Initiation of a Conduct Complaint

Any member of the University community may bring a conduct complaint against a student for behavior in violation of the Student Code of Conduct by submitting a written complaint to communitystandards@framingham.edu, using their official FSU email account. In order for the University to process a complaint, the complainant must submit a written incident report(s) detailing the incident(s), including:

a) a narrative describing the incident(s),

b) all available information on the specific date, time, and location which the alleged violation(s) occurred, and

c) the name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the complainant.

Complainants are also encouraged to include the following in with their complaint whenever possible:

a) any written supportive documentation related to the complaint including authenticated written statements from identified individuals with knowledge related to the complaint;

b) the known names and any known contact information of parties involved in the incident;

c) a listing of the alleged behaviors prohibited by the Code of Conduct.

If the complaint involves alleged discrimination, harassment, sexual or gender-harassment, domestic or dating violence, stalking or retaliation, complainants are encouraged to use the complaint form found in the University’s Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Affirmative Action Plan found at http://www.framingham.edu/student-life/shape/. Hard copies are also available in the following offices: Dean of Students, University Police, and Human Resources. Complaints of this nature will be processed in accordance with the University’s Sexual Violence Policy.

These complaints will be treated as formal complaints for the purposes of this code and the University’s Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Affirmative Action Plan.

The complaint must be received within five (5) business days of the alleged violation(s) unless:

a) the complaint involves unlawful behavior that may jeopardize the safety of individuals, may affect a substantial University interest, involves behavior of a continuing nature, involves behavior that has a continuing effect, or, calls into question the accused student’s suitability as a member of the community. The Dean of Students, or designee, has the authority, at his or her sole discretion, to reasonably extend the time limit, or;

b) the complaint involves an alleged violation of the Sexual Violence Policy (including sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

When a conduct complaint is submitted, the complainant(s) consent to release of both their identity and written reports or summaries of written reports to the accused student and/or other individuals involved in investigation or review of the complaint.

Individuals involved in conduct complaint proceedings, including complainants and accused students, are reminded that information introduced during conduct complaint proceedings may be subject to release as required by law, in conjunction with related criminal or civil proceedings.

Communication Regarding Complaints: written notifications and communications regarding conduct complaints will generally be made via FSU email, although notifications may also be made by hard copy correspondence delivered to an involved party’s address of record with the University, or by other reasonable means.