What is adjudication?

  • Adjudication is specific form of conflict resolution process whereby decision making authority is turned over to a third-party.
     
  • Informal adjudication is when the affected parties agree on a basic set of facts, and agree to have 3rd party to determine sanctions for an individual who violated University policy.
     
  • Formal adjudication (i.e., in a hearing) is when 3rd party reviews disputed information and arguments from opposing parties, determines which arguments are more credible/likely, and recommends an outcome.

How is adjudication used?

  • The Student Conduct System is the most commonly utilized adjudication system for students. Per Article 5 of the “AFR”, faculty, staff and student members of the University community may file complaints that a student has violated a regulation or policy. The student conduct system is an adjudicatory process designed to enforce University policy, while protecting student rights against infringement by members of the University community.
     
  • Students may also request adjudication by filing a grievance against a registered student organization, student governing group, or University employee alleging a violation of the “AFR”, or a violation of the student group’s constitution, bylaws, or policies.

Why adjudication matters?

  • Adjudication protects the rights of all University community members while seeking to maintain a delicate balance between maximum freedom and necessary order, which is fundamental to maintaining an effective learning environment.
     
  • Adjudication actively engages the faculty, staff and students in matters and issues that are relevant to a learning community.

Who are our adjudicators?

Faculty, staff and students serve as adjudicators within the student conduct and student grievance system.