Disciplinary Process Advisor
A student who is going through the disciplinary process has been notified that their conduct is being investigated before a possible board hearing or who has been charged with an alleged violation of the Honor and Student Conduct Codes that will be resolved through a board hearing has the right to be accompanied by a disciplinary process advisor (DPA) [who is a current University of Lynchburg student, faculty, or staff member] to investigation, hearing, and appeal proceedings that the student attends. If the advisee elects not to attend a proceeding, the DPA cannot attend that proceeding.
When exercising the right to be accompanied by a DPA, a student should identify a person who is able to attend proceedings as scheduled by the University. Although a student can be accompanied to a particular proceeding by only one DPA, a student may elect to change advisors during the course of the disciplinary process. A proceeding is not subject to postponement due to the unavailability of a specific disciplinary process advisor. If a student needs assistance identifying someone to serve as their DPA, please contact the Student Judicial Board at sjbplanningteam@lynchburg.edu to make that request.
If requested by the advisee, a DPA can provide support, guidance, and advice to the advisee. A DPA can also assist the advisee in preparing comments that the advisee will present during a proceeding. To enhance effectiveness, a DPA should read the Honor and Student Conduct Codes and Regulations. Since formal training is not required for a current University of Lynchburg student, faculty, or staff member to serve as a DPA, the University of Lynchburg is not responsible for the quality, accuracy, or effectiveness of assistance provided by an advisee’s selected DPA.
A disciplinary process advisor is not involved in determining the outcome of an incident review. Throughout the disciplinary process, a DPA cannot present information, advocate for, or argue a case on behalf of an advisee; the advisee is responsible for presenting comments that the advisee wishes to provide, even when accompanied by a DPA.
During any disciplinary proceeding, a DPA’s communication is limited to conferring quietly with the advisee through written note or whisper; the DPA may not address any other participant, administrator, or the hearing panel. The DPA may not interfere in, disrupt, or delay a proceeding. Community Expectations and Restorative Practices, the administrator facilitating the administrative handling, or a hearing chairperson may remove or dismiss a DPA who becomes disruptive or who does not abide by the restrictions on advisor participation; the proceeding then continues without the advisor present.
