What is the difference between the Honor Council and the Student Life Judicial Board (SLJB)?

The Honor Council hears cases involving alleged violations of the Honor Code. These violations are outlined in The Blue Book Honor System. SLJB hears cases involving alleged violations of the Code of Conduct (and other Student Life policies and regulations). These violations are outlined in the The Knapsack.

How are the members of the SLJB selected?

The SLJB consists of a minimum of 15 students who are a representative group of the campus population. Each year the Dean of Student Life receives nominations from various faculty and staff. A selection committee, composed of faculty, staff, and current SLJB members, then meets to make the final selections. Once selected to serve, Board members may choose to serve the remainder of their time as students at PC.

Under what circumstances would a hearing by the Board be necessary?

Cases are referred to the SLJB at the discretion of the Dean of Student Life. Generally, Code of Conduct violations or other Student Life policy violations that could potentially involve suspension from the college are referred to the SLJB. Cases may also be referred to the SLJB if a student is charged with a Code of Conduct Violation or any other Student Life policy violation and she/he wishes to contest the charges.

What types of violations are reviewed by the Board?

The SLJB may hear cases involving third-alcohol violations, drug violations, hazing violations, vandalism, and assault, among others.

Will the SLJB hear cases that have already been tried by the Honor Council?

No student will be tried for the same case twice. It is possible that the Honor Council may conduct an initial investigation and then determine that the alleged violation does not constitute an Honor Code violation, at which time the Honor Council may turn the case over to Student Life. However, once a hearing has been conducted by the Honor Council, the case cannot be re-tried through Student Life. It is also possible that a student may commit more than one violation. In an instance such as this, a student may be tried by the Honor Council for one violation and then tried by Student Life for another violation.

Will decisions by the SLJB be final?

The accused has the right to appeal the outcome of the review within 72 hours of notification of the review outcome. This appeal must be in writing and addressed to the Vice President of Student Life. If the Vice President upholds the decision made by the Board, the accused has the right to appeal the outcome within 72 hours of receiving notification of the appeal outcome. This appeal must be in writing and addressed to the President of Presbyterian College. The president will then make the final decision as to whether the decision made by SLJB will be upheld, modified, or dismissed. (The Knapsack further clarifies the appeals process.)