What are the student codes that deal with offenses committed against another student?

There are various parts of the University's Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities. In section 5 of the student code is the actual code of conduct, and section 5.1 are all of those offenses which would relate to any offense by one person upon another. There is a variety of different things in that particular section. There's harassment, hazing, physical abuse, privacy violations, sexual misconduct, and stalking. All of those apply can be offenses committed by one person against another.

How does a student file a complaint with the Office of Student Rights and Community Standards?

If a student believes that an offense or violation has occurred   in which they have been victimized by another student, they can report that violation to the office of student rights and community standards. And they can either do that directly or an email complaint, or by calling our office.  Our office is located in room 224 of the Student Center, and our phone is 765-285-5036, our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. The email address here if a student wants to email contact a complaint or concern about another student that may be in violation of the student code, they can  send that to dpfried@bsu.edu.

What happens in a Campus Judicial Hearing?

If the student's complaint against another student reaches the level of formal hearing, that hearing can either be an administrative hearing or a hearing in front of the University Review Board. Either hearing or process is fairly much the same. The only difference is in the administrative hearing is for an offense that might be of a lesser level. The more serious offenses, those that could possibly result in suspension or expulsion from the university are handled through the University Review Board. Both hearings, the complainant is given an opportunity to provide their version of the offense and to respond to questions from the hearing officers. The complainant also is able to respond to any questions that might be submitted by the accused student, although we do not provide for direct cross-examination or direct questioning from the accused student. Then after the complainant has presented their version of the events and the questions are exhausted, then the accused student has an opportunity to provide their version of events, and answer questions, and then both sides are permitted to provide witnesses and to call witnesses on their behalf, and then there are closing statements, and then all parties leave for deliberation by the hearing panel.

Can I have someone with me during a Campus Judicial Hearing?

If a student files a complaint against another student and it goes to either an administrative or a University Review Board hearing, the victim or the complainant in this case, would be permitted to be accompanied by an advisor. That advisor may be another student at Ball State, may be a faculty or staff member, or it may be a family member.  They are entitled to one advisor during the hearing.  The role of the advisor is provide what we call private advice and comfort to the student in the hearing. That person may not directly participate in the hearing, however, may not address the board, the hearing officers, may not ask questions. They only advice the person that they are accompanying to the hearing, and may only whisper to or to consult with that person.

How can I get in touch with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities?

If you have questions about whether or not your rights may have been violated or whether an offense has been committed against you by another student, or about the complaint process or the judicial process, you can contact the office of student rights and community standards by coming to the student center room 224 between 8:00 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, you can reach the office by calling 765-285-5036 during those same office hours, or email me directly at dpfried@bsu.edu.