SPIs at Queen’s: What Happens When Someone Raises a Concern?
Written by: Akpotobore
If you believe an AMS policy has been broken, you might be unsure where to bring your concern or what will happen once you do. For someone receiving a complaint, that uncertainty can feel just as daunting.
The Suspected Policy Infraction (SPI) process gives these concerns a clear path through the AMS judicial system.
“Suspected” is an important part of the name: raising a concern begins a process of reviewing what happened. It does not establish that someone has broken a rule.
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Understanding What Falls Within an SPI
Understanding What Falls Within an SPI
Under the AMS Judicial Policy, an SPI involves an alleged violation of a rule within AMS authority. This includes the AMS Constitution, policies governed by AMS Assembly, Member Society policies and other applicable published non-academic rules. A complaint can concern an individual, a club or another group.
SPIs are distinct from Non-Academic Misconduct (NAM), which concerns the Queen’s Student Code of Conduct. The AMS handles Category 1 NAM cases referred by the University’s Non-Academic Misconduct Intake Office (NAMIO). Harassment, discrimination and sexual-violence concerns also have separate University procedures.
Bringing a Concern Forward
The process starts with a written complaint or referral to the Judicial Affairs Office (JAO), including through . An SPI case may begin when the information provides reasonable grounds to believe a violation occurred.
The JAO is the independent investigative branch of the AMS judicial system. A Case Officer reviews the evidence, meets with those involved and explains the respondent’s rights. The respondent is the person or group the complaint concerns.
The officer’s role is to investigate fairly, without representing either side. If the investigation identifies a matter falling under the Student Code of Conduct or another University policy, it must be reported to NAMIO.
How a Case Can Be Resolved
The outcome depends on what the investigation finds. Cases are assessed on the balance of probabilities, meaning whether a violation more likely than not occurred. Proceedings can end when the evidence does not establish a violation.
Where the facts are undisputed and the respondent and Case Officer agree on responsibility and sanctions, an informal written agreement may resolve the case. Individual agreements require no further hearing; group agreements may receive Judicial Council review.
When there is sufficient information to proceed but an agreement cannot be reached or is inappropriate, the case goes to the Judicial Council. As the separate decision-making branch, Council hears the case and determines responsibility, sanctions or both.
Why a Fair Process Matters
Raising a concern takes trust. Students need to know their complaint will receive careful consideration, and anyone responding deserves a meaningful opportunity to explain their side.
The process includes rights to impartial treatment, a fair hearing and disclosure of relevant evidence to respondents. Eligible complainants may request consultation before an agreement and notification of Council’s decision. Investigations are confidential, subject to permitted exceptions; seeking advice is allowed, and hearings may be open.
Investigating SPIs helps the AMS put its policies into practice. It provides a way to address concerns, uphold shared expectations and hold people accountable while protecting the rights of everyone involved.
So, What Now?
Knowing your rights and understanding the process is the first step toward accountability. Whether you’re involved in an AMS club, student government or simply part of the Queen’s community, take some time to familiarize yourself with the policies that apply to you.
If you ever witness something that you believe violates an AMS policy, don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance. You don’t need to have all the answers before reaching out.
Not sure whether something qualifies as an SPI? Contact the Judicial Affairs Office at to better understand your options.