Preponderance of the Evidence

Elon University’s adjudication processes, unlike proceedings of a court of law, do not require the legal standard of “proof beyond a reasonable doubt.” Due to the educational nature of the student conduct system and the need to balance the rights and privileges of all members of the university community, decisions regarding responsibility for violating the Code of Conduct are based on “preponderance of evidence.”  A preponderance of evidence exists when a reasonable person, after evaluating all credible information available at the time of the investigation, would conclude that it is “more likely than not” a violation has occurred.