Student Judicial Process
Dean of Students Office
P202 Peabody Hall
(352) 392-1261
www.dso.ufl.edu/judicial/
The University of Florida is an institution which encourages the intellectual and personal growth of its students as scholars and citizens. As an educational institution, the University recognizes that the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, and the development of individuals requires the free exchange of ideas, self-expression, and the challenging of beliefs and customs.
In order to maintain an environment where these goals can be achieved safely and equitably, the University promotes civility, respect and integrity among all members of the community. As stated in the Standard of Ethical Conduct, students are expected to exhibit high standards of behavior and concern for others, both in and out of the classroom.
The University strives to protect and guide the educational community by establishing a Code of Student Conduct and student judicial system, which promotes individual and social responsibility. Choosing to join the University of Florida community obligates each member to a code of civilized behavior. Individuals and student organizations are expected to observe the policies, rules, and regulations of the University of Florida and the State of Florida. University policies have been designed to protect individuals and the campus community and to create an environment conducive to achieving the academic mission of the institution.
The purpose of the Code of Student Conduct is to set forth the specific authority and responsibility of the University in maintaining social discipline, to establish guidelines which facilitate a just and civil campus community, and to outline the educational process for determining student and student organization responsibility for alleged violations of University regulations. This judicial process will follow established procedures for insuring fundamental fairness and an educational experience that facilitates the development of the individual and of the organization.
What is the Code of Student Conduct?
The Code of Student Conduct is a set of standards and regulations which describe the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of students at the University of Florida.
Included are:
- The procedural rights of students allegedly involved in Conduct Code violations.
- A list of general student rights and responsibilities.
- Due Process Rights
- A list of actions that are violations of appropriate student conduct.
- Possible sanctions for such conduct.
- Procedures by which violations are resolved.
What is Academic Honesty?
As a Gator, you pledge to uphold yourself and your peers to the highest standards of honesty and integrity. As such, Gators do not cheat, plagiarize, bribe, misrepresent, conspire, or fabricate.
What rights do I have if I am facing disciplinary action?
- The right to be notified in writing of the allegations against him/her.
- The right to question adverse witnesses, unless waived for an informal proceeding.
- The right to know the nature and source of the evidence which will be used against him/her.
- The right to present evidence and witnesses relevant to his/her defense, unless waived for an informal proceeding.
- The right to freedom against compulsory self -incrimination.
- The right to appear with an advisor at the hearing.
What happens after I have received notice that I have been charged with an alleged violation of the Code of Student Conduct?
Upon receiving notice that you have been charged with an alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code, you will be asked to call Student Judicial Affairs to make an appointment. At this initial meeting, you will be provided with your rights and a verbal summary of the information and evidence to be presented against you. You will also be provided with an overview of the judicial system and options available to you in the resolution of the charges. There are three options available:
- An informal administrative proceeding.
- A formal hearing with the Assistant Dean and Director for Student Judicial Affairs or designee
- A formal hearing before the Committee of Student Conduct
What kinds of sanctions can be imposed upon me?
If a student is found responsible for the alleged violations of the Student Conduct Code, one or more of the following sanctions may be imposed:
- Written Reprimand
- Conduct Probation
- Educational Sanctions
- Community Service
- Loss of Privileges
- Reduced or Failing Grade
- Restitution for Damages
- Room Transfer/Removal from Housing
- Suspension from the University
- Expulsion from the University
Can I appeal the decision?
Appeals must be filed in writing and contact made with the reviewing authority within 10 days from the date of the decision letter for the purpose of scheduling an appointment.
What criteria is required for filing an appeal?
- The student’s rights were violated in the hearing process.
- There is new material evidence which could not have been discovered at the time of the hearing.
- The evidence did not support the decision.
- The sanctions imposed were not appropriate for the violation.
FERPA & the Buckley Amendment (The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974)
In accordance with State University System rules, state statutes, and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Buckley Amendment), the University of Florida assures the confidentiality of student educational records. The complete policy can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog. The Buckley Amendment allows the university to access confidential information for normal business purpose. Directory information (name, class, college, major, and telephone) can be publicly released. Non-directory information (grades, disciplinary records, medical records, etc.) will not be released toa third party with out the written consent of the student. The exception to the rule is for parents of dependent students, as defined by the IRS. Upon presentation of proof, noting this exception, to the University Registrar’s Office, parents have the same rights as their students. All students, however, will be notified of the release of the information to a third party.
Parental Notification of Drug and Alcohol Cases
The following policy is in effect to notify parents or guardians of students in alcohol and other drug cases in the University of Florida.
- If a registered student is found responsible for violating the campus conduct code’s underage consumption, possession, or drug rules twice during the same term or for a third time regardless of the length of time between violations the student’s parents will be notified in writing by the Division of Student Affairs.
- If a registered Student is transported to an emergency medical treatment center for drug use or intoxication, the student’s parents or guardians may be notified by a telephone call from the Division of Student Affairs if necessary to protect the health an safety of the student or other individuals.
The Associate Vice President for Student Affairs or designee will be making the telephone calls to the parents or guardians to avoid any conflict with the student disciplinary procedure in which the Dean of Students and the Vice President for Student Affairs hear judicial appeals.