The appropriate balance of rights and responsibilities is a critical component of our community. These processes have been developed with students’ rights in mind, but students are also asked to be respectful of their responsibilities as members of this community.
During the conduct processes, students have responsibility for:
- reading and upholding the Code of Student Conduct
- being honest and forthcoming
- responding to communication and meeting requests
- considering the perspectives of others
- recognizing that the impact of their actions is important, not just the intent behind them.
- maintaining the high standards of our community by taking action with friends/peers if they are acting in concerning ways
Students also have the right to the following, as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct:
- Notice of Charges: written notice of the section(s) of the Code that a student may have violated and a summary of the available supporting information.
- Presumption of Innocence: a student charged with violating the Code is assumed not responsible unless they admit responsibility or a conduct process determines responsibility.
- Choose not to Participate: the responding student may choose not to participate in the conduct process, but should be aware that the process may continue and decisions will be made without information from the student.
- Opportunity for an Advisor: a responding student may have a person of their choosing present for any conduct meeting or hearing.
- Opportunity for a Hearing: a student always has the right to have a case be heard through a hearing instead of accepting an informal resolution.
- Opportunity for Appeal: if a case goes to a hearing, the responding student can appeal the decision of responsibility and/or sanction, based on the criteria for appeal.
Student Rights & Responsibilities Resources
The mission of the Ombuds Office for Students and Postdoctoral Appointees is to provide an informal dispute resolution process in which the Ombudsperson advocates for fairness, justice, respect for differences, and reasonable solutions to student and postdoctoral issues and concerns. The Ombuds Office also serves as an alert mechanism for systemic change on campus.
A branch of the ASUC, Berkeley’s student government, the Student Advocate’s Office has a staff of volunteers committed to providing the best support and advocacy to students involved in alleged violations of misconduct or academic dishonesty.
The Attorney for Students advises currently registered Cal students regarding their legal questions, rights, and obligations. Please review the information and materials on this page before making an appointment – they may answer your questions.