The Email

Hello Everyone, Brennan here,

This blog is focused on explaining the first step of the disciplinary process for California State University schools. Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, and I am not giving legal advice. This is just one perspective and you can take whatever course of action that you want to take.

What is "The Email?":

• Student conduct offices are required to email you when a complaint is made against you. Sometimes they fail to do this, in which case, that might help your case.

This email will usually have:

1. Some quotes about the process, possibly from the schools governing document (Example: CSU uses Executive Order 1098) and Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations

2. The charges against you

3. Possible sanctions for the charges

4. Threats of consequences if you don't comply with the process.

More Information:

They will also claim that if you choose not to show up that they will create a registration hold on your university account or proceed the case directly to a Formal Hearing. These threats can be scary, but remember, these administrators have rules that govern their behavior too, they are not immune. If they treat you poorly, they themselves can be held accountable. Here's two links that give examples of faculty/staff accountability.

• Link that gives an example of internal senate policies for faculty/staff accountability.

• Link that gives information on student complaints against faculty/staff.

First Steps:

1. We recommend that as soon as you get the email you type up everything that happened on a Google Docs page. This should include things that happened before, during, and after the incident in question. This will allow you to organize your thoughts about the situation, and will also be auto-saved as you type. This will also enable you to make note of the nuances of the situation and look for areas where the complainant may have lied, acted corruptly against you, or where the school has made a mistake.

Side note: It's ok to write out the honest truth in this version, but when sending communication to the office you should take a different approach. Don't confess guilt in writing.

2. If you get an email from the student conduct office, we recommend that you immediately contact us for a free consultation.

• Contacting us after you have the intake meeting can create more challenges later on. But there is usually a way to work around past communication, so don't hesitate in calling us. If we can take your case, then you will need to complete a form with the student conduct office and complete our contract.

Call The Ombudsman?:

The Ombudsman are not allowed to be advisors for these cases because they are required to be neutral. In other words they might be able to explain the process, but they will most likely refuse to give specific strategy about how you can win your case. There is also a very high likelihood that they will be biased and give you advice that is not going to help solve your problems. They have a commitment to the university they work at, and therefore they will most likely refuse to give advice that would be negative for the university in any way.

Very few people know the student conduct process and few people are willing to give advice. If you have questions or need help, please call me at 619-797-6050. Stay safe out there.

Brennan C. Pearson

Founder & CEO