FAQs
I received a letter from the Office of Community Standards. What do I do now?
There are several reasons why the Office of Community Standards may contact a student at Emerson College. You may have been identified as a witness or as someone involved in a potential policy violation. Carefully read the letter you received, as it outlines the reason for the outreach and next steps. If you still have questions, contact the staff listed in your letter or the Office of Community Standards.
- This initial meeting is often the first step in the conduct process.
- Your notification will include the date and time of your meeting with a conduct administrator.
What happens at a Community Standards Conference?
For most cases, conferences or conduct meetings are a conversation between you and a conduct administrator. This is your opportunity to share your perspective, ask questions, and respond to the information presented.
What if I have a scheduling conflict?
Meetings are typically scheduled around your academic commitments. If you have a conflict, contact the Office of Community Standards as soon as possible to request a reschedule. You are expected to attend your originally scheduled meeting unless you receive confirmation of a new time.
What is the conduct process?
A general overview of Emerson College’s process:
- A report is submitted and reviewed by the Office of Community Standards.
- You will receive a notification with details, including any relevant information.
- During your meeting, you will discuss your perspective and/or whether you believe you are responsible for a policy violation.
- The conduct administrator determines responsibility and, if applicable, assigns appropriate sanctions.
Keep in mind this overview is intended to provide a general sense of the process, not to define it completely. For more complex cases, a formal conduct hearing board may be required.
What are possible sanctions?
Sanctions are actions taken when a student is found responsible for violating Emerson College’s policies. Outcomes are designed to promote learning, accountability, and community well-being.
When determining sanctions, the conduct administrator may consider:
- The specifics of the situation
- The severity of the violation
- Your level of involvement
- Your intent and motivation
- Any prior conduct history
Sanctions may also include additional educational or restorative conditions.
Who can I bring to a hearing for support?
You may bring an advisor to your conference or hearing. An advisor is anyone of the student’s choosing who provides support during the Student Conduct process. While advisors may be present, they cannot actively participate, and a student may only have one advisor present during any part of the process.
What happens if I do not complete a sanction?
Community Standards typically sends you a second notice and opportunity to complete your sanction. If you fail to complete the assigned sanction(s) after that it could be considered a separate violation (Failure to Comply). This may result in additional consequences, including:
- A hold on your student account (which may affect course registration)
- Additional sanctions
- Suspension or expulsion in more serious cases
If I am facing criminal charges, do I still go through Emerson’s process?
Yes. The Emerson College conduct process is separate from legal proceedings. The College may proceed before, during, or after a criminal case, regardless of the outcome in court.
How long does the conduct process take?
The Office of Community Standards aims to resolve cases in a fair and timely manner. Depending on the complexity of the case, the process may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
What is the Conduct Board?
The Conduct Board is made up of trained Emerson College staff, faculty, and/or students. These cases may involve potential suspension or expulsion and are chaired by a designated Community Standards administrator.
What happens if I choose not to attend my meeting?
If you do not attend or choose not to participate, the conduct administrator or board may make a decision based on the available information. It is strongly recommended that you attend so your voice is included.
I need accommodation to participate. What should I do?
If you require accommodations, contact Emerson College’s Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as soon as possible to ensure arrangements can be made in time for your meeting.