This is how student conduct cases are handled by OS R:
Notification Without Specifics
You receive an official email notifying you of alleged misconduct. However, it does not specify what actions are under scrutiny. You’re told you may request an “information session,” which might clarify the concern—but even then, key details may remain undisclosed.
At this session, the office may share certain materials described as evidence. These documents are NOT provided for you to take with you. No copies, photos, or full transcriptions are permitted, citing privacy regulations. In virtual settings, contents may be read aloud instead. You may take notes. Despite their assurance to the contrary, prior unrelated reports may also be used against you, regardless of their relevance to the current case.
Preliminary Summary and Request for Response
Soon after, you receive a summary of the case. The document may be vague or heavily legalistic, offering few concrete details. It often includes a request to accept or deny “responsibility” before any formal adjudication has occurred. This can put you in a position of responding to charges that have not been clearly articulated.
Advisory Support With Constraints
You are allowed to bring an advisor to review the same materials and attend any subsequent meetings. However, the advisor is not permitted to participate directly. They cannot speak, advocate, or intervene on your behalf. Their role is observational, not representational. You are on your own.
Single-Office Adjudication
The same office handles investigation, prosecution, and judgment. One individual conducts the interview, present the case, evaluate the evidence, and issue a decision. Remember, you are on your own. You (without anything or anyone helping with your defense) vs them (one person plays the roles of prosecutor, judge, and jury). There is nothing fair in any of this. This is the kind of legal system you read about and think "I am glad this is not happening here." But it is.
Uncertain and Isolating Timelines
You're informed a decision will be communicated in a few business days. However, in practice, timelines may stretch without notice or explanation. This prolonged uncertainty can increase stress without offering meaningful avenues for communication or reassurance. Again, they play by the rules they make and they can bend their rules at will. You cannot.
Outcomes and Enforcement Without Dialogue
Once a decision is issued, the outcome is typically final. There is little opportunity to negotiate. You cannot ask for their rationale. You must accept your penalty which they assigned using their "educationally focused procedures." Further penalties may be imposed for missed deadlines or misunderstandings, with minimal flexibility or discussion.