The Trustees and Chancellor of Syracuse University have delegated authority to the University Judicial System to adjudicate cases alleging violations of the Code of Student Conduct by Syracuse University students. Students of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) also are subject to procedures of the Syracuse University Judicial System when allegations arise related to the behavior of a SUNY ESF student living in a Syracuse University residence hall or apartment and/or when the behavior of a SUNY ESF student is determined to pose a threat to the safety and well-being of the Syracuse University community.

Once a complaint is filed with the Office of Judicial Affairs (“How to file a complaint”), the Office of Judicial Affairs will determine whether or not the complaint concerns a student or student organization of Syracuse University and will also determine whether the complaint demonstrates sufficient evidence of wrongdoing to warrant further investigation and/or commencement of the judicial process.

Upon determining that a complaint meets the technical standards required by the University Judicial System, the Office of Judicial Affairs will contact the accused student or recognized student organization. The accused student or recognized student organization will be invited to participate in a meeting with a case manager to discuss the allegations and determine whether an informal resolution can be reached. An informal resolution occurs when a student or recognized student organization accepts responsibility for the alleged violation(s) and an appropriate sanction is determined. Once an informal resolution is reached, the decision is final and will be revisited only if new information becomes available that tends to demonstrate that a substantial error has occurred. In such a case, the accused student or the complainant may submit a written petition for reconsideration of the case to the Dean of Students and/or the Director of Judicial Affairs. The decision of the Dean of Students and/or the Director of Judicial Affairs on reconsideration is final.

If an informal resolution cannot be reached, then the case will be assigned to an appropriate hearing officer or hearing board for formal resolution. You can access more information on how to prepare for a formal hearing by clicking on the following link: (“How to prepare for a Formal Hearing”) A student who chooses to withdraw from the University rather than participate in the judicial process will be classified as having been withdrawn for disciplinary reasons. This status will be noted on the student’s transcript as a University-initiated withdrawal. A student who withdraws under these circumstances is not permitted to enter onto Syracuse University owned, operated, or controlled property nor participate in any class or program offered by Syracuse University until the pending matter is resolved.