I have been asked to meet with someone from the Office of Student Community Standards? What do I do?

At this stage, you are being asked to meet with the Office of Student Community Standards to give your perspective on a situation that has occurred. The purpose of this meeting is for fact-finding and collecting information.

We understand that these situations can be stressful and upsetting for students. We encourage students to follow the directions provided in their letter/email. Additionally, students have the right to have an advisor or support person of their choice present at the meeting.

Who will be at the meeting?

Most often, an initial meeting is between yourself and a staff member from the Office of Student Community Standards. At times, a member of the Department of Public Safety will be present or another member of the campus community may be there.

You will be notified in advance of who will be attending and you are welcome to bring an advisor or support person of your choosing.

Can I bring someone to my meeting?

Absolutely. Students may choose to bring an advisor or a support person of their choice to any meeting.

Advisors can be made available to students upon request. Students are welcome to bring a friend, family member or another as a support person. These individuals are welcome to attend meetings, but may not speak on behalf of students.  The person should be someone who is not involved in the incident.

I have been asked to write a statement, what should I write?

We ask that students aim to write a statement which is objective, accurate and as fact-based as possible.

When asked to write a statement, it is important to include as much detail as possible regarding the incident or behaviour (including location(s), date(s), time(s) and the full name(s) of those present).

Often, it is also helpful for students to list possible resolutions or what they would like to see happen. Additionally, noting any actions you have taken to remedy the situation is welcomed.

I don’t want to meet with someone from the Office of Student Community Standards. What happens next?

If you choose not to attend the meeting, an investigation may continue and a decision may be made based on available information. This may include outcomes being assigned to you if you are found responsible.

If an Investigative Officer has been assigned to the incident, they can make a decision regarding the incident without your involvement and perspective. You may also be assigned outcomes which need to be completed or the incident may be referred to a Hearing Officer.

How are decisions made under the Code?

The Code of Student Community Standards follows up with complaints with a process.

  • Once a complaint is made, the Office of Student Community Standards (often in collaboration with other departments) decides if an investigation is required.
  • Investigations involve collecting information from all parties. This may include meetings with the Office of Student Community Standards and other departments (such as the Department of Public Safety), and those involved are encouraged to submit a written statement.
  • Decisions are made based on the preponderance of evidence, meaning that the evidence shows it is more likely than not that the alleged violation occurred.
  • At this point, the issue may be resolved by the investigating officer and the student will be informed, in writing, of an outcome if a violation has occurred. In some instances, incidents may be forwarded to the Dean of Students or designate for a hearing.
  • A student can choose to appeal the decision using the Non-Academic Appeal Form. More information on appeals can be found within the Code of Student Community Standards or in the ‘For Students’ section of this FAQ.
What is an outcome?

An outcome is an activity or sanction which is assigned to a student if they are found to be responsible for violating the Code of Student Community Standards.

A number of factors contribute to the decision to impose one or multiple outcomes. These factors include past history, the severity of the offense, acceptance of responsibility, the impact of the behaviour on community members, the student’s developmental and educational needs, and the willingness of the person to restore the harm caused.

Outcomes vary, but include reflective essays, community service, restitution for damaged or lost property, meetings with support persons on campus or other educational and development activities, and Conduct Probation.

I have been placed on Conduct Probation. What does that mean?

Conduct Probation is a specific period of time in which a student has to demonstrate the ability to be a responsible member of Humber’s community. Any additional violation of the Code of Student Community Standards or the conditions of Conduct Probation during this time period will result in a meeting with the Office of Student Community Standards. This will result in a Code process being initiated to manage further outcomes.

I have been found responsible for misconduct and I don't agree. What do I do?

If you do not agree with the decision made, students can appeal the decision using the Non-Academic Appeal Form. This form must be completed and submitted within 10 business days of confirmed receipt of the written decision of the decision-maker.

How do I appeal a decision?

If you do not agree with the decision made, students can appeal the decision using the Non-Academic Appeal Form.

Students must demonstrate that one of the following is met:

  • There is new evidence that is likely to change the outcome
  • There is evidence of procedural error or bias
  • The sanction/outcome imposed is not consistent with the nature of the offense

Please understand that there are deadlines which must be met when requesting an appeal. Refer to the Code of Student Community Standards or contact us at oscs@humber.ca if you have questions.

Will this incident impact my grades or transcript?

This depends on the circumstances surrounding the misconduct or violations. Files on these incidents will not form a part of the student’s academic transcript.

How should I prepare for my hearing?

A ‘Notice of Hearing’ letter will inform you of the date and time of your hearing.

Students will be provided with a package which includes all information related to the incident and investigation. Students are responsible for reading the package in full before their hearing.

During the Hearing you will be asked to give a statement to explain the situation(s) and your involvement in it, and the Hearing Officer may ask you questions at this time.

Students are able to bring a support person of their choosing to the Hearing. If requested, the Office of Student Community Standards can provide an advisor as well. However, during the Hearing, the advisor or support person may not speak on behalf of the student.

Are witnesses allowed to attend the hearing?

Yes, both students and Humber College can ask witnesses to attend the hearing.

If you wish to bring a witness, you must identify them to whomever has been your point of contact at least 5 days in advance of the hearing (often this is the investigating officer).

Both student and Hearing Officer will be notified of the participation of witnesses at least 3 days in advance of the hearing.

Should I bring a lawyer?

Procedures under the Code of Student Community Standards do not have legal ramifications and can only impact your status as a student. Thus, students may hire a lawyer to serve as an advisor, but they cannot be represented by them.

It is important to note if a student chooses to hire a lawyer, the cost of this representation is their responsibility.

Is support available to me?

Absolutely. Students may choose to bring an advisor or a support person of their choice to any meeting or hearing. Advisors can be made available to students upon request.