Frequently Asked Questions
Who advises Judicial Board?
Vaishakhi Desia, Assistant Director of Residence Life
What is the difference between Judicial Board and Honor Court?
Judicial Board deals with violations of residential policies while Honor Court handles violations of academic policies and other violations of the Honor Code that are not residential.
If I ask a question about the rules, will Judicial Board assume I have already broken them?
Not at all! We encourage students to ask question so that we can prevent violations. Check out our "Contact Us" page on our website to submit any questions you have. All submissions are strictly confidential.
Am I admitting guilt by turning myself in?
No, by turning yourself in you are acknowledging that you may have done something wrong. Judicial Board conducts thorough investigations before each case is heard so that an informed decision can be made.
How do I turn myself in?
Students have 24 hours to turn themselves in. You can do this by emailing Judicial Board at http://[email protected]
If I have seen a violation, what should I do?
You should immediately go to a Judicial Board Representative or RA and inform them of the situation. They will know what to do from there. Your name will not be given to the accused.
How long does it take for a case to be heard?
As a board we try to handle cases as soon as possible. This means that a case should be heard within one or two weeks after our knowledge of it.
Will my parents be notified?
It is to the discretion of the student to notify their parents of their current situation.
Are the hearings confidential?
Yes, all Judicial Board hearings are strictly confidential
What does a hearing consist of? How does it work?
Typically, a person is asked for a hearing if their case is particularly confusing or their needs to be clarification for the board. Also, a student can request to come in before the board if they feel their situation is better expressed by themselves. When the student comes in, the board will introduce themselves and ask the accused to explain their situation. A decision will be made after the student has left, and they will be notified (via their Agnes Scott email) within 24 hours of their case being heard and voted on by the board.
Does every person committing the same violation get the same sanction?
While the board does try to remain as consistent as possible, there are several other factors that contribute to the decisions made. Some of those factors include: the severity of the case, the situation, and the student's willingness to cooperate with the board. Auto sanctions can also be found in the "Policy and Procedures" section of this website
What happens if I don't complete my sanctioning?
Your case will be heard again by Judicial Board and it is likely that you will receive an additional penalty. If you are having difficulties with completing your sanction, it is best to contact Judicial Board President, Lauren Alford. It is to her discretion whether your situation calls for additional consideration.
Is there a way out of it? Can I appeal?
If a violation has been filed, you have a case under investigation. If you believe that the final decision made by the board is unfair, you may file an appeal within 48 hours of receiving your verdict. To do so, you must notify the President, Lauren Alford, of your intention to appeal in writing (via email). Your case, all accompanying documents will be given to Honor Court.
Who can I go to with questions about Judicial Board?
You can go to a Judicial Board representative or you can submit any questions or concerns to us here and don't worry, we ill not assume that you have done anything you have a question on! We are here to help!