Formal Hearing Steps

As stated in the Longwood University Student Handbook, these procedures are not the procedures used in hearings on charges of sexual misconduct.

Please see the Title IX Policy for those procedures.


The form to file conduct or honor charges is submitted to the Office of Student Conduct and Integrity.
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Staff member of Student Conduct and Integrity meets with parties as needed.
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The case is assigned to the appropriate Hearing Body.
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The case is scheduled: a hearing date is set and the parties are notified by email to attend.
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The Respondent (student being charged) is invited to meet with staff to discuss the upcoming hearing, plea options, possible sanctions, etc.
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At the Formal Hearing, the participants are introduced and last minute questions concerning rights or procedures are answered.
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The charges (alleged violations) are read for the record.
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The Respondent enters a plea: Responsible, Not Responsible, or No Plea.
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The Complainant's Testimony
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The Complainant submits a statement of the incident, including evidence.
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The Respondent may ask questions.
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The Hearing Body asks questions.
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The Complainant introduces Witnesses who provide a statement of the event(s).
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The Complainant and Respondent ask questions of the Witnesses.
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The Hearing Body asks questions.
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Final questions are asked concluding the testimony by the Complainant.
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The Respondent's Testimony
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The Respondent submits a statement of the incident, including evidence.
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The Complainant may ask questions.
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The Hearing Body asks questions.
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The Respondent introduces Witnesses who provide a statement of the event(s).
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The Respondent and Complainant ask questions of the Witnesses.
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The Hearing Body asks questions.
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Final questions are asked concluding the testimony by the Respondent.
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 Final Statements / Decision
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The Complainant submits a final statement.
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The Respondent submits a final statement.
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Complaint and any Witnesses are excused. Respondent is asked to wait until deliberations have concluded.
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The Hearing Body deliberates in closed session until a recommended decision is reached.
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Decision

If the recommended decision is "NOT RESPONSIBLE"
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The Respondent is informed and the case is forwarded to the Associate Dean of Conduct & Integrity for Final Review.
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A decision letter is sent via email to the student from the Associate Dean of Conduct & Integrity.
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The case is closed and the record expunged.



If the recommended decision is "RESPONSIBLE"
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The Hearing Body reviews any prior record in assessing the appropriate sanction.
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The Respondent is called back in and informed of the Hearing Body’s recommended decision to the Associate Dean.
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The case is forwarded to the Associate Dean of Conduct & Integrity for final review and affirmation.
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A decision letter is sent via email to the student of the decision, sanctions and the appeal process.