The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards exists to support the campus community based on the principles set forth in the Duke Community Standard - honesty, trustworthiness, fairness, and respect for others. There are a number of ways you can become involved.
The Conduct Board is a group of students, faculty and staff appointed to hear infractions of university policy. The board is charged with determining whether a student’s/group’s actions constitute a violation of university policy and, if so, an appropriate response. In determining an appropriate response, consideration is given to the student’s/group’s interests as well as the university’s interest in maintaining high standards.
All Conduct Board hearings are conducted in private. Any student whose presence is required by the conduct officer at a hearing will be excused from any other university responsibility.
Respondents, complainants, advisors, and/or witnesses may not bring devices that capture or facilitate communication (e.g., computer, cell phone, audio/video recorder, etc.) into a hearing room, unless authorized by the hearing panel.
Peer Advisors are students and staff trained in the disciplinary process and most frequently work with students who are under investigation for a possible violation of university policy, though they can also support students who are bringing forward a report of misconduct. They offer information about how the process works, advice on how to approach each stage of the process, and can support students in attendance at a Student Conduct Board hearing. A complete position description of this role is available here.
Students are strongly encouraged to seek the assistance of a Peer Advisor. A staff and student advisor are typically assigned to students, per their request, at the initial stage of a formal investigation of a possible violation of university policy. We have found that students who take advantage of the services of Peer Advisors are more fully informed and approach a possible hearing much better prepared to state their case.
Are you a leader of a Selective Living Group, fraternity or sorority, athletic team, or other student organization? If you so, perhaps you would be interested in a program to help members learn about community expectations and the conduct process.
Our office strives to proactively educate students about university expectations and how to avoid common pitfalls. Contact our office and let us know how we can help educate your group. We're available for presentations, small group discussions, and the like.