The community standards process is designed to support students' safety, uphold student rights and responsibilities, and support the education of students. This is done
Washington State University is seeking students, staff and faculty to serve on hearing boards to make decisions that will affect the community and uphold these community standards.
Types of Hearing Boards
Formal Hearing
Conducted when a student's behavior may warrant expulsion form WSU. Hearing board members are liaisons between parties and do not make determinations of responsibility in these hearings.
Community Accountability Board
Conducted when a student's behavior may warrant suspension from WSU. Hearing board members make determinations of responsibly in these hearings.
University Appeals Board
Conducted when a student appeals a finding of responsibility from a Formal Hearing, Community Accountability Board, or Conduct Officer Hearing. Hearing board members make determinations of responsibility in these hearings.
Academic Integrity Hearing Board
Conducted when a student appeals an instructor's responsible finding related to an academic integrity violation. Hearing board members make determinations of responsibility in these hearings.
-
Benefits of Joining
- A letter of recommendation from the Dean of Students upon service completion.
- Learn skills such as critical thinking, policy evaluation, debate, and collaboration.
- Build your resume for future employment and academic programs.
- Receive training related to evidence evaluation, decision-making, prevention, and more.
- Early class registration for every semester you serve (students only).
- Fulfill service hour requirements (faculty only) .
-
Student Hearing Board Member Expectations
In fulfilling your important role as a board member, you will:
- Complete online training (Provided by the Center for Community Standards).
- Commit a few hours per semester (scheduling is flexible and based on your availability) .
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA, part-time or full-time status, and in “Good Standing” with the Center for Community Standards.
- Make responsibility determinations on Community Accountability Boards, University Appeals Board, and Academic Integrity Hearing Board.
- Serve as a liaison between parties in Formal Hearings.
- Write decision letters when selected as chair of a hearing.
-
Faculty and Staff Hearing Board Member Expectations
In fulfilling your important role as a board member, you will:
- Complete online training (Provided by the Center for Community Standards).
- Commit a few hours per semester (scheduling is flexible and based on your availability).
- Make determinations of responsibility on Community Accountability Boards, University Appeals Board, and Academic Integrity Hearing Board.
- Server as a liaison between parties in Formal Hearings.
- Write decision letters when selected as chair of a hearing.
Hear from Previous Board Members
I’ve been an instructor for almost 20 years and in that time have encountered my share of academic integrity issues. In the two years I’ve been on the board, I’ve gained an appreciation for the nuances of academic integrity, the importance of clear and objective policies that are effectively communicated to students, and the role of due process for students facing allegations of academic integrity violations. My experience on the board has given me an opportunity to approach academic integrity, whether I’m teaching my students about it or approaching a student about a suspected violation, in a more informed and student-centered manner.
— Dr. Dee Posey | Faculty
I joined the WSU Appeals board as an opportunity to help give back to the community and to meet others. It's been a great experience collaborating with other individuals and meeting different faculty members. I would encourage everyone to try and join because being part of this program has taught me many useful skills that I don't think I would've learned due to my major.
— Rachel Polhamus | Student
I joined because I think it’s important to give back and I thought I had a unique perspective to bring to the boards. Also, as a WSU graduate, and longtime employee, being a Cougar is something special. As a past WSU football coach Jim Walden said, ‘I can't define it, I can't tell someone who isn't a cougar what it's like. There's something that happens at Washington State; you quietly and subtly become infected...Washington State is a passion. Being a Cougar is a passion.’
— Scott Vik | Staff