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One of the primary purposes of the student accountability process is to promote learning and development for our students. As such, we position students to learn advocacy skills by asking them to speak for themselves through the process. Still, we understand that our emerging adults may need support as they navigate a new process. All students are permitted to have a Support Person with them at any meeting or proceeding related to the accountability process.

The Student Accountability Process

Support Persons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Code of Student Accountability. 

Students are entitled to be accompanied by a Support Person in meetings related to the investigative and accountability process. This includes:

• informational meetings
• investigation meetings
• accountability resolution meetings
• University Hearings

A Support Person is someone who provides support, guidance and/or advice to the student. However, a Support Person cannot speak on behalf of the student, directly participate in the proceedings or submit any written requests (including appeals) on behalf of the student. The Support Person also cannot serve as a witness in the context of an Investigation.

Should a Support Person not adhere to these expectations or attempt to play a direct and/or active role in any proceedings, the Hearing Officer or staff member, at their discretion, may order the excusal of the Support Person. A Support Person may be a family member, friend, faculty member, staff member, attorney, or other advisor/supporter.

If your student is involved in the student accountability process, it is understandable that you will want to support them. We highly encourage that you, as well as your student, read other sections of our website, such as the Accountability Processes and Procedures page. We also recommend you review information on FERPA and student accountability.

While the accountability process is the method for upholding the University's policies, our ultimate objective is to provide a fair process and help your student learn. We strive to get to know students, listen to their stories and provide opportunities for growth throughout the process, regardless of their responsibility for violating policies.  

Attorneys as Support Persons

The student accountability process is not comparable to a court of law, criminal proceeding or civil proceeding and therefore the role of the attorney is also dissimilar. In this administrative process, the role of the attorney is one of a support person. This support person is not an active participant and may not participate in the Accountability Resolution Meeting or Hearing. They can attend the Accountability Resolution Meeting or Hearing as a support to the student and can guide or advise the student on what questions to ask or answer during their Accountability Resolution Meeting or Hearing. However, they may not speak directly to the hearing officer, and during a Hearing they may not be heard on record.

Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), and the implementing regulations, the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices cannot discuss a student's record with an outside agent without written permission granted by the student from the . Absent this form, staff members are limited to discussing university policies and procedures and not the specifics of any student's disciplinary record.

Information for Attorneys

I have been asked to represent a student in the accountability process. How do I establish this with the university? 

It is the practice of the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices to correspond at all times directly through the student and not through any third party. In order for the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices to speak with an attorney, we first need a signed from the student. Once this has been submitted, we can speak with a third party about any allegations against the student and their status in the student accountability process.

What happens if my client refuses to participate in the student accountability process?

As per the Code of Student Accountability, if the accused student refuses to participate in the student accountability process, the accountability process will take place in the absence of the accused student. If a student chooses not to attend or not to speak during meetings or Hearings, the decision maker(s) will make a decision based on information available. The student may not use their refusal to participate as a later ground for appealing a decision.

My client is charged with a crime off campus. Can I get the proceedings delayed until the criminal matter is concluded?

The University's accountability process will normally proceed independently of pending criminal charges. Students charged with a violation of local, state or federal laws for off-campus behavior may be held accountable by the university without a Hearing. If a request is made by a student with pending criminal charges to delay the university's accountability process, the Director of the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices will determine whether the request can be honored. The university reserves the right to take interim or emergency action against the student pending the outcome of the accountabiltiy process.

Why isn't my client afforded the same protections that they would receive in the criminal process?

The student accountability system is not judging criminal guilt, but rather whether a student has violated campus policies. The courts have long recognized the differing interests of the university community from that of the criminal justice process. Although there are basic concepts of fairness that apply to student disciplinary proceedings, the student accountability system serves administrative and educational functions relating to the mission of Towson University. Therefore, many of the intricate rules and processes found in a court system are not applicable to university accountability procedures.