Deliberation

After the closing statements, all present except the members of the SGARB and the SGARB Advisor will leave the room. All deliberation is confidential, and panel recording ceases at adjournment. Therefore, parties will not have access to any deliberation conversations or notes. The student group will receive the panel’s justification for the outcome in their rationale. 

Based on the facts presented, the SGARB will deliberate on the recognized student group’s responsibility (responsible or not responsible) and, if applicable, the sanctions to be imposed. The panel comes to a finding of responsibility by using the standard of proof named the “preponderance of the evidence” standard. This standard allows for a finding of responsibility if, at the conclusion of the investigation, the information suggests it is more likely than not that a violation occurred. The board’s rationale for all decisions must be submitted in writing to CSSI no later than two (2) business days after the SGARB panel.

Should the SGARB not come to an agreement per these policies and procedures, the Co-Chairs will consult with the SGARB Advisor on next steps, which will include consultation with the Dean of Students (for schools) or appropriate central administrative oversight for central councils/boards to provide support to SGARB to come to an appropriate determination based on the facts presented.  

If the SGARB finds the recognized student group not responsible for violating University policy, it will share its rationale and, when appropriate, a written opinion.

In the event that the student group is found responsible, the SGARB members determine sanctions at that time, except under unusual circumstances, in which case the sanction is determined as soon as possible. For example, when additional time is needed to be scheduled for continued deliberation to maintain quorum.

The SGARB uses the following criteria for determining sanctions:

• The University policy(ies) violated
• The severity of the infraction
• The recognized student group's previous conduct and overall public relations over the previous five-year period. (Records and correspondence related to this history are coordinated by Co-Chairs and the SGARB Advisor. Depending on the level of severity of the potential violation, the complete disciplinary history of the student group may be considered.)
• The individual or group’s compliance with the SGARB procedures and reflections throughout the process.