STUDENT RIGHTS

Student Rights

(Victim and Student Defendant)

1. The student defendant and victim shall be informed of the due process rights as outlined below.
2. The student defendant and the victim have the right to a closed hearing. The University may, but is not required to, open the hearing if requested by the student defendant and the victim.
3. The student defendant and the victim have the right to appear at the hearing alone or with an attorney, advisor, or friend. The attorney, advisor, or friend may advise the defendant or victim but may not address the committee, witnesses, or other party/parties. The SGA Director of Student Rights and Grievances is available to assist students in the preparation of their defense and may attend the hearing at the request of the student defendant. The Director may be contacted through SGA by calling (985) 448-4557.
4. The student defendant and the Dean of Students have the right to challenge members of the hearing committee;
5. The student defendant has the right to know what documentary evidence will be offered against them;
6. The student defendant has the right to know the identity of each witness who will testify;
7. The student defendant and the Dean of Students have the right to summon;
8. The student defendant and the Dean of Students have the right to offer evidence;
9. The student defendant has the right to argue on behalf of self;
10. The Dean of Students, student defendant, and Committee members have the right to cross-examine each witness who will testify. The victim may offer questions through the Dean of Students.  The Dean of Students may or may not use the questions;
11. Dean of Students, the student defendant, and victim will be informed of the outcome of the hearing.
12. Victims of cases involving violence and/or sexual offenses will be informed of the outcome of the hearing and subsequent appeals.

The student defendant has the right to appeal the decision of guilt or any sanction resulting therefrom.