• Student Code of Conduct
• Information for the Complainant
• Information for the Accussed
• Alternative Dispute Resolution Clinic

Other Resources:

• Revised Student Code of Conduct and Judiciaries

Student Code of Conduct

Howard University affirms that the central purpose of a university is the pursuit of truth, the discovery of new knowledge through scholarly research, the teaching and overall development of students and the transmission of knowledge and learning to the world at large. The establishment and maintenance of a community where there is freedom to teach and to learn, however, is dependent on maintaining an appropriate sense of order that allows for the pursuit of these objectives in an environment that is both safe and free of invidious disruption.

It is expected that student conduct will be in concert with and supportive of the University's central purpose and core values. Examples of prohibited student behavior are described in the Student Code of Conduct ("Code"). Circumstances that reasonably indicate a violation of the Code will give rise to the immediate consideration of adjudication through the University's judiciary system.

The Code is applicable to all validated (officially enrolled) students, and all persons admitted to any academic program, activity or event. The terms "student" or "students" as used in the Code refer only to those who meet this definition.

It is the responsibility of the Office of the Dean for Special Student Services in conjunction with the General Counsel's Office to process the Judicial Affairs of the University as it relates to student violations of the Code.

Information for the Complainant in a University-Wide Judicial Hearing

A University-wide judicial hearing is convened to adjudicate a violation of the Howard University Student Code of Conduct. If you have filed a complaint that has resulted in another student being accused of a violation, you will be required to attend a hearing to present evidence to substantiate your allegation. The burden of proof is on the complainant.

This following information is provided to assist you in preparing for the hearing.

1. It is your responsibility to read and understand the Student Code of Conduct so you are clear on the charge(s)s against you, your rights, and other important information. The specific charge(s) will be indicated on the letter you receive notifying you of the hearing.
2. If there any witnesses you would like to speak on your behalf, it is your responsibility to ask them to appear and to notify them of the hearing date, time, and location. Please be advised that the only persons allowed to be witnesses are those persons with direct knowledge of the incident precipitating the charge(s); eyewitnesses primarily.
3. It is your responsibility to provide for the hearing any information and/or documentation you wish the board to consider.
4. Parents, friends, and others should not be invited to attend the hearing unless they have direct knowledge of the incident that occurred; eyewitnesses primarily.
5. Attorneys are not allowed to represent students in hearings. Advise may be provided to you prior to the hearing.
6. If you are unable to attend the hearing, you should give at least 48 hours notice to the Office of the Dean for Special Student Services (202-238-2420). Failure to attend a hearing for an undocumented, non-emergency reason is grounds for dismissing the charges.
7. You are to have no contact with the accused in this matter directly or through intermediaries at least until the hearing is held.

1. You and any witnesses should report to Suite 725, Howard Center at least 15 minutes prior to the hearing.
2. Witnesses will wait to enter the hearing room until they are called. They are free to go after their testimony.
3. You will have an opportunity to hear the testimony of the complainant and any witnesses for that side and to question them.
4. After the hearing is over, the board will deliberate in private and render a decision and submit it to the Office of the Dean for Special Student Services.

1. Hearing participants are to have no contact with board members. Any questions or comments should be directed to the Office of the Dean for Special Student Services.
2. You will be notified of the outcome of the hearing by the Office of the Dean for Special Student Services.
3. A student found "Guilty" has the right to appeal the decision, but any appeal must be based on the criteria in the Student Code of Conduct. The complainant has no appeal rights.
4. Any sanctions levied against a student found "Guilty" must be completed as given by the indicated dates. Failure to comply may result in additional charges against the student. As the complainant, you will not receive any information about the fulfillingof sanctions by the guilty party.

Information for the Accused in a University-Wide Judicial Hearing

If you are the accused in a University-wide judicial hearing, it means you have been charged with a violation of the Howard University Student Code of Conduct. This information is provided to assist you in preparing for the hearing.

1. It is your responsibility to read and understand the Code so you are clear on the charge(s)s to be adjudicated at the hearing and other important information. The specific charge(s) will be indicated on the letter you receive notifying you of the hearing.
2. If there are any witnesses you would like to speak on your behalf, it is your responsibility to ask them to appear and to notify them of the hearing date, time, and location. Please be advised that the only persons allowed to be witnesses are those persons with direct knowledge of the incident precipitating the charge(s), eyewitnesses primarily.
3. It is your responsibility to provide for the hearing any information and/or documentation you wish the board to consider.
4. Parents, friends, and others should not be invited to attend the hearing unless they have direct knowledge of the incident that occurred; eyewitnesses primarily.
5. Attorneys are not allowed to represent students in hearings. Advice may be provided to you prior to the hearing.
6. If you are unable to attend the hearing, you should give at least 48 hours notice to the Office of the Dean for Special Student Services (202-238-2420). Failure to attend a hearing for an undocumented, non-emergency reason is grounds for additional charges being filed against you, and/or a decision in the complainant's favor.
7. You are to have no contact with the complainant in this matter directly or through intermediaries at least until the hearing is held.

1. You and any witnesses should report to Suite 725, Howard Center at least 15 minutes prior to the hearing.
2. Witnesses will wait to enter the hearing room until they are called. They are free to go after their testimony.
3. You will have an opportunity to hear the testimony of the complainant and any witnesses for that side and to question them.
4. After the hearing is over, the board will deliberate in private and render a decision and submit it to the Office of the Dean for Special Student Services.

1. Hearing participants are to have no contact with board members. Any questions or comments should be directed to the Office of the Dean for Special Student Services.
2. You will be notified of the outcome of the hearing by the Office of the Dean for Special Student Services
3. A student found "Guilty" has the right to appeal the decision, but any appeal must be based on the criteria in the Student Code of Conduct.
4. Any sanctions levied must be completed as given by the indicated dates. Failure to comply may result in additional charges against you.