Subcommittee Hearings: Frequently Asked Questions
The following information is provided in an attempt to clarify information in the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Disciplinary Procedures. Please be advised that the Disciplinary Procedures will be the controlling document and any apparent conflicting information will defer to those procedures and not the FAQs.
What is the Subcommittee on Undergraduate Student Conduct?
The Subcommittee on Undergraduate Student Conduct (SUSC) is a hearing body which derives its power from the Senate Committee on Student Discipline (SCSD). The SUSC is a hearing panel consisting of both University of Illinois faculty and student members who adjudicate cases involving undergraduate students charged with offenses of the Student Code which may lead to separation from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The SUSC also serves as an appeal body for charged students who have appealed the decisions of Hearing Officers.
Where/When are hearings?
Typically, hearings of the SUSC take place on Friday afternoons between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Respondents (charged students) should report to the Office for Student Conflict Resolution in 409 Student Services Building and check in with the secretary who will direct them to wait until the committee is ready to meet with them. The SUSC regularly hears multiple cases during their Friday meetings, and as it is very difficult to determine the length of a hearing, there are sometimes unavoidable delays. However, every effort is made to start each hearing as close to on time as possible. Respondents are urged to arrive early and patience is appreciated.
The SUSC meets infrequently during breaks and in the summer.
How should a respondent (charged student) prepare for a hearing?
A respondent should take into consideration the serious nature of a SUSC hearing. The respondent will be asked to present a brief narrative of the incident in question. This narrative should include a description of the events that took place, the respondent's perception of who was involved in the situation, as well as any background information related to the situation which would be relevant for the SUSC to consider in its deliberations. The respondent is encouraged to submit a list of witnesses and the nature of their testimony to the Executive Director of the Senate Committee on Student Discipline. Appropriate witnesses are those who have first-hand information about the incident. Character witnesses are only permitted to submit letters of reference rather than appear in person. The respondent will be afforded access to all that will be presented by the University.
Given the serious nature of SUSC hearings, respondents are encouraged to dress appropriately. It is the responsibility of the respondent to ensure their advisor and any witnesses they have called to be present at the hearing.
Can anyone attend a SUSC hearing?
SUSC hearings are not public. Beyond the respondent and their advisor, only members of the SUSC, administrative staff of the Office for Student Conflict Resolution, University Council, and pertinent witnesses are permitted in SUSC hearings.
Where can I get more information on the Student Code?
An electronic version of the Student Code is available on this website. A paper copy of the Student Code is available in the Office for Student Conflict Resolution at 610 E. John St. room 409 of the Turner Student Services building.
Can a respondent bring an advisor/legal counsel to a hearing?
A respondent is permitted an advisor or legal counsel at a SUSC hearing. However, this counsel/advisor is not permitted to speak during the hearing. An advisor may consult quietly with the respondent or exchange notes, but may not offer testimony or otherwise participate in the hearing in any way.
Can a respondent bring their parents to a hearing?
A parent can be designated as an advisor and, thus, is permitted to attend a SUSC hearing. Generally, a respondent may have one advisor present at the hearing but under special circumstances, the Chair of SUSC may allow a student a second advisor.
Can a respondent bring witnesses to a SUSC hearing?
Witnesses who have first-hand information related to the circumstances resulting in the hearing are permitted to present information during a SUSC hearing. The chair of the SUSC will determine the appropriateness of each witness presented by the respondent and the complainant prior to the hearing.
Respondents are required to inform OSCR staff of witnesses three days prior to the hearing. If witnesses are unable to attend a hearing in person, they may participate via phone or may present their information in writing.
Does a respondent have to attend the hearing?
While respondents are strongly encouraged to attend hearings, it is their right to be absent from the SUSC hearing. If a student does not attend, however, the SUSC will continue with the hearing as scheduled and non-attendance of the respondent will not be considered a basis for appeal.
Can a decision of the SUSC be appealed? How long does it take to have an appeal heard? What happens at an appeal?
Yes. Please consult the frequently asked questions on appeals.
