What to Expect
If you've received a letter requesting that you attend a Community Standards meeting at Canisius University, you may have questions about what happens next. We understand that participating in this process can feel unfamiliar, and we want you to feel informed and prepared.
The Community Standards process gives students an opportunity to share their perspective, better understand university expectations, and, when appropriate, take responsibility for their decisions.
Rooted in our Jesuit commitment to cura personalis—care for the whole person—the process emphasizes fairness, accountability, education, and personal growth.
Receiving a meeting notice does not mean you have been found responsible for violating university policy.
Why Have I Been Asked to Attend a Meeting?
- Students may be asked to attend a Community Standards meeting when the university receives information about behavior that may violate the Canisius University Community Standards.
- These concerns may involve alcohol or drug use, disruptive behavior, residence hall policies, harassment, threats, or other university expectations.
- In some situations, you may be contacted because you were identified as a witness or may have information that could help university staff better understand an incident.
- Your notification letter will explain the meeting's purpose and provide instructions for your next steps.
Before Your Meeting
Taking a few minutes to prepare can help you feel more comfortable and make the conversation more productive.
1. Review Your Notification Letter
Carefully read the correspondence sent to your Canisius University email account through Maxient.
Your letter may include:
- The date and general nature of the reported incident.
- Any alleged Community Standards violations.
- The name of your assigned Hearing Officer.
- The date, time, and location of your meeting.
- Instructions for contacting your Hearing Officer.
Be sure to review any additional documents included with your notification.
2. Reflect on What Happened
Before your meeting, take some time to think about the circumstances surrounding the reported incident.
Consider the following questions:
- What happened from your perspective?
- What information might be important for the Hearing Officer to understand?
- Were there other individuals who may have relevant information?
- Are there circumstances that may help explain the situation?
- Do you have questions about the university's expectations or policies?
You do not need to prepare a formal statement unless specifically instructed to do so. However, writing down your thoughts or questions ahead of time may be helpful.
3. Gather Relevant Information
- If you have information that may help clarify the situation, you are encouraged to bring it to your meeting.
- This might include relevant messages, emails, photographs, documents, or the names of individuals who may have information about the incident.
- Your Hearing Officer will explain how any additional information may be considered as part of the review.
4. Plan to Attend Your Meeting
- Confirm your meeting location and plan to arrive on time.
- For incidents involving university housing, your meeting may be with a Hall Director or another member of Residential Experience and Housing Operations.
If a class conflict, illness, or other legitimate reason prevents you from attending, contact your assigned Hearing Officer as soon as possible to discuss rescheduling.
- Do not assume your meeting has been canceled unless you receive confirmation.
What Happens During My Meeting?
A Community Standards meeting is intended to be a conversation where you can understand the concerns raised and share your perspective.
Your Hearing Officer will generally:
- Introduce themselves and explain their role in the process.
- Review the reported incident and any alleged community standards violations.
- Explain the applicable university policies and expectations.
- Provide you with an opportunity to share your account of what occurred.
- Ask questions to better understand the circumstances.
- Discuss potential next steps and answer questions about the process.
You are encouraged to be honest, ask questions, and actively participate in the conversation.
The meeting is not a criminal court proceeding. It is part of the university's educational and administrative process for addressing potential violations of the Community Standards.
Do I Need to Admit Responsibility?
- No. Attending a Community Standards meeting does not require you to admit responsibility for an alleged violation.
- You will have an opportunity to explain what happened from your perspective and respond to the information presented.
- Your Hearing Officer will evaluate the available information using the preponderance of the evidence standard, meaning whether it is more likely than not that a Community Standards violation occurred.
- The purpose of the meeting is to gather information, understand the circumstances, and determine an appropriate resolution under university procedures.
Can I Bring Someone to My Meeting?
- Students participating in a Community Standards Hearing Panel process may have an advisor of their choice, subject to university procedures.
- An advisor can help you understand the process, prepare questions, and provide support. During a Hearing Panel proceeding, the advisor does not speak on your behalf or directly question participants.
- If you would like to have an advisor or support person participate in an initial Conduct Conference, contact your assigned Hearing Officer before the meeting to discuss the applicable procedures.
- Additional information about advisors is available in the Canisius University Community Standards.
What Happens After My Meeting?
After reviewing the available information, your Hearing Officer will determine the appropriate next steps.
Depending on the circumstances, your case may result in:
- No Further Action: The available information does not support a finding of responsibility, or additional conduct action is not warranted.
- A Finding of Responsibility: The Hearing Officer determines that a Community Standards violation occurred and assigns appropriate educational outcomes or sanctions.
- Additional Review: More information or additional meetings may be needed before a decision is made.
- Referral to a Hearing Panel: Certain matters may be referred to a Community Standards Hearing Panel in accordance with university procedures.
If you are found responsible for a violation, outcomes may include educational assignments, warnings, restrictions, probation, or other sanctions appropriate to the circumstances.
You will receive written notification of your decision and any required next steps through your Canisius University email account, generally using Maxient.
Can I Appeal a Decision?
- Depending on the type of case and outcome, you may be eligible to request a procedural review or appeal.
- Eligible requests must be submitted in writing within five (5) business days of receiving your written decision.
- Your outcome letter will explain the applicable process, eligibility requirements, and submission instructions.
- For additional details, review the Canisius University Community Standards.
What If I Don't Attend My Meeting?
- Students are expected to respond to official university communications and participate in the Community Standards process.
- If you do not attend a scheduled meeting or respond to requests to reschedule, the university may proceed with reviewing the matter and making a determination based on the information available.
- You will not be found responsible solely because you failed to attend. However, choosing not to participate may limit your opportunity to share information or provide your perspective before a decision is reached.
- If you have concerns about attending, please communicate with your assigned Hearing Officer.
Questions? We're Here to Help.
We recognize that receiving a Community Standards notification may raise questions or concerns. Our goal is to ensure that you understand the process, have an opportunity to be heard, and feel informed about your responsibilities and available resources.
If you have questions about your upcoming meeting, contact the Hearing Officer identified in your notification.
Other Questions Email:
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For additional information about student rights, responsibilities, and university procedures, visit the Canisius University Community Standards.