Understanding the Student Conduct Process

Our Educational Approach

At Missouri S&T, the student conduct process is fundamentally educational and developmental. We view these moments as opportunities for learning, personal growth, and community building. Our process is designed to empower students and organizations to understand community expectations, reflect on choices, and develop the skills needed for lifelong success.

Important: Every student and student organization is presumed not responsible for any alleged violation until a determination is made at the conclusion of the conduct process.

In rare situations where there may be an immediate threat to the health, safety, or welfare of any person or property, or if a student's continued presence or an organization's continued operation poses a substantial disruption to the university community, the university may implement temporary actions or measures that may include:

  • Interim suspension from the university
  • Removal from university housing
  • Restricted access to specific campus locations or activities
  • No-contact directives
  • Other protective measures as appropriate

If interim action is taken, written notice will be given to explain the general reasons.  These measures are temporary and precautionary, not a determination of responsibility. The temporary action will be reviewed and may be modified or removed as circumstances warrant

Our priority is maintaining a safe learning environment for all students while ensuring fairness throughout the conduct process.

Throughout this process, students and organizations, have right under CRR 200.020(E)(1)(c), including:

  • The right to remain silent, with such silence not considered as evidence in supporting a finding of violation 
  • The right to bring an adviser to this meeting, who may, but is not required to be, an attorney
  • The right to be free from retaliation for your participation in this process
  • The right not to present self-incriminating information
  • The right to refuse any informal disposition that may be offered without prejudice
  • The right to gather and present relevant evidence, including witnesses and other exculpatory evidence

The student conduct process, outlined in CRR Section 200.020 of the University of Missouri Collected Rules and Regulations, follows these steps:

1. Incident Referral

An incident report is submitted to the Dean of Students Office. This may come from campus safety, faculty, staff, or community members.

2. Initial Meeting Notice

The student or student organization will receive a meeting request that includes:

  • A general description of the allegation and alleged violation(s)
  • The scheduled meeting date and time
  • Information about policies, procedures, and rights, including bringing an advisor
  • Contact information if rescheduling is needed or questions arise

Note: This is the opportunity for students or organizations to be heard and share their perspectives. 

3. Educational Conversation

The student or student organization representatives will meet with a student conduct officer to discuss what happened. This conversation is designed to:

  • Be an informal, fact-finding conversation
  • Understand the student's perspective on the incident
  • Review relevant policies and community standards
  • Explore the impact on the student and others
  • Identify learning opportunities

Other individuals who may have relevant information or perspectives may also be asked to meet separately with the conduct officer.

Decision Standard: Any potential violations are reviewed using the "preponderance of evidence" standard (meaning "more likely than not").

4. Informal Resolution (If Applicable)

If a preliminary determination using a preponderance of the evidence finds there to be a violation, an informal disposition may be offered – a proposed resolution based on a preliminary determination that includes:

  • Summary of findings – What occurred and which policy was violated
  • Educational outcomes – Requirements designed to support learning and growth (such as educational programs, reflective assignments, or community service)
  • Timeline – Specific deadline for accepting or declining the proposal

The student or organization will have a designated timeframe to:

  • Accept the resolution and complete the requirements
  • Reject and request a formal hearing
  • Discuss concerns or questions with the conduct officer

Note: If the student or organization does not respond within the ten business-day timeframe, the informal disposition goes into effect by default.

5. Formal Hearing (If requested)

If the student or organization declines the informal disposition, or if the Dean of Students Office chooses not to off one, the case will proceed to a formal hearing where there will be an opportunity to present the case to a hearing panel.

6. Completing Requirements

When requirements go into effect (whether through informal resolution or formal hearing):

  • Stay on track – All requirements should be completed within the specified timeframe
  • Ask for help – Students should contact the Dean of Students Office if questions arise or obstacles are encountered
  • Account holds – Incomplete requirements may result in a registration hold until completion
  • Seek support - A variety of services and resources exist to support student and organization success

Throughout this process, our team is committed to:

  • Listening attentively to student concerns and perspectives
  • Connecting students to resources that support well-being and success
  • Educating about healthy community norms and expectations
  • Empowering students and organizations to make positive choices and learn from experiences
  • Providing transparent communication and answering questions
  • Treating students with respect while holding them accountable to community standards

Missouri S&T is dedicated to empowering every student through a welcoming environment that fosters engagement, well-being, and self-advocacy. Even when addressing policy violations, we remain committed to student success and growth as a Miner.