The Process: Clubs & Organizations

The Process Explained

When the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities (OSRR) receives a report of a possible Recognized Student Organization Code of Conduct (RSOCC) infraction, the office will outreach any witnesses as part of the investigation and fact-finding process. A student witness may confer with family members, advisors, or attorneys at any stage in the intake process, but attorneys are not permitted to participate in a hearing if the matter proceeds to that phase.

Witness Meetings

At the initial meeting, the student witness is advised of their rights and offered an opportunity to share with the student conduct administrator what they observed. The student is encouraged to respond and participate in an open and honest discussion of the incident. All witness meetings as part of the club and organization process are completely confidential.

Notice of Investigation

If OSRR determines that there is enough evidence that a club or organization violated the RSOCC, a Notice of Investigation will be sent to the President of the organization and any National HQ staff, if applicable.

The Notice of Investigation will include a date and time for the President, one other club officer, and one advisor to meet with the University Judicial Coordinator and discuss the incident(s). This meeting provides an opportunity for the organization to respond to the allegations, provide additional evidence, and work with OSRR in determining the next appropriate steps.

The Notice of Investigation letter will outline any restrictions placed on the club or organization, as deemed appropriate based on the nature of the incident. This may include, but is not limited to, restricting social events, meetings, and recruitment.

Outcome(s)

After conferring with campus partners, in addition to any appropriate staff members from a National HQ, OSRR will issue an Outcome Letter to the organization. The Outcome Letter will outline the facts in the investigation, any applicable charges of the RSOCC, and the sanctions placed upon the organization. Outcome Letters are administrative actions and are not required to be memorialized in writing by the organization President - the Outcome Letter decision is final and may not be appealed. All correspondence between the university and organization will be kept in the organization’s conduct file with OSRR. All files and records are kept indefinitely per the record and retention policy outlined in the RSOCC.

Possible Sanctions

Student organizations that violate the RSOCC are subject to sanctions.

Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

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Withdrawal of Recognition – includes but is not limited to the student organization being denied use of University facilities, use of the University name, and use of Associated Student facilities and services. Withdrawal of recognition may be permanent, indefinite, or for a specified time.

Suspension – suspends all privileges granted to the student organization for a specific time. An organization under suspension must continue to fulfill the responsibilities required of the student organization and its respective governing council.

Suspension of Specific Privileges –suspends specific privileges of the student organization for a specific period of time. 

Suspension in Abeyance – places the organization on suspension, but the University does not implement the suspension. The organization retains privileges but must meet specified conditions. If the organization does not meet the conditions, the suspension immediately takes effect.

Probation – places the organization on probation for a period of time during which the organization is expected to demonstrate exemplary compliance with University policies. Probation may include conditions that the organization must meet to be removed from probation. The probationary conditions may specify the sanctions to be imposed should the organization not comply with the term(s) of probation.

Reprimand – states that the student organization’s actions were inappropriate and a warning that future infractions shall not occur.

Restitution –orders compensation for loss, damages, or injury that may include service, monetary, or material replacement.

Educational and Remedial Sanctions – orders attendance at education seminars by organization members or requires the organization to prepare presentation(s) to educate others.

Social Restrictions – prohibits the student organization from holding social events for a specific period.

Alcohol Restrictions – prohibits the student organization from having alcoholic beverages present at
organization-related activities. 

Community Service – orders the organization to perform a specific number of hours of community service to be coordinated and/or approved by the Office of Dean of Students.

Fines – requires the student organization to pay fines not to exceed $1000, to be used for educational or charitable purposes or to be paid directly to a charitable organization or a designated University or Associated Students program.