Formal Resolution Process
By participating in the formal resolution process, you have the opportunity to be assisted by an advisor, respond to the concern, and appeal the initial outcome of the hearing.
Outcomes of formal resolution are part of a student's conduct record. Once a student has been found responsible for violating the Community Standards by formal resolution proceedings, all records of matters addressed by informal resolution shall be transferred to and become a part of a student’s conduct record.
Disciplinary sanctions are not noted on a student’s transcript. The conduct files of students who withdrew with pending disciplinary action or have been suspended or expelled from the College are maintained in the Vice President and Dean of Student Life Office indefinitely. Conduct files of students who have not been suspended or expelled are destroyed seven years following their graduation. Students who withdraw prior to graduation and who have not been suspended or expelled are destroyed seven years following their departure. Further questions should be directed to the Assistant Dean of Student Life.
Notice Letter
Once a report is received, the report is reviewed to determine what policies or standards are in question. The Vice President and Dean of Student Life Office will notify you via e-mail that the notice letter, incident report and any supplemental documents are available for you to pick up electronically through an e-mail link. If multiple students are involved in the incident the student must complete the Hearing Documents Agreement.
- Administrative Hearing
- Single administrative hearing officer appointed by the Vice President and Dean of Student Life Office
- Administrative Hearing will not alter the student or organization's status at Dickinson
- Hearing Panel (4 member panel)
- Social cases are heard by the Assistant Dean of Students (non-voting chair), Administrator, Faculty & Student
- Academic cases are heard by an Associate Provost (Chair), Faculty & Student
- Hearing Panel can alter the student or organization's status at Dickinson (in addition with other sanctions)
The student is then encouraged to prepare for the hearing and ask any question that arise.
Hearing Overview
At the hearing, the student/organization in question will be asked if they believe they are responsible or not responsible for the alleged violation(s) outlined in their notice letter. They will also be asked to share their account of the events that resulted in the alleged policy violation. The student is welcome to ask questions during the hearing, bring an advisor and witnesses to the hearing. An advisor must be a current studuent, full-time faculty member or full time staff member of Dickinson College who does not possess a law degree. Witness information must be submitted in advance of the hearing.
Overview of working with an advisor.
Hearing Outcomes & Sanctions
If a student or organization is found in violation of the Dickinson Community Standards or policies outlined in the Student Handbook, sanctions may be imposed by the College. This will be outlined in an outcome letter to the student or organization. It is the student or organization’s responsibility to fulfill all sanctions by outlined deadlines. Click here for more information regarding sanctions.
Appeal Process
The College outlines three grounds for appeal that can be utilized in cases of Administrative or Panel Hearings. Click here for more information on the appeal process.
More detailed information on the formal resolution process is available in the Community Standards.
The Conduct Process | Appeal Process
Student Conduct Frequently Asked Questions
For questions please contact Bridget Burnhisel, Director of Student Conduct, at 717-245-1676 or burnhisb@dickinson.edu. The Vice President and Dean of Student Life Office is located in the upper level of the Holland Union Building.