Faculty Handbook

SUNY College of Optometry

Faculty Handbook 2022-23

JUDICIAL COMMITTEE

A. PURPOSE: The Judicial Committee serves to investigate and make recommendations on a course of action when a student is charged with a violation of the College’s “Expectations of a Health Professional” or other unethical or unprofessional conduct. “Unprofessional or unethical conduct” is any action to or against a fellow student, faculty, staff, or patient, that is generally deemed socially, ethically, or professionally inappropriate.

B. REPORTING LINK: Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs

C. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: The Committee •

Will assist in the review and development of the general processes and policies for the investigation of unprofessional conduct on a periodic basis, in consultation with university counsel. (Changes in the investigative process and/or polices will require the concurrence of the committee and the vice president for Student Affairs.) • Will investigate charges of unprofessional conduct, or violations of professional ethics made against students. To the best of its ability, the Committee will ascertain the facts of the matter, and • In cases where a student is found guilty, the Committee shall make recommendations for a course of action to the Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs. Students may appeal the decision of the dean to the president. • The Committee’s rules and procedures are described in the Student Handbook. Four members of the faculty, one representative from each of the two departments who are elected by the faculty members of their respective departments and 1 representative from the UEC who is elected by UEC faculty members. • 1 member will be elected by the faculty as an at-large member. • One student member and on alternate member will be nominated by the Student Council (the student must be in good academic standing). • The four faculty members will choose one to serve as the chair. If the Committee conducts more than one investigation over the course of its term, the chair shall be rotated. • Any member of the Committee who is directly involved in a case brought before the Committee, or who believes that a conflict of interest exists, shall withdraw from consideration of the case. Should a member remove themselves the Chair with the concurrence of the vice president for Student Affairs may appoint a replacement for the duration of the case. • All nominations/elections are for two-year terms, with a two-term limit. • The vice president for Student Affairs shall attend all meetings related to the review and modification of general policies and procedures. The vice president for Student Affairs will not participate in the investigative process. E. DECISION-MAKING: The Committee is advisory in nature. Conclusions and recommendations will be made on a majority vote of three faculty members and one student member. The chair shall only vote in the event of a tie. D. Membership: The Committee membership will include •

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