FAQs About the Student Conduct Process

The purpose of an Interim Suspension Hearing is to determine whether the Respondent's participation in University-Supported Activities, use of University resources, or presence on University Property is reasonably likely to lead to: 

• Physical harm to any person or property; 
• Threats of violence; 
• Conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person; or  
• Other disruptive activity incompatible with the orderly operation of the campus. This includes conduct creating an immediate and/or continuing disruption to the health and safety of members of the University community, teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other University-Supported Activities, or access and/or use of University Property. (see UC San Diego Policy on Speech, Advocacy and Distribution of Literature on University Grounds (Policy and Procedure Manual, Section 510-1 IX) for guidelines related to expressive activity on University Grounds and Facilities).  

Students who are interim suspended and live on campus may face housing actions depending on the Interim Suspension Decision, the terms of their Housing Contract, and the unique facts of their incident. Students will typically be permitted to remain in their housing until an Interim Suspension Decision is reached unless notified otherwise. Students are encouraged to speak with their Interim Suspension Hearing Officer about their concerns, so they can be provided individualized advising and resources as needed. 

Students engaged in the current student conduct interim suspension process related to the May 1st Illegal Encampment will continue to have access to their on-campus housing until the student conduct process is completed.

It depends - If a student is facing suspension or dismissal as a sanction, the EVC may direct SAGE to withhold a student’s degree and transcripts pending the conclusion of their student conduct case. Not everyone placed on Interim Suspension will necessarily be placed on Suspension or Dismissed. Possible sanctions are outlined in our sanctioning guidelines but may include a Delay of Degree or Exclusion from Campus Property or Activities, such as commencement.

Sanctions are determined case-by-case, considering the student’s conduct history, any aggravating or mitigating factors present, and the case’s type and nature. Sanctioning guidelines by violation type are published on our website and may be reviewed here. 

Interim Suspension Hearings are closed to the public. Other than the Respondent, their Advisor, and the Hearing Officer, no one else is typically permitted at the Hearing. The student may bring one Advisor to confer with them privately at the Hearing and provide guidance. The Advisor may not actively participate in the Hearing. A person may not serve as an Advisor in a matter where they are a Complainant, Respondent, or witness. 

Please note a support person is not permitted for Interim Suspension Hearings. A support person is only permitted during the adjudication period of a SVSH case.

The student may also propose witnesses for the Interim Suspension Hearing Officer to consider. The Hearing Officer may schedule a separate meeting with them to hear their perspective. Witnesses with direct knowledge or information regarding the incident in question will generally be permitted. Character witnesses will not generally be permitted. Witness statements will not generally be permitted unless notarized or signed in the presence of a SAGE professional staff member. 

While not normally an issue, any person at a Hearing that becomes disruptive or prevents the orderly operation of the Hearing may be warned or excused from the remainder of the Hearing proceedings by the Hearing Officer.