'U' official: By LAURIE DELATER Although most students don't know it, the University already has on its books a set of guidelines for governing student behavior outside the classroom. Those guidelines, called the Rules of the University Community, apply to faculty and staff members as well as to students. THE RULES were adopted by the Board of Regents in 1973, but top University officials said they are "basically. unenforceable" because of vague wording and a provision "prolhibiting the University from taking 'action against 2 student if he or she is involved in a civil court suit for the sgme crime. I"(The existing policy) is so vague it doesn't protect anyone from much of a.Iything, especially students," said ,Ifenry Johnson, vice president for student services. "It's basically unen- forceable." Because they were written at a time when student activism was popular, the existing rules only provide guidelines for clamping down on violent protest. The rules forbid physical harm, destruction of University property and interfering with the fr any member of the1 munity. SINCE THEN, ministrators said, prot but the number of c committed crimes on creased. The existing and-a-half pages it provisions for ar harassment, or fire or1 "The rules of the munity were written f 90 Existing rul 'ee movement of said Prof. Bill Colburn, a former mem- University com- ber of the University Council who wrote the first draft of the new conduct code. several ad- "If you look at the things that were est has declined, happening on campus during that ases of student- period, there were a lot of student campus has in- protests. Today the problems are inter- rules, only one- personal like personal harassment," n length, lack Colburn added. rson, forgery, NOT ONLY do the current rules pose bomb threats. enforcement problems because they University com- don't cover many types of misbehavior, for another time, they also tell the University it can't The Michigan Daily - Wednesday, September 19, 1984 - Page 5 e('s vague, unenforceable punish students internally if they are being tried in the courts for the same crime. Administrators would now like to change that provision in order to reprimand a student as a member of an organization regardless of court action, said Dan Sharphorn, a policy adviser for the University who is working on the code. "A state institution has a right to en- force its sanctions simultaneously to what's going on in the judicial systems," Johnson said. SHARPHORN said there are also problems with the judicial system set up under the old rules. The University Council, a group of students, faculty members and ad- ministrators is responsible for developing conduct rules for the University community and acting as the mediating body under the current rules. "I have a problem with the group writing the rules also being the hearing body," Sharphorn said. The regental bylaw that defines the judicial system doesn't specify how to handle complaints, sanctions, and ap- peals, nor does it establish a mechanism for resolving less serious conflicts, Sharphorn added. The proposed code is an attempt to clear up some of the vagueness of the existing rules, he said. Tomorrow: the student perspective on the code. Code would clamp down on out-of-classroom conduct (Continued from Page 1) These violations include harassment, false fire or bomb threats, use or possession of dangerous weapons, fireworks or stolen property. Trespassing, forgery or breaking any other existing University policy could also lead to a lesser reprimand. THE HEARING officers would be ap- pointed by the University prsident and could be either a member of the faculty Senate, an administrator or a legal or policy adviser for the University. The student would be called to testify before a hearing board in any case that could lead to suspension or expulsion. Any of the 17 actions prohibited in the code could be punished with the most ex- treme sanctions if serious enough. The board would be composed of two students, two members of the faculty Senate and one member of the ad- ministrative or professional staff. A new board would be randomly chosen for each case. STUDENTS could request that they testify before a hearing board if they felt they would not get a fair hearing before the hearing officer alone. In any case, a student could hire an at- torney for advice on preparing his or her defense, but the attorney would not ac- tually be able to represent the student during the hearing. The intent behind limiting the role oran attorney, Johnson said, is again to avoid turning University hearings into drawn-out proceedings like those held by thecivil courts. If a student is found guilty of violating the code, he or she could appeal to the judicial system administrator. In lesser forms of misconduct, the appeal would be decided by either the administrator or the vice president for student services on the basis of a transcript of the original hearing and upon written briefs submit- ted by all parties. IF A STUDENT decided to appeal suspension or expulsion, the appeal would be before an ad hoc panel, com- posed of equal numbers of students, faculty, and staff appointed by the vice president for student services. Students' could also be punished for failure to appeal or testify before the hearing officer or board or failure to obey the decided disciplinary action. The judicial system and specific forms of misconduct currently are being revised. Administrators are considering deleting the provision which gives the University jurisdiction over whole teams and other student organizations, Shar- phorn said. The role'of an attorney could also be expanded to actual represen- tation of the student in cases of expulsion as well, he added. Another draft of the code is expected to be finished in three weeks, Sharphorn said. Text of the Proposed Code of Non-Academic Conduct and Judicial System THE CODE Proposed Student Code of Nonacademic Conduct March 5,1984 Sction 1. Introduction The purpose of the Student Code of Nonacademic Conduct is to help protect the safety and well-being of the campus community and assist the University in providing an environment that supports the ,educational process. The responsibility for main- twining such an environment is shared by all mem- bers of the University community. >This Code defines what conduct of a non-academic iature is prohibited and what sanctions may be im- posed for violations of these prohibitions. The University Judicial System lists the rights of accused stdents and specifies how cases are to be processed - i.e., investigated, tried, appealed, and decided. -Prohibited acts of an academic nature - e.g., plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, falsification of academic records, and aiding and abetting 'dlkhonesty - will normally be processed by the in- 'diidual Schools and Colleges of the University. 'Any person may refer a student suspected of violating the Student Code to the Judicial System administrator or a designee. Persons making such referrals are required to provide information per- tient to the case and will be expected to appear at a hearing. .:.Section 2. Jurisdiction - Subject matter jurisdiction of -the University Judicial System shall be limited to alleged violations of the Student Code of Nonacademic Conduct, as 'promulgated by the President under the authority of Regents' Bylaw 2.01. Individual personal jurisdiction shall be limited to persons enrolled or eligible to enroll in the University on a full or part-time basis or participating in a University degree program at the time of the alleged violtion. Within these limitations, the Judicial System shall have jurisdic- tion over all of the following Code violations: those committed on University property or at University sponsored activites such as class, organization, or team trips or meetings and those committed in University affiliated housing, such. as fraternity and 'sorority houses and cooperatives. This provision ihall not be construed, however, to limit ad- ninistrative decision-making by University units, eg., Housing Division lease enforcement, nor shall it limit professional school disciplinary or character and fitness proceedings. Nor does it limit the establishment and enforcement of academic codes of conduct by individual schools, colleges, and depar- tments. Section 3. Prohibited Conduct The following misconduct is subject to disciplinary action: a. intentionally or recklessly causing physical harm to any person, or intentionally or recklessly causing reasonable apprehension or threat of such harm. Arson, harassment, interference =b. intentionally or recklessly burning or setting fire to any building or starting any unauthorized fire in any building. .c. making an unwelcome sexual advance, ° requesting sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when such conduct has the 'purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an ipdividual's academic or professional performance 'or privacy or creating an intimidating, hostile, or of- fensive employment, education, or living environ- ment. d. intentionally and significantly interfering with a normal University or University sponsored activity, including, but not limited to, studying, teaching, research, class attendance, University ad- ninistration, or fire, safety, or emergency service. ',e. intentionally and significantly interfering with the freedom of expression of another. f. intentionally initiating or causing to be initiated any false report, warning, or threat of fire, ex- plosion, or other emergency. g. unauthorized use, possession, or storage of any firearm or dangerous weapon. h. unauthorized use or possession of fireworks. -i. theft of property or of services. j. intentionally misusing fire safety equipment. k. intentionally or recklessly destroying or damaging the property of another. i. knowing possession of stolen property of the University or of property of a -member of the University community. im. unauthorized presence in or use of University premises, facilities, or property, when the individual knows such presence is unauthorized. n. knowling furnishing false. information to the University, when such information is needed for an dfficial University purpose. o'.forgery, unauthorized duplicationor unauthorized use of any University document. or instrument of identification. p. unauthorized distribution or possession for the purpose of distribution of any controlled substance or illegal drug. q. violation of a published University regulation or policy that has been approved by the President or other regentally designed official. Such regulation or policy may include but is not limited to: " Computing Center Conditions of Use Policy and Authorization and Charge Policy. " Hazing Policy " Housing Division Regulations ." -..i a _ . ._ _ J 0 ... . ... amounts to more than mere preparation. There must also be an apparent ability to commit the prohibited act. Section5. Aiding and Abetting Intentionally .aiding another to commit an act prohibited by the Student Code of Nonacademic Con- duct may be punished to the same extent as the aided violation. Section 6. Failure to Appear or Testify. Failure to comply with a request from a University Judicial System Hearing Officer to appear or testify in a University Judicial System hearing is miscon- duct and subject to disciplinary action. A person may petition the Hearing Officer to be excused from ap- pearing or testifying. Such petition must be submit- ted to the Hearing Officer a reasonable time before the subject hearing. Section 7. Violating the Terms of Disciplinary San- ctions. Knowingly violating the terms of any disciplinary sanctions imposed in accordance with this Code is misconduct and subject to disciplinary action. The Hearing Officer or Hearing Board who imposed the original sanctions shall determine what, if any, ad- ditional sanctions shall be imposed. Furthermore, in a case of restitution, a hold-credit may be administratively imposed for failure to pay the restitution. Section 8. Sanctions The sanctions imposed must reasonably reflect the seriousness of the misconduct. The sanctions should not focus on retribution, but should consider the safety of the community and the integrity of the University and the personal development of the student. The violation record of the student may be considered when deciding upon sanctions. In im- posing sanctions, the following guidelines - will be followed: ".A person violating-Secs. 3a-3b may be punished by sanctions described in Secs.8a-e, below. " A person violating Secs. 3c-3q may be punished by sanctions described in Secs. 8a, b, and e, except that sanctions described in Secs. Bc-d may be im- posed for a particularly dangerous or grievous violation. * A person violating Secs. 4 or 5 may be punished up to the maximum of the attempted (Sec. 4) or aided (Sec. 5) violation. * A person violating Sec. 6,sFailure to Appear or Testify, may be punished by sanctions described in Secs. 8a, b, ande. " A person violating the terms of any sanctions, Sec.. 7, may be punished by sanctions described in Secs. 8a-e. Other Authorties Sanctions imposed by other authority for the same violation, such as lease termination from University Housing or sentence imposed by a criminal court, must also be considered and additional sanctions may only be imposed by the University Judicial System if it is determined that the sanctions already imposed are inadequate given the circumstances of the violation. If sanctions are imposed by other authority after the imposition of sanctions by the University Judicial System, the proceedings may be reopened to determine if an adjustment in the san- ctions imposed is appropriate. One or more of the following sanctions may be im- posed for a violation of the Student Code of Nonacademic Conduct: a. DISCIPLINARY REPRIMAND: the student is warned that further misconduct will result in more severe disciplinary action. b. RESTITUTION: the student is required to make payment to the University or to another person, group, or organization for damages incurred as a result of a violation of this code. c. SUSPENSION: the student is separated from the University for a specified period of time. Per- manent notification may appear on the student's transcript. During the period of suspension, the student may not participate in any University spon- sored activity and may be barred from University premises. Suspended time will not count against any time limits for completion of a degree, however, the student must be accepted for readmission by his or her former academic unit or for admission by a new academic unit. d. EXPULSION: The student is separated in- definitely from the University. During the period of expulsion, the student may not participate in any University sponsored activity and may be barred from University premises. Permanent notification of the expulsion may appear on the student's transcript The student may petition the Vice President for Student Services or a designee for permission to ap- ply for readmission to his or her former academic unit or admission to a new academic unit after a specified time has elapsed and/or other specified conditions have been met. To actually be readmitted or admitted, the student must be accepted by the unit to which he or she applies. e. OTHER SANCTIONS: other sanctions ap- propriate to the situation may be imposed instead of or in addition to those specified in sub-sections a through d of Section8, above. For example, a student may be subject to dismissal from University housing for a disciplinary violation which occurred in a residence hall or family housing. Likewise, a student may be restricted from all or parts of the campus. The student may also be forbidden from represen- ting the University in any extracurricular activity for a specified period of time. An unauthorized firearm nr wapan may be confiscated. Library System that shall provide a uniform, fair, and impar- tial procedure for handling alleged violations of the University Student Code of Nonacademic Conduct. Section 2. Jursidiction. a. Subject matter jurisdiction of the University Judicial System shall be limited to alleged violations of the Student Code of Nonacademic Conduct, as promulgated by the President under the authority of Regents' Bylaw 2.01. Individual personal jurisdiction shall be limited to persons enrolled or eligible to enroll in the University on a full or part-time basis or participating in a University degree program at thej time of the alleged violation. Within theset limitations, the Judicial System shall have jurisdic- tion over all of the following Code violations: those committed on University property or at UniversityI sponsored activities, such as, class, organization, or team trips or meetings and those committed in University affiliated housing, such as, fraternity and sorority houses and cooperatives. This provision shall not be construed, however, to limit ad- .ministrative decision-making by University units, e.g., Housing Division lease enforcement, nor shall it limit professional school disciplinary or character and fitness proceedings. Nor does it limit the establishment and enforcement of academic codes of conduct by individual schools, colleges, and depar- tments. Violations of academic codes of individual schools and colleges will normally subject one to processing under the academic code and procedures of the school or college. b. If a violation involves a single act that could be defined as both academic misconduct and nonacademic misconduct, the school or college with jurisdiction over the academic violation may elect whether to refer the case to the University Judicial System or to have the case heard by the board that hears academic violations in that unit. If the violation is not an academic violation or otherwise within the unit's jurisdiction (see Secs. 2c and 2d, below), the unit must refer the case to the University Judicial System. If a violation involves more than one act, at least one of which is academic misconduct and one of which is nonacademic misconduct, the ac- ts may be processed separately by the unit academic board and the University Judicial System, as ap- propriate. c. If a violation comes under the jurisdiction of both the University Judicial System and the code of conduct and disciplinary procedure of a school or college, the school or college must elect to either process the case itself or refer it to the University Judicial System. d. If a violation comes under the jurisdiction of both the University Judicial System and the Housing Division, the University Libraries, or any other unit except a school or college, the unit must elect to either process the case itself or refer it to the Univer- sity Judicial System. It must refer the case if ex- pulsion, suspension, or other sanctions beyond the unit's authority is contemplated. Section 3. Other Authority. Nothing in this document shall operate in derogation of any Regent's Bylaw, any collective bargaining or other contractual relationship of the University, nor shall it be construed to limit the authority of the President to maintain health, diligence, and order among students under Regents' Bylaw 2.01. Section 4. Violations of Law and the Student Code of Conduct. A student may be accountable to both civil authorities and to the University for an act which constitutes a violation of law and of the Student Code. Disciplinary action at the University may proceed during the pendency of criminal proceedings and will not be subject to challenge on the ground that a criminal charge involving the same incident has been dismissed or reduced. However, punishment imposed by other authority for the same act must be considered in imposing sanctions. Section 5. Case Referrals. Any person may refer a student suspected of violating the Student Code to the Judicial System administrator or a designee. A person making such a referral (the complainant) is required to provide in- formation pertinent to the case and must appear at a hearing and testify, unless a petition to be excused from appearing or testifying is approved by the Hearing Officer. Such petition must be submitted to the Hearing Officer a reasonable time before the subject hearing. Section 6. Investigations. The Judicial System administrator or a designee shall conduct a preliminary investigation to deter- mine if there is sufficient cause to believe a violation within the jurisdiction of the University Judicial System has occurred. Within thirty calendar days af- ter receiving a referral, the investigator shall either refer the case to a hearing, dismiss it, recommend other appropriate action to the Vice President for Student Services or a designee, or refer the case to the unit with jurisdiction, if appropriate. The in- vestigator shall provide notice of this decision to both parties. The complainant may appeal a decision to dismiss to a Hearing Officer. Such appeal must be professional and administrative staff. Hearing Of- ficers shall be appointed by the President to terms of three years. The President may revoke or extend appointments and may appoint any number of Hearing Officers. Composition of Hearing Board b. Boards. A Hearing Board shall consist of two students, two members of the Faculty Senate, and one member of the professional and administrative staff. Board members will be randomly selected by the Hearing Officer or the Judicial System administrator from panels of not fewer than ten students, ten faculty, and five staff. Individuals will be appointed to the panels by the President from lists of at least twenty students provided by the Michigan Student Assem- bly, twenty members of the Faculty Senate provided by Senate Advisory Committee on University Af- fairs, and ten staff provided by the Vice President for Student Affairs. If MSA fails to provide a list, the Vice President for Student Services shall provide such a list. If SACUA fails to provide a list, the Vice President for Academic Affairs shall provide the ap- propriate list. A Hearing Officer shall preside over a case heard by a Board, but shall not vote on the outcome or san- ctions. c. Forum. The Judicial System administrator may refer a case to a hearing before either a University Hearing Officer or a University Hearing Board. A case that may result in expulsion or suspension must be heard by a Board, unless the accused student (the respon- dent) waives hearing before a Board. Any other case will normally be heard by a Hearing Officer alone, however the Hearing Officer or the Judicial System administrator may choose to refer any case to a hearing before a Board. Further more, if either par- ty believes that he or she will not receive a fair and impartial hearing before a Hearing Officer alone, he or she may request that the case be heard by a Hearing Board. Such request shall be decided by a Hearing Board. Section 8. Commencement for Hearing. Unless a delay requested by either party is ap- proved by the Hearing Officer, the hearing shall commence within thirty calendar days of the Judicial System administrator's or the Hearing Of- ficer's referral of the case to the Hearing Officer or Hearing Board or within thirty calendar days of a Hearing Board's decision on a request for a hearing before a Board. Section 9. Hearing Procedures. a. Both parties shall be given notice of the hearing date and the specific charge against the respondent at least fourteen calendar days in advance of the hearing. b. The Hearing Officer may request the appearan- ce of witnesses upon his/her volition or upon the motion of any Board member or of either party. The Hearing Officer must request the appearance of a witness requested by either party unless the Hearing Officer is convinced that the likely testimony of the witness will be irrelevant, immaterial, or not suf- ficiently probative. University students and em- ployees are required to comply with requests issued pursuant to this procedure, unless compliance would result in serious and unavoidable personal hardship. A person may petition the Hearing Officer to be ex- cused from appearing or testifying. Such petition must be submitted to the Hearing Officer a reasonable time before the subject hearing. c. If a respondent fails to appear after proper notice, the hearing may proceed, findings may be made, and sanctions may be imposed without the student's participation, unless the student can establish that there are circumstances beyond his or her control that make appearance impossible or unusually burdensome. A respondent may petition the Hearing Officer to be excused from appearing or for a delay in the hearing. Such petition must be submitted to the Hearing Officer a reasonable time before the hearing. Right to Silence d. A respondent has the right to remain silent at the hearing. The exercise of this right may not be con- sidered in any findings, decisions, or recommen- dations. e. Hearings will be closed to the public unless an open hearing is requested by the respondent. If the hearing is open, the Hearing Officer may still close a portion of the hearing in special circumstances to protect the privacy of a complainant, victim, or wit- ness. f. The Hearing Officer of each Board shall exercise control over the hearing to avoid needless consum- ption of time and to prevent the harassment or in- timidation of witnesses. Any person, including either party, who disrupts a hearing or who fails to adhere to rulings of the Hearing Officer may be excluded from the proceedings. g. Each hearing must be recorded verbatim. The verbatim recording may be made by taping the nr-,in.. plainant and the respondent, may be excluded from the hearing during the testimony of other witnesses. All parties, the witnesses, and the public shall be ex- cluded during Board deliberations. k. To find a respondent guilty, the Hearing Officer or Hearing Board must be convinced that there isi clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is guilty. Formal evidence rules not applied 1. Formal rules of evidence shall not be applicable in disciplinary proceedings conducted pursuant to this system. The Hearing Officer shall adhere to ap- propriate commitments of confidentiality and rules of privilege, but may otherwise in his/her discretion admit all matters into evidence that reasonable per- sons would accept as having probative value in the conduct of their affairs. Unduly repetitious or irrelevant evidence may be excluded. m. A respondent shall be accorded an opportunity to question all witnesses who testify at the hearing. n. Affidavits may be admitted into evidence in the discretion of the Hearing Officer. o. The Hearing Officer and Board members may take judicial notice of matters that are within the general experience of University students at the academic level of the respondent. p. The Hearing Officer may consult with the Judicial System administrator at any time concer- ning questions of procedure and admissibility of evidence. q. A determination of guilt shall be followed by a supplemental proceeding in which either party may submit evidence or make statements concerning the appropriate sanctions to be imposed. The past disciplinary record of the respondent may be sup- plied to the Hearing Officer and/or Board by the Judicial System administrator at the supplementary proceeding. r. In a hearing before a Hearing Officer alone, the Hearing Officer shall make findings as to guilt or in- nocence and shll make the final decision as to san- ctions. In a hearing before a Hearing Board, decisions shall be made by a majority vote of the members of the Board present and voting. The Hearing Officer shall preside over the hearing but shall not vote. A tie vote shall result in an acquittal. The Board shall make findings as to guilt or innocen- ce and shall make the final decision as to sanctions. s. The final decisions of a hearing shall be accom- panied by a summary of the testimony and a brief opinion, The decision and opinions shall be presented to the respondent and complainant in writing within fourteen calendar days after the completion of the hearing. Legal or other advisors Section 10. Advisors. A respondent or complainant participating in a hearing may be accompanied by an advisor, who may be an attorney. The advisor may advise the respondent or complainant on the preparation and presentation of the case, but except for advising the respondent or complainant, the advisor may par- ticipate in the hearing only at the discretion of the Hearing Officer. An advisor may not appear in lieu of a respondent or a complainant, unless the Hearing Officer determines that appearance will be im- possible or will create extreme hardship for the respondent or complainant. Section 11. Appeals. a. Any disciplinary determination may be ap- pealed by the respondent. b. Notice of appeal must be submitted in writing to the Judicial System administrator within seven calendar days from the date of the letter notifying the respondent of the final decision of the Hearing Of- ficer or Board. Failure to appeal within the allotted time will render the original decision final and con- clusive. c. A written brief in support of the appeal must be submitted to the Judicial System administrator within fourteen calendar days from the date of the letter notifying the respondent of the original hearing decision. Failure to submit a written brief within the allotted time will render the decision of the original hearing final and conclusive. d. An appeal shall be decided upon the record, in- cluding a transcript, of the original hearing and upon written briefs submitted by the parties. The ap- pellate review shall be limited to determining whether proper procedures were followed in the original hearing. e. Appeal Forum. 1. In a case in which the sanctions include suspen- sion or expulsion, the appeal shall be before an ad hoc panel, comprised of equal numbers of students, faculty, and staff, and appointed by the Vice President for Student Services. The panel shall review the record and any briefs, hear oral argument, and make recommendations to the Vice President. 2. In a case in which the sanctions are less than suspension, the Vice President for Student Services or a designee may hear oral argument or may decide the appeal based upon the written record and briefs. Or. the Vice President or a designee may appoint an new Hearing Officer or Board if specified procedural errors or errors in interpretation of University regulations were so substantial as to effectively deny the respondent a fair hearing, or if new and significant evidence became available which could not have been discovered by a properly diligent respondent before or during the original hearing. The decision of the Hearing Officer or Board on remand shall be final and conclusive. 3. A case may be dismissed if the findings are held to be arbitrary and capricious. g. The imposition of sanctions normally will be deferred during the pendency . or appellate proceedings, in the discretion of the Vice President for Student Services or a designee. h. If a respondent who is determined to have committed a violation by a Hearing Officer or Hearing Board is subsequently found not guilty of the same violation by a criminal court, the respondent shall have a right to a new appeal, but the criminal court decision is not binding on the outcome of the appeal. The respondent must submit a request in writing to the Judicial System administrator within seven calendar days from the date of the criminal court decision. A written brief in support of the ap- peal must be submitted to the Judicial System ad- ministrator within fourteen calendar days from the date of the criminal court decision. Failure to submit the request for an appeal or the written brief within the allotted times will render the decision of the original hearing and appeal final and conclusive. The Vice President for Student Services or a designee may hear oral argument, may appoint an ad hoc panel to hear oral argument, or may decide the ap- peal based upon the written record and briefs. Interim suspension Section 12. Interim Suspension. a. The President-or the Vice President for Student Services may suspend a student for an interim period pending disciplinary proceedings or medical evaluation, such interim suspension to become im- mediately effective without prior notice whenever there is substantial evidence that the continued presence of the student on the University Campus poses a serious threat to himself or to others. b. Before a student is suspended on an interim basis he/she shall be given an opportunity to appear personally before the President or the Vice President for Student Services. A hearing shall then be held on the following issues only: 1. The reliability of the information concerning the student's conduct, including the matter of his iden- tity; and 2. whether the conduct and surrounding circum- stances reasonably indicate that the continued presence of the student on the University campus poses a serious threat to himself or to others. r Section 13. Rehabilitation Leave and Readmission. In a case in which it is determined that the student's offensive conduct was related to a psychological disability, the Vice President for Student Services or a designee may allow the student leave time for psychological rehabilitation. After the rehabilitation leave, the Vice President for Student Services or a designee shall decide, based upon opinion evidence from a mental health professional authorized by the University to review the case, what sanctions if any are appropriate and if permission to apply for readmission to the student's former unit or admission to a new unit it to be granted. The Vice President for Student Services or a designee may appoint an ad hoc hearing board to hear the case. The academic unit shall determine if the petitioner meets the unit's requirements and is to be readmit- ted or admitted. Section 14. Petition for Readmission. In a case in which a petition for permission to ap- ply for readmission or- admission is required, the Vice President for Student .Services or a designee shall decide if permission is to be granted. The Vice President for Student Services or a designee may appoint an ad hoc hearing board to hear the case. The academic unit shall determine if the petitioner meets the unit's requirements and is to be readmit- ted or admitted. Section 15. Clemency. The President of the University shall have the power of executive clemency in cases of suspension or expulsion. Section 16. Time Limits. In extraordinary circumstances, any time limit contained herein may be extended by the Vice President for Student Services. Section 17. Annual Report. The Vice President for Student Services or a designee shall, at least annually, submit to the UTniversit Cnni a rnnrt nn the Universitv