Serving as an Advisor in the Student Conduct Process
What is the Student Conduct Process?
- The student conduct process addresses alleged violations of the Student Conduct Code.
- It ensures accountability, fairness, and adherence to institutional policies.
- If charged with an alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code, a student will receive a Notice of Allegations from the Office of Student Conduct and shall be informed of their right to an Advisor.
- Advisors provide guidance to students, but students are responsible for representing themselves and actively participating in the student conduct process.
- Students have the right to present evidence.
- Students will have an opportunity to submit an appeal if they are found in violation of the Student Conduct Code.
- Students must inform the Office of Student Conduct of an Advisor by completing the Release of Information Form with the advisor’s information.
Notice of Allegations
- Issued when a policy violation may have occurred.
- Includes alleged misconduct, specific policies violated, and information on rights.
- Initiates the investigative process.
First Step – Meeting
Student meets with a Student Conduct Administrator where they review the information submitted related to the allegations, respond to the allegations, and present information.
Second Step – Decision
Student will receive a written decision that will include a determination on which resolution pathway will be followed, at the conclusion of the investigation process. Findings shall reflect a preponderance of the evidence standard.
Important Notes:
- Students are not required to participate in the conduct process. We will not draw any adverse inferences from a student’s decision not to participate or to remain silent during the process. If the student fails to respond or chooses not to participate by the deadlines provided by Student Conduct, Student Conduct may proceed in their absence.
- All investigations shall be concluded promptly informing students of which resolution pathway will be followed, generally within 60 to 90 business days of issuing a Notice of Allegations, unless there is good cause for an extension.
- Findings are based upon the preponderance of evidence standard.
Next Steps
Resolution Pathways
Closure
Not responsible for policy violation or insufficient information to make determination. Advisory Notice may be issued. Case closed.
Alternative Resolution
Options may include restorative justice or educational agreements. Requires student to acknowledge responsibility. Waives appeal rights.
Administrative Resolution
Student Conduct Administrator determines student is responsible for policy violation and determines sanctions. Outcome can be accepted or appealed by the student.
Medical Amnesty
Per section 104.100 of the Student Conduct Code, a student who receives emergency medical assistance due to the consumption or use of alcohol or drugs shall not be subject to disciplinary action under these Policies or campus regulations for personal use violations of Section 102.17 or 102.18, or related campus drug or alcohol policies. For additional information see section 104.100 in the UC Santa Barbara Student Conduct Code, effective July 1, 2026.
Steps Following Outcome of Administrative Resolution
If Student accepts decision and sanctions
Outcome final. Case closed.
If Administrative Resolution includes suspension or dismissal, AND the student has contested Student Conduct's determination of responsibility
Case gets heard before a hearing body. The hearing body is responsible for hearing cases of individual student misconduct. The hearing body will deliberate in a closed session to make their findings and recommendations.
If Administrative Resolution includes suspension or dismissal AND the student accepts responsibility for policy violation BUT wishes to appeal the sanction (suspension or dismissal)
Student may submit a written appeal to Student Conduct or their designee on only one ground, that the proposed sanction is disproportionate given the findings of fact.
If Administrative Resolution DOES NOT include suspension or dismissal AND the student has contested the finding(s) and/or sanction(s)
Student may appeal in writing to the appeal body.
For additional information, see Section IV C. in the UC Santa Barbara Student Conduct Investigation and Resolution Framework.
Deadlines to Appeal/Contest
The applicable deadline depends on the type of University Actions and/or Sanctions included in the Administrative Resolution and/or Hearing Outcome Notice.
5 Business Days
Accept Responsibility and Appeal the Sanction if it Includes Suspension or Dismissal
To accept responsibility for the policy violation(s) but wishes to appeal the sanction if the Administrative Resolution includes suspension or dismissal
Must submit written appeal within 10 business days of the issuance of Administrative Resolution.
5 Business Days
Contest Determination of Responsibility if Sanction Includes Suspension or Dismissal
To contest determination of responsibility and proceed to a Formal Hearing if the Administrative Resolution includes suspension or dismissal.
10 Business Days
Appeal Hearing Outcome or Appeal Options When Sanction Does Not Include Suspension or Dismissal
To appeal finding(s) and/or sanction(s) if the Administrative Resolution does not include suspension or dismissal.
OR
To appeal the written decision of the hearing outcome in a Formal Hearing.
Clock Notice:
*Clock begins on the date of issuance of Administrative Resolution or Hearing Outcome Notice. Student must appeal or contest via written communication to Student Conduct. If student does not respond within the timelines provided, the outcome is final, and no appeal or hearing will follow.
Grounds for Appeal
- Appeals must be made in writing and must be submitted within the stated deadlines of the notice e-mailed to the student.
- If a hearing was held, the student may request an opportunity to study the summary minutes of the hearing body before submitting an appeal.
- The student may appeal on the grounds indicated in their notice which may include:
- New information not available at the time of the investigation (or hearing), the absence of which can be shown to have materially affected the outcome;
- There was procedural error in the process that materially affected the outcome;
- The proposed sanction is disproportionate given the findings of fact.
- Finality: Once issued, the decision of the appeal body is final.
The Advisor Role
Overview of an Advisor
- At all stages of the process, the student has the right to an Advisor.
- The Advisor's primary role is to provide guidance to the student throughout the process. The Advisor may not speak on behalf of the student at any time in the conduct process.
- Advisors may not disrupt any meetings or the process in any manner. At all stages of the process, Advisors must comply with University procedures for participants in the process. The University reserves the right to exclude an Advisor who does not abide by these procedures.
See section III, F. of the UC Santa Barbara Student Conduct Investigation and Resolution Framework.
Role and Responsibilities of an Advisor
- Assist students in understanding UCSB's conduct policies and procedures.
- Help students prepare for meetings or hearings.
- Attend meetings or hearings, if desired by the student.
- Student can elect to share case related information with their advisor.
Resources for Advisors and Students
Find policies, guidance, FAQs, and support resources related to the Student Conduct Process.
Campus Resources & Student FAQs
Find support services, campus resources, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Explore Resources
Campus Regulations & Conduct Policies
Review Campus Regulations, the UC Santa Barbara Student Conduct Code, and the UC Santa Barbara Student Conduct Investigation and Resolution Framework.
View Regulations & Policies
Questions
UCSB Office of Student Conduct
Email us at studentconduct@sa.ucsb.edu
Call us at 805-893-5016