From/for Students
What happens when a student is referred to the Office of Student Conduct?
The student is sent a letter from the Office of Student Conduct (OSC) providing them with an appointment to meet with Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Student Conduct regarding the alleged violation(s) outlined in the appointment letter. The student will also receive a copy of the California Code of Regulations under Title V, section 41301-41304 and the conduct procedure at San Francisco State University (E.O. 1098).
What will happen at this meeting?
The student is told the reason for the referral and is given an opportunity to discuss the incident with the Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Student Conduct. This is also the opportunity for the student to share any and all information about this situation. It best serves the student to be honest and forthcoming regarding the alleged incident. This is a fact-finding meeting and a student’s full cooperation is expected.
Will the OSC make a decision about whether a University rule has been violated?
Yes, in most instances during this part of the conduct process (the Informal Conference) the OSC will adjudicate the case and explain the possible sanctions a student will receive. A follow-up meeting (Informal Conduct Resolution Meeting) will be scheduled with the student to discuss the relevant findings, and whether or not the student is being found in violation of the Student Conduct Code. If a student is found in violation, a Resolution/Sanction Agreement is discussed with the student. If the student does not agree with the sanction(s) or refuses to participate in the disciplinary process, a Formal Disciplinary Hearing will be scheduled.
How do I request to view or receive a copy of my disciplinary file?
Please contact the Office of Student Conduct directly for more information on this process.
From/for Faculty & Staff
What information should I provide the OSC regarding my referral?
As the referring party, you must submit all information/knowledge that you have about the incident, including information from witnesses, documents such as tests, notes, term papers, assignments and police/incident reports, etc. Please be sure to include the student’s full name and SF State ID number.
Will I attend the informal conference to give my side of the incident?
No, the referring party does not attend the informal conference. The OSC meets with the student in a confidential one-on-one meeting. In the event of a formal hearing, the referring party will be called to provide testimony on the facts of the case.
Will I be told the results of the case?
No, unless the end result is needed in order to submit a grade.
What if I don’t want to ruin the student’s life or keep them from getting into a graduate school, or from getting a job?
As an education institution, one of our primary goals is to help students learn from their mistakes. Usually, no permanent records are retained, and nothing goes on a student’s transcripts regarding the disciplinary action. Only if the sanction involves suspension or expulsion is it noted on transcripts. Disciplinary records are confidential and generally cannot be released to others without the student’s consent. In all but a very few cases, a student discipline record will not prevent one from applying and being admitted into medical, law, dental, or other professional or graduate schools.
If you have any further questions about the Office of Student Conduct or the student conduct process, you can call the Office of Student Conduct at (415) 338-2032, located in the Student Services Building, 4th Floor within the Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management suite.