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File a Complaint - Frequently Asked Questions

Before you file a complaint, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.

1) I'm not sure if I want to file a complaint. Is there anyone that I can talk it through with first?

Yes, you can contact the Office of Student Judicial Affairs directly at 732-932-9414 or you can email judaff@rci.rutgers.edu and someone from the staff will get back to you.

2) If I consult with or get advice from a Judicial Affairs staff member first am I obligated to file a complaint?

No, you are not obligated to file a complaint.

3) If I file a complaint, what do I have to do?

As the complainant (person who files the complaint with the Office of Student Judicial Affairs), you will be expected to:

Prepare the case this means that you will have to gather the evidence, get information from any witnesses and gather any other information that will help to support your complaint;

Present the case this means that if the case goes before a hearing board or judicial officer to be heard, you will be responsible for explaining the complaint, showing the evidence and presenting witnesses. (If the witnesses cannot be present, notarized statements can be used in their place.) The burden of proof rests with the complainant.*

Question and be questioned this means that if the case goes before a hearing board or judicial officer, you will have to question the accused student, his or her witnesses and your own witnesses. The accused student and the judicial officer or hearing board will also have the opportunity to question you. (See below)

4) I need help preparing my case. Is there anyone who can help me?

Yes, you can speak with a campus advisor who will help you to prepare your case and navigate the judicial process. We have certain advisors who have expressed an interest in working with faculty. If you would like the names of those advisors, see the Faculty Campus Advisors list.

5) I’m not comfortable presenting my case. Is there anyone who can speak on my behalf?

Yes, campus advisors can speak on your behalf if that is what is agreed upon. But you still will be required to present testimony at the hearing or conference.

6) How long can I expect to be at a University Hearing or Disciplinary Conference?

A University Hearing can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day.
A Disciplinary Conference usually takes 1-3 hours.

7) Do I have to attend the University Hearing or Disciplinary Conference?

Yes, for a University Hearing you or a designee must be present to fill the complainant’s role.
Possibly, for a Disciplinary Conference the complainant would not be required to participate unless cross-examination was necessary to resolve a dispositive factual issue.

8) This seems like an involved process. Can’t I just fail the student or impose my own sanctions?

No, Rutgers University policy clearly states that any student suspected of violating the University Code of Student Conduct should be reported to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. This is to ensure that proper procedure is followed, due process is given and that there is a record of the infraction.**

*All cases do not necessarily go to a University Hearing or Disciplinary Conference.
**See http://judicialaffairs.rutgers.edu/faq.shtml FAQ “Questions from Complainants”

Go to File a Complaint form
See Faculty Campus Advisors list