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Organizational Misconduct

As groups affiliated with the University of North Florida, student organizations are entitled certain rights and privileges. Therefore, student organizations are responsible for abiding by the Student Code of Conduct. "Student organizations" refers to the University’s athletic teams, identity-based organizations, fraternities and sororities, and clubs registered under the Osprey Involvement Center. This also includes organizations that are acting as de facto student organizations, according to the Student Code of Conduct.

The determination of whether a case concerns individuals or the organization will be determined on a case by case basis by the hearing administrator. However, both the organization and individuals can be adjudicated throughout the conduct process.

Factors used to determine whether an alleged Code violation was committed by an organization include, but are not limited to:

  • A reasonable person would associate the behavior with the organization;
  • Number of members from the student organization present;
  • Executive Board/Leadership had knowledge of the alleged misconduct or incident;
  • Whether the alleged misconduct was committed with organizational finances or within property associated with the organization;
  • Members attempted to conceal activity of the event or involvement of other members; and
  • Related to the initiation, admission, or continuation of organizational membership. 

Summary of the Organizational Misconduct Process

  • What MUST be reported to the Dean of Students Office related to misconduct?
    Anything that falls under federal reporting guidelines, including but not limited to: alcohol and drug violations, hazing, and sexual misconduct, MUST be reported and go through the Student Conduct Process.
  • What can my organization handle internally regarding misconduct?
    Each organization has either a student handbook, constitution, bylaws, or some form of guiding documentation for their organization. Anything within your organization’s documents is yours to handle via your organization’s standards, judicial, or other process. If you have questions regarding whether a matter should be handled internally or by the Dean of Students Office, please contact our office.
  • Who reported my organization for misconduct?

    Your organization could have been reported the following ways (non-exhaustive list):

    • Another office on campus brought an incident to DOS's attention.
    • A report, which could be anonymous, was submitted via our website.
    • A Housing and Residence Life incident report was submitted to DOS.
    • A community member reached out to someone in the Dean of Students Office or the President's Office regarding community concerns.
  • Does the conduct process work the same for student organizations as it does for individual students?
    Yes. The conduct process follows the same path for student organizations and individuals because the Student Code of Conduct states that the phrase “student organization” can be substituted for “student” throughout.
  • How does social media impact an organization’s case?
    Most documentation reported to DOS comes from social media photos posted on the various sites. The hearing administrator or investigator uses this documentation as evidence to determine responsibility based on the preponderance of evidence standard. Our Office does not actively monitor social media for student or organizational behavior. 
  • What are some sanctions that are specific to organizations?
    Sanctions given to your organization can include most things on our Progressive Sanctioning Pyramid, but some that are typically assigned to organizations include:
    • Restrictions for social events
    • Learning modules assigned to the entire chapter
    • Removal from campus