with disciplinary, grievance, or conflict resolution processes;
- To promote academic integrity and responsible conduct through outreach and education;
- To work to maintain a safe and orderly campus environment consistent with academic excellence, conducive to learning, and fostering respect for others and for the University's work of teaching, research, and service.
- Administer the student disciplinary system to ensure just and prompt resolution of alleged student misconduct;
- Promote ethical growth and development of students involved in the discipline process; and uphold standards of excellence;
- Publish behavioral standards for students, conduct outreach, and provide consultation regarding academic integrity and social responsibility, student discipline, and grievance processes; promote campus awareness and discussion to prevent misconduct and encourage integrity and ethical behavior;
- With the Student Response Team, coordinate responses to high-risk or disruptive situations or individuals;
- Provide information and assistance to students regarding grievance processes and student rights; respond to student grievances in a manner that fosters a climate of fairness, civility, and mutual respect;
- Review, revise, and interpret campus policies pertaining to student responsibilities and rights; maintain centralized and confidential student disciplinary records;
- Provide leadership opportunities for students in outreach, peer education, and student discipline.
(Adapted from the UC Davis Office of Student Judicial Affairs policies.)
Student Rights & Responsibilities
As a student, you have the RIGHT to:
- Written notice, listing specific policies allegedly violated.
- Written notice of the time and date of a meeting and/or hearing.
- Be presumed not responsible until an informal meeting or hearing, with the University bearing the burden of proof.
- Have an advisor present to provide support, but not to “represent” you in any fashion.
- Request a formal fact finding hearing (instead of an informal disposition meeting).
- A fair hearing.
- Remain silent without inference of responsibility.
- Present documents and witnesses, and question witnesses presented by the University during a formal hearing process.
- A written decision with a summary of facts presented.
- Information about the appeals process (for formal hearings only).
- A copy of The Student Handbook, including Chapter VII: Administration of Student Discipline ("Student Code of Conduct").
As a student, you have the RESPONSIBILITY to:
- Appear on time for your meeting or hearing. If you are late or absent, a review of the case may be conducted in your absence, and you will lose your opportunity to provide input into the outcome of the matter.
- Be honest, complete and forthright. False, dishonest or misleading statements may lead to further judicial action.
- Act in a civil manner throughout the entire judicial process.
- Students may express anger or frustration in an appropriate manner, but they do not have the right to act in an abusive or uncivil manner toward Judicial Affairs Officers.
- Complete any assigned sanctions in a thorough and timely manner, according to the dates and timelines provided.
- Submit all materials and/or witness list at least two days prior to any formal hearing.
