Syracuse University students accused of a crime are dealt with by the university differently than faculty and staff accused of the same misdemeanor.

In the case of SU writing professor Adam Banks, whose arraignment for being accused of sexual misconduct is today, different actions are being taken by the university toward him than they would toward a student.

Allegations against a student in violation of the Code of Student Conduct can be reported by Public Safety, the Office of Residence Life, the Office of Greek Life and Experiential Learning, campus officials, students, faculty or staff and a report is filed by the Office of Judicial Affairs.

In a student case, a Judicial Affairs case manager decides whether or not to pursue the case. If the case continues, the student and case manager meet to conduct an informal resolution.

It is the university’s policy in the instance in which a complaint is filed against a faculty or staff member for an investigation to take place, said Kevin Morrow, director of News Services at SU.

The investigation is conducted by the Office of Human Resources in conjunction with the University Senate, Morrow said.

In the faculty and staff investigation process, the individual is given the opportunity to respond to the complaint, Morrow said. Similarly, the University Judicial Board holds a hearing for accused students who do not agree with the hearing officer.

The university then determines what action will be taken toward the individual for faculty, staff and students, Morrow said, in agreement with the Code of Student Conduct.

Students have the opportunity to appeal to the University Appeals Board if they are not satisfied with the UJB’s decision.

Published on November 28, 2005 at 12:00 pm