 |
Student Judiciary Application
Thank
you for your interest in the University Student Judiciary (USJ)! The
Office of Student Conduct (OSC) is currently seeking undergraduate
and graduate students of all majors to serve as members of the
University of Maryland Student Judiciary for the 2008-2009 academic
year. Positions
are open in the Appellate Board, the
Central Board, the Community Advocate, the
Education Team, the Resident Board,
and the Student Honor Council. We are looking
for students of different academic backgrounds and interests. A
successful candidate is able to reason effectively, behave
responsibly in confidential and serious matters, and is dedicated to
extracurricular commitments.
UNIVERSITY STUDENT JUDICIARY
POSITION DESCRIPTIONS
The primary function of the Office of Student Conduct is to
resolve disciplinary and academic dishonesty referrals filed against students at the University of
Maryland. In order to do so, we utilize graduate and undergraduate students to serve as members
of the University Student Judiciary. The Judiciary is comprised of the University Appellate Board,
Community Advocates (CAs), the Resident Board (RB), the Central Board
(CB) and the Student Honor Council (SHC). Although each group differs slightly in function, all
work to educate students about their rights and responsibilities as members of the campus
community.
APPELLATE BOARD
The Appellate Board serves as the final level of appeal in disciplinary cases heard by the
Central and Resident Judicial Board not resulting in sanctions of suspension or expulsion (such
cases are heard by the University Senate Committee on Student Conduct). The Appellate Board also
serves as the final level of appeal for student parking tickets reviewed by the Department of
Transportation Services student ticket review section.
All appeals are handled in writing only; no oral appeals are permitted. Board members are
provided with the necessary information and documentation on which to render a decision. They
discuss the merits of the case as a board and come to a majority decision. All decisions of the
Board are considered final and conclusive.
Time Commitment:
There are approximately 5-10 parking ticket appeals to be decided each week while the
disciplinary case appeals average 2-3 per semester. The Board meets once per week for
approximately two hours, depending upon the caseload.
CENTRAL BOARD
Members of the “CB” hear non-academic conduct cases that may result in a suspension or expulsion
from the university. Hearing panel members (5-7 per panel) are active participants that question
parties in a clear and courteous manner, determine the facts, and render a decision based on the
evidence presented.
Time Commitment: The time commitment varies widely depending on the number of
cases warranting a hearing. Hearing panels convene on an assigned day and time (late afternoon)
throughout the semester. While some hearings may be quite lengthy, most last less than 2 hours.
Board members are also expected to attend intensive training sessions at the beginning of each
semester, attend monthly meetings of the CB, and participate on one committee (e.g. selection,
education, etc.) in the Office of Student Conduct throughout the academic year.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATES
Community Advocates assist complaining parties (such as professors, Resident Directors, etc.) with the
Central Board, Resident Board, or Student Honor Council hearings. These students frequently help prepare
a case prior to the hearing, make opening and closing statements, assist during questioning, and
recommend sanctions to the hearing panel. The advocates investigate facts, research University policy
specific to each case, provide support to complaining parties (ex. professors), interview witnesses and
present their findings during the hearings. Advocates must be able to work independently, present
information clearly, reason effectively, and behave responsibly in potentially adversarial
circumstances. While the role of the Community Advocate is to impartially help the board see the facts
of the matter at hand, it is important to note that many students view this role as that of a “student
prosecutor”. The intent of the judicial process is not meant to be adversarial, rather it is meant to
challenge respondents with the facts of a given case.
Time Commitment: Each advocate is assigned several cases throughout the semester. In
addition, each advocate is expected to participate in on-going training sessions and regular meetings,
and to participate on one committee (e.g., selection, education, etc.). The time commitment varies
widely over the course of each semester, but averages 10-15 hours monthly.
EDUCATION TEAM
Education Team members belong to the newest group within the
University Student Judiciary. Initiated just this past academic year, the primary role of the
Education Team is to educate the campus community on issues related to student conduct and
community standards. While team members’ main responsibilities will not be the adjudication of
cases, they may be asked to serve on ad hoc or appellate boards as needed.
Time Commitment: The time commitment varies widely depending on the number of
integrity seminars requested in any given semester. In addition, attendance at various training
sessions is required, and students are expected to participate on one committee (e.g.,
selection, education, etc.) in the Office of Student Conduct.
RESIDENT BOARD
Resident Board members hear cases involving student misconduct in the residence halls. Hearing panel
members are active participants, questioning all parties, determining the facts of a case, and recommending
appropriate sanctions to the Office of Rights and Responsibilities and the Office of Student Conduct. Board
members must be familiar with both the Code of Student Conduct and the Community Living Handbook.
Time Commitment: The time commitment varies widely depending on the number of cases in any
given semester. However, the maximum number of hours would be 6 per month (3 hours every other week).
Hearings typically begin between 4 and 6 p.m., and end two-three hours later. In addition, attendance at
various training sessions is required, and students are expected to participate on one committee (e.g.,
selection, education, etc.) with the other branches of USJ.
STUDENT HONOR COUNCIL
"SHC" members comprise a unique self-governing organization dedicated to creating a university climate that
supports and promotes academic integrity. Council members are charged with the responsibilities of receiving
and investigating reports of academic dishonesty (including cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of
information, and facilitating academic dishonesty), serving with faculty members on honor review boards, and
advancing academic integrity on campus. SHC members possess effective communication skills, exceptional
reasoning abilities, leadership potential, self-initiative, and an ability to work well with others.
Time Commitment: Each SHC member is expected to devote a minimum of 12-15 hours per month to
SHC activities. Members are assigned to investigate reports of academic dishonesty, serve on honor reviews,
serve on SHC committees, and may seek positions of leadership within the SHC.
All members of the University Student Judiciary may be asked to serve
on ad hoc and appellate Boards as needed.
Questions?
If you have specific questions about the selection process, please
contact the Office of Student Conduct at (301) 314-8204 or via email
at
studentconduct@umd.edu.
|
