Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions

This incident occurred off campus. Why am I being asked to speak with ODU?

Because the Code is based on shared values, it sets a range of expectations for University students and student organizations no matter where or when their conduct may take place. Therefore, the Code will apply to behaviors that take place on University premises and at University-activities. The Code may also apply to conduct occurring off University premises when the Director, or designee, determines that the conduct affects a substantial University interest. Please see the Code for more information.

My faculty member accused me of academic dishonesty, but I didn’t do anything wrong. What should I do?

If the faculty member has asked to speak with you about the incident, consider meeting with them to discuss their concerns. If you disagree about the violation or proposed sanctions, ask the faculty member to refer the case to OSCAI.

If the faculty member referred your case to OSCAI, a hearing will be scheduled for you during a time when you are not in class. The hearing is your opportunity to share your version of what happened.

There is a registration hold on my account. What should I do?

Most registration holds are placed on student accounts due to incomplete sanctions. The only way to have a registration hold removed is to complete the sanction. Once the Conduct Officer approves the sanction and notifies OSCAI, the hold should be removed within one business day.

What does amnesty mean?

Amnesty means granting an exemption from resolution via a conduct conference or hearing as described in XII.C, or any sanctions that may result, in cases involving underage drinking or drug use reported in accordance with Sections VIII. F and/or G. Amnesty will only be available for violations related to the use of alcohol or drugs in violation of the Code and will not normally be applied for other Code violations. Students granted amnesty may be required to participate in educational activities or meet other conditions in order to bypass application of sanctions and creation of a student conduct record. Amnesty granted in accordance with this Code does not prevent any independent action that may be taken by any law enforcement agency, including University police.

In plainer language, amnesty is in place so that students will seek help for themselves or another person without fear of a conduct record when drugs or alcohol are involved in an incident.

I already received a ticket from the police. Why is the University involved?

The student conduct process is different from criminal proceedings. Therefore, when a student is arrested, charged, indicted for, or found guilty of a crime, the University may take action against that student when the conduct occurs on University premises, at University-activities, or off University premises when the conduct affects a substantial University interest. Proceedings under this Code may be carried out prior to, concurrently with, or following criminal proceedings. Determinations made or sanctions imposed under this Code will not be subject to change because criminal charges arising out of the same set of facts were dismissed, reduced, or resolved in favor of or against the criminal law defendant.

My case was dismissed in court. How can the University hold me responsible?

I witnessed something I believe is a policy violation. What should I do?

The Office of Student Conduct & Academic Integrity will accept a referral of a suspected Code violation from any person. All referrals must be submitted in writing. Anonymous referrals may not be accepted.

Students who report violations should know the report will be forwarded to the faculty of record for the course.

If you would like to report any other type of violation, please submit a report.

What is the difference between a conduct conference and a hearing?

Conduct conferences are informal meetings without witnesses. Students will receive at least three days' notice before a scheduled meeting and should be prepared to discuss the incident that occurred.

Hearings are scheduled at least a week in advance and typically involve complex information. If a respondent is found responsible by the Conduct Officer, termination of the housing contract, suspension, or expulsion will be considered.

Can my parent come to the hearing?

Please note that student conduct proceedings are closed. Therefore, parents are not able to attend or participate unless they are serving in the capacity of the student's advisor.

How long will this incident stay on my record?

If a student accepts responsibility or is found responsible by a Conduct Officer, the record will be retained by the Office of Student Conduct & Academic Integrity for a period of no less than 7 years to facilitate compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Records associated with cases resulting in suspension or expulsion will be retained permanently.

Amnesty and FCR records are generally considered both private and confidential among the parties, and will therefore not generally be disclosed to third parties making inquiries about past misconduct of students, except as permitted by the student or as required by law.

What are the typical outcomes for my case?

Please view information about sanctions for more information.

I was not enrolled during the time this incident occurred or am not currently enrolled. Do I have to come in?

According to the Code of Student Conduct, student means a person who (1) has been admitted to the University and (2) has not completed a program of study for which she/he was enrolled. Student status continues whether or not the University's academic programs are in session. For the purposes of pursing alleged violations of this Code, each student will be responsible for his/her conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree, even though conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end (even if the student's conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded).

The Code may be applied to conduct that takes place whenever a person has a continuing relationship with the University as a student. Students who withdraw from the University after allegedly violating the Code will still be considered "students" for the purposes of pursuing alleged violations. A student-initiated withdrawal from the University may delay resolution of a referral only when felony criminal charges are pending as described in Section VII.A.

If you have a question that was not addressed here, please contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)