Issue link: http://howardcc.uberflip.com/i/858454
POLICIES 75 and students, with a minimum of five members, one of whom will serve as chairperson. A quorum consists of the chairperson and two members of the committee. Student members will not participate in student conduct committee panels involving potential violations of the sexual misconduct policy. Members of this committee who do not feel that they can render an impartial decision in regard to a specific case may be excused if they give notice to the chairperson of the committee prior to the notification of the scheduled hearing of the respondent. The chairperson will contact the constituency for the selection of an alternate. The respondent or complainant may request the replacement of any member of the committee if evidence of personal prejudice is provided. Objections to a committee member must be stated in writing and submitted to the committee five business days after notification. A decision will be rendered by the chairperson of the committee. Hearing Structure Student conduct hearings will be closed. The director of student conduct and executive associate to the vice president of student services or designee serves as a non-voting committee member during student conduct hearings. Hearings may be conducted in person, or by mail, telephone, or other electronic means. In the case of hearings conducted via mail, materials would be sent to and from the respondent by mail. Once the file is complete, the student conduct committee would still meet for a student conduct hearing. Although the respondent would not be physically present, it is possible that witnesses or other persons presenting information, either on behalf of the respondent or the complainant would be present. Hearing proceedings will be recorded by and shall be the property of the college. Deliberations will not be recorded. The chairperson of the committee will notify the respondent and complainant of all charges, membership, and hearing date in writing at least five business days in advance of the scheduled hearing. Failure of the complainant or the respondent to appear at the hearing, after proper notice, will result in the committee making a decision through the hearing process in their absence. For hearings where the chairperson deems it necessary, neither the complainant nor the respondent are required to be present in the same room. Accommodations, including but not limited to listening to and participating in the hearing over the phone, may be made to allow either party to participate in the process without being present at the hearing location. Further, neither the complainant nor the respondent need to participate in the hearing as a prerequisite to proceed with the hearing. Prior to the hearing, the respondent and complainant may be granted access to review photographs, documents, or other tangible objective evidence to be introduced by the complainant. If new evidence comes to light during the hearing, a recess may be granted upon request. Both the respondent and complainant have the right to be accompanied and advised by a person of their choosing. The adviser's role is to provide personal counsel and support to the respondent or complainant, but not to present the case or address the hearing panel, hearing chairperson, or other participants in the process. The adviser may not serve as a witness in the conduct proceeding. Disruptive advisers