Before a SAC Hearing​​

​Click the questions below to learn more about what happens before a SAC hearing.​​ 

                              ​​

 I have been referred to SAC. What does that mean?
Your department has referred you to SAC for alleged academic misconduct, a breach of professional comportment standards, a violation of the Code of Conduct, failure to meet the requirements of your ADP, or a failure to progress in your program. Your SAC referral letter includes the reason for your referral.​

 What is included in a referral?
SAC notifies you of the referral by sending a hearing notification letter and supporting documents (e.g., e-mail correspondence, unofficial transcript, previous Academic Development Plan, etc.) to your TCSPP email address. 

The letter of notice will list SAC members and include:
  • Reason for referral
  • Hearing date (within 30 days of referral)
  • Time
  • Location
SAC will copy the following individuals on the referral:
  • Department Chair
  • Associate Department Chair, where applicable
  • Faculty Advisor
  • Campus Responsible Leader
  • Office of Placement and Training representative, where applicable
  • ARP/Thesis/Dissertation Chair, where applicable
  • SAC Administration

 What is a support person?

A support person is an individual who will accompany you to your SAC hearing to provide advice and support. 

During your SAC hearing, your support person may be asked to speak about your openness to feedback, your work to remediate the matter that led to your SAC referral, and how you have shown improvement over time. ​

Your support person cannot answer questions on your behalf during the hearing. ​

 Who should I select as my support person?
You are limited to one support person. Many students choose to have their faculty advisor serve as their support person. Some students choose another TCSPP faculty member or non-student staff member who they feel can best support them throughout the SAC process.

Once you select your support person, send their first and last name and position at TCSPP to SAC@thechicagoschool.edu in writing by the deadline stated in your hearing notice.

 What is the written response to SAC referral? How should I write it?
​You have the right to present a written response to the referral that exp​​licitly addresses its contents. Please consider using SAC's Student's Response to Referral Template​. If you submit a written response after the deadline stated in the hearing notice, SAC is not obigated to consider it.