“Attorney” means an individual who, at the student or SO’s own expense may attend any phase of the conduct process. The attorney must be licensed to practice law in the state of Kentucky in order to participate as an attorney in the conduct process. (See also definition of “Support Person”) 

“Complainant” means a person (or their proxy) alleging a violation(s) of the Code. UK may designate a Proxy Complainant or initiate the student conduct process without a formal complaint from the victim of an alleged violation of the Code. 

“Conduct Officer” means a UK official, who has undergone specialized training, designated by the Dean of Students to determine outcomes in the student conduct process. 

“Formal Hearing” is a closed meeting that permits UK and the respondent and other appropriate parties to address the alleged violation and/or restorative actions with a hearing board. 

"Hearing Board” means a hearing panel authorized by UK to resolve alleged violations contained in the Code through a formal hearing. Hearing Boards consist of one (1) faculty member, one (1) staff member, and one (1) student member. 

“Hold” means a stop on an account indicating that a student owes money or must complete a process with a particular office prior to registration or add/drop/withdrawal activity. Holds placed through the student conduct process are typically placed due to a student missing a meeting or not completing a restorative action by the assigned due date. 

“Informal Meeting” means a meeting that provides the respondent with the opportunity to discuss the referral with a conduct officer, and others as deemed appropriate. The purpose of an informal meeting is to determine whether it is more likely than not that the respondent violated the Code, and if a violation took place, the appropriate restorative actions. 

"Interim measures" means conditions or restrictions that may be placed on a student or student organization alleged to have violated the Code. Interim measures do not represent a finding that there has been a violation of the Code. They may be in place for a specific period or until the case is concluded. Interim measures may include but not limited to the following: social suspension, interim suspension, housing relocation or suspension, or no contact orders. Interim measures provided to the complainant or respondent will remain confidential to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality would not impair the ability of the University to provide the supportive measure. Interim measures may be imposed to:  

1. 1. Ensure the safety and well-being of members of the UK community or preserve UK property;  
2. 2. Ensure the Student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being; or 
3. 3. Ensure that normal operations of UK are not disrupted. 

“Investigation Meeting” means a meeting that provides an opportunity for the Office of Student Conduct (OSC) to gather additional information from the respondent(s), complainant(s) and/or witness(es).

"OSC" means the Office of Student Conduct.

“Preponderance of Evidence” means that it is more likely than not (at least 50.1% certain) that the respondent is responsible for the alleged act. This is the standard of proof used in conduct cases to determine if a violation of the Code occurred. 

“Respondent” means a student or student organization who has been formally alleged to have violated the Code. 

“Restorative Action” means any measure given in response to a policy violation. Restorative actions are meant to offer education, encourage self-reflection and accountability, and to deter future violations. Restorative actions may also include measure to protect the learning environment and safety of the University community. Restorative actions should be connected to the violation, tailored to meet the respondent’s developmental needs, and intended to repair the harm done.

“Student” means any person admitted, enrolled, or matriculating at UK  while pursuing undergraduate, graduate or professional studies, and who has not completed the program of study in which they are enrolled. Student status continues whether or not UK’s academic programs are in session. Student status includes those taking courses for credit or non-credit at UK, either full-time or part-time, in-person or virtual. Persons also considered to be students include those who: 

1. Withdraw after allegedly violating the Code; 
2. Are living in the residence halls although not enrolled at UK; 
3. Are serving a period of suspension; 
4. Are not officially enrolled for a particular term, but have a continuing relationship with UK; or, 
5. Have been notified of acceptance and have confirmed intent to attend. 

“Student Conduct Report” means any document(s) that describes an alleged violation of the Code. Student conduct reports may include UK incident reports, investigative reports, police reports, or verbal, written, or electronic communication. 

“Student Organization (SO)” means a group of students who have complied with registration requirements as determined by the Office of Student Organizations and Activities in accordance with Administrative Regulation 4:1, Registration and Recognition of Student Organizations. This includes Registered Student Organizations and Sponsored Student Organizations. Groups that are actively seeking, but have not yet been granted registered status, are also included. 

“Support Person” means an individual who may provide advice, support, or guidance to either the respondent or the complainant during the student conduct process. A support person may not represent, speak on behalf of, delay, disrupt, or otherwise interfere with the student conduct informal process. An attorney may serve as a support person; however, a support person may not be a witness, respondent, or complainant in the same case. An attorney serving as a support person may participate directly in direct and cross-examination during the fact-finding portion of a formal hearing where responsibility for an alleged violation is being determined. 

"UK Activity” means any activity, including virtual activities on or off UK property that is aided, approved, sponsored, or supervised by UK or a SO.

“University Appeals Board (UAB)” means the persons appointed by the President in accordance with Governing Regulation XI to consider appeals of a hearing board’s finding. On appeal, the UAB determines questions as to: 1) whether a student or SO violated the Code; 2) specific restorative action(s) recommended by the hearing board (i.e., housing contract cancellation, social suspension, disciplinary suspension, or disciplinary expulsion); or 3) interim measures imposed by the Vice President for Student Success. 

“UK Community” means the employees, students, visitors, volunteers, and members of the public. 

"UK Official” means: 

1. Any faculty member; 
2. Any staff employee who acts as an academic advisor or has responsibility for students; 
3. Any other individual who has administrative responsibilities, including but not limited to, deans, directors, department heads, managers, supervisors, and resident and assistant residence directors. 

“UK Property” means all property owned, leased, used, or controlled by UK, and includes adjacent streets and sidewalks. 

“Witness” means a person who directly observed an incident or has direct or indirect knowledge related to an incident. Witnesses should be able to speak knowledgeably about the incident and be able to provide relevant facts to OSC.