Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are some of the most common questions asked of Judicial Affairs by Baylor University students. By design, the answers are informal and short and not intended to communicate exact detail. For a more thorough read of the Baylor University Student Disciplinary Procedure, please select the link below:

Student Disciplinary Procedure

---

Responding to a Charge Letter

1. I received a letter from Judicial Affairs stating that I am accused of "misconduct." What does this mean?
   
2. Am I required to respond to my Charge Letter?
   
3. What if I was not aware my actions were against Baylor policy, and I did not mean to do anything wrong?
   
4. What if I did nothing wrong?
   
5. Since I did nothing wrong, why should I attend the meeting with Judicial Affairs?

Rights and Responsibilities

1. What are my rights under the Baylor University Student Disciplinary Procedure?
   
2. What are my responsibilities under the Baylor University Student Disciplinary Procedure?

Off-Campus Violations

1. Can a Baylor student be charged for misconduct occurring off-campus?

Preliminary Meeting

1. Where do I go for my preliminary meeting?
   
2. What will happen during the preliminary meeting with Judicial Affairs?
   
3. Can I bring an advisor, such as a parent or lawyer, to my preliminary meeting?
   
4. Since I am not under oath during the preliminary meeting, I cannot be charged with perjury, right?
   
5. Even if I am not responsible for the misconduct, isn't it easier to just admit to the violation and get it over with?
   
6. What is my best option if I am responsible for the alleged misconduct?
   
7. If I admit to a violation, won't this ruin my chances of going to professional or graduate school or from getting a job!

Hearing

1. If I deny the charge and select a hearing, how can I prepare for a hearing?
   
2. What are the differences between the two hearing formats?
   
3. What is the Standard of Proof used in a hearing?
   
4. Will the Disciplinary Committee be aware of a student's previous disciplinary history?
   
5. Can I bring an advisor, such as a parent or lawyer, to the Administrative hearing or Disciplinary Committee hearing?
   
6. What about witnesses?
   
7. How are decisions of guilt or innocence made?
   
8. What happens after a decision is made?
   
9. Will my parents be told?

Sanctions

1. What are some typical sanctions?
   
2. Will I be suspended or expelled?
   
3. Can a student be immediately suspended or expelled from Baylor University?
   
4. What happens if I do not complete a sanction by the required deadline?
   
5. Will I have a record with the Judicial Affairs office?
   
6. Will this infraction affect my financial aid or scholarship?

Criminal Allegations

1. If my incident involves a violation of law, can I be prosecuted criminally AND also be referred to Judicial Affairs?
   
2. If my attorney has my case delayed in the courts, isn't the University obligated to wait and see what happens?
   
3. If my attorney gets my case dismissed in the courts, doesn't Baylor University automatically dismiss my case as well?

Legal Services

1. Are there any legal resources available on campus?

Complaints Against Faculty or Staff

1. Suppose I have a problem with a faculty, staff or administrative person. Do I file a complaint with Judicial Affairs?