32|Page c. At no time should a board member be involved in the decision-making process when they have a vested interest in the outcome of the case. Any prior knowledge about the case or personal involvement with the complainant, witnesses, or respondent that would give cause for the board member to be biased or prejudiced in the decision-making process is sufficient justification for removing oneself from the deliberations. d. It is the responsibility of the hearing authority and every board member to possess as many relevant facts as possible to reach a fair and just decision. e. Hearing authorities and board members should never make accusations or statements regarding their personal beliefs, positions, or opinions during the hearing process. Questioning should be conducted to produce information and should not be undertaken to badger an individual. Questioning should take place without prying into personal matters that bear no relevance to the issues being adjudicated. Hearing participants must refrain from asking questions in a manner that is hostile. f. An inherent part of the student conduct procedure is the effort to understand both the students and the situations in which they become involved. Every hearing must be executed in a proper environment and decorum. g. Decisions are made by the board as a whole. All decisions are reached by simple majority vote and must be upheld by all members of the board. Article 13: Supporting Policy 1. Parental Notification Statement Parents or legal guardians of students under the age of 21 found responsible for violations of conduct standards on alcohol and/or drugs may be informed, in writing, following a second infraction and finding of responsibility. At the time of a first incident, students will be strongly advised to consult parents or guardians regarding their behavior and to seek advice on any criminal or disciplinary processes which may transpire as well as any intervention strategies related to use or abuse of substances. 2. Statement on Copyright Infringement Policies & Sanctions Consistent with the university's acceptable use policies, the illegal distribution of copyright material including unauthorized file sharing on university owned, operated or maintained networks may subject students to civil and criminal penalties under federal law. A link to the specific legal penalties as defined by law may be found at Kutztown University's Student Consumer Information (https://www.kutztown.edu/student-consumerinformation.html) portal website. Students who violate university policy with respect to copyright infringement and illegal downloading will be held accountable through the university student conduct process. Minor first-time offenses subject students to a disciplinary warning or disciplinary reprimand and participation in an educational program about the illegal use and distribution of copyrighted materials. If an infraction occurs on the residence hall network a student may be required to bring their computer or computing device to the ResNet Office for inspection and cleaning prior to having their network access restored. Repeat offenders may have their network privileges temporarily or permanently revoked; prolific or chronic offenders may face removal from the residence halls, suspension from the institution and/or permanent loss of computer privileges. As noted above, a student may face criminal or civil action in addition to any administrative response from the university.
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