Definitions

Work that is submitted to the Student's instructor for grading purposes and work that is related to participation in a workshop, conference or symposium offered by the University. 

Where a hearing/meeting is delayed to another specified date and time.

A process where a panel receives and considers evidence and arguments presented by both sides in a matter and makes a binding decision by applying the relevant policies and procedures in the case.

An ASF is a document that provides the facts of the case, as agreed upon by Discipline Counsel and the accused student. An ASF is generally used in guilty pleas (full ASF), but can also be used to narrow issues at contested hearings (partial ASF).

A book that contains a variety of University of Toronto Tribunal decisions that are relevant to the current matter. This provides guidance for the finding of liability (guilty or not guilty) and the sanction. 

See Case Summaries and Reasons for Decision for University of Toronto Tribunal decisions.

Follows the Examination in Chief (see below). Cross-examination is an opportunity for the opposing side to ask questions of the witness.  Cross-examination is done for various reasons including to: adduce evidence that helps, minimize evidence that hurts, and to undermine the witness' credibility and reliability.

A lawyer hired by the University who represents the interests of the University alone.

Disclosure is a package of documents which contains all the information that has been assembled by the Faculty or Division and the Provost's Office during the investigation of the alleged misconduct, including transcripts of meetings of the Dean and the accused. Disclosure is provided to the student after charges are laid.

The academic offence process begins with meetings within the faculty/division. For more information about the process at the Division, please see the At the Faculty/Division page of the website.

Something that is submitted to the Tribunal to help establish one's argument.  Evidence is submitted to help prove the truth of a matter.  Evidence can consist of things like pictures, documents and oral testimony.  

Where a witness will be sworn in and will answer questions by the party who has brought them in to testify.   

In private; discussions between Panel members only.

 At the University of Toronto, a governance year spans July 1 to June 30.

A JSP is a document that provides the penalties that are agreed upon by Discipline Counsel and the accused student.

Where an offence is described as depending on "knowing", the offence shall likewise be deemed to have been committed if the person ought reasonably to have known.

A written application to the Tribunal for a specific action to happen in which the Chair will make the final judgment.  Also see the Rules of Practice and Procedure, Part 7.

A document that is sent to the Student from the ADFG Office that outlines the date, time, place of the hearing. It will also include the names of the panel members who will be presiding over the Student's hearing. 

This NOH is sent to the Student in advance of his or her hearing as an official notice of the hearing.  Generally, it is sent to email address as recorded on the Student's ROSI account.

Click here for a sample Notice of Hearing.

An Order is usually issued immediately at the end of a Tribunal hearing. It can be issued verbally or in written format. The Order communicates the penalties, which may be immediately imposed.  Generally, an Order will not be issued if a decision regarding sanction has not been made.

The right for both sides to be heard and judged by an impartial judge or panel of judges. More specifically, the principles of natural justice entitle both parties to:

• Receive notice of the hearing
• Request an adjournment
• Receive disclosure of information
• Be represented at the hearing (e.g. by a lawyer)
• Call witnesses, including expert witnesses
• Cross-examine the other side
• Make proper objections
• Make submissions
• Know what the case is about
• Have a decision based on evidence at the hearing
• Right to participation

The right to an impartial/unbiased judge or panel of judges means judges who:

• Leave behind pre-conceived notions about aspects of the case
• Base the decision on actual evidence
• Know the difference between asking difficult questions and hostility towards either party
• Are sensitive to comments before, during and after the hearing, including breaks at the hearing
• Are sensitive to perception of bias towards one side or another
   

The principles of natural justice are also known as "Procedural Fairness".

There is "an overarching consideration that justice must not only be done but be seen to be done."
(Pinto, Andrew. “Procedural Fairness.” PowerPoint presentation for University Tribunal Orientation, University of Toronto. June 28, 2010)

The Tribunal's written description of the case, its findings, and the reasons for those findings. This is an official document that all of the Tribunal panel members have reviewed and is posted online, with the Student’s name withheld (a.k.a. Decision).

A severe and formal rebuke made by the University against a student.  Reprimands may be made orally or in writing.

The Rules govern various process issues that may arise at the Tribunal level.  

Any materials or electronic devices that you are not allowed to use for assistance (e.g. in an exam).  Unauthorized materials may include, but are not limited to: textbooks, class notes, or other notes of any kind. Unauthorized electronic devices may include, but are not limited to: cellular telephones, laptop computers, MP3 players (e.g. iPods), data storage devices (e.g. USB keys), calculators, earpieces, cameras, or electronic dictionaries.

Obtaining assistance or providing assistance on an exam, assignment, classwork, etc. where it has been expressly forbidden by the instructor. This may include, but is not limited to, collaboration with classmates on an individual assignment, etc.