OFFICE OF STUDENT JUDICIAL AFFAIRS

Tim S. Hebson, Executive Director

thebson@sa.ua.edu – 107 Burke West

Mission

The mission of the Office of Student Judicial Affairs is to educate students about their rights and responsibilities as community members, help them understand the balance between individual and community rights, and foster a community atmosphere conducive to academic success.

Expected Outcomes

•  Students have learned about their responsibilities as members of a community and it positively influences them to be responsible community members.

•  Students have received educational sanctions that impact their academic success.

•  Due process has been followed to ensure fair treatment of students involved in the judicial process.

Results of Assessment

•  Evaluations show that 85% of students responding reported that their experience with the discipline process has positively influenced future choices they will make concerning their behavior. Also, 70% of students stated that the Office of Judicial Affairs had a positive impact on their values and attitudes.

•  Evaluations report that 91% of students felt that they were able to present their evidence, perspective, and “their side of the story” during the hearing/conference, 74% felt the hearing was educational in nature, and 97% felt they were treated fairly in the judicial process.

Improvements Based on Assessment

•  A new associate director was hired to help with the increased case load.

•  A full-time and half-time posistion has been proposed to aid in the office being more effective and efficient.

•  The number of educational workshops conducted has been increased to ensure that all sanctioned students have the opportunity to participate. Workshop delivery has been improved to increase interaction.

The University of Alabama

Student Judicial Process

Returned Evaluations 2007

Gender:

Males: 25 (40%) Females: 38 (60%)

Class:

Freshman: 14 (22%)

Sophomore: 22 (35%)

Junior: 15 (24%)

Senior: 6 (10%)

Graduate: 2 (3%)

Ethnicity:

Caucasian: 57 (90%)

African-American: 3 (5%)

Hispanic/Latino:2 (3%)

Asian: 2 (3%)

Other: 0

International Students: 0

First Time Offenders: 55 (87%)

Alcohol Cases: 46 (73%)

Rating Scale : 1= Very True 2= Somewhat True 3= Not So True 4= Not True At All

1. I was aware of the rules or regulations of the university before this incident.

1- (35%) 2- (26%) 3- (25%) 4- (13%)

2. The letters sent to me were very clear in conveying the charges against me and the process

1- (78%) 2- (15%) 3- (2%) 4-(5%)

3. I was given a clear explanation of my rights prior to the conference or hearing.

1- (75%) 2- (20%) 3- (3%) 4- (2%)

4. Staff associated with the judicial process were helpful and answered my questions.

1- (79%) 2- (18%) 3- (0%) 4- (3%)

5. The decision maker treated me with respect in the hearing/conference.

1- (92%) 2- (7%) 3- (0%) 4- (1%)

6. I was able to present my evidence, perspective, and “my side of the story” in the hearing/conference.

1- (80%) 2- (13%) 3- (4%) 4- (4%)

7. My case was handled in a timely manner>

1- (81%) 2- (16%) 3- (0%) 4- (4%)

8. I feel that the entire process was handled with attention and confidentiality.

1- (78%) 2- (16%) 3- (2%) 4- (5%)

9. I think that the sanction I received was educational and appropriate for the violation.

1- (48%) 2- (26%) 3- (13%) 4- (13%)

10. My experience with the discipline process and Judicial Affairs will positively influenece future choices I make concerning my behavior as a student.

1- (65%) 2- (21%) 3- (6%) 4- (10%)