Brought to you as part of the Current Research Series! Student conduct administrators make complex decisions that shape student learning and accountability, yet little research explores how these decisions are formed. This webinar shares findings from a qualitative case study examining how SCAs across Midwest and Northeast institutions use reasoning, values, and professional judgment to inform conduct decision-making in practice.

Presenter Information & Bio:

Dr. Kupenda Palmer

Dr. Kupenda Palmer is a higher education professional with extensive experience in student conduct, residential education, and community standards. She earned her doctorate in Higher Education Administration, with a dissertation titled “The Decision-Making Process in Student Conduct: A Qualitative Study,” and holds a master’s degree in Industrial Counseling.

Dr. Palmer’s work in student conduct spans the full conduct lifecycle. She began her career as a Senior Residential Advisor, serving as Chair of the Hearing Board, and later advanced to roles as a Residence Hall Director and Area Coordinator, where she adjudicated residential conduct matters. She went on to serve as Judicial Coordinator and Assistant Director, further shaping and refining her conduct philosophy and practice.

Dr. Palmer currently serves at Stony Brook University as the Associate Director for Residential Conduct & Community Standards and Staff Recruitment & Selection. In this role, she provides strategic oversight of case adjudication, staff training, policy development, and the advancement of student conduct processes.

Grounded in restorative justice and transformational leadership, Dr. Palmer approaches student conduct as a meaningful educational process—one that mitigates harm, fosters reflection, and empowers students to make informed decisions. She is a committed student advocate, thoughtful problem solver, and collaborative leader dedicated to advancing student success. Contact: kupenda.palmer@stonybrook.edu