If you have been called to a student conduct hearing, one of the biggest questions is what kind of evidence your school can use against you. Many students assume that the process will follow strict rules similar to a courtroom. In reality, university conduct hearings are very different. The standards are often more informal and much broader than what most people expect.
Understanding what types of evidence may be presented is an important step in preparing for what comes next.
The Standard of Proof Is Lower Than You Might Think
Most colleges use a standard called “preponderance of the evidence.” This means that the panel must believe it is more likely than not that a violation occurred. That is a lower standard than what is used in criminal court. Because of this, the range of evidence that can be considered is much wider.
In these hearings, information does not have to be perfect or beyond a reasonable doubt to be accepted. If the panel finds something convincing or consistent with the accusation, they may rely on it when making a decision.
Types of Evidence That May Be Used
Each case is unique, but here are common examples of what might be submitted as evidence during a student conduct case:
- Written statements from professors or teaching assistants
- Screenshots of messages, group chats, or social media posts
- Activity logs from online platforms like Canvas or Blackboard
- Plagiarism reports from Turnitin or other similarity tools
- AI detection scores or screenshots
- Observations from other students, even if secondhand
- Email or text conversations
- Testing security footage, depending on availability
- Anonymous reports submitted through campus systems
This type of material may not be verified or cross-examined in the same way it would be in other settings. The panel is often allowed to weigh the evidence however they see fit.
Can Anonymous Reports Be Used?
Yes. Many schools allow anonymous tips to trigger investigations or even lead to hearings. You may never be told who submitted the report. This can feel unfair, but it is often permitted by university policy.
Panels are often told to consider whether the information sounds credible or is supported by other parts of the case. If it is, they may take the anonymous report seriously even without a name attached.
What If You Have Not Seen the Evidence?
In some cases, students are given little information before the hearing. You may receive a short summary or charge letter but not be given access to the full file. This is a common problem and one that many students are not sure how to handle.
It is important to ask for the materials being used against you. How you make that request and how you prepare your response can make a difference in how your case is viewed.
How Richard Asselta Helps Students Respond
If you have been accused of violating the student code of conduct, you do not have to go through it alone. When students are unsure of what the evidence means or how to address it, Richard Asselta helps them understand the process and respond strategically.
He helps students:
- Break down the evidence and identify what matters most
- Prepare clear and effective responses
- Avoid common mistakes that make a case harder to defend
- Submit supporting materials that change how a case is viewed
- Approach the hearing in a way that protects their future
Whether you are facing an academic integrity case or a behavioral hearing, knowing how to respond to the evidence is just as important as knowing what it is.
If you are facing a student conduct hearing and need help understanding or responding to the evidence, contact Richard Asselta for a consultation.
Contact Richard today – Call (855) 338-5299, Email: [email protected] or fill out a contact request form.
When the outcome affects your future, how you respond matters. Let someone experienced guide you through it.