Student Conduct & Regulations 32|Page www.kutztown.edu/thekey those directly involved. Members of the various boards or hearing authorities are obliged to refrain from discussing cases with anyone other than fellow members. The confidential nature of hearings pertains not only to the testimony presented but also to internal discussions held and decisions rendered. Under no circumstances, is it acceptable to divulge information obtained in a hearing; breaches of confidentiality are strictly prohibited. b. The members of the various boards are appointed to ensure that the welfare of the students and the academic community are preserved. The members of boards are charged, specifically, with determining if violations of college regulations have occurred through examination of presented evidence. Implicit in this charge is an acceptance of existing rules, which are established to protect the total community. 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 will 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 peer-to-peer 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
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