Resources for Alleged Complainants and Victims of Crimes of Violence

The University of Arkansas’s Office of Student Accountability is dedicated to providing resources to alleged victims of violent crimes and complainants. The U of A has many resources on campus and in the local community that may assist students. Below you will find information regarding these resources and the student accountability conduct process.   

 

What constitutes a Crime of Violence?  

A student who is a victim of a Crime of Violence according to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or constitutes an alleged violation of the Code of Student Life. According to FERPA, a victim is a Crime of Violence include arson, assault offenses, burglary, criminal homicide, destruction/damage/vandalism of property, kidnapping/abduction, robbery, forcible sex offenses, statutory rape and incest. The Code of Student Life constitutes a student as a victim of a Crime of Violence with the following standards including Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Stalking, Voyeurism, Discrimination and/or Discriminatory Harrassment.

 

Alleged Victims of Crimes of Violence and Complainants   

A University of Arkansas student who is an alleged victim or complainant in the student conduct process may:  

  1. To report violations of the Code of Student Life by a University of Arkansas student to the Office of Student Accountability at any point after an incident has occurred. To provide a detailed account of the Student Conduct Matter and submit any supplementary materials supporting an allegation for consideration by the Office of Student Accountability.  
  2. To request, review, and have reasonable continuing access to the Administrative File at least seven (7) days prior to any Student Conduct hearing. The Hearing Officer will inform the Complainant of any new material included in the Administrative File that is likely to be considered at the Administrative or Appeal Hearing. Individual portions of the Administrative File may be redacted if confidentiality of the evidence is required by law. 
  3. To have an advisor or support person Fully Participate in the process.  
    1. Complainants may be assisted by one advisor or support person which is defined as: a friend, a family member, and a member of the University community or an attorney. It is the student’s responsibility to request and obtain the services of an advisor/support person. University officials are neither required nor obligated to act as advisors/support persons and Administrative or Appeal Hearings will not be scheduled based on advisor availability.  
    2. The advisor, upon request of the student, may advise the student concerning the preparation and presentation of their case and accompany the student to all Student Conduct Proceedings. The student is limited to the presence of one advisor. 
    3. Any student who elects to have a Fully Participating advisor or support person may request that the advisor speak on their behalf throughout the Student Conduct process consistent with the provisions of Section A.II(C) as described herein.  
  4. To be notified of the Student Conduct decision and request appellate review by the All-University Conduct Board where the Complainant or their advisor may. 
    1. Make an opening and closing statement; 
    2. Present relevant evidence; and 
    3. Cross-examine adverse witnesses through an advisor. 
    4. Complainants may elect not to appear or not to respond to questions asked during the hearing, although the Complainant should be aware that if they choose not to do so, that may have an impact on the outcome. 

 

Request an Advisor/ Support Person 

If a student cannot provide an advisor on their own and would like to request one, they may do so through the Student Processes Advocate Team using this form. More information about this team can found on the U of A Cares website. 

 

Request for Victim Notification Letter  

Please fill out the following form to complete the request: Victim Notification Request 

 

Resources at the University of Arkansas:  

U of A CARES 

The Sexual and Relationship Violence Center  

CAPS  

The Pat Walker Health Center  

 

Resources in Fayetteville:  

Ozark Guidance  

Arkansas Crisis Center  

Northwest Arkansas Center for Sexual Assault  

Northwest Arkansas Women's Shelter (domestic violence)  

Peace at Home Family Shelter (domestic violence)