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FAQs for Parents and Families

FIRST CONTACT

My student is thinking about filing a complaint with OSCR and wants to learn more about what their options are. What’s the next step?

My student is experiencing an interpersonal conflict and would like some assistance and support in resolving it. Can you help?

Any member of the U-M community may contact OSCR to request more information about the University’s conflict resolution services(Resolution Services).

Students can request a meeting with a member of the OSCR staff, who can review the options available to them for resolving the concern.

What will happen at this meeting?

Your student will meet one on one with an OSCR staff member who will:

  • Review what their rights are as a University student
  • Explain the Resolution Process
  • Answer any questions they have

Meeting with OSCR does not oblige a student to submit a complaint or participate in the Resolution Process.

How will I know if my student is facing allegations that the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities was violated?

In general, only if they voluntarily disclose this information to you. A Federal law called the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits OSCR staff from releasing any information about a student’s involvement in the Resolution Process without the student’s written permission, even to family members. OSCR staff members are always available to discuss general information about the Resolution Process, University regulations and related laws.

Additional resources:

FERPA regulations with links to each part > http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/reg/ferpa/index.html

ASJA Law and Policy Report (14 Jun 07, No 258) “FERPA and HIPPA Resources” >
http://www.asjaonline.org/en/art/?317

FAQ about FERPA on M-parent > http://www.umich.edu/parents/ferpa/ferpa.html

ADVISORS

Can my student bring someone to this meeting?

Yes. Complainants have the right to an advisor in the Resolution Process. Nearly anyone can serve as an advisor. We can provide your student with a referral for an advisor if you request it. 

Can I be present to advise and support my student during any meetings?
Would an attorney best advise and support my student in the Resolution Process?

Students involved in the Resolution Process are welcome to choose nearly anyone they like to assist them as an advisor, including parents and attorneys.
For educational purposes, OSCR staff will engage advisors as true advisors in the Resolution Process.

Advisors can:

  • Support and advise the student they are advising.

  • Help them to understand the Resolution Process and the options open to them at each stage.

  • Assist them in preparing for meetings, taking notes framing questions, identifying witnesses and gathering supporting materials.

  • Attend meetings and arbitrations (with the student present) that are part of the student’s Resolution Process.

Advisors cannot:

  • Speak for or represent the student.

  • Attempt to engage in sideline conversations with OSCR staff without the student being present.

  • Question witnesses or make statements during arbitration.

To further reinforce the centrality of students in the Resolution Process, OSCR staff will engage primarily in dialogue with the student directly and not through an advisor, even if that advisor is an attorney.

In conversations over the telephone, email, or in person, OSCR staff may insist that the student be present and actively participating in the conversation.

How many advisors may directly assist a student?

A student is permitted to employ one advisor in the Resolution Process. This helps to promote the educational purpose of the process, reduces the likelihood of student parties being marginalized, promotes a balanced dynamic between parties, and limits the possibility of miscommunication.

You can learn more about advisors here: (Advisors and Attorneys). 

Resolution Options

What options are available to my student to resolve the allegations?

Your student can:

  • Accept responsibility for the allegations. Respondents who accept responsibility then work with the Resolution Coordinator to identify an appropriate sanction outcome. Per the Statement, a student has the right to know the potential sanctions before accepting responsibility.
  • Request alternative conflict resolution. If all parties agree and the Resolution Coordinator concurs, OSCR will arrange for alternative conflict resolution (ACR). Complaints resolved through the use of ACR do not result in disciplinary records. You can learn more about ACR here: (Alternative Conflict Resolution)
  • Contest the allegations. As the Statement explains, “the accused student [respondent] may choose to have a Resolution Officer or a Student Resolution Panel arbitrate the dispute. You can learn more about arbitrations (Hearings) in Section VI of the Statement. (Statement)

RESOLUTION OUTCOMES

What sanctions are available to the Resolution Process?

Per the Statement, sanctions are “designed to promote the University’s educational mission.” The full range of sanctions available to the Resolution Process may be found in Section VII of the Statement. (Statement)

Does a student have the right to an appeal the outcome of arbitration?

Yes. One can learn more about the appeals process in Section VI of the Statement. (Statement)

MISCELLANEOUS

What are the qualifications of the professional staff in the Office of Student Conflict Resolution? 

Staff members are equipped with educational backgrounds that include Masters of Arts, law degrees and doctoral work in education and social work. Staff members have also completed (and led) extensive training in due process, best practices in campus conflict resolution, and social justice mediation.

The University maintains a comprehensive website for parents called

M-Parent:
(http://www.umich.edu/parents/main/index.html )

The Association for Student Judicial Affairs (ASJA) publishes an parent guide to campus student conduct processes.

(http://www.asjaonline.org/attachments/wysiwyg/1/StudentConductProcess.pdf)

 

FAQs For Respondents

FAQs For Complainants

FAQs For Persons considering ACR

FAQs For Faculty and Staff

FAQs For Advisors and Attorneys

FAQs For Suspension

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