FAQs for University Judicial Board (UJB) Hearings on Spring 2024 Cases

FAQs for University Judicial Board (UJB) Hearings on Spring 2024 Cases
Posted Friday, January 24, 2025, 1:30 p.m.

The below document includes questions and answers on matters related to the University Judicial Board’s (UJB) hearings on spring encampments and the occupation of Hamilton Hall. This will be updated and expanded as the process evolves.

1. What disciplinary process is being followed for the occupation of Hamilton Hall and other protest events from the spring? 
   
   Columbia began disciplinary processes immediately following these events. In the summer of 2024, the University began transferring these cases to the Rules of University Conduct (“Rules”) process from the Dean’s Discipline process and they are currently being adjudicated under the Rules by the University Judicial Board (“UJB”).
    
2. When did UJB hearings begin this academic year?
   
   After being transferred from Dean’s Discipline to the Rules process, the cases were submitted to the UJB in August and September 2024. Certain procedural inquiries were raised and addressed through the Senate Rules Committee and the Rules Administrator’s Office over the fall. Soon thereafter, hearings began the week of January 6.
    
3. What were the hearings that were conducted during the weeks of January 6 and January 13 by the UJB?
   
   The hearings conducted during the weeks of January 6 and January 13 pertain to events in April, separate from the Hamilton Hall occupation.
    
4. What is the status of the Hamilton Hall hearings?
   
   Those hearings before the UJB are expected to begin in late January.
    
5. What is the status of the Alumni Weekend encampment matters?
   
   Those hearings before the UJB are expected to begin after the Hamilton Hall hearings are complete.
    
6. How is the UJB ensuring fairness during the hearing process?
   
   The hearings are being conducted by the UJB and overseen by the Rules Clerk consistent with the Rules set forth in the University Statutes and the accompanying Guidelines issued by the Senate Rules Committee. Respondents have multiple safeguards in the process, including the opportunity to defend themselves in the hearings and have two advisors, including legal counsel. Only members of the UJB panel are allowed to ask questions of the respondent and the respondent is allowed to take breaks during the hearing to confer with advisors.
    
7. What were the steps that led to these hearings?
   
   Following the disruptions of the last academic year, Columbia immediately began disciplinary processes, including interim suspensions. For cases in which students were

   charged by law enforcement, the University formally initiated its processes once those law enforcement bodies had determined not to pursue further action.

   When the new Rules Administrator was appointed at the beginning of the fall semester, three matters from the spring remained open: the April 17-18 encampment, the Hamilton Hall occupation, and the Alumni Weekend encampment. Prior to Interim President Armstrong’s appointment, the University had committed to transfer these cases to the UJB appointed by the Executive Committee of the University Senate, at the request of many in our community.

   After resolving certain evidentiary and procedural inquiries, every effort was undertaken to expedite the process for this large volume of cases.

8. Is there an appeal process for the outcomes of the hearings and when will there be final resolution?
   
   There is an appeal process set forth in the Rules. The respondents or the Rules Administrator may appeal determinations of responsibility and respondents may appeal sanctions.  
    
9. Have our Rules and processes changed since the events of last Spring?
   
   The Rules set forth in the Statutes have not changed. In late August, the Senate Rules Committee issued revised Guidelines to accompany the Rules.
    
10. How are members of the University Judicial Board selected?
    
    Members of the UJB are selected by the Senate Executive Committee.  While the President sits on the Executive Committee, the President does not participate in the selection process.  
     
11. Will all the hearings have the same UJB panel?
    
    Each matter has a specific UJB panel that is comprised of five members of the University community, faculty, staff and students. For the matters from last year, it is expected that each matter will have different panels.
     
12. What if a member of the UJB panel or the Rules Administrator has a conflict?
    
    UJB members complete conflict of interest forms that are reviewed by the respondent and the Rules Administrator, and both the respondent and the Rules Administrator can raise a potential conflict. The Senate Executive Committee reviewed any potential conflicts raised with respect to members of the UJB. The President and the Provost do not participate in that process. The Rules Administrator could have a conflict, and is required to take steps to address it, such as assigning an Assistant Rules Administrator to take charge of a case or hearing.