Disciplinary Process

Complaints regarding student or group behavior may be filed with the Office of Student Conduct in the Dean of Students Office, Residence Life and Housing Services, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Duke Police, or in cases of harassment, with the Office for Institutional Equity. These offices work together in order to determine the most appropriate venue for resolution. In any situation where a party is unsure of whom to call, he/she may contact the Office of Student Conduct. To file a report online, click here.

Any alleged violation of university policy, including academic dishonesty, is within the scope of the Office of Student Conduct. If the Office of Student Conduct determines that another office is more appropriate to handle the situation, the case may be referred to that office. (Violations that occur within residential areas will often be referred to Residence Life and Housing Services. Violations in which Greek organizations are involved will often be referred to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life for adjudication through the Greek Conduct Board.)

The Office of Student Conduct coordinates a mediation program, which may be accessed upon referral or at the request of a student to resolve disputes between students.

In general, residence life staff will handle complaints of conduct within residential areas unless the alleged behavior is of a serious nature or the student has had prior violations, in which case the case may be referred for disciplinary action through the Office of Student Conduct (684-6938, http://conduct.studentaffairs.duke.edu).

The Office of Student Conduct will work with the Office for Institutional Equity (OIE) to determine the most appropriate way to resolve allegations of harassment. (In general, the Office of Student Conduct will handle cases where the respondent/accused is an undergraduate student and OIE will handle cases involving graduate students or employees.) Resolution of harassment complaints may include mediation, informal resolution, or resolution through the undergraduate disciplinary system or through the processes within OIE.

Types of Resolution

Mediation

Mediation is a process that empowers students to resolve their own disputes. Through mediation, a neutral third party assists students in coming to a peaceful and agreeable solution. The university encourages informal mediation whenever practical or appropriate. Students interested in utilizing the peer mediation program to resolve a conflict should contact the Office of Student Conduct. Staff within the Office of Student Conduct may also refer cases to mediation as appropriate. Ultimately, all parties involved must agree to mediation. If one party does not agree to mediation, or if the mediation fails, the Office of Student Conduct may refer a case to arbitration and/or disciplinary resolution. Failure to comply with the results of mediation may be cause to commence the disciplinary process.

Arbitration

Arbitration is a process by which students are given an opportunity to present information about a dispute to a neutral third party who renders a decision. Arbitration is often used in roommate conflicts or other relationship conflicts where residential status or participation/access privileges are at issue and mediation is not appropriate. The Office of Student Conduct may choose to send any case to arbitration. Arbitration will not result in a disciplinary record, but the arbitrator(s) may alter students’ living status, limit privileges or invoke restrictions on participants. Failure to comply with the results of arbitration may be cause to commence the disciplinary process.

Informal Resolution

Generally, misconduct in the residence halls will be resolved through staff members in Residence Life and Housing Services. Informal resolutions may include residential warnings or probation, relocation, community service, restitution or educational initiatives. Students who are alleged to have committed serious infractions (e.g., drug or safety violations) or who repeatedly violate any residential and/or university policy will be subject to formal disciplinary action through the Office of Student Conduct in the Dean of Students Office.

Staff within the Office of Student Conduct may also choose to utilize the informal resolution process to resolve minor issues of student behavior. Resolutions resulting from this process may include an educational assignment or community service. Failure to comply with the resolution may be cause to commence the disciplinary process. Records of informal resolution will be kept internally and will not be considered part of a student’s disciplinary record.

Disciplinary Action

Any case involving an alleged violation of community standards, Greek organization policies, or university rules and regulations by an undergraduate student or group may be resolved through the undergraduate disciplinary system.