University disciplinary hearing different process than criminal hearing

Article here. Excerpt:

'According to attorney Brian Lowder a university disciplinary hearing on the campus of WKU is a very different process than a criminal hearing in a traditional courtroom.

Lowder has represented several WKU students, including WKU swimmers, at disciplinary hearings.

"In the criminal justice system you're afforded due process. You also have the presumption of innocence. You have to be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. None of those rights are afforded to a student going through Western Kentucky University or I think most other universities' disciplinary process."

According to Lowder, a student isn't given detailed notice of the accusation until the day of the hearing. They then take questions from a group made of students and staff.

"The disciplinary committee. That's comprised of students as well as faculty members that hear and are involved with those proceedings."'