Respondent Support Services
Resources for responding to allegations of misconduct
If you’ve received notice that you’re involved in an incident review or investigation, you may be experiencing stress or uncertainty about how to proceed. Respondent Support Services (RSS) provides holistic support to help you understand the process, engage meaningfully, and maintain your emotional and academic well-being.
Respondents
Students who are responding to allegations of misconduct are referred to as respondents and may experience anxiety and uncertainty about how to participate in the Student Conduct process. It’s important to know that all students are afforded due process rights under the Student Conduct Investigation and Resolution Framework, including:
- Written notice that includes the factual basis of charges, potential policy violations, and a date/time for a conduct meeting or hearing
- The opportunity for a prompt and fair hearing, including the ability to present witnesses, documentation, and other relevant information
- A written decision based on the preponderance of the evidence standard (meaning it is more likely than not that a policy violation occurred)
- An appeals process for contesting findings or sanctions
For further information on each step of the process, please visit the Student Code of Conduct page.
What RSS Offers
Respondent Support Services (RSS) assists students by:
- Answering questions and addressing concerns
- Helping students prepare for meetings and understand each stage of the process
- Connecting students with on- and off-campus support resources
- Supporting students’ academic and emotional well-being
- Accompanying students to conduct or investigation-related meetings
RSS Support
RSS can support you at any point during your experience as a respondent. This includes:
- Upon receiving notice of an interview or investigation
- Preparing for your first meeting with an investigator or conduct administrator
- Participating in an Alternative Resolution (AR) process
- Clarifying sanctions or student conduct outcomes
- Feedback and assistance on filing an appeal or contesting findings
- Returning to UC Santa Cruz after a suspension
- Navigating Conduct Hearings, Interim Suspensions, or Housing Cancellations
RSS staff can answer your questions, discuss concerns, or accompany you to related meetings.
Support People and Advisors
At all stages of the process, a student may have a support person or an advisor. The student can choose their own or request that the University provide one.
Support Person
- Offers emotional support to the student, but does not advocate or intervene directly.
- May be a staff or faculty member, family member, attorney, RSS representative, or any other person chosen by the student.
- Cannot serve as a witness or speak on the student’s behalf.
Advisor
- Primarily assists a respondent in understanding and navigating the investigation process and policies.
- Should be familiar with Title IX adjudication procedures.
- Provides procedural—not emotional—support.
Requirements
- Both support persons and advisors must sign a FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) Waiver before participating.
What RSS is
- A private resource to guide and support students throughout the conduct process
- A knowledgeable contact to help students understand their rights and available options
- A connection point to other campus and community services
What RSS is not
- A confidential resource, as defined by the UC SVSH Policy (RSS does not offer the same privacy protections as CARE Advocates or Counseling Services)
- A provider of legal advice or services
- A representative who can speak on your behalf (students must represent themselves)
- A resource to support policy violations or circumvent University procedures.
Faculty and Staff
Respondent services are also available for faculty and staff.
Access Respondent Services for Academic Employees through Academic Personnel
Access Respondent Services for Staff Employees through Staff Human Resources
Privacy and reporting
Respondent Support Services is a private, not confidential, support resource, meaning your information is not shared with Conduct Administrators or Investigators without your written permission, except under the following circumstances:
- Mandatory reporting under the UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (SVSH) Policy
- Mandatory reporting under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA)
- Situations involving threats of imminent violence
- As required by law or University policy