The University Hearing Board is a mechanism through which students hold each other accountable for their behavior. Hearing only the most serious cases, the UHB consists of six members, five of whom are students. One of the students, called the Presiding Officer, facilitates the hearing.

Students appearing before the UHB should expect to face tough questions. UHB members take  their responsibility to find out what happened in a given incident seriously.  The role of a UHB member is to determine whether a student violated University policy, and if necessary to recommend what should happen as a result of a violation. Students in drug or alcohol cases should expect to answer questions about past drug or alcohol use, where or from whom they obtained drugs or alcohol, and how their choices regarding substance use impact their GW experience. In other cases, questions will focus on the facts of the incident, but some questions may also address the severity of the violation, the student's level of culpability, and the student's decision making process during the incident.

UHB proceedings can sometimes take on an air of formality, but students are not expected to come dressed in suits or ties. Most students wear what they would wear to class or an internship. Other things to think about include being on time for the hearing, maintaining a respectful tone when interacting with the UHB members, and answering questions as completely and concisely as possible.

The order of UHB hearings is as follows:

• Introduction to UHB proceeding
• Questioning of University witnesses, by UHB members and the Respondent.
• Respondent's statement and questioning by the UHB members
• Questioning of respondent's witnesses, by UHB members and the Respondent.
• The Respondent’s clarification statement
• Closing information regarding notification of decision and appeals process

Student respondents have an opportunity to ask questions of all witnesses. The UHB members will also question witnesses, and they may ask questions of the respondent. If you have questions regarding the UHB that are not addressed on this website, please contact the Office of Student Judicial Services at (202) 994-6757 or via e-mail at sjs@gwu.edu.