Standards of Evidence

Because the YHC student conduct system is administrative in nature, is internal to the College, and is not a court of law, it is not bound by the rules of evidence in a court of law nor does the process attempt or intend to mimic court processes and procedures.  Decisions reached under the student conduct system are based on a preponderance of the evidence. A preponderance of evidence means that when a reasonable person, after evaluating all credible information available at the time of making a decision on the allegations, would conclude that it is more likely than not that a violation has occurred. 

An accused student or recognized student organization may consult an advisor from the College community (a full-time faculty or staff member or a full-time student), but this person may not participate in any hearing, or in any step of the disciplinary process, although they may be present as a silent observer.  Attorneys and/or legal advisors, parents and/or legal guardians are not permitted in the YHC student conduct process because it is an internal administrative process. (Please note that within the Title IX process, the Advisor process may differ.  Please consult the Sexual Misconduct Policy for more information.)