Student Conduct
Conduct Violations
Students, faculty and staff are asked to report any violations of the University of West Georgia's Student Wolf Code.
Report a Conduct or Wolf Code Violation
Academic Dishonesty
Students, faculty and staff are asked to report any concerns regarding academic dishonesty in a course or classroom setting.
Student Conduct Process
- Incident reported - Incidents can be reported through a complaint, a police report, or a referral.
- Determination of Violation
- Incident is reviewed
- Alleged violations of Wolf Code of Conduct are examined
- If alleged violations are found, the conduct process is initiated
- Scheduling Meeting and Emails
- Student will receive an email notifying them of the alleged conduct violation(s), a meeting request, and the hearing officer's contact information
- Student will receive information about advisor/support person allowed to attend meeting
- Meeting/Post-Meeting
- During the meeting, student will be provided information about the conduct process and will have the opportunity to provide information about the incident
- If the hearing officer finds enough information to move forward with the alleged violation(s), the case is then resolved informally or formally
- If the student is unable to attend the meeting, it can be rescheduled once. Complete failure to attend will result in the case being heard in absentia (aka in their absence)
- Three Results are Possible: No Action, Informal Resolution, Formal Resolution
Resolution Types
- No Action
- Hearing Officer does not find enough information to move forward with conduct process
- Notes are added to case file regarding reason for no action
- Case is then closed
- Informal Resolution
- Student agrees that an informal resolution is a reasonable outcome and accepts the assigned sanctions for the violation
- Student receives sanctions assigned for the violation
- By accepting an informal resolution, the student understands that they waive the right to a formal resolution and the right to appeal the case's outcome or sanctions
- If a student does not agree with the findings and assigned sanctions, they can request a formal hearing by the University Hearing Board
- Formal Resolution
- Student can request to have case resolved formally in two ways: meet with another hearing officer or request a hearing from the University Hearing Board
- Students receive written notice at least 5 business days in advance with hearing details
- An advisor or support person is allowed, but the student must speak on their own behalf
- Students can also present witnesses, ask questions, and bring additional information related to the case (time, location, date, etc.)
- If witnesses are unable to attend a scheduled hearing, a written statement may be submitted in advance
- Failure to attend after proper notice will result in case being heard in absentia
- Formal hearings are recorded
- Students receive written outcome with sanction and appeal information within 48 hours
Appeal Process
Appeals must be filed with the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs by completing an appeal form within 5 business days of receipt of the decision.
University Hearing Board
The University Hearing Board includes student leaders, faculty and staff volunteers who hear cases involving alleged violations of the Student Wolf Code. Hearing Board members participate in hearing as needed throughout the academic year and receive training prior to serving. In order to utilize the University Hearing Board, a student must complete the University Hearing Board request form.
If you are interested in serving on the University Hearing board, email ocs@westga.edu.
How to prepare for your hearing
- Think through your incident:
- How did your actions affect others?
- What have you learned as a result?
- What sanctions would be appropriate and educational?
- Prepare questions to ask witnesses and practice closing remarks
- Dress appropriately - The hearing will be formal so please wear casual business attire