Student Governance Court

The Student Governance Court (SGC) is an independent judicial body. It acts impartially, fairly, and without fear, favour, or prejudice.

The SGC serves as the primary disciplinary authority for matters involving student leaders and student governance structures that have allegedly contravened any student governance legislation or accused of misconduct in their capacity as student leaders. 

The SGC comprises of indepent structures:  

• Student Governance Court Judges Panel
• Student Governance Court Advocate
• Student Governance Investigations Team

Although independent in its decision-making, the Court remains accountable to Student Parliament and reports on its activities each semester.

About the Student Governance Court Judges Panel

The Student Governance Court Judges Panel is the primary adjudicative body of the Student Governance Court. It is responsible for hearing and determining disciplinary matters involving student structures and student leaders.

Powers and Function of SGC Judges Panel

The Judges Panel is responsible for: 

• Hearing disciplinary cases assigned to the SGC. Ensuring fair, impartial, and procedurally correct hearings.
• Evaluating evidence presented by the parties. Making findings based on a majority decision.
• Determining appropriate sanctions where a party is found responsible.
• Ensuring confidentiality and integrity of proceedings Assigning case hearing panels of three to five judges

About the Student Governance Court Advocate

The Student Governance Court Advocate is responible for initiating proceedings before the Student Governance Court, leading evidence against student leaders, and for representing complainants in such proceedings. 

Powers and Function of SGC Advocate

The SGC Advocate is responsible for:

• Receiving complaints from the University community or student structures.
• Acknowledging receipt of complaints.
• Reviewing complaints and referring complaints to the Student Governance Investigations Team.
• Determining whether a matter has sufficient merit to proceed to a formal hearing.
• Representing complainants and presenting cases before the Court

About the Student Governance Investigations Team

The Student Governance Investigations Team is responsible for investigating complaints referred to it by the Student Governance Court Advocate.

Powers and Function of SG Investigations Team

The Investigations Team is responsible for:

• Receiving complaints referred by the Student Governance Court Advocate.
• Conducting impartial and thorough investigations.
• Gathering evidence, statements, and relevant documentation.
• Requesting additional information where necessary, including from relevant institutional structures.
• Maintaining strict confidentiality during all investigations.
• Submitting a complete investigation report and evidence bundle to the Advocate.