Conduct Advocate Program

An advocate talking with a student.
 

Conduct Advocate
Program

The Conduct Advocate Program is a university initiative designed to provide students with assistance throughout the RIT Student Conduct Process by partnering the student with a trained RIT faculty or staff member to provide support as the student goes through the RIT Student Conduct Process.

A Conduct Advocate neither represents the student in the hearing, nor may a Conduct Advocate serve as a character witness for the Student. Conduct Advocates who work with students in Title IX cases are referred as “Title IX Conduct Advocates.”

An Advocate will determine, within their sole discretion, whether they are willing to serve as an Advocate in any particular matter. In the event a chosen advocate declines to serve in any particular matter, the student may select another person.

Responsibilities of a Conduct Advocate

  • Meet with the student to assist in preparing for the hearing
  • Assist the student in understanding RIT policies and the procedures of the Student Conduct Process
  • Assist the student in accessing available university resources

  • Participate in the conduct hearing by providing silent support, assisting the student in making statements and responding to questions, and/or unless otherwise stated, directly asking questions of witnesses and other conduct hearing participants.
  • Assist the student in clarifying information pertinent to the incident

  • Meet with student to debrief and process the outcome of the hearing
  • Assist the student with the Appeal process (if applicable) and attend the Appeal meeting with the student

Resources for Advocates

Interested in becoming an advocate?

Apply to become an Advocate

Contact: Studentconduct@rit.edu