College of Optometry (CO) 2024–2025 129 failing to attend a hearing or remaining silent, the hearing will proceed and the conclusion will be based on the evidence presented. No decision shall be based solely on the failure of the accused student to attend the hearing or answer the charges. Likewise, written statements by a witness may be used. 9. The accused student may have the assistant dean for Student Affairs and Admissions from the CO present as an adviser throughout the hearing. The assistant dean for Student Affairs and Admissions may only counsel the student and may not actively participate in the hearing, unless clarification is needed as determined by the Honor Council. 10. I n cases requiring special expertise, the Honor Council chair may appoint individuals with appropriate expertise to serve as consultants to the Council. The consultants may be present and provide information as called upon by the chair during the hearing. 11. I nformation regarding the identities of those involved in a hearing and all hearing proceedings shall remain strictly confidential in accordance with applicable law. 12. T he Honor Council will deliberate at the conclusion of the hearing in a closed session. Invited guests will be dismissed. The recommendation of the Honor Council following the completion of the Honor Council deliberations will be submitted to the dean. 13. I t is within the purview of the chair to require verbal participation of all Honor Council members in the deliberations. Section 4. Minor deviations from procedures An accused student(s), in collaboration with the Honor Council chair, may agree in advance to minor procedural deviations. Such deviations are not then subject to appeal. Other minor deviations are acceptable as long as such deviations do not materially prejudice the accused student(s). Section 5. Voting Voting will occur following deliberations by the Honor Council. The standard of proof shall be a preponderance of the evidence. 1. Voting will occur to determine • whether or not a violation of the CO Rules of Conduct has been committed for each charge • what disciplinary sanction(s) and/or grade change should be applied or authorized for each charge, when a violation of the CO Rules of Conduct has been committed 2. Voting will be conducted by secret ballot. A simple majority is required to find a student in violation of the CO Rules of Conduct. In addition, a simple majority is required to determine the sanctions. 3. The outcome and vote for each issue will be recorded and documented in the report of the Honor Council, which is provided to the dean.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDE4MDg=