The Community Standards Review Board
The Community Standards Review Board (CSRB) is the College’s adjudication board that hears allegations of academic integrity violations, discriminatory misconduct, interpersonal violence and harassment, and other community standards violations that do not relate to the Amherst College Interim Title IX Policy. The CSRB is composed of faculty appointed by the Provost, students appointed by the Association of Amherst Students, and students and staff selected by Student Affairs. Staff members will not be considered for empanelment for cases involving academic integrity. Student Affairs may remove any CSRB member at any time for any reason.
Composition of the CSRB for a Hearing
When a panel is convened, the Dean of Students or designee serves as its nonvoting Chairperson. The Chairperson is joined by 5 voting panel members, three of whom are students, and two of whom are faculty or staff, depending on whether the case relates to academic integrity.
Faculty
The faculty members of the CSRB will be appointed by the Provost’s office. They will typically serve three-year terms, and their terms, when possible, will be staggered so as to maintain continuity from year to year.
Students
Student members of the CSRB will be chosen by one of two mechanisms, election or appointment by the Association of Amherst Students (AAS) or selection by Student Affairs. Students typically serve two or three-year terms.
Staff
Staff members will be self-nominated or nominated to the Office of Community Standards on an ongoing basis. The Director of Community Standards will appoint staff members to the CSRB on a rolling basis. Staff generally serve a two-year term.
Ad Hoc Panels
The CSRB is typically active only when classes are in session. Hearings are not regularly scheduled during final examinations or recesses. Occasionally, an Administrator or a respondent may desire an expedited resolution during a period when the CSRB is typically inactive. In these circumstances and at their discretion, the Chairperson may provide voluntary, alternative mechanisms for conflict resolution, including the assemblage of ad-hoc panels, provided the respondent agrees to the proposed alternative. Ad hoc panels may be composed of Amherst College students, staff, or faculty, whether they are derived from the CSRB or not. Panel compositions and hearing timings as described above may be adjusted at the discretion of the Dean of Students or designee. Ad hoc panel members will be familiarized with relevant policies and procedures prior to their service.
