THE GOLDEN RULE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2021-2022

THE GOLDEN RULE

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2021-2022

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CONTENTS

The Golden Rule Review Committee (GRRC) ......................................................................................... 4

UCF-5.006 Student Rights and Responsibilities ..................................................................................... 6

UCF-5.0065 Involuntary Withdrawal Procedures; Mandated Assessment ....................................... 16

UCF-5.007 Student Conduct and Academic Integrity; Scope; Student Conduct Records; Medical

Emergencies (Alcohol & Drug) ................................................................................................................ 21

UCF-5.008 Rules of Conduct.................................................................................................................. 24

UCF-5.009 Student Conduct Review Process; Sanctions .................................................................... 33

UCF-5.010 Student Conduct Appeals ................................................................................................... 41

UCF-5.011 Scope; Authority; Principles of Student Group Responsibility; Violations of Law and

Organizational Rules of Conduct Violations; Conduct Records; Medical Emergencies (Alcohol &

Drugs) ......................................................................................................................................................... 45

UCF-5.012 Organizational Rules of Conduct .................................................................................... 48

UCF-5.013 Organization Conduct Review Process; Sanctions; Appeals ........................................... 54

UCF-5.015 Student Academic Misconduct Review Process ................................................................ 64

UCF-5.016 Student Academic Appeals ................................................................................................. 69

UCF-5.017 Appeals of Graduate Program Actions or Decisions ........................................................ 76

University Registrar .................................................................................................................................. 80

Student Health Services ............................................................................................................................ 83

Office of Student Involvement ................................................................................................................. 86

Student Union ............................................................................................................................................ 94

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The University of Central Florida is a community brought together by the tenets of the

UCF Creed: Integrity, Scholarship, Community, Creativity, and Excellence. These are

the values that guide our conduct, performance, and decisions. To be successful at

UCF, there is an expectation that we embrace and promote these core values in

everything we do as a sign of our membership in the UCF community.

Whether you are a new or continuing undergraduate, graduate or professional student

at UCF, there are certain responsibilities that students must uphold as members of our

community. The Golden Rule is a compilation of policies and procedures from different

university areas intended to define the rights and responsibilities afforded to students

and provide a better understanding of each student’s role as a member of the UCF

community.

The Golden Rule is published online annually but can be revised at any time to reflect

new and modified information deemed critical by the university. Changes will be

communicated through online resources and by other means, at which time the

revisions will supersede previously published information.

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR) within the Division of Student

Development and Enrollment Services (SDES) is delegated the responsibility for

reviewing, assembling, and communicating information included in The Golden Rule.

Students are given the opportunity to periodically influence the rules that they are

expected to adhere to through the Golden Rule Review Committee.

UCF values diversity, equity, and the inclusion of all in our community. Accordingly, The

University shall not discriminate in offering access to its educational programs and

activities on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, non-religion, age,

genetic information, sex (including pregnancy and parental status), gender identity or

expression, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability (including

learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and past or present history of mental

illness), political affiliations, veteran status (as protected under the Vietnam Era

Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act), or membership in any other protected classes

as set forth in state or federal law. It is our policy to treat all people with dignity and

respect.

For more information or further clarification, please contact OSRR at 407-823-4638, visit

their website, http://osrr.sdes.ucf.edu for the most current version of The Golden

Rule or email them at osrr@ucf.edu.

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The Golden Rule Review Committee (GRRC)

This committee shall be established for the periodic review of responding to the changing needs

of the student body with regard to the Golden Rule. It is intended to give the students a voice in

determining the rules to which they shall adhere.

a. Membership

1. Membership to the committee shall consist of 7 students, 4 of which shall

be appointed by the Student Body President and 3 shall be selected by the

Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Services.

2. There shall be an application and selection process established by the

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

3. An eighth (8th) member of the Golden Rule Review Committee shall be

appointed by the Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment

Services. This member shall act as an alternate and shall reserve voting

privileges in absence of a voting committee member.

4. It is suggested that the Judicial Advisor of the Student Government

Association be considered for appointment to the committee.

(i) If the committee is already full, the Judicial Advisor may be

included as an additional non-voting member.

b. Ex-Officio

1. Any student enrolled at the University shall be permitted to attend GRRC

meetings.

(i) These students shall be considered ex-officio.

(ii) They also shall have the right to debate on any proposal but shall

not have the power to vote.

2. No faculty, staff, and/or administrator shall be considered ex-officio.

c. Advisors

1. At least one representative from the OSRR shall maintain an advisory role

in the Committee and shall advise the members of the Committee as well

as any student in attendance.

2. Staff members with expertise regarding particular sections of the Golden

Rule should make themselves available to advise the members upon the

Committee’s request.

d. Notification

The existence of the committee shall be publicized to the student body.

1. At the beginning of each semester, a message shall be sent through

appropriate distribution channels inviting all students to attend committee

meetings.

2. The committee shall maintain a webpage which shall contain information

on the meeting times, location, proposals under review and voting records

and which shall be clearly linked from the online version of the Golden

Rule and Responsibilities. The proposal shall then be sent to all members

of the Committee via e-mail within 48 hours of receiving the proposal.

e. Powers of the Proposal Process

1. The Committee shall recommend changes to the Golden Rule to the

appropriate administrative body.

2. Any student may make a proposal to the Committee.

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3. All proposals made by faculty, staff, administration, or members of the

committee shall be submitted to the representative for Student Rights and

Responsibilities.

4. All proposals which are approved by a majority vote of the student

members of the committee shall be submitted by the committee in writing

to the Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Services or

designee.

(i) The Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment

Services or designee shall notify the committee in writing of the

decision regarding the proposal.

(ii) If the Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment

Services or designee chooses not to incorporate the proposal into

the Golden Rule, he/she shall outline the reasons for choosing not

to do so in memorandum.

5. When reviewing sections of the Golden Rule for which the content is

mandated by another University document, the Committee may propose

changes to sections in such a document which are reflected in the Golden

Rule through the appropriate administrative channels.

f. Presence

1. The Committee shall meet at least once each month during the fall and

spring semesters

(i) All members of the committee shall be notified of the time and

place of each meeting.

(ii) The Committee shall propose no changes to this section of the

Golden Rule which can be construed to eliminate the mandate for

the Committee to exist.

2. Quorum shall be defined as the presiding officer, being the Chair or Vice

Chair, and at least two additional voting members of the committee.

g. Attendance Policy

At the first meeting of each semester, the committee shall establish its own

attendance policy.

h. Transition Policy

At the conclusion of the Spring Semester, the Chair of the Golden Rule Review

Committee, or designee, shall create a transition packet for the subsequent Chair.

1. The transition packet shall be provided to the current Golden Rule Review

Committee Advisor in both electronic and hard copy form. It is the

responsibility of the Advisor to provide this packet to the new Chair upon

selection.

2. The transition information should include the following:

(i) Leadership Positions of the current committee

(ii) Accomplishments

(iii) Recommendations

(iv) Attendance Policy

(v) Sample Meeting Agenda and Minutes

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UCF-5.006 Student Rights and Responsibilities

(1) Student Rights. Upon enrollment, students are entitled to the following freedoms and

rights, provided the exercise thereof is accomplished in accordance with University procedures

and does not result in disruption or disturbance as elsewhere described in the Regulations.

(a) Participation in Student Government and its elective process.

(b) Membership in Registered Student Organizations.

and act upon a variety of thoughts and beliefs are guaranteed. Freedom of

expression carries with it the responsibility for seeing that the essential order of

the University is preserved.

(d) Freedom to hold public forums. The University desires to create a spirit of free

inquiry and to promote the timely discussion of a wide variety of issues, provided

the views expressed are stated openly and are subject to critical evaluation.

Restraints on free inquiry are held to a minimum and are consistent with

preserving an organized society in which peaceful, democratic means for change

are available. Guest lecturers or off-campus speakers sponsored by student groups

may appear on the UCF campus following arrangements with the designated

University authority for such appearances.

(e) Freedom to hear, write, distribute, and act upon a variety of thoughts and beliefs.

This freedom is subject to the following:

1. Written materials identified by authorship and sponsorship may be sold or

distributed on campus within the guidelines of propriety and responsible

journalism. The distribution of such material, as is arranged by the

Director of Office of Student Involvement, is permissible for registered

student organizations provided steps have been taken to preserve the

orderliness of the campus.

2. Solicitation, whether printed materials or otherwise, on campus is

prohibited except as provided in University Regulation UCF-4.010.

3. The distribution of materials or circulation of petitions to captive

audiences such as those in classrooms, at registration, in study areas or in

residential units is not allowed without prior permission. Such permission

may be requested from the appropriate university official.

(f) Peaceful assembly. Student gatherings must neither disrupt or interfere with the

orderly operation of the institution, nor violate federal, state, or local laws, or

University policies and regulations.

(g) Fair and impartial proceeding. These matters shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Disciplinary proceedings involving an alleged violation of academic and

nonacademic rules.

2. Refunds and charges. The status of a student charged with a violation of

University rules shall not be affected pending final disposition of the

charges except in the case of administrative action (also known as an

interim action). For specific procedures and rights of students during the

Student Conduct Review Process, see later section entitled “Student

Conduct Review Process.”

(h) Confidentiality of student records. Each University office and agency which

generates, collects, and disseminates information on students must follow the

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guidelines for confidentiality of those records in their possession. For further

information see “Student Record Guidelines.”

(i) Students with disabilities may be entitled to accommodations. For those students,

please contact Student Accessibility Services.

(2) Student Responsibilities. A student at the University is deemed to have given their consent

to the policies of the University and the Florida Board of Governors and to the laws of the State

of Florida. Each student is responsible for reviewing the rules and regulations of the University

and for abiding by them.

(3) Definitions.

(a) The term “Academic Misconduct Panel” is comprised of one faculty and one

staff/faculty member and two students selected from the Student Conduct Board.

(b) The term “Advisor” or “Support Person” refers to any individual who provides

support, guidance or advice to a party involved in a Student Conduct Review

Process and includes advocates and/or legal representatives. The Advisor or

Support Person of the involved party’s choice may assist and/or accompany the

party throughout the Student Conduct Review Process. This person may be

present to advise the party involved in a Student Conduct Review Process and

may participate in all aspects of the proceeding, but shall not testify for the party.

The Advisor or Support Person may not serve in any other role, including as a

witness, an investigator, decider of fact, hearing officer, or member of a

committee or panel convened to hear or decide the charge or any appeal. The term

“Advisor” does not include an advisor as defined under 34 CFR 106.45; refer to

University Policy 2-012 for information about “Advisor” under the University’s

Title IX Grievance Policy.

part of a university course intended to present information or teach enrolled

students about a particular subject. A class lecture will occur most often in a

course identified by the university as a lecture type course, whether online or in-

person, as opposed to a lab course or a course section identified as a discussion

section. “Class lecture” does not include lab sessions, student presentations

(whether individually or as part of a group), class discussion (except when

incidental to and incorporated within a class lecture), clinical presentations such

as patient history, academic exercises involving student participation, test or

examination administrations, field trips, and private conversations between

students in the class or between a student and the faculty member during a class

session.

(d) The term “Clery Act” refers to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security

Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The Clery Act is a federal law that

requires institutions of higher education to provide current and prospective

students and employees, the public, and the federal government with crime

statistics and information about campus crime prevention programs and policies.

Among other crimes, the Clery Act requires that colleges and universities report

forcible sex offenses including sexual assault and rape. The Clery Act was

amended by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013.

(e) The term “Community ReEngagement and Educational Development (CREED)

Program” is a committee composed of an equal number of faculty/staff and

students appointed by the Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity

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(SCAI) or designee to review the disciplinary status of a student, or the removal

of a “Z Designation” on a student’s transcript.

(f) The term “Complainant” refers to anyone who discloses having been subjected to

any act prohibited by the Rules of Conduct section UCF-5.008(5), the Rules of

Conduct section UCF-5.008(6), or the Organizational Rules of Conduct section

UCF-5.012(5), regardless of whether that person makes a report or seeks action

under that policy.

(g) The term “Consent” means an understandable exchange of affirmative words or

actions, which indicate a willingness to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual

activity. Consent cannot be obtained by force, threat, coercion, manipulation,

reasonable fear of injury, intimidation, use of position of influence, or through the

use of one’s mental or physical helplessness or incapacity. The lack of a negative

response, lack of protest or resistance, silence and passivity are not consent.

Consent to one form of sexual activity does not imply consent to other forms of

sexual activity. Past consent to sexual activity does not imply ongoing future

consent.

1. Responsibilities - It is the responsibility of the initiator to obtain clear and

affirmative responses at each stage of sexual involvement.

2. Standard - A determination of whether consent exists will be based on the

information the initiator of the sexual act knew or should have known as a

sober, reasonable person. Being impaired by alcohol or other drugs does

not relieve an initiator of a sexual act from obtaining consent.

3. Incapacitation – Incapacitation is a state where an individual cannot make

rational, reasonable decisions because of age, mental or physical

helplessness, sleep, unconsciousness, or lack of awareness that sexual

activity is taking place. A person may be incapacitated due to the

consumption of alcohol or other drugs, or due to a temporary or permanent

physical or mental health condition. A person who is incapacitated lacks

the capacity to give consent because they cannot understand the facts,

nature, or extent of the sexual interaction.

4. Duration of Consent - Consent must be ongoing throughout sexual

activity, for each sexual act, and can be withdrawn at any time.

5. Within each sexual encounter, there may be separate individual sexual acts

involved. Consent to one act by itself does not constitute consent to

another act. If verbal consent is not given, ongoing active participation is

required for consent.

6. The existence of a dating or sexual relationship between the persons

involved, or the fact of past sexual relations have occurred between the

parties, is not an indicator of consent for any current or future sexual

encounter.

7. An individual who seeks to withdraw consent must communicate, through

clear words or actions, a decision to cease the sexual activity. Once

consent is withdrawn, the sexual activity must cease immediately.

8. Scope of Consent - Consent to engage in sexual activity with one person

does not imply consent to engage in sexual activity with another.

(h) The term “Continuously Enrolled” is defined as being enrolled in classes without

a break of two or more consecutive regular semesters/terms (i.e., Fall and Spring,

or Spring, Summer, and Fall).

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(i) The term "Deputy Title IX Coordinator" is defined as a university employee who

is responsible for assisting with the coordination of the University’s efforts to

comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX. UCF’s Deputy Title

IX Coordinators are Dana Juntunen, Brandi Stuart, and Abigail Malick.

(j) The term “Director of SCAI” refers to the Director of Student Conduct and

Academic Integrity.

(k) The term “Hold” refers to a negative service indicator placed on a student’s

record that includes but is not limited to: prevent modification to registration;

access to transcripts; and re-enrollment following a separation from the

University.

(l) The term “Mandated Assessment” refers to a process which is used to evaluate

the student’s risk of harm to self or others, and to take appropriate actions to

ensure the safety of the student or others if risk is present, completed by a licensed

mental health professional or other appropriate licensed medical provider.

(m) The term “Off Campus” refers to any location not defined as University premises.

(n) The term “Overlay” refers to a notification on a student’s university transcript that

states the student is not in good standing.

(o) The term "Possession" means having actual knowledge of a substance or property,

and intentionally exercising control over that substance or property.

(p) The term “Preponderance of Evidence” means that evidence, considered as a

whole, shows that the fact sought to be proved is more probable than not. This is

the standard used in adjudicating all disciplinary cases within the Student and

Organizational Conduct Review Process.

(q) The term “Publish” means to share, transmit, circulate, distribute or otherwise

provide access to a recording, regardless of format or medium, to another person

(or other persons), including but not limited to another student in the class.

Additionally, a recording, or transcript of the recording, is published if it is posted

on or uploaded to, in whole or in part, any media platform, including but not

limited social media, book, magazine, newspaper, leaflet, picket signs, or any

mode of print.

(r) The term “Record Sealing” refers to when a student’s disciplinary record cannot

be examined except by a court order or designated officials.

(s) The term “Relevant Information” means information that has been shown to

directly support the position of a party throughout one of the University’s

investigative processes, including the Student and/or Organizational Conduct

Review Process.

(t) The term “Respondent” refers to any student or registered student organization

who has been accused of a violation of Rules of Conduct Section UCF-5.008(5),

Rules of Conduct Section UCF-5.008(6), and/or the Organizational Rules of

Conduct section UCF-5.012(5).

(u) The term “Responsible Employee” is defined as any employee, and Direct

Support Organization non-student employee, who is not a confidential employee

as defined in the University’s Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment and

Related Interpersonal Violence Policy. Responsible Employees include (but are

not necessarily limited to) Faculty (full-time and part-time), Staff (full-time and

part-time), Resident Assistants, and graduate students with classroom

responsibilities. Responsible employees also include those employees identified

as Campus Security Authorities (CSAs). The University reserves the right to

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designate other individuals involved in university-sponsored/related activities as

Responsible Employees on a case-by-case basis.

(v) The term “Sanction” refers to outcome(s) imposed on students and registered

student organizations found in violation of any Rules of Conduct or

Organizational Rules of Conduct.

(w) The term “Sex Discrimination” refers to any unlawful distinction, preference or

detriment to an individual that is based upon an individual’s sex that: (1) excludes

an individual from participation in; (2) denies the individual the benefits of; (3)

treats the individual differently with regards to; or (4) otherwise adversely affects

a term or condition of an individual’s employment, education, living environment,

or participation in a university program or activity. Sex discrimination includes

sexual assault/misconduct, sexual exploitation, relationship violence, stalking,

sexual or gender-based harassment, retaliation, or complicity.

(x) The term “Sexual Contact” means physical contact of a sexual nature between

individuals and includes but is not limited to: (i) touching, kissing, fondling

(whether over or under clothing) of an individual for the purpose of sexual

gratification; and/or (ii) contact, however slight, between the mouth, anus or sex

organ of one individual with either the anus or sex organ of another individual;

and/or (iii) contact, however slight, between the anus or sex organ of one

individual and any other object.

(y) The term “Student” means any person enrolled in one or more classes at the

University, either full time or part time, study abroad student, online students,

continuing education students, students pursuing undergraduate, graduate or

professional studies, either degree seeking or non-degree seeking. Persons who

withdraw after allegedly violating the Rules of Conduct, or who are not officially

enrolled for a particular academic term but who have a continuing relationship

with the University are also “students.” Individuals who have been accepted for

admission and have paid an enrollment deposit are considered “students” for

limited purposes (including the Student Conduct Review Process).

(z) The term “Student Conduct Board” refers to any person or persons authorized by

the Director of SCAI or designee to review information and recommend findings

regarding whether a student or registered student organization has violated the

Rules of Conduct or Organizational Rules of Conduct, and to recommend

sanctions that may be imposed, if applicable. Student Conduct Board members

shall be selected through an annual application and interview process, with the

exception of the justices from the Student Government Judicial Branch. All

members of the Student Conduct Board shall receive annual training from SCAI.

(aa) The term “Title IX” refers to the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

which is a federal law that protects people from discrimination based on sex in

education programs or activities which receive Federal financial assistance. Title

IX states that: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be

excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to

discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal

financial assistance”. Additionally, Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis

of pregnancy as well as Title IX sexual harassment (defined in UCF-5.006(7)).

(bb) The “Title IX Coordinator” is defined as a university employee who is responsible

for coordinating the University’s efforts to comply with and carry out its

responsibilities under Title IX. UCF’s Title IX Coordinator is Matt Ricke.

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(cc) The term “University” means the University of Central Florida.

(dd) The term “University Community” refers, collectively and individually, to

students, University officials, Trustees, and all visitors, contractors, and guests to

the University or any of its campuses, facilities or events.

(ee) The term “University Official” includes any person employed by the University

(i.e., faculty, staff, administration, and residence hall staff) acting within the scope

of their job duties.

(ff) The term “University Premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other

properties in the possession of or owned, used, controlled by the University, or its

direct support organizations.

(gg) The term “VAWA” refers to the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of

2013, which amended the Violence Against Women Act and the Clery Act to

provide new requirements for schools to prevent and respond to sexual violence,

relationship violence and stalking. Some of these requirements include providing

primary prevention education and awareness programs for all incoming students

and employees; collecting statistics on relationship violence and stalking, in

addition to current requirements to collect sexual assault statistics; issuing

Complainants a written notice of their rights; and adopting grievance policies that

are prompt, fair, and impartial as well as administered by trained officials.

(hh) The term “VP of SDES” refers to the Vice President of Student Development and

Enrollment Services.

(ii) The term “Witness” refers to any person who directly observed an incident or has

direct or indirect knowledge related to an incident.

(4) Smoking. While on UCF property, students will uphold the smoke-free campus policy

(http://smokefree.sdes.ucf.edu/) to ensure a healthy and clean environment for everyone.

Smoking of any kind is prohibited in all facilities and University premises.

(5) Medical Emergencies. The University of Central Florida highly encourages students and

Registered Student Organizations to call for medical assistance whenever an individual

experiences severe intoxication/impairment or serious injury after consuming alcohol and/or

drugs. Students and Registered Student Organizations may be reluctant to call for help for

themselves or others due to potential involvement from law enforcement officials or SCAI. Due

to the serious or life-threatening nature of these medical emergencies, the University of Central

Florida urges students to contact emergency medical services or the law enforcement officials if

alcohol-related and/or drug-related medical emergencies arise. The University’s primary goal is

to create a safe environment for its students. Procedures and expectations regarding these

incidents have been outlined in the section 5.007 for individuals of and 5.011 for Registered

Student Organizations.

(6) Student Conduct Procedures for Sex-Based Misconduct (Non-Title IX Sexual

Harassment).

(a) These procedures apply to alleged violations of UCF Regulation 5.008(5) and

5.012(5), but do not apply to 5.008(6) Title IX Sexual Harassment (see paragraph

(7) below).

(b) The University of Central Florida is committed to fostering an environment in

which all members of our campus community are safe, secure, and free from sex

discrimination, including sexual misconduct, stalking, and relationship violence,

listed and defined in the Rules of Conduct (UCF-5.008) and Organizational Rules

of Conduct (UCF-5.012).Our community expects that all interpersonal

relationships and interactions – especially those of an intimate nature – be

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grounded upon mutual respect and open communication. When learning of

conduct or behavior that may not meet these standards, community members are

expected take an active role in promoting the inherent dignity of all individuals.

For a more exhaustive list of the community’s rights and expectations as it relates

to Title IX Policy and Procedures, please reference University Policy 2-004.1

Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment and Related Interpersonal Violence.

Allegations of Title IX Sexual Harassment (as defined in the University's Title IX

Grievance Policy, UCF Policy 2-012) are governed by paragraph (7) below.

that he or she has been subjected to sex discrimination or retaliation by another

student, member of the faculty or staff, or third party affiliated with the University

to immediately report the incident to the Office of Institutional Equity. Reports

may be filed at https://letsbeclear.ucf.edu.

(d) The University strives to promote the safety and well-being of all students and

employees. This information is applicable to students and employees regardless of

their sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

(e) Rights of the Complainant and the Respondent. Any individual (“Complainant”)

who discloses having been subjected to sex discrimination, including sexual

assault/misconduct, sexual exploitation, relationship violence, stalking, sexual or

gender-based harassment, retaliation, or complicity, and any individual or

registered student organization (“Respondent”) who has been accused of sex

discrimination, including sexual assault/misconduct, sexual exploitation,

relationship violence, stalking, sexual or gender-based harassment, retaliation, or

complicity, are afforded the following rights throughout the university’s

investigative process and the student conduct review process (except in cases

involving alleged Title IX Sexual Harassment as defined in the University’s Title

IX Grievance Policy, UCF Policy 2-012, see paragraph (7) below). These rights

provide a fair process for both parties. These rights are in addition to the rights

afforded in the student conduct review procedures outlined in University Policy 2-

004.1 Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment and Related Interpersonal

Violence, and referenced in UCF-5.009 (students) and UCF-5.013 (student

organizations) of the University Regulations. Complainant and Respondent rights

include the following:

1. Both the Complainant and Respondent are permitted to have an advisor or

support person accompany them throughout the university’s investigative

process and student conduct review process. This person may be present

to advise the party involved in a student conduct review process and may

participate in all aspects of the proceeding but shall not testify for the

Complainant or Respondent. The advisor or support person may not serve

in any other role, including as a witness, an investigator, decider of fact,

hearing officer, or member of a committee or panel convened to hear or

decide the charge or any appeal.

2. Both the Complainant and the Respondent have the right to remedial and

protective measures and shall be notified of available assistance at the

University.

3. Both the Complainant and Respondent will have equal opportunity to

present relevant witnesses and other information during the investigative

process and during a formal hearing. Prior to the initiation of the student

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conduct review process, the investigator has the discretion to determine

the relevance of any proffered evidence and to include or exclude certain

types of evidence. In general, the investigator will not consider statements

of personal opinion, rather than direct observations or reasonable inference

from the facts, or statements as to any party’s general reputation for any

character trait.

4. If the investigative process results in a recommendation to initiate the

student conduct review process, at least seven business (7) business days

before the formal hearing, the Respondent will receive timely written

notice of the charges in sufficient detail to prepare for the formal hearing

and the date, time, and location of the formal hearing. In addition to the

timely written notice, Complainant and Respondent will be required to

attend a preliminary conference meeting with SCAI and be informed of

the available resolution options in the student conduct review process.

5. Both the Complainant and Respondent have the right to an impartial

hearing officer. Prior to the commencement of the formal hearing, the

Complainant and Respondent shall have the opportunity to challenge the

impartiality of the hearing officer. If the Complainant or Respondent

shows good cause for the removal of the hearing officer, the Associate

Vice President and Dean of Students or designee will assign a new hearing

officer.

6. At least five (5) business days before the formal hearing, both the

Complainant and Respondent will be provided with all known information

in the University’s possession related to the allegations. This information

will include all known witnesses and all known information that is related

to the allegations, both inculpatory and exculpatory.

7. If the matter proceeds to a formal hearing, both the Complainant and

Respondent may submit a list of proposed questions related to the alleged

incident to be asked during the formal hearing. The relevancy of proposed

questions will be determined by the hearing officer. During a formal

hearing, all questions shall be asked through the hearing officer. Both

Complainant and Respondent should not be questioned directly by one

another nor by either’s advisor; instead, questions for each shall be asked

by the hearing officer based on proposed questions submitted by the other

party.

8. Both the Complainant and Respondent will have equal opportunity to

present relevant witnesses and other information during the investigative

process. Such evidence, as deemed relevant to the investigation and used

in authoring the investigative findings report, shall be presented during the

student conduct review process. Relevancy and timeliness will be

determined by the investigator(s). All evidence and witnesses must be

submitted by the Complainant and Respondent no later than the

conclusion of the investigative findings report review period prior to the

report being sent to OSRR. If OSRR determines that there is “cause,” then

OSRR will make a written recommendation, including a copy of OIE’s

investigative report and all other supporting information, to SCAI. A

finding of “cause” at this stage is not a finding of a violation. SCAI will

charge the student and/or registered student organization through the

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Student Conduct Review Process when there is evidence of facts which

reasonably allow the university to conclude that a violation of 5.008(5) or

5.012(5) may have occurred.

9. Both the Complainant and Respondent will have equal opportunity to

present relevant witnesses and other information during a formal hearing

review process. Neither the Complainant nor Respondent will have

irrelevant past conduct, including sexual history, discussed during the

formal hearing. The issue of relevancy shall be determined by the hearing

officer.

10. Both the Complainant and the Respondent will be provided access to

participate, during the entire formal hearing in person, via

videoconference, by telephone, or by other means available.

11. At least five (5) business days before the formal hearing, the Complainant

may submit a written statement describing the impact of the Prohibited

Conduct on the Complainant and expressing a preference about the

sanction(s) to be imposed. At least five (5) business days before the formal

hearing, the Respondent may submit a written statement explaining any

factors that the Respondent believes should mitigate or otherwise be

considered in determining the sanction(s) imposed. SCAI will ensure that

the Complainant and the Respondent each have an opportunity to review

any statement submitted by the other party before the start of the formal

hearing. The purpose of the statement(s) is to assist the hearing officer in

proposing a sanction. Therefore, the statement(s) will be given to the

hearing body for consideration only if the hearing officer makes a

proposed finding of in violation on one or more allegations of sex-based

misconduct (other than Title IX sexual harassment) addressed in the

formal hearing.

12. Both the Complainant and Respondent will be informed, concurrently and

in writing, of the outcome of the investigative process, the Student

Conduct Review Process, and the outcome of the appeal process.

13. Both the Complainant and the Respondent have the right to appeal the

outcome of the Student Conduct Review Process on the basis outlined in

the applicable Student Conduct Appeals section UCF-5.010 (individual

student) or UCF-5.013 (registered student organizations).

14. Both the Complainant and Respondent will be given periodic status

updates throughout the investigative process and the Student Conduct

Review Process.

(f) Administrative hearing officers who hear cases of sex-based misconduct (other

than Title IX sexual harassment) receive annual training on how to conduct fair

and impartial hearings for these types of cases.

(7) Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures for Student Conduct Review Process.

(a) Federal law, specifically Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title

IX), prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or

activities. Part of Title IX’s prohibition regarding sex discrimination includes acts

of Title IX Sexual Harassment as defined in the University’s Title IX Grievance

Policy, UCF Policy 2-012. Title IX also prohibits retaliation for making a good

faith report of Title IX Sexual Harassment or participating in or being a party to

any proceeding involving allegations of Title IX Sexual Harassment.

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(b) Rights of the Complainant and the Respondent. The rights of the Complainant and

Respondent in a Title IX Sexual Harassment matter are explained in the

University’s Title IX Grievance Policy, UCF Policy 2-012.

procedures which govern the investigation and live hearing process for allegations

of Title IX Sexual Harassment are found in the University’s Title IX Grievance

Policy, UCF Policy 2-012.

(d) Administrative hearing officers who hear cases of Title IX Sexual Harassment

receive annual training on how to conduct fair and impartial hearings for these

types of cases.

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UCF-5.0065 Involuntary Withdrawal Procedures; Mandated

Assessment

(1) Involuntary Withdrawal Procedure.

(a) Introduction.

1. The University of Central Florida is committed to ensuring equality of

educational opportunity while cultivating an environment that is safe for

the campus community and supportive of student learning. The University

will seek to intervene where a student’s behavior interferes with the rights

of others within the University community or where the student presents a

significant risk of harm to the health, safety, well-being and/or property

rights of others. In such situations, safety and security concerns are

paramount, and the University must react as promptly as feasible under the

circumstances. University officials may consider a number of reasonable

security and health and safety measures, including, but not limited to,

requesting emergency assistance and seeking psychiatric evaluation,

hospitalization, and treatment for mental illness as appropriate under the

law. Additionally, the University may determine that it is necessary for

the student to be involuntarily withdrawn from the University for the

protection of others. This section outlines the procedures to be used by the

University in making an involuntary withdrawal decision.

2. This involuntary Withdrawal Procedure will be applied in a

nondiscriminatory manner, and decisions will be based on consideration of

the student’s conduct, actions, and statements and not on knowledge or

belief that the student has a disability.

3. The purpose of the Involuntary Withdrawal Procedure is for the University

to be able to take urgent action when circumstances present a Significant

Risk based on reasonably available information at the time. It will be

necessary for the University to act promptly and for the benefit of the

community as a whole, even if that means that, in consideration of later-

presented information, the procedure ultimately concludes in favor of the

student’s continued enrollment (with or without conditions). Where the

involuntary withdrawal procedure is invoked but the student is permitted

to continue enrollment with no conditions, the University will take

reasonable steps to assist the student in resuming their academic endeavors

with as little disruption as feasible under the circumstances.

(b) Direct Threat. When a student’s behavior is deemed to pose a direct threat risk to

the health and safety of the community, the Associate Vice President and Dean of

Students (“Dean of Students”) or their designee may initiate an involuntary

withdrawal of the student on behalf of the university. The Dean of Students or

designee will consult with the University Crisis Team before a final decision is

made on the involuntary withdrawal of the student. A student poses a Direct

Threat when the student’s behavior poses a “Significant Risk” to the health or

safety of the student or others, or of significant property damage, or of substantial

disruption to the lawful activities of others or the educational process or orderly

operation of the University, and reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or

procedures will not sufficiently mitigate the risk. Significant Risk is defined as

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the high probability of harm, threats of harm, or disruption and not just a slightly

increased, speculative, or remote risk of such. Significant Risk is identified based

on information that is reasonably available at the time of consideration.

Information may be provided to the University through different means, including

an incident report to Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR), a

police report, information provided following a hospitalization, or any other

reliable source.

1. A student may be involuntarily withdrawn from the University on an

interim basis (“Interim Involuntary Withdrawal”) if the Assistant Dean of

Students or designee determines, based upon information reasonably

available at the time, that the student poses a Direct Threat as defined

above. A student will remain on Interim Involuntary Withdrawal pending

the outcome of the Interim Involuntary Withdrawal Review. An Interim

Involuntary Withdrawal may be imposed prior to a meeting of the

University Crisis Team.

2. A student will be notified of Interim Involuntary Withdrawal through a

written notice outlining the Interim Involuntary Withdrawal procedure,

including the time, date, and location of the Interim Involuntary

Withdrawal Review.

3. A student under Interim Involuntary Withdrawal shall be given an

opportunity to present information to the University Crisis Team within

three (3) business days from the effective date of the Interim Involuntary

Withdrawal, to review the following issues only:

a. The reliability of the information concerning the student’s behavior

and,

b. Whether or not the student’s behavior poses a Direct Threat, as

defined above.

4. Should the student fail to attend the Interim Involuntary Withdrawal

review, the review may be held in the student’s absence, and any

recommended actions will be made using the information available at the

time of the scheduled review.

5. If upon conclusion of the Interim Involuntary Withdrawal review, the

University Crisis Team determines the student will remain on Interim

Involuntary Withdrawal based on the above defined issues, the University

Crisis Team will proceed with the Involuntary Withdrawal procedures as

outlined below.

(d) Involuntary Withdrawal – Notice to Student. A student subject to Involuntary

Withdrawal is entitled to the following:

1. Notice of intent to remove the student pursuant to this policy stating the

reasons for the proposed action.

2. The opportunity to examine the psychiatric or other evaluations provided

to the University Crisis Team and to discuss them.

3. The opportunity to present relevant information for consideration of their

case personally, or by a licensed mental health professional working with

that student, if the student is not capable of self-representation.

4. The opportunity to have an advisor of the student’s own choice

accompany the student to any meetings or proceedings described in this

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procedure. The advisor may not present on behalf of the student or

otherwise participate in the meeting or proceeding.

5. The right to appeal.

(e) Involuntary Withdrawal – Meeting of the University Crisis Team. The Assistant

Dean of Students or designee will call a meeting of the University Crisis Team no

earlier than five (5) business days after notifying the student of the proposed

Involuntary Withdrawal. The student will be notified of the time, date, and

location of the University Crisis Team meeting. The student may be present at

this meeting and may present information in support of themselves. Following the

student’s presentation, the team shall meet in a confidential deliberation. At the

conclusion of this confidential deliberation, the team shall make a

recommendation to the Dean of Students or designee, based upon the Team’s

review of all available information at the time of the meeting, as to whether the

University should:

1. involuntary withdraw the student due to Direct Threat;

2. make no changes to the student’s status;

3. allow continued enrollment with conditions; or

4. if the student is on Interim Involuntary Withdrawal at the time, reinstate

the student with or without conditions.

(f) Involuntary Withdrawal – Notifying Student of Recommendation and Decision.

The Dean of Students or designee will make a final decision regarding the

student’s enrollment status based on the totality of information available to the

University and considering both the University Crisis Team’s recommendation

and any information presented by the student. The Dean of Students or designee

will notify the student in writing within two business days of the final decision

regarding the student’s enrollment status.

(g) Involuntary Withdrawal Appeal – In the event a student disagrees with the

decision of the Dean of Students or designee, the student may appeal the decision.

The appeal must be made in writing to the Vice President for SDES, or designee,

within three (3) business days after the date of the notification to the student of

the decision. A student may appeal the decision based on one or more of the

following criteria:

1. Irregularities in fairness and stated procedures that could have affected the

outcome of the decision.

2. Discovery of new and significant information that could have affected the

outcome and that was not known or could not reasonably have been

discovered and/or presented at the time of the meeting.

3. The outcome is extraordinarily disproportionate to the reported behavior.

The Vice President of SDES or designee, shall, within three (3) business days,

sustain the initial decision or return the case to the University Crisis Team for re-

consideration. Should the appellate officer require additional time for review

beyond the three (3) business days, the appellate officer shall notify the student in

writing of the need for additional time. The Vice President’s decision to sustain

the initial decision is final action. If the matter is returned for re-consideration,

the process will resume at the step outlined in subsection (e), above.

(h) Upon being involuntarily withdrawn, the student may no longer enroll in classes,

may not be an active member of a registered student organization, may no longer

use University facilities, must vacate University owned housing, may no longer

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be permitted on University property, and may not be employed by UCF.

Additionally, an involuntarily withdrawn student may be entitled to whatever

refunds of tuition, fees, and room and board charges as would be appropriate

given the timing of the withdrawal.

(i) Students who are involuntarily withdrawn from the University shall have a hold

placed on their records, which will prevent them from being readmitted or

reenrolled at the institution except as stated in this paragraph. A student may

request readmission or reenrollment at the University and provide the Dean or

Students or designee with documentation from an appropriate healthcare provider

of their choice who has conducted a proper assessment of the student and

concluded that the student is ready and able to safely return to the University and

does not pose a Direct Threat as defined above. In cases where the Dean of

Students or designee has imposed other conditions for readmission, it is the

responsibility of the student to provide documentation of compliance with such

conditions.

(j) A student who is considered for but ultimately not subject to Involuntary

Withdrawal may be subject to conditions on continued enrollment at the

University. In such cases, the student will be provided with a written summary of

any such conditions and must meet all conditions in order to maintain student

status. A student who fails to meet such conditions may be later subject to

involuntary withdrawal by the Dean of Students or designee or may be subject to

charges through the University’s Student Conduct Review Process for failure to

comply.

(k) The current voluntary medical withdrawal process should not be used to handle

withdrawals where a Direct Threat is evident or where a violation of the Rules of

Conduct has allegedly occurred. Information for students seeking a medical

withdrawal is available in the Catalog.

(l) As a general principle, the University prefers to use the Student Conduct Review

Process in instances of misconduct, without regard to whether the student has a

physical or mental condition that might be contributing to the misconduct. The

Involuntary Withdrawal Procedure is to be employed in those situations in which

the regular Student Conduct Review Process is not applicable or, due to safety

concerns, cannot be applied in a sufficiently timely fashion.

(2) Mandated Assessment Procedure. This University procedure is established to respond to

behaviors or actions that result in hospitalization from imminent danger to self or others via the

Baker Act (F.S. 394.463) or Marchman Act (Chapter 397, Florida Statutes), significant acts or

threats of violence to others, chronic eating disorders, dramatic and/or expansive displays of self-

mutilation, behaviors that are significantly disruptive to the UCF community and /or diminish the

ability of a student to care for oneself. Whenever the UCF Police provide transportation of a

UCF student to the hospital for involuntary examination, the police will file a report with the

OSRR. In addition, anyone may also file reports about students of concern with Student Care

Services.

(a) Once a report is received regarding a UCF student hospitalization via the Baker

Act or the Marchman Act, Student Care Services may utilize the mandated

assessment session(s) to evaluate a student’s risk of harm to self or others, and to

take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of the student or others if risk is

present. In addition, the mandated assessment session(s) are designed to assist

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students in developing a safety and/or well-being plan and provide students with

educational resources. A member of Student Care Services will contact the

student in a timely manner and require an initial meeting between a Student Care

Services staff member and the student to inform the student of their rights and

responsibilities regarding the incident.

(b) All students identified as threatening self-harm or having attempted suicide must

complete a mandated assessment with a licensed mental health professional

and/or a physical assessment with a licensed medical provider. Examples of a

licensed mental health professional include a Student Health Services psychiatrist,

a Counseling and Psychological Services clinician, or a community based

licensed mental health professional or licensed psychiatrist of the student’s

choice. Student Care Services will require proof of participation for the mandated

assessment with a licensed mental health professional and/or proof of a physical

assessment with an appropriate medical provider. The student must meet with

Student Care Services within ten (10) business days following release to complete

a follow up appointment. Student must provide proof of assessment within twenty

(20) business days following release or prior to return to the University (in the

event a student withdraws for the remainder of the semester or is placed on

Medical Withdrawal). Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action or the

convening of the University Crisis Team.

behavior/conduct (e.g., behavior endangering others, threats to harm others,

behavior significantly disruptive to the UCF community), the Assistant Dean of

Students or designee may initiate one or both of the following:

1. Interim Suspension followed by initiating the Student Conduct Review

Process;

2. Convening of the University Crisis Team to consider the initiation of the Involuntary

Withdrawal Procedure.

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UCF-5.007 Student Conduct and Academic Integrity; Scope;

Student Conduct Records; Medical Emergencies (Alcohol & Drug)

(1) Scope

(a) The Rules of Conduct shall apply to all undergraduate students, graduate students

and students pursuing professional studies, including those attending its regional

campuses and/or off campus instructional sites. The Rules of Conduct shall be

deemed a part of the terms and conditions of admission and enrollment of all

students. The right of all students to seek knowledge, debate ideas, form opinions,

and freely express their ideas is fully recognized by the University of Central

Florida. The Rules of Conduct apply to student conduct and will not be used to

impose discipline for the lawful expression of ideas. Specific restrictions on time

and place of meetings and assemblies are found in other University regulations or

policies.

(b) These Rules of Conduct apply to all student conduct that occurs on University

premises or online, or at activities officially approved by the University of Central

Florida or which are sponsored or conducted by University groups and

organizations, regardless of location.

campus conduct if the conduct is specifically prohibited by law or the Rules of

Conduct; or if the conduct poses (or demonstrates that the student’s continued

presence on University premises poses) a danger to the health, safety or welfare of

the University community; or if the conduct is disruptive to the orderly processes

and functions of the University.

(d) Failure to comply with duly established laws or University regulations may subject

violator(s) to appropriate civil authorities.

(2) Authority

(a) Florida Board of Governors Regulation 6.0105 requires each university to establish

a Student Disciplinary System, including a code of conduct, to apply to student

disciplinary proceedings.

(b) These regulations are designed to ensure fairness and due process in student

disciplinary proceedings.

in the Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Services or

designee. Selected functions of this authority are shared with faculty, staff and

students. Some functions of student conduct administration are assisted through

review boards or committees.

(3) Violations of Law and Rule of Conduct Violations. A student who commits offenses

against the laws of municipalities, states, or the United States, is subject to prosecution by those

authorities and may be subject to disciplinary action under University rules when the conduct

violates institutional standards. Student shall not be forced to present self-incriminating

evidence; however, the University is not required to postpone disciplinary proceedings pending

the outcome of any civil or criminal case. The Student Conduct Review Process is not a criminal

or judicial proceeding and is designed to address student behavior; therefore, alleged violations

of the Rules of Conduct will be addressed independently of any penalty imposed by the courts

for the criminal offense.

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(4) Student Conduct Records

(a) Maintenance of Records. A student’s conduct case record will be maintained in

Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI) and, if applicable, the Office of

Institutional Equity. The case record of a student found responsible for charge(s)

against them, with sanctions less than disciplinary suspension, dismissal and/or

expulsion, will generally be maintained in SCAI (and, if applicable, the Office of

Institutional Equity) for seven years from the calendar year of record, after which

they are destroyed. The case record of a student who has been placed on

disciplinary suspension, dismissal and/or expulsion will be permanently maintained

as official records by SCAI.

(b) Release of Records. The release of student disciplinary records will be governed

by applicable federal and state laws regarding the privacy of educational records.

5.010(4).

(5) Evaluation of Student Conduct Review Process. The Student Conduct Review Process

will be evaluated periodically by the Golden Rule Review Committee. All proposed changes

shall be evaluated for approval by the appropriate administrative body.

(6) Medical Emergencies. The University of Central Florida highly encourages students to call

for medical assistance whenever an individual experiences severe intoxication or serious injury

after consuming alcohol and/or other drugs. Students may be reluctant to call for help for

themselves or others due to potential involvement from law enforcement officials or SCAI. Due

to the serious or life-threatening nature of these medical emergencies, the University of Central

Florida urges students to contact emergency medical services or law enforcement officials if

alcohol-related and/or drug-related medical emergencies arise. The University’s primary goal is

to create a safe environment for its students.

(a) University of Central Florida students who receive medical attention due to drug

and/or alcohol related emergencies may be exempted from disciplinary action by

the Director of SCAI following the Director’s review of the circumstances.

Students exempted by the Director from disciplinary action in this manner will be

referred for assessment and follow-up services in lieu of the student conduct review

process.

(b) Students who receive medical assistance for drugs and/or alcohol emergencies may

receive exemption for violations of the Rules of Conduct Section 11(a)-11(d)

and/or 12(a)-12(c); however, exemption for other Rules of Conduct violations may

not be granted. The Director of SCAI or designee reserves the right to review each

incident individually to determine whether the student will be exempt from

disciplinary action. The Director of SCAI or designee maintains the right to

recommend additional requirements for students who are referred for assessment

and fail to meet the requirements of their assessment. For subsequent incidents,

appropriate interventions will be handled on a case by case basis.

drugs and/or alcohol may be exempted by the Director of SCAI from disciplinary

action for violations of the Rules of Conduct Section 11(a)-11(d) and/or 12(a)-

12(c). However, exemption for other violations of the Rules of Conduct will not be

granted.

23 | Page

(d) For parental notification regarding alcohol and/or other drug-related incidents, refer

to the Parental Notification Policy on SCAI website:

https://scai.sdes.ucf.edu/parental-notification/.

(e) Additional information regarding alcohol and/or other drug-related emergencies can

be found on the SCAI website at https://scai.sdes.ucf.edu/medicalemergencies/.

24 | Page

UCF-5.008 Rules of Conduct

The following defined and described actions include, but are not limited to, conduct for which

disciplinary action may be taken at the University of Central Florida. Students are responsible

for the observation of all University policies and regulations. Each student is expected to abide

by these rules of conduct, and administrators are expected to enforce them. These Rules of

Conduct should be read broadly and are not designed to define prohibited conduct in exhaustive

terms. Additional rules and regulations may be revised during the year; announcements will be

made on adoption of the changes or additions. The right of all students to seek knowledge,

debate ideas, form opinions, and freely express their ideas is fully recognized by the University

of Central Florida. The Rules of Conduct apply to student conduct and will not be used to impose

discipline for the lawful expression of ideas. Students are prohibited from engaging in:

(1) Academic Misconduct

(a) Unauthorized assistance: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials,

information or study aids in any academic exercise unless specifically authorized

by the instructor of record. The unauthorized possession of examination or course

related material also constitutes cheating.

(b) Communication to another through written, visual, electronic, or oral means. The

presentation of material which has not been studied or learned, but rather was

obtained through someone else’s efforts and used as part of an examination,

course assignment or project.

person and/or uploading course material to a third-party vendor without

authorization or without the express written permission of the University and the

Instructor. Course materials include but are not limited to class notes, Instructor’s

power points, tests, quizzes, labs, instruction sheets, homework, study guides, and

handouts.

(d) Falsifying or misrepresenting the student’s own academic work.

(e) Plagiarism: Whereby another’s work is used or appropriated without any

indication of the source, thereby attempting to convey the impression that such

work is the student’s own.

(f) Multiple Submissions: Submitting the same academic work for credit more than

once without the express written permission of the instructor.

(g) Any student who knowingly helps another violate academic behavior standards is

also in violation of the standards.

(h) Soliciting assistance with academic coursework and/or degree requirements. The

solicitation of assistance with an assignment, lab, quiz, test, paper, etc., without

authorization of the instructor of record or designee is prohibited. This includes

but is not limited to asking for answers to a quiz, trading answers, or offering to

pay another to complete an assignment. It is considered Academic Misconduct to

solicit assistance with academic coursework and/or degree requirements, even if

the solicitation did not yield actual assistance (for example, if there was no

response to the solicitation).

25 | Page

(2) Possessing and/or Providing False and Misleading Information and/or Falsification of

University Records

(a) Withholding related information or furnishing false or misleading information

(oral or written) to University officials (faculty or staff) or law enforcement

officers.

(b) Possession, use or attempted use of any form of fraudulent identification,

including the credentials or identification of another individual.

or instrument of identification.

(d) Deliberately and purposefully providing false or misleading verbal or written

information about another person.

(e) Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information during an

investigation or the Student Conduct Review Process, including knowingly

initiating a false complaint.

(f) Fraud: Any act of deceit or misrepresentation for purposes of financial or personal

gain.

(3) Disruptive Conduct

(a) Any act that impairs, interferes with, or obstructs the orderly conduct, processes,

and functions of the University or any part thereof or the rights of one or more

individuals.

(b) Any act which deliberately impedes or interferes with the normal flow of

pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

University registered student organization or sponsored student group.

(d) Misuse of any University safety equipment, firefighting equipment, or fire alarms.

(e) A false report of an explosive or incendiary device, which constitutes a threat or

bomb scare.

(f) Breach of peace: an act, which aids, abets, or procures another person to breach

the peace on the University premises or at University sponsored/related functions.

(g) Failure to comply with oral or written instruction from duly authorized University

officials (i.e. faculty, staff, administration, residence hall staff) acting within the

scope of their job duties or law enforcement officers acting in the performance of

their duties, including failure to produce identification to these persons when

requested to do so.

(h) Failure to produce identification upon request by a University official (i.e. faculty,

staff, administration, residence hall staff), acting within the scope of their job

duties or law enforcement officers acting in the performance of their duties.

(i) Hindering, noncompliance, or interfering with the student conduct review process

by failing to obey the notice from a university official to appear for a student

conduct meeting or hearing; and/or attempting to discourage an individual’s

proper participating in, or use of, the student conduct review process.

(j) Violation of any other University regulation or policy as described in the UCF

Regulations, UCF Policies and Procedures, or University department publicized

policy.

(k) Failure to comply with applicable law and University regulations and procedures

for solicitation and fundraising activities on campus.

26 | Page

(4) Harmful Behavior

(a) Physical harm or threat of physical harm to any person. This harmful behavior

policy may not apply in those instances where it is found that a student is acting in

self-defense.

(b) Verbal, digital, or written abuse, threats, intimidation, coercion and/or other

conduct that endangers the health, safety, or wellbeing of others, or which would

place a reasonable person in fear of bodily injury or death. This definition,

however, shall not be interpreted to abridge the rights of the University

community to freedom of expression protected by the First Amendment of the

United States Constitution and any other applicable law.

physical, electronic or other conduct based upon a protected class as defined in

University Policy 2-004, or membership in other protected classes set forth in

state or federal law that interferes with that individual’s educational or

employment opportunities, participation in a university program or activity, or

receipt of legitimately-requested services meeting the description of either Hostile

Environment Harassment or Quid Pro Quo Harassment, as defined in University

Policy 2-004.1 Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment, and Related

Interpersonal Violence.

(d) Bullying: Defined as behavior of any sort (including communicative behavior)

directed at another, that is severe, pervasive, or persistent, and is of a nature that

would cause a reasonable person or group in the target’s position substantial

emotional distress and undermine their ability to work, study, or participate in

University life or regular activities, or which would place a reasonable person in

fear of injury or death.

(e) Stalking: Defined as behavior not of a sexual nature that is repeated and/or

unwanted toward or with another person that would cause a reasonable person to

fear for their safety or the safety of others, or to experience substantial emotional

distress. Such conduct is direct, indirect, or through a third party using any type of

action, method, or means. Cyber stalking is also included in this definition.

(f) Invasion of Privacy and Unauthorized Recording.

1. Making, using, disclosing or distributing a recording of a person in a

location or situation in which that person has a reasonable expectation of

privacy and is unaware of the recording or does not consent to it; and any

other conduct that constitutes an invasion of the privacy of another person

under applicable laws and regulations. Such conduct includes, without

limitation, unauthorized recording of personal conversations, images,

meetings or activities.

2. Unauthorized recording of class activity (other than class lecture), or of

meetings where there exists a legal expectation of privacy, and/or any

unauthorized publication of a recording.

3. Engaging in acts of voyeurism, including but not limited to peeping or

surreptitiously recording another when there is a reasonable expectation of

privacy.

4. Any notice, consent, or other requirements under applicable laws and

regulations must be fulfilled in connection with authorizing, making,

using, disclosing, or distributing any recording, where there is a legal

expectation of privacy.

27 | Page

(g) Retaliation against or harassment of complainant(s), other person(s) alleging

misconduct, or anyone who participates in an investigation.

(h) Condoning or encouraging acts of harmful behavior as defined above or failing to

intervene during an act of harmful behavior while it is occurring.

(5) Sex-Based Misconduct (Non-Title IX Sexual Harassment)

(a) Sexual Assault. Sexual assault means sexual contact without consent.

(b) Sexual Harassment. Sexual harassment means any unwelcome sexual advance,

request for sexual favors, or other unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether

verbal, non-verbal, graphic, physical, or otherwise, when the conditions for

Discriminatory Harassment as defined in UCF Policy 2-004 are present.

harassment that is based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender

expression, which may include acts of aggression, intimidation, or hostility,

whether verbal or non-verbal, graphic, physical, or otherwise, even if the acts do

not involve conduct of a sexual nature, when the conditions for Discriminatory

Harassment as defined in UCF Policy 2-004 are present.

(d) Obscene or Indecent Behavior: Exposure of one’s body in such a manner that

another party reasonably could be offended or to display sexual behavior which

another person reasonably finds offensive.

(e) Voyeurism: Trespass, spying, or eavesdropping for the purpose of sexual

gratification.

(f) Solicitation of a Minor: soliciting sexual acts from a minor by oral, written, or

electronic means.

(g) Child Pornography: possessing, producing or the dissemination of child

pornography

(h) Relationship Violence: Relationship Violence includes any act of violence or

threatened act of violence that occurs between individuals who are involved or

have been involved in a sexual, dating, spousal, domestic, or other intimate

relationship. Relationship Violence may include sexual assault, stalking, and

physical assault. Relationship Violence may involve a pattern of behavior used to

establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation or

may involve one-time conduct. A pattern of behavior is typically determined

based on the repeated use of words and/or actions and inactions in order to

demean, intimidate, and/or control another person. This behavior can be verbal,

emotional, and/or physical and may be directed towards the former partner, their

property, or other individuals. Examples of Relationship Violence may include,

but are not limited to: slapping; pulling hair; punching; damaging another

person’s property; driving recklessly to scare someone; name calling; humiliating

another person in public; harassment directed toward a current or former partner

or spouse; and/or threats of abuse, such as threatening to hit, harm, or use a

weapon on another (whether Complainant or acquaintance, friend, or family

member of the Complainant), or other forms of verbal threats.

(i) Stalking: Stalking under this provision occurs where a person engages in a course

of conduct of a sexual nature that is directed at a specific person under

circumstances that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety

or the safety of others, or to experience substantial emotional distress. A “course

of conduct” is two or more acts, including but not limited to acts in which a

28 | Page

person directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device,

or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or

about another person, or interferes with another person’s property. Stalking

includes “cyber-stalking,” a particular form of stalking in which a person uses

electronic media, such as the internet, social networks, blogs, phones, texts, or

other similar devices or forms of contact. Stalking may include, but is not limited

to: non-consensual communications (face to face, telephone, e-mail); threatening

or obscene gestures; surveillance/following/pursuit; showing up outside the

targeted individual’s classroom or workplace; sending gifts and/or notes

(romantic, bizarre, sinister, or perverted); and/or making threats.

(j) Sexual Exploitation: Sexual Exploitation is purposely or knowingly doing or

attempting to do any of the following:

1. Recording or photographing private sexual activity and/or a person’s

intimate parts (including genitalia, groin, breasts or buttocks) without

consent;

2. Disseminating or posting images of private sexual activity and/or a

person’s intimate parts (including genitalia, groin, breasts or buttocks)

without consent;

3. Allowing third parties to observe private sexual activity from a hidden

location (e.g., closet) or through electronic means (e.g., Skype or

livestreaming of images);

4. Subjecting another person to human trafficking; or

5. Exposing another person to a sexually transmitted infection or virus

without the other’s knowledge.

(k) Any attempted acts of sex-based misconduct are also violations of this policy.

(6) Title IX Sexual Harassment

(a) Title IX Sexual Harassment is defined as any conduct on the basis of sex which

occurs (i) on or after August 14, 2020; (ii) against a person located in the United

States; and (iii) in or as part of the University’s education program or activity,

which satisfies one or more of the following:

1. Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine is so

severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a

person equal access to the University’s education program or activity.

2. Sexual assault (as defined in the Clery Act), which includes any sexual

contact that occurs without consent (consent and sexual contact are

defined in UCF-5.006(3)).

3. Dating violence (as defined in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

amendments to the Clery Act), which includes any act of violence or

threatened act of violence committed by a person: (A) who is or has been

in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim;

and (B) where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined

based on a consideration of the length of the relationship; the type of

relationship; and the frequency of interaction between the persons

involved in the relationship.

4. Domestic violence (as defined in the VAWA amendments to the Clery

Act), which includes any felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence

committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim,

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by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person

who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or

intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim

under Florida statute or by any other person against an adult or youth

victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or

family violence laws of Florida.

5. Stalking (as defined in the VAWA amendments to the Clery Act),

meaning engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that

would cause a reasonable person to (a) fear for their safety or the safety of

others; or (b) suffer substantial emotional distress.

(b) Retaliation, including but not limited to conduct meant to intimidate, threaten,

coerce, or discriminate against any individual for the purpose of interfering with

any right or privilege secured by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

or its implementing regulations or UCF Policy 2-012.

(7) Larceny/Property Damage

(a) Unauthorized use, possession, or theft of property or service. Such property may

be personal or public.

(b) Damaging or defacing of University property or the property of another person

whether or not it is on University premises.

(8) Hazing

(a) Hazing is any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the

mental or physical health and/or safety of a student for purposes including but not

limited to: initiation or admission into, association or affiliation with, any

registered student organization or other group whether or not officially recognized

by the University. Hazing in violation of Florida Statutes may result in felony

charges. A student may commit an act of hazing whether the student is a

prospective, current, or former member of the organization or group. The actions

of active, associate, new and/or prospective members, former members, or alumni

of a student organization or group may be considered hazing under this rule.

(b) Hazing includes brutality of a physical nature such as whipping, beating,

branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements; forced consumption of

any food, liquid, liquor, drug, or other substances; or other forced elements; or

other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental or physical health or

safety of the individual.

stress such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced

conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other activity that

could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual.

(d) Hazing includes forcing, pressuring, or coercing, the student into violation of

University policies or federal, state, or local law.

(e) Hazing includes soliciting a person to commit or being actively involved in the

planning of any act of hazing as defined above where the act of hazing creates a

substantial risk of physical injury or death to the person(s) hazed.

(f) It is not defense to an allegation of hazing that:

1. the consent of the victim had been obtained;

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2. the conduct or activity that resulted in the death or injury of a person was

not part of any official organizational event or otherwise sanctioned or

approved by the student organization; or

3. the conduct or activity that resulted in the death or injury of a person was

not done as a condition of membership into a student organization.

(g) Hazing does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or

competitions or any activity or conduct that furthers a legal and legitimate

objective.

(9) Misuse or Unauthorized Use of Facilities and Grounds

(a) Misuse or unauthorized use of classroom or laboratory facilities, or University

property (as defined by University Regulation UCF-4.036).

(b) Abusing grounds or building structures including, but not limited to ramps, rails,

stair sets and entryways by means of recreational cycling, skating, scootering, or

other recreational activities or devices as outlined in University Regulation UCF-

4.036.

University Regulation UCF-4.036).

(d) Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any University property

(as defined by University Regulation UCF-4.036).

(10) Misconduct at University Sponsored/Related Activities

(a) Violation of the UCF Rules of Conduct at any UCF sponsored or related

activities.

(b) Violations of a regulation(s) of a host institution sponsored/related activity shall

be a violation of the golden rule.

(11) Controlled Substance and Drug Violations

(a) Possessing, consuming, or attempting to possess cannabis in any amount.

(b) Cultivating, manufacturing, or attempting to obtain cannabis in any amount.

controlled substances other than cannabis, except as expressly permitted by law.

(d) Selling or distributing cannabis or any other controlled substances other than

alcohol.

(e) Possessing or attempting to possess any drug-related paraphernalia.

(f) Misconduct under the influence of controlled substance(s) and/or drugs other than

alcohol.

NOTE: Students who receive medical attention due to drug related emergencies and/or

students who call for help on behalf of another student who may be experiencing a drug

related emergency may be exempt from disciplinary action. Information regarding

exemptions under this rule for drug related emergencies can be found in University

Regulation UCF-5.007 and the Student Conduct and Academic Integrity website:

http://scai.sdes.ucf.edu/medicalemergencies .

(12) Alcoholic Beverage Violations

(a) Possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages, or possessing or using alcohol-

related paraphernalia, except as expressly permitted by the law and University

Regulations and/or Policies.

(b) Selling or distributing alcoholic beverages or alcohol-related paraphernalia,

except as expressly permitted by law and University Regulations and/or Policies

31 | Page

NOTE: Students who receive medical attention due to drug related emergencies and/or

students who call for help on behalf of another student who may be experiencing a drug

related emergency may be exempt from disciplinary action. Information regarding

exemptions under this rule for drug related emergencies can be found in University

Regulation UCF-5.007 and the Student Conduct and Academic Integrity website:

http://scai.sdes.ucf.edu/medicalemergencies.

(13) Possession of Weapons and/or Dangerous Materials

(a) The possession, use, or storage of weapons on property owned or controlled by

the University or at events sponsored and/or supported by the University is

prohibited, except as specifically outlined in University Policy 3-119.1 (Weapons

on University Property and at University Events).

(b) Possession or use of fireworks of any description, explosives, or chemicals which

are disruptive, explosive, or corrosive are prohibited on University premises or at

University sponsored/related activities.

(14) Instigation or Participation in Group Disturbances during Demonstrations, Parades,

or Picketing

(a) Participation in a demonstration(s), parade(s), or picketing which invades the

rights of others, which interferes with the function(s) of the University, or which

jeopardizes public order and safety.

(b) Leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any

campus building or area.

(15) Misuse of Computing and Telecommunications Resources

(a) Theft or other abuse of computer facilities and resources

(b) Unauthorized entry into a file, to use, read, or change the contents, or for any

other purpose.

(d) Use of another individual’s identification and/or password.

(e) Use of computing facilities and telecommunications resources to interfere with

the work of another student or of a faculty or staff member.

(f) Use of computing facilities and telecommunications resources to send obscene

materials.

(g) Use of computing facilities and telecommunications resources to interfere with

normal operation of the University computing system.

(h) Use of computing facilities and telecommunications resources in violation of

(i) Any violation of the University of Central Florida Use of Information Technology

and Resources Policy (UCF Policy 4-002), including a violation of the terms and

conditions of any third party computing system.

(j) Any violation of the University of Central Florida ResNet Acceptable Use Policy.

(16) Gambling

(a) Play in an unlawful game of chance for money or for anything of value on

University premises or at any affair sponsored by a student or registered student

organization.

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(b) Unlawfully sell, barter or dispose of a voucher or any item for participation in a

scheme of chance by whatever name on University premises or at any affair

sponsored by a student or registered student organization.

influence in the success of the competition.

(17) University Student Residence Violations. Violation(s) of any Department of Housing

and Residence Life policy, rule or regulation published in hard copy or available electronically

via Department of Housing and Residence Life website. A charge under this provision must

include a specific citation of which Housing policy or policies the charged student has violated.

(18) University Wordmark Violations. Unauthorized use of the official University wordmark,

Pegasus, monogram, seal, or other graphic identity symbol.

(19) Violation of Local, State, and/or Federal Laws. Violation of any local, state and/or

federal law that may result in a felony or misdemeanor.

(20) Complicity: Complicity is any act taken with the purpose of aiding, facilitating, promoting

or encouraging the commission of an act prohibited by the Rules of Conduct.

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UCF-5.009 Student Conduct Review Process; Sanctions

1) Violation Reports. Alleged violations of the UCF Rules of Conduct shall be reported in

writing to the Director of the Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI) or designee. Upon

receiving an alleged violation of misconduct, the Director of SCAI or designee may review

relevant information and consult with relevant parties regarding the incident in question. Where

deemed necessary to protect the safety and well-being of others, of the University, or of property,

the Director of SCAI or designee, upon notifying the VP of SDES or designee, may take

immediate action to resolve the safety and/or well-being concern by placing the student on

interim suspension. Interim suspension is not a sanction. An interim suspension is subject to

review at a hearing within three (3) business days by the VP of SDES or designee to determine

the status of the interim suspension. The outcome of an interim suspension hearing shall remain

in effect until the final disposition of any formal charges resulting from the circumstances of the

case, unless the VP of SDES or designee shall decide otherwise.

(a) The Director of the SCAI will refer all information warranting disciplinary action

and assign the case to the appropriate staff member. SCAI will send written

notification to the charged student indicating the nature of the activity in question

and what university rules were allegedly violated.

(b) Upon receipt of an incident report SCAI has six (6) months to charge a student with

a violation of the Rules of Conduct. SCAI may exercise discretion when applying

the time provision to account for circumstances that warrant a waiver of the six-

month time limit. SCAI will waive the six-month limit in cases involving sexual

harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking and may waive the

time limit for other extraordinary cases, as determined by the Director of SCAI or

designee.

notice to attend a required preliminary conference with SCAI to discuss the

charges. At the preliminary conference, the student will receive information

regarding the Student Conduct Review Process, including the student’s rights

during the process, an opportunity to inspect and/or review the information known

at the time, and notice on how to contact the Student Government Judicial Advisor.

At the conclusion of the conference, SCAI recommends an option for resolution of

the disciplinary charges. If the student fails to attend the preliminary conference, a

hold may be placed on the student’s record, preventing them from registering for

future classes until the matter is resolved, and SCAI may move forward with

scheduling a formal hearing as a resolution for disciplinary charges. Students who

leave the university or withdraw from a class before a disciplinary matter is

resolved may be prohibited from future enrollment until such time as the matter is

resolved.

(2) Options for Resolution of Disciplinary Charges.

(a) Case Dismissal: The Director of SCAI or designee may dismiss a case if it is found

to not have sufficient facts or information to substantiate the claim of misconduct,

the accused person is not a student, or the action claimed as misconduct is not a

violation of the Rules of Conduct.

(b) Mediation: Depending on the nature and severity of the alleged violation, SCAI

may recommend mediation as an alternative to disciplinary action. The involved

parties must each agree to mediation. Mediation is confidential. In mediation, the

34 | Page

parties voluntarily meet with an impartial mediator to communicate their concerns

and needs to each other and to reach their own agreement on the resolution of the

case. The participants in mediation are responsible for keeping their agreement or

renegotiating it, if necessary. In the event that the participants do not agree to

mediate or mediate but do not reach a full and final resolution, the case will be

referred back for possible disciplinary action. Breach of a mediated agreement may

result in a follow up mediation session or the matter may be referred back through

the conduct process at the discretion of SCAI. Mediation will not be a resolution

option for cases involving allegations of incidents of sexual misconduct and/or

interpersonal violence.

warrant a formal hearing may be referred to an informal resolution conference.

SCAI shall provide timely written notice to the student of the charges at least seven

(7) business days before the informal resolution conference. At the informal

resolution conference, the charged student has the opportunity to meet with an

SCAI member or designee and accept responsibility for the charges of violation of

the Rules of Conduct. At the informal level, the matter will be settled by the

following outcomes: punitive sanction (Disciplinary Warning, Disciplinary

Probation, or Disciplinary Deferred Suspension) as well as educational sanctions

(papers, seminars, community service, etc.). If the matter is not resolved

informally, the case will be resolved through a formal hearing. The outcomes from

an informal resolution conference (decision of responsibility and recommended

sanctions) are final and are not eligible to be appealed (UCF-5.010). The student

will receive written notice of the Resolution Agreement within ten (10) business

days of the conference, except in the case of extraordinary circumstances. Written

notice of the Resolution Agreement will include the determination regarding

responsibility for conduct violations and applicable sanctions.

(d) Formal Hearing: If an alleged violation of the Rules of Conduct is not dismissed or

otherwise resolved, then SCAI shall provide timely written notice to the student of

the charges at least seven (7) business days before the formal hearing. Except as set

forth in (5) below, the charged student may request either a panel or administrative

hearing. The charged student’s hearing shall be open only to the charged student;

the charged student’s advisor, advocate, or legal representative; the hearing body;

witnesses (when called upon); a representative from SCAI; and a legal

representative for the University. For cases of sex-based misconduct (non-Title IX

Sexual Harassment), the hearing shall also be open to the complainant and advisor.

For cases of Title IX Sexual Harassment, the hearing shall also be open to the

complainant, advisor, and support person. In cases of alleged Academic

Misconduct, the student is required to have an academic integrity hearing as stated

in UCF-5.015.

(3) Formal Hearings. There are two types of formal hearings – panel hearings and

administrative hearings.

(a) Panel Hearings.

1. A panel to consider an individual case shall be randomly selected by SCAI

from the Student Conduct Board and shall consist of two (2) faculty and

administrative staff members combined, and two (2) student members. One

panel member shall be selected by SCAI to chair the hearing and report the

35 | Page

proposed finding(s) and recommended sanctions, if any, to the Director of

SCAI or designee.

2. At hearings conducted by a panel, an SCAI staff member shall act as an

advisor to the panel. The Director of SCAI or designee shall receive the

panel’s proposed finding(s) as to "in violation" or "not in violation" of the

Rules of Conduct, and consider any sanctions proposed by the panel.

3. The Director of SCAI or designee may accept the proposed finding(s) of “in

violation” or “not in violation” or remand the case for rehearing. If the

Director of SCAI or designee accepts the proposed finding(s) of “in

violation,” they may approve, mitigate, or increase the sanctions proposed by

the panel.

4. Any decision by the Director of SCAI or designee to alter proposed sanctions

or remand a case shall be accompanied by a concise and explicit written

statement that explains the basis for that decision.

(b) Administrative Hearings

1. Administrative hearings shall be conducted by one faculty or staff member

selected by SCAI from the Student Conduct Board.

2. At hearings conducted by an administrative hearing officer, an SCAI staff

member shall act as an advisor to the administrative hearing officer. The

Director of SCAI or designee shall receive the administrative hearing

officer’s proposed finding(s) as to "in violation" or "not in violation" of the

Rules of Conduct, and consider any sanctions proposed by the administrative

hearing officer.

3. The Director of SCAI or designee may accept the proposed finding(s) of “in

violation” or “not in violation” or remand the case for rehearing. If the

Director of SCAI or designee accepts the proposed finding(s) of “in

violation,” they may approve, mitigate, or increase the sanctions proposed by

the administrative hearing officer.

4. Any decision by the Director of SCAI or designee to alter sanctions or

remand a case shall be accompanied by a concise and explicit written

statement that explains the basis for that decision.

sequence of events in a formal hearing. The formal hearing will be recorded by the

University, and no other recordings are permitted. The recording will be made part

of the official record of the hearing.

1. Reading of charges.

2. Charged Student response of “in violation” or “not in violation.”

3. Presentation of information in support of the charges.

4. Opening statement by the charged student.

5. Questioning of the charged student.

6. Presentation and questioning of all other parties.

7. Final questions of the charged student by the hearing body.

8. Closing remarks by the charged student.

9. Hearing is brought to a close.

(d) Deliberations by the hearing body are not part of the hearing and are confidential.

Deliberations occur after the closure of the hearing and are not recorded. Following

deliberations, the hearing body will prepare a written statement of its proposed

finding(s) and, if applicable, recommend sanctions.

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(e) Case Record for Formal Hearing - The case record shall consist of the following

items:

1. A copy of the formal charges in writing.

2. A recording of the formal hearing.

3. All staff memoranda submitted.

4. All items of physical or written documentation submitted, provided such

items are not returned to a rightful owner. In that case, photographs or other

facsimiles shall be made before return.

5. The proposed finding(s) and sanction(s) by the hearing panel or

administrator, if any.

6. The Director of SCAI’s or designee’s decision.

(f) Student Conduct Board members for panel and administrative formal hearings are

selected through an annual application and interview process with the exception of

the justices from the Student Government Judicial Branch. All Student Conduct

Board members, including justices, receive annual training from SCAI. Student

Conduct Board members who serve on hearings related to allegations of sex

discrimination, including but not limited to relationship violence, sexual assault,

sex harassment, and stalking receive additional training annually.

(4) Student Rights in the Student Conduct Review Process. The following rights apply to a

student disciplinary proceeding:

(a) The charged student shall be afforded timely written notice, at least seven (7)

business days prior to each disciplinary proceeding, unless waived in writing.

Written notice may be sent to the charged student’s electronic and/or physical

address listed in the Registrar’s records. Written notice shall include:

1. The student’s name and address.

2. Date, time, and location of the disciplinary proceeding.

3. The rule(s) of conduct allegedly violated as known at the time the notice is

sent.

4. A listing of all known witnesses that have provided, or will provide,

information against the student.

5. A description of any physical or written documentation known at the time the

notice is sent.

(b) The student may have, at their own expense and initiative, an advisor, advocate,

or legal representative to be present and who can fully participate in the

disciplinary proceeding (i.e., informal resolution conference or formal hearing). It

is the student’s responsibility to make appropriate arrangements for the advisor,

advocate, or legal representative to attend the preliminary conference or

disciplinary proceeding(s), and the disciplinary proceeding(s) shall not be delayed

due to scheduling conflicts of the chosen advisor, advocate, or legal

representative. An advisor, advocate, or legal representative may not serve as a

witness during any a disciplinary proceeding. The student may consult with their

advisor, advocate, or legal representative at any time during the preliminary

conference or disciplinary proceeding(s). This consultation must take place in a

manner that does not disrupt the preliminary conference or disciplinary

proceeding(s). If the advisor, advocate, or legal representative does not adhere to

their defined role in the Student Conduct Review Process, they may be removed

from the disciplinary proceeding.

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charged student is not in violation until the preponderance of evidence proves

otherwise, except if the student accepts responsibility for the charge(s). The

technical rules of evidence applicable to civil and criminal cases shall not apply to

the Student Conduct Review Process, including during a formal hearing. The

burden of proof is not on the student charged with a violation of the Rules of

Conduct. The university has the burden to prove, by a preponderance of the

evidence, that a violation has taken place. Nothing contained in this paragraph

prohibits or limits the University in offering other forms of resolution, such as

mediation or informal resolution.

(d) The student shall have the right to an impartial hearing officer for the formal

hearing. Prior to the commencement of the formal hearing, the charged student

shall have the opportunity to challenge the impartiality of any member(s) of the

hearing body. If the student shows good cause for the removal of any member(s)

of the hearing body, the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students or

designee will assign a new hearing body member.

(e) At least five (5) business days before the informal resolution conference or formal

hearing, the University will provide the student with the opportunity to inspect all

known information relating to the allegation(s), including inculpatory and

exculpatory information. The University also has the right to review any

information the student intends to use at the informal resolution conference or

formal hearing at least five (5) business days before the informal resolution

conference or formal hearing. During a formal hearing, only such information that

is determined to be “Relevant Information” will be allowed.

(f) The University cannot compel any person to attend a formal hearing. However, all

parties may arrange for witnesses to voluntarily present Relevant Information

during the proceeding. The questioning of a witness shall be facilitated by the

hearing officer or panel conducting the formal hearing.

(g) The student shall not be forced to present self-incriminating information during a

disciplinary proceeding. In addition, the student reserves the right to remain silent.

Such silence may not be used against the student. The University is not required

to postpone any disciplinary proceeding(s) pending the outcome of any civil or

criminal case. The University’s formal hearing is not a criminal or judicial

proceeding and is designed to address student behavior; therefore, alleged

violations of the UCF Rules of Conduct will be addressed independently of any

outcome imposed by the courts for a criminal offense.

(h) The proposed finding, as well as the Director of SCAI’s or designee’s

determination, of “in violation” or "not in violation” on the charges shall be based

solely on the information presented at the formal hearing.

(i) Should the student fail to attend the scheduled formal hearing, the hearing will be

held in the student’s absence and the proposed findings, including any

recommended sanctions, will be made using the information available at the time

of the scheduled formal hearing.

(j) Only if the proposed finding of the formal hearing body is that the student is in

violation, will prior conduct history be reviewed and potentially affect proposed

sanctioning.

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(k) The results of any formal hearing shall be made available to the charged student

within ten (10) business days following the hearing. Should SCAI need additional

time, the deadline can be extended by the Director of SCAI or designee by

notifying the charged student. For academic integrity cases, the results of any

formal hearing shall be made available to the charged student within fifteen (15)

business days following the hearing. The Director of SCAI or designee shall

notify the charged student in writing of the need for additional time.

(l) The student’s enrollment status shall remain unchanged pending the University’s

final agency action in the matter, except in cases where the VP of SDES or

designee determines that the safety, health, or general welfare of the student, any

individual, or any part of the University may be involved.

(5) Additional Procedures in Cases of Sex-Based Misconduct and Title IX Sexual

Harassment

(a) In cases involving sex-based misconduct or Title IX sexual harassment, a single

hearing officer will be the only option for a formal hearing.

(b) Where a student is charged with a violation of UCF-5.008(5), the procedures

outlined in UCF-5.006(6) and UCF Policy 2-004 will apply in addition to the

procedures of the Student Conduct Review Process outlined above.

UCF-5.008(6), the procedures outlined in UCF-5.006(7) and the Title IX

Grievance Policy (University Policy 2-012) will apply in place of the procedures

of the Student Conduct Review Process outlined above, except that UCF-

5.009(4)(a) and (e) will apply, and the sanctions outlined below may be applied to

violations of UCF-5.008(6) Title IX Sexual Harassment.

(d) The sanctions outlined below may be applied to violations of UCF-5.008(5) Sex-

Based Misconduct (non-Title IX) and UCF-5.008(6) Title IX Sexual Harassment.

(6) Sanctions.

(a) Disciplinary Warning - An official warning that the student’s behavior is in

violation of the UCF Rules of Conduct.

(b) Disciplinary Probation – Disciplinary Probation status shall be for a specific length

of time in which any further violation of the Rules of Conduct puts the student’s

status with the University in jeopardy. While on Disciplinary Probation, the student

may continue to attend classes and is given a chance to show capability and

willingness to live in accordance with the Rules of Conduct. If the student is found

“in-violation” for another violation of the Rules of Conduct, while on Disciplinary

Probation, more severe sanctions may be imposed. Restrictive conditions may be

imposed and vary according to the severity of the offense. A non-exhaustive list of

possible restrictive conditions shall be listed on the SCAI website

(scai.sdes.ucf.edu). Student leadership eligibility shall be governed by the

eligibility requirements outlined by the Office of Student Involvement and their

eligibility appeal process. While on Disciplinary Probation, a hold will be placed

on a student’s record for record keeping purposes.

designated period of time during which a student is given the opportunity to

demonstrate the ability to abide by the Rules of Conduct. Deferred Disciplinary

Suspension is used for offenses found serious enough to warrant Disciplinary

Suspension, but where the specific circumstances of the case mitigate the offense or

39 | Page

for repeated offenses of a less serious nature. During a Deferred Disciplinary

Suspension, the student will be officially suspended from the university, but the

suspension will be deferred, meaning that the student may continue to attend

classes. Students placed on Deferred Disciplinary Suspension will have a conduct

overlay placed on their transcripts for the period of time that the Deferred

Disciplinary Suspension is in effect. The conduct overlay is a notation indicating

that the student is not in good standing. Restrictive conditions may be imposed and

vary according to the severity of the offense. A non-exhaustive list of possible

restrictive conditions shall be listed on the SCAI website (scai.sdes.ucf.edu).

Student leadership eligibility shall be governed by the eligibility requirements

outlined by the Office of Student Involvement and their eligibility appeal process.

A disciplinary suspension will be enforced for failure to complete any assigned

educational sanctions by the deadline(s) and/or for any subsequent violation of the

Rules of Conduct, unless the Director of SCAI determines otherwise in exceptional

circumstances. If the student is found in violation for any violation(s) of the Rules

of Conduct that occurred while on Deferred Disciplinary Suspension status,

including failure to complete any assigned educational sanctions by the deadline(s),

the student will be suspended for a minimum of one (1) semester, in addition to the

educational sanctions imposed for the subsequent violation. While on Deferred

Disciplinary Suspension, a hold will be placed on a student’s record for

recordkeeping purposes.

(d) Disciplinary Suspension - A student involved in an offense warranting

consideration of action more serious than Deferred Disciplinary Suspension or one

involved in repeated misconduct may face Disciplinary Suspension. During the

period of Disciplinary Suspension, a student may not be enrolled in classes,

participate in University related activities, whether they occur on or off campus. A

student under Disciplinary Suspension may not otherwise be present on University

premises unless authorized in writing in advance under conditions approved by the

Director of SCAI. Upon being withdrawn, the student may no longer enroll in

classes, may not be an active member of a Registered Student Organization, may

no longer use university facilities, must vacate university owned housing, may no

longer be permitted on university property, may not be employed by the University,

and may be entitled to whatever refunds of tuition, fees, and room and board

charges as would be appropriate given the timing of the withdrawal. In determining

if and to what extent suspended students shall be authorized to be on University

premises, the Director of SCAI or designee shall consider whether the suspension

creates an undue hardship on the disciplinary suspended student. Students placed

on Disciplinary Suspension will have a conduct overlay placed on their transcript

for the period of time that the Disciplinary Suspension is in effect. The conduct

overlay is a notation indicating that the student is not in good standing. Further,

while on Disciplinary Suspension, a hold will be placed on a student’s record for

record keeping purposes. All assigned educational sanctions must be completed

prior to the conclusion of Disciplinary Suspension; otherwise, the Disciplinary

Suspension will remain in effect.

(e) Disciplinary Dismissal – Disciplinary Dismissal is a sanction which removes the

student from the individual’s academic program and separates the student from the

University for a period of at least two years and up to seven years. A dismissed

student has none of the rights or privileges of a student of the University.

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Following Disciplinary Dismissal, the individual must apply for readmission to the

University. Readmission is possible but not guaranteed and will only be considered

after the two-to-seven-year time allotted from the effective date of the Dismissal,

based on meeting all readmission criteria and obtaining clearance from the

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students or designee. This may include

restricted access to campus and/or other specified activities. Students placed on

Disciplinary Dismissal will have a conduct overlay placed on their transcript for the

period of time that the Disciplinary Dismissal is in effect. The conduct overlay is a

notation indicating that the student is not in good standing. Further, while on

Disciplinary Dismissal, a hold will be placed on a student’s record for record

keeping purposes. All assigned educational sanctions must be completed prior to

the conclusion of Disciplinary Dismissal; otherwise, the Disciplinary Dismissal

will remain in effect.

(f) Delayed Issuance of Diploma: The issuance of a student’s diploma from the

University of Central Florida will be withheld until the completion of a stated time

frame and all educational sanctions imposed through the Student Conduct Review

Process.

(g) Delayed Conferral of Degree – The Administrative process of a student’s degree

being conferred through the University’s Registrar’s Office will be delayed. This

means the student’s degree will not be awarded until the completion of a stated

time frame and all educational sanctions imposed through the Student Conduct

Review Process.

(h) Disciplinary Expulsion – Disciplinary Expulsion is a sanction which removes the

student from the individual’s academic program and permanently separates a

student from the University without opportunity to graduate or re-enroll at the

university in the future. An overlay will be permanently placed on the student’s

record. Further, a hold will be permanently placed on a student’s record for record

keeping purposes.

(i) Educational Sanctions - In conjunction with a sanction listed above, a student found

to have been in violation of any of the Rules of Conduct will be assigned

educational requirements such as, but not limited to, reflective/research papers,

classes/seminars, interviews, etc. Educational sanctions are intended to provide a

student with opportunities to repair the harm of their actions and to engage in

meaningful developmental experiences that will help the student in avoiding future

violations of University policy.

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UCF-5.010 Student Conduct Appeals

(1) Appeals within the Student Conduct Review Process

(a) Students found in violation as a result of a formal hearing may appeal the

finding(s) and sanction(s) imposed. The appeal must be made in writing to the

Appellate Officer (VP of SDES or designee) within ten (10) business days after

the date the student was notified of the decision by the Director of Student

Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI) or designee. The person designated to

hear the appeal may not have directly participated in any other proceeding related

to the charged violation. The appeal form can be found at

http://scai.sdes.ucf.edu/process.

(b) Students may appeal the finding and sanction(s) imposed on the basis of one or

more of the following:

1. Irregularities in fairness and stated procedures of the hearing that could

have affected the outcome of the hearing.

2. Discovery of new and significant information that could have affected the

outcome of the hearing and that was not known or could not reasonably

have been discovered and/or presented at the time of the initial hearing.

3. The sanction(s) are extraordinarily disproportionate to the violation(s).

facts, and the recommended solution. This is not a re-hearing of the conduct case.

An appeal cannot be filed simply because a student is dissatisfied with the

decision. Failure to describe the nature of the information in full detail in the

appeal letter will result in the denial of an appeal.

(d) The appellate officer shall first determine if sufficient grounds for appeal exist

and then, if so, the appellate officer may: deny the appeal, thus sustaining the

initial decision; alter the sanction(s); or return the case for a new hearing. Any

decision by the appellate officer to alter sanctions or return a case for new hearing

shall be accompanied by a concise and explicit written statement that explains the

basis for that decision.

(e) The appellate officer should issue a written decision to the student’s appeal within

twenty (20) business days of receipt of the appeal. Should the appellate officer

require additional time for review beyond the twenty (20) business days, the

appellate officer shall notify the charged student in writing of the need for

additional time. Decisions of the appellate officer reflect final agency action.

(f) Any decision by an appellate officer to alter sanctions or return a case shall be

accompanied by a concise and explicit written statement that explains the basis

for that decision.

(g) SCAI cannot place an overlay on the student’s record until the appeal decision is

completed or if the student chooses not to appeal. At such time, if appropriate, a

hold and/or overlay, is placed on the student’s record. If the appellate officer

upholds the original findings, the effective date of any disciplinary sanction(s)

imposed will revert back to the date of the Director of SCAI’s or designee’s final

decision letter.

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(2) Appeals within the Student Conduct Review Process for Cases Involving Sex-Based

Misconduct and/or Title IX Sexual Harassment

(a) Complainants and Respondents in matters involving allegations of Sex-Based

Misconduct and/or Title IX Sexual Harassment (as defined in Regulation UCF-

5.008(5) and UCF-5.008(6)) may appeal the finding(s) and sanction(s) imposed

from a student conduct formal hearing. The appeal must be made in writing to the

Appellate Officer (VP of SDES or designee) within ten (10) business days after

the date both the Respondent and Complainant are notified of the decision by the

Director of SCAI or designee. The person designated to hear the appeal may not

have directly participated in any other proceeding related to the charged violation.

The appeal form can be found at https://scai.sdes.ucf.edu/student-appeal/.

(b) In cases charged under 5.008(5), Complainants and Respondents may appeal the

finding and sanction(s) imposed on the basis of one or more of the following:

1. Irregularities in fairness and stated procedures of the hearing that could

have affected the outcome of the hearing.

2. Discovery of new and significant information that could have affected the

outcome of the hearing and that was not known or could not reasonably

have been discovered and/or presented at the time of the initial hearing.

3. The sanction(s) are extraordinarily disproportionate to the violation(s).

finding and sanction(s) imposed on the basis of one or more of the following:

1. Procedural irregularity that materially affected the outcome of the matter

(i.e., a failure to follow the University’s own procedures).

2. New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the

Determination of Responsibility, or dismissal was made, that could

materially affect the outcome of the matter.

3. The Decision-Maker(s) had a conflict of interest or bias for or against an

individual party, or for or against Complainants or Respondents in general,

that materially affected the outcome of the matter.

4. The sanction(s) are extraordinarily disproportionate to the violation(s).

(d) On the appeal form, the student must state the reason(s) for appeal, supporting

facts, and the recommended solution. Failure to describe the nature of the

information in full detail in the appeal letter will result in the denial of the appeal.

(e) The appellate officer shall first determine if sufficient grounds for appeal exist

and then, if so, the appellate officer may: deny the appeal, thus sustaining the

initial decision; alter sanction(s); or return the case for a new hearing.

(f) The appellate officer should issue a written decision to the student’s appeal within

twenty (20) business days of receipt of the appeal. The written decision shall issue

to both the Complainant and the Respondent. Should the appellate officer require

additional time for review beyond the twenty (20) business days, the appellate

officer shall notify the Complainant and Respondent in writing of the need for

additional time. Decisions of the appellate officer reflect final university action.

(g) Any decision by an Appellate Officer to alter sanctions or return a case shall be

accompanied by a concise and explicit written statement that explains the basis

for that decision.

(3) Community ReEngagement and Educational Development (CREED) Program

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(a) The Community ReEngagement and Educational Development (CREED)

Program is designated for a student to have the opportunity to demonstrate that in

the period following the conclusion of the Student Conduct Review Process, they

have taken steps to become a productive and engaged member of the UCF

Community.

(b) Upon completion of one semester of Disciplinary Probation, Deferred

Disciplinary Suspension, or Disciplinary Suspension and completion of all

educational sanctions, a student can request a review of their disciplinary status

through the Community ReEngagement and Educational Development (CREED)

Program. Students who have a Z Designation on their transcript are eligible to

apply once the duration of their Disciplinary Suspension has ended and all

educational sanctions are complete.

1. Students who have been found In Violation of a Rule of Conduct that

required an investigation by the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) are

ineligible to apply for relief under the CREED Program.

2. Students who have been found In Violation of a Rule of Conduct that had

a substantially negative impact on a person or group of people, as

determined by SCAI, are ineligible to seek relief under the CREED

Program.

CREED Program submission form available at www.scai.sdes.ucf.edu/creed .

This request can only be submitted once a semester.

(d) The Director of SCAI or designee will review applications submitted before the

semesterly deadline(s) during the application review period(s). Information on

application deadlines and review periods can be found at

https://scai.sdes.ucf.edu/creed-program/ . The Director of SCAI or designee shall

conduct a preliminary review to ensure that the student’s request meets the

necessary eligibility and application requirements. The Director of SCAI or

designee must communicate the finding of the preliminary review of the

application as well as the date and time of the CREED Review Meeting that has

been scheduled for a committee to conduct a review of the student’s application,

if applicable. The student has three (3) business days from when the Director of

SCAI or designee sent their preliminary findings to request an alternate date and

time of the CREED Review Meeting.

(e) Prior to this meeting, the committee will have reviewed the submitted packet and

will prepare questions for the student to address, as well as provide the student

with the opportunity to further discuss why their disciplinary status should be

altered or terminated or why the Z Designation should be removed from the

student’s transcript. No alterations shall be made to include new or increased

sanctions. Should the committee feel that further information and/or

documentation is necessary in order to render a recommendation, the review may

be temporarily recessed. The student will be given ten (10) business days to

produce the information and/or documentation. Upon receipt of the requested

information and/or documentation, the committee will reconvene the CREED

Review Meeting with the student.

(f) After the meeting, the committee will issue a recommendation to the Director of

SCAI or designee. The Director of SCAI or designee will provide a final decision

44 | Page

to the student in writing within ten (10) business days of receiving the

recommendation.

(g) If the request is denied by the Director of SCAI or designee the final decision

shall include a concise and explicit written statement that explains the basis for

that decision and suggested action items for the student’s success.

(h) There is no appeal process for a CREED Review Meeting decision.

(4) Sealing of Records

(a) A student’s conduct record is eligible to be sealed if the incident(s) in question are

minor and do not result in disciplinary suspension, disciplinary dismissal, or

disciplinary expulsion and/or if the student is not current on disciplinary probation

or deferred suspension with all educational sanctions completed in full.

(b) A student conduct record may be sealed upon the successful submission and

review of appropriate paperwork to SCAI.

severity of the violation, effect of the violation on the University community,

sanctions applied, completion of sanctions, and ethical development demonstrated

by the student.

(d) There is no appeals process regarding student conduct record sealing.

45 | Page

UCF-5.011 Scope; Authority; Principles of Student Group

Responsibility; Violations of Law and Organizational Rules of

Conduct Violations; Conduct Records; Medical Emergencies

(Alcohol & Drugs)

(1) Scope

(a) The organizational conduct regulations (UCF-5.011, 5.012, and 5.013) shall apply

to all registered student organizations, including those at its regional campuses

and/or at off campus instructional sites, and shall be deemed a part of the terms

and conditions of registered student organization registration. The right of all

students to seek knowledge, debate ideas, form opinions, and freely express their

ideas is fully recognized by the University of Central Florida, including when

students come together as a group.

(b) The Organizational Rules of Conduct apply to all registered student organizations

for conduct that occurs:

1. On University premises; or

2. During or while participating in University and/or organization sponsored

or related activities; or

3. During school sessions, holidays, breaks, and university closures; or

4. Against students or non-students.

campus conduct if the conduct is specifically prohibited by law or the

Organizational Rules of Conduct; or if the conduct poses (or demonstrates that the

student organization’s continued recognition at the University poses) a danger to

the health, safety or welfare of the University community; or if the conduct is

disruptive to the orderly processes and functions of the University.

(2) Authority

(a) The Florida Board of Governors Regulation 6.0105 requires each university to

establish a Student Disciplinary System, including a code of conduct, to apply to

student disciplinary proceedings. The Florida Board of Governors Regulation

6.021 requires each university to establish an anti-hazing policy as part of the

student code of conduct.

(b) These regulations shall ensure a fair and impartial process in registered student

organizational disciplinary proceedings and guarantee the integrity of the

university.

vested in the Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Services or

designee. Selected functions of this authority are shared with faculty, staff and

students. Some functions of the conduct process are assisted through review

boards.

(3) Definitions. Definitions for terms used in this section, as well as in the Organizational

Conduct Review Process, are located in UCF-5.006(3).

(4) Principles of Student Group Responsibility.

(a) Any registered student organization can be held responsible for its actions or the

actions of a collection of its members acting together. Misconduct on the part of

46 | Page

an individual member(s) may not automatically be sufficient to initiate the

Organizational Conduct Review Process.

(b) Students may be held accountable as individuals under the Rules of Conduct for

their conduct, whether the students are acting in an individual capacity or the

students are acting as a member of a registered student organization.

organization can be held responsible for the actions of one or more individuals

when those actions result in a violation of the Organizational Rules of Conduct:

1. A violation arises out of an organization-sponsored, financed, or otherwise

sanctioned activity or event, where the organization provided the context for

the violation.

2. A pattern of individual violations has occurred and/or continues to occur

within the organization without adequate control, response, or disciplinary

action on the part of the registered student organization or its executive board

members or officers.

3. The action resulting in the violation has received either the implied or overt

consent of the registered student organization or any executive board

members or officers of the registered student organization.

4. The registered student organization or any executive board member or officer

of the registered student organization fails to report and take reasonable

action against invitees/members responsible for the Organizational Rules

Conduct violation.

5. The registered student organization overtly places or implicitly allows active

members of the registered student organization to be in a position to act on

behalf or with authority of the organization.

6. The registered student organization chooses to protect one or more individual

offenders who are active members of the registered student organization from

official actions.

(d) Should a reported incident occur where an organization is named as allegedly

violating an Organizational Rule of Conduct, the University may conduct an

investigation to gather facts to help provide further context to the original

complaint. The investigative process may include administering surveys to

organization members and/or conducting interviews with persons associated with

or believed to have knowledge about the reported incident. An investigative report

will be drafted containing findings. Next steps following the investigation may be

to close the case, request more information, or initiate a disciplinary proceeding.

(5) Medical Emergencies. The University of Central Florida highly encourages students and

registered student organizations to call for medical assistance whenever an individual

experiences severe intoxication or serious injury after consuming alcohol and/or drugs. Students

and registered student organizations may be reluctant to call for help for themselves or others

due to potential involvement from the law enforcement officials or Student Conduct and

Academic Integrity (SCAI). Due to the serious or life-threatening nature of these medical

emergencies, the University of Central Florida urges students to contact emergency medical

services or law enforcement officials if alcohol-related and/or drug-related medical emergencies

arise. The University’s primary goal is to create a safe environment for its students. Procedures

and expectations regarding these incidents have been outlined in SCAI Rules of Conduct

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Controlled Substance and Drug Violations and Alcoholic Beverages section and the

Organizational Rules of Conduct section.

(a) Alcohol Emergencies - University Expectations for Student Groups. Student

groups may be eligible for exemptions from disciplinary action when a

representative of an organization at a student group event calls for emergency

assistance on behalf of a person experiencing an alcohol related emergency.

Student groups that seek medical assistance for alcohol emergencies may receive

exemption for violations of the Organizational Rules of Conduct Section UCF-

5.012 6(a)-6(f); however, exemption for other Organizational Rule of Conduct

violations may not be granted. Student groups may be eligible for this exemption

on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Director of SCAI. Additional

information regarding alcohol emergencies can be found at the SCAI website.

(b) Drug-Related Emergencies - University Expectations for Student Groups. Student

groups may be eligible for exemptions from disciplinary action when a

representative of an organization at a student group event calls for emergency

assistance on behalf of a person experiencing a drug-related emergency. Student

groups that seek medical assistance for drug-related emergencies may receive

exemption for violations of the Organizational Rules of Conduct Section UCF-

5.012 7(a)-7(d); however, exemption for other Organizational Rule of Conduct

violations may not be granted. Student groups may be eligible for this exemption

on a case by case basis at the discretion of the Director of SCAI. Additional

information regarding drug-related emergencies can be found at the SCAI

website.

(6) Violations of Law and Rule of Conduct Violations. Students who commit offenses

against the laws of municipalities, states, or the United States are subject to prosecution by those

authorities and may be subject to disciplinary action by the University when their conduct

violates institutional standards. Students shall not be forced to present self-incriminating

evidence; however, the University is not required to postpone disciplinary proceedings pending

the outcome of any civil or criminal case. The Student Organization Conduct process is not a

criminal or judicial proceeding and is designed to address registered student organization

behavior as outlined in the Principles of Student Group Responsibility, above; therefore, alleged

violations of the Organizational Rules of Conduct will be addressed independently of any

penalty imposed by the courts for the criminal offense.

(7) Student Organizational Conduct Records

(a) Maintenance of Records. A registered student organization’s or other student

group’s conduct case record will be maintained in SCAI. The case record of a

registered student organization found responsible for charge(s) against them, with

sanctions less than organizational suspension or revocation, will generally be

maintained in SCAI for seven years from the calendar year of record, after which

they are destroyed. The case record of a registered student organization that has

been suspended or whose registration has been revoked will be permanently

maintained by SCAI.

(b) Release of Records. The release of registered student organization and other

student group disciplinary records will be governed by applicable federal and

state laws regarding the privacy of education records.

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UCF-5.012 Organizational Rules of Conduct

Registered student organizations are expected to abide by these Organizational Rules of

Conduct, and administrators and faculty are expected to enforce them. The prohibition on hazing

found in Section (10), below, shall apply equally to registered student organizations and other

student groups, whether or not officially recognized by the University. These rules should be

read broadly and are not intended to define prohibited conduct in exhaustive terms. These rules

may be revised during the year; announcements will be made on adoption of changes or

additions. The right of all students to seek knowledge, debate ideas, form opinions, and freely

express their ideas is fully recognized by the University of Central Florida, including when

students come together as student group; accordingly, the rules below will not be used to impose

discipline for a student group’s lawful expression of ideas. Specific restrictions on time and place

of meetings and assemblies are found in other University regulations or policies and student

groups are expected to follow those restrictions. The following is a non-exhaustive list of

prohibited conduct for which disciplinary action may be taken at the University of Central

Florida.

(1) Theft, Disregard for Property

(a) Malicious or unwarranted damage or destruction of another's property.

(b) Taking, attempting to take, or keeping in its possession property or services not

belonging to the registered student organization.

individual.

(2) Possessing and/or Providing False and Misleading Information

(a) Withholding related information, or furnishing false, misleading, incomplete, or

incorrect information (oral or written) to University officials (faculty or staff), or

law enforcement officers.

(b) Possession, use or attempted use of any form of fraudulent identification,

including the credentials or identification of an individual or organization.

instrument of identification.

(d) Deliberately and purposefully providing false or misleading verbal or written

information about another person.

(e) Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information during an

investigation or the student conduct review process, including knowingly

initiating a false complaint.

(f) Fraud: Any act of deceit or misrepresentation for purposes of financial or personal

gain.

(3) Disruptive Conduct

(a) Any act that impairs, interferes with, or obstructs the orderly conduct, processes,

and functions of the University or any part thereof or the rights of one or more

individuals.

(b) Obstructing the free movement of other students around the campus, interfering

with the use of University facilities, preventing the normal operation of the

University; or conducting any event that interferes with the normal progress of

academic events on campus.

49 | Page

registered or sponsored student organization.

(d) Engaging in obscene or indecent conduct.

(e) Failure to comply with the administrative policies as enacted by the University.

(f) Failure to comply with the directions of University officials or authorized agents

acting in the performance of their duties. Registered student organization officers

and members shall comply with all directions or requests of University officials,

University police officers or authorized agents in a timely manner.

(g) Hindering or interfering with the Organizational Conduct Review Process by

failing to obey the notice from a university official to appear for a student conduct

meeting or hearing and/or attempting to discourage an individual’s proper

participating in, or use of, the Organizational Conduct Review Process.

(h) Participating in any event with a registered student organization that is currently

on Organizational Disciplinary Probation (with restrictive conditions) or

Organizational Deferred Suspension (with restrictive Conditions), is currently

suspended, or that has had their UCF registration revoked.

(i) Failure to comply with any other University regulation or policy as described in

the UCF Regulations, UCF Policies and Procedures, or University department

publicized policy.

(4) Harmful Behavior

(a) Physical violence towards another person or group.

(b) Discriminatory Harassment: Discriminatory harassment consists of verbal,

physical, electronic or other conduct based upon a protected class as defined in

University Policy 2-004, or membership in other protected classes set forth in

state or federal law that interferes with that individual’s educational or

employment opportunities, participation in a university program or activity, or

receipt of legitimately-requested services meeting the description of either Hostile

Environment Harassment or Quid Pro Quo Harassment, as defined in University

Policy 2-004 Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment, and Related.

Interpersonal Violence.

directed at another, that is severe, pervasive, or persistent, and is of a nature that

would cause a reasonable person or group in the target’s position substantial

emotional distress and undermine his or her ability to work, study, or participate

in University life or regular activities, or which would place a reasonable person

in fear of injury or death.

(d) Verbal, digital, or written abuse, threats, intimidation, coercion and/or other

conduct that endangers the health, safety or well-being of another person or

group, or which would place a reasonable person in fear of bodily injury or death.

This definition, however, shall not be interpreted to abridge the rights of the

University community to freedom of expression protected by the First

Amendment of the United States Constitution and any other applicable law.

(e) Failure to respect the privacy of other individuals.

(f) Retaliation against or harassment of Complainant(s), other person(s) alleging

misconduct, or anyone who participates in an investigation of harassment.

(5) Sex-Based Misconduct

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(a) Sexual Assault. Sexual assault means sexual contact without consent.

(b) Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment means any unwelcome sexual advance,

request for sexual favors, or other unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether

verbal, non-verbal, graphic, physical, or otherwise, when the conditions for

Discriminatory Harassment as defined in UCF Policy 2-004 are present.

harassment that is based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender

expression, which may include acts of aggression, intimidation, or hostility,

whether verbal or non-verbal, graphic, physical, or otherwise, even if the acts do

not involve conduct of a sexual nature, when the conditions for Discriminatory

Harassment as defined in UCF Policy 2-004 are present.

(d) Obscene or Indecent Behavior - Exposure of one’s body in such a manner that

another party reasonably could be offended or to display sexual behavior which

another person reasonably finds offensive.

(e) Voyeurism - Trespass, spying, or eavesdropping for the purpose of sexual

gratification.

(f) Solicitation of a Minor – soliciting sexual acts from a minor by oral, written, or

electronic means.

(g) Child Pornography – possessing, producing or the dissemination of child

pornography

(h) Stalking: Stalking occurs when there is a coordinated course of conduct directed

at a specific person under circumstances that would cause a reasonable person to

fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others, or to experience substantial

emotional distress. A “course of conduct” is two or more acts, including but not

limited to acts in which a person directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by

any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils,

threatens, or communicates to or about another person, or interferes with another

person’s property. Stalking includes “cyber-stalking,” a particular form of

stalking in which a person uses electronic media, such as the internet, social

networks, blogs, phones, texts, or other similar devices or forms of contact.

Stalking may include, but is not limited to: non-consensual communications (face

to face, telephone, e-mail); threatening or obscene gestures;

surveillance/following/pursuit; showing up outside the targeted individual’s

classroom or workplace; sending gifts and/or notes (romantic, bizarre, sinister, or

perverted); and/or making threats.

(i) Sexual Exploitation: Sexual Exploitation is purposely or knowingly doing or

attempting to do any of the following:

1. Recording or photographing private sexual activity and/or a person’s

intimate parts (including genitalia, groin, breasts or buttocks) without

consent;

2. Disseminating or posting images of private sexual activity and/or a

person’s intimate parts (including genitalia, groin, breasts or buttocks)

without consent;

3. Allowing third parties to observe private sexual activity from a hidden

location (e.g., closet) or through electronic means (e.g., Skype or

livestreaming of images);

4. Subjecting another person to human trafficking.

(j) Any attempted acts of Sex-Based Misconduct are also violations of this policy.

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(6) Alcohol-Related Misconduct

(a) Use and/or possession of alcoholic beverages, except as expressly permitted by

law and University regulations/policies.

(b) Sale and/or distribution of alcoholic beverages, except as expressly permitted by

the law and University regulations/policies.

the legal drinking age.

(d) Misconduct under the influence of alcohol.

(e) Furnishing or causing to be furnished any alcoholic beverage to any person in a

state of noticeable intoxication.

(f) Failure of a registered student organization to take all necessary steps to see that

no person under the legal drinking age possesses alcoholic beverages at functions

it sponsors or within any property or transportation it owns, operates, and/or rents.

NOTE: Registered student organizations may be eligible for exemptions from

disciplinary action when a representative of an organization at a registered student

organizational event calls for emergency assistance on behalf of a person experiencing an

alcohol related emergency. Information regarding exemptions under this rule for alcohol

related emergencies can be found in University Regulation UCF–5.011 and the Student

Conduct & Academic Integrity website: http://scai.sdes.ucf.edu/medicalemergencies .

(7) Drug-Related Misconduct

(a) Unlawful use and/or possession of any narcotic or other controlled substances,

and possession and/or use of drug paraphernalia.

(b) Sale and/or distribution of any narcotic or other controlled substances.

(d) Attempt to obtain any narcotic or other controlled substances, except as expressly

permitted by law.

NOTE: Registered student organizations may be eligible for exemptions from

disciplinary action when a representative of an organization at a registered student

organizational event calls for emergency assistance on behalf of a person experiencing a

drug related emergency. Information regarding exemptions under this rule for drug

related emergencies can be found in University Regulation UCF-5.011 and the Student

Conduct and Academic Integrity website: http://scai.sdes.ucf.edu/medicalemergencies.

(8) Unauthorized Entry Unauthorized entry, attempted entry, or loitering in private or

restricted areas.

(9) Gambling

(a) Play or sponsor of an unlawful game of chance for money or for anything of value

on University premises or at any affair sponsored by a registered or sponsored

student organization.

(b) Unlawful sale, barter, or disposition of a voucher or any item for participation in a

scheme of chance by whatever name on University premises or at any activity

sponsored by a registered or sponsored student organization

intent to have a direct influence in the success of the competition.

(10) Hazing

(a) Hazing is any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the

mental or physical health and/or safety of a student for purposes including but not

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limited to initiation or admission into, or association or affiliation with, any

registered student organization or other group whether or not officially recognized

by the University. Hazing which violates Florida Statutes may result in felony

charges. A student may commit an act of hazing whether the student is a

prospective, current, or former member of the organization or group. The actions

of active, associate, new and/or prospective members, former members, or alumni

of a registered student organization or other student group may be considered

hazing under this rule.

(b) Hazing includes brutality of a physical nature such as whipping, beating,

branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements; forced consumption of

any food, liquor, liquid, drug, or other substances; or other forced elements; or

other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental or physical health or

safety of the individual.

or physical stress such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact,

forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other activity

that could adversely affect the mental or physical health or dignity of the

individual.

(d) Hazing includes forcing, pressuring, coercing, or requiring the violation of

University policies, federal, state, or local law.

(e) Hazing includes soliciting a person to commit or being actively involved in the

planning of any act of hazing as defined above where the act of hazing creates a

substantial risk of physical injury or death to the person(s) hazed.

(f) It is not a defense to an allegation of hazing that:

1. The consent of the victim had been obtained;

2. The conduct or activity that resulted in the death or injury of a person was

not part of any official organizational event or otherwise sanctioned or

approved by the student organization or group; or

3. The conduct or activity that resulted in the death or injury of a person was

not done as a condition of membership into a student organization.

(g) Hazing does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or

competitions or any activity or conduct that furthers a legal and legitimate

objective.

(h) All student groups, whether or not registered with the University and whether or

not officially recognized by the University are subject to the same hazing

prohibitions set out in this section (10). With regard to student groups that are not

registered students organizations, and against which there is an allegation of

hazing, the principles of group responsibility and scope provisions of University

Regulation UCF-5.011(1)(b), (1)(c), and (4) shall apply, as well as the conduct

proceeding procedures of University Regulation UCF-5.013.

(11) Outstanding Debt. Failure to pay on and off campus vendors in a timely manner. Groups

shall not knowingly enter into purchase or rental agreements that are beyond the resources of the

organization’s ability to pay. The University will not cover outstanding debts of registered

student organizations.

(12) Use of Facilities. Failure to comply with University regulations and procedures for campus

events and/or use of campus facilities or grounds. Those individuals acting on behalf of an

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organization that reserve facilities should check with the University department or office

responsible for the facility to guarantee that all procedures have been followed.

(13) Fire Safety and Sanitation

(a) Tampering with or damage to fire, life safety, or security equipment.

(b) Causing, condoning, or encouraging the creation of any situation involving

incendiary or other chemicals or substances, explosives, or fire that reasonably

may result in danger to another’s person or property.

explosives.

(d) Failure to properly maintain a registered student organization's facilities or

property (or surrounding property) such that a potential danger to the health and

safety of the occupants or members of the University and surrounding community

is created.

(14) Advertising.

(a) Origination or circulation of any advertising media that contains matter that

violates federal, state and/or local laws.

(b) Origination or circulation of any advertising media containing false or misleading

information.

(15) Solicitation and Fundraising. Failure to comply with applicable law and University

regulations and procedures for solicitation and fundraising activities on campus.

(16) University Wordmark Violations. Unauthorized use of the University's name,

abbreviation, trademarks or wordmarks, including the Pegasus, monograms, seal, or other

graphic identity symbols. The phrases "UCF" or "University of Central Florida" (or some form

thereof) cannot precede the title of the organization. This section refers to but is not limited to,

the registered student organization’s: domain name, web address, promotional materials, and

uniforms/shirts.

(17) Academic Misconduct

(a) Unauthorized academic assistance: Using or attempting to use unauthorized

materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise unless specifically

authorized by the instructor of record.

(b) The unauthorized possession of examination or course related material.

person, student, and/or uploading course material to a third-party vendor without

authorization or without the express written permission of the University and the

Instructor. Course materials include but are not limited to class notes, Instructor’s

power points, tests, quizzes, labs, instruction sheets, homework, study guides,

handouts, etc.

(d) Knowingly helping any student violate academic behavior standards.

(18.) Violation of Local, State, and/or Federal Laws. Violation of any local, state and/or

federal law that may result in a felony or misdemeanor.

(19) Complicity. Complicity is any act taken with the purpose of aiding, facilitating,

promoting, or encouraging the commission of an act prohibited by the Organizational Rules of

Conduct.

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UCF-5.013 Organization Conduct Review Process; Sanctions;

Appeals

(1) Violation Reports

(a) Alleged violations of the UCF Organizational Rules of Conduct shall be reported

in writing to the Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI) or

designee. Incident reports can be submitted for information purposes only, for

information purposes with the requirement that the registered student organization

complete an educational activity including but not limited to an academic

integrity seminar, or to initiate the Organizational Conduct Review Process.

Upon receiving an incident report, the Director of SCAI or designee may review

relevant information and consult with relevant parties regarding the incident in

question. Where deemed necessary to protect the health and safety of any

individual, the student body, or any part of the University or its community, the

Director of SCAI or designee, upon notifying the VP of SDES or designee, may

take immediate action to resolve the situation by placing the registered student

organization on interim organizational action. Interim organizational action is not

a sanction. Interim organizational action is preliminary in nature; it is in effect

only until there is a resolution of the registered student organization conduct

matter. Interim organizational action is subject to review at a hearing within ten

(10) business days by the VP of SDES or designee to determine the status of the

interim organizational action. The outcome of an interim organizational action

hearing shall remain in effect until the final disposition of any formal charges

resulting from the circumstances of the case, unless the VP of SDES or designee

shall decide otherwise.

(b) The Director of SCAI will refer all information warranting disciplinary action and

assign the case to the appropriate staff member. SCAI will send written

notification to the chief officer of the registered student organization at their UCF

mailing address indicating the nature of the activity in question and what

Organizational Rules of Conduct were allegedly violated. The chief officer of the

registered student organization shall serve as the organization’s representative in

the organization conduct review process.

student organization with a violation of the Organizational Rules of Conduct.

SCAI may exercise discretion when applying the time provision to account for

circumstances that warrant a waiver of the six-month time limit. SCAI will waive

the six-month limit in cases involving sexual harassment, dating violence,

domestic violence, and stalking and may waive the time limit for other

extraordinary cases, as determined by the Director of SCAI or designee.

(d) A registered student organization charged with alleged violations of the

Organizational Rules of Conduct (see UCF-5.012) will receive notice to attend a

required preliminary conference with SCAI to discuss the charges. At the

preliminary conference, the registered student organization will receive

information regarding the Organizational Conduct Review Process, including the

registered student organization’s rights during the process; an opportunity to

inspect and/or review the information known at the time, and how to contact the

Student Government Judicial Advisor. At the conclusion of the conference, SCAI

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recommends an option for resolution of the disciplinary charges. If the registered

student organization fails to attend the preliminary conference, the registered

student organization may be placed on immediate social probation until such time

the matter is resolved, and SCAI may move forward with scheduling a formal

hearing as resolution for disciplinary charges.

(e) Social probation includes but is not limited to prohibition of the following: any on

or off campus fundraisers, socials, intramural competitions, receptions, service

projects, conferences, retreats, etc. The organization may also not be able to

update its registration until such time that it appears before a hearing. Groups

under social probation may gather at regularly scheduled business meetings.

(2) Options for Resolution of Disciplinary Charges

(a) Case Dismissal: The Director of SCAI or designee may dismiss a case if it is

found to not have sufficient facts or evidence to substantiate the claim of

misconduct or the misconduct is not a violation of the Organizational Rules of

Conduct.

(b) Mediation: Depending on the nature and severity of the alleged violation, SCAI

may recommend mediation as an alternative to disciplinary action. The involved

parties must each agree to mediation. Mediation is a confidential process where

the parties voluntarily meet with an impartial mediator to communicate their

concerns and needs to each other and to reach their own agreement on the

resolution of the case. The participants in mediation are responsible for keeping

their agreement or renegotiating it, if necessary. In the event that the participants

do not agree to mediate or mediate but do not reach a full and final resolution, the

case will be referred back to SCAI for possible disciplinary action. Breach of a

mediated agreement may result in a follow up mediation session or the matter

may be referred back through the conduct process at the discretion of SCAI.

to warrant a formal hearing may be referred to an informal resolution conference.

SCAI shall provide timely written notice to the registered student organization of

the charges at least seven (7) business days before the informal resolution

conference. At the informal resolution conference, the charged registered student

organization has the opportunity to meet with an SCAI staff member and accept

responsibility for the charges of violation of the Organizational Rules of Conduct.

At the informal level the matter will be settled by the following outcomes:

punitive sanction (organizational warning, organizational probation,

organizational probation with restrictions, deferred organizational suspension) as

well as educational sanctions (papers, seminars, community service, etc.). If the

matter is not resolved informally, the case will be resolved through a formal

hearing. The outcomes from an informal resolution conference are final and are

not eligible to be appealed. The registered student organization will receive

written notice of the Resolution Agreement within ten (10) business days of the

conference, except in the case of extraordinary circumstances. Written notice of

the Resolution Agreement will include the determination regarding responsibility

for the conduct violations and applicable sanctions.

(d) Formal Hearing: If an alleged violation of the Organizational Rules of Conduct is

not dismissed or otherwise resolved, then SCAI shall provide timely written

notice of the charges to the registered student organization at least seven (7)

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business days before the formal hearing. The charged registered student

organization may request either a panel or administrative hearing. The charged

registered student organization’s hearing shall only be open to the charged

registered student organization’s chief officer; the charged registered student

organizations’ advisor, advocate, or legal representative; the hearing body;

witnesses (when called upon); a representative from SCAI; a legal representative

for the university; and a university staff member from an appropriate office

(Office of Student Involvement, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Recreation

and Wellness Center, etc.).

(3) Formal Hearings. There are two types of formal hearings – panel hearings and

administrative hearings.

(a) Panel Hearings.

1. A panel to consider an organizational case shall be comprised of members

from the SCAI Student Conduct Board. The panel shall consist of two (2)

faculty and administrative staff members combined and two (2) student

members that have been trained by SCAI to hear organizational cases. One

panel member shall be selected by SCAI to chair the hearing and report

the proposed finding(s) and sanction(s), if any, to the Director of SCAI or

designee.

2. At hearings conducted by a panel, a SCAI staff member shall act as an

advisor to the panel. The Director of SCAI shall receive the panel’s

proposed finding(s) as to "in violation" or "not in violation" of the

Organizational Rules of Conduct and consider any sanctions proposed by

the panel.

3. The Director of SCAI or designee may accept the proposed finding(s) of

“in violation” or “not in violation” or remand the case for rehearing. If the

Director of SCAI or designee accepts the proposed finding of “in

violation,” they may approve, mitigate, or increase the sanctions proposed

by the panel.

4. Any decision by the Director of SCAI or designee to alter sanctions or

return a case shall be accompanied by a concise and explicit written

statement that explains the basis for that decision.

(b) Administrative Hearings

1. Administrative hearings shall be conducted by a faculty or staff member

from the Student Conduct Board trained by SCAI to hear organizational

cases.

2. At hearings conducted by an administrative hearing officer, a SCAI staff

member shall act as an advisor to the administrative hearing officer. The

Director of SCAI or designee shall receive the administrative hearing

officer’s proposed finding(s) as to "in violation" or "not in violation" of

the Organizational Rules of Conduct, and consider any sanctions proposed

by the administrative hearing officer.

3. The Director of SCAI or designee may accept the proposed finding(s) of

“in violation” or “not in violation” or remand the case for rehearing. If the

Director of SCAI or designee accepts the proposed finding(s) of “in

violation,” they may approve, mitigate, or increase the sanctions proposed

by the administrative hearing officer.

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4. Any decision by the Director of SCAI or designee to alter sanctions or

return a case shall be accompanied by a concise and explicit written

statement that explains the basis for that decision.

in a formal hearing. The formal hearing is recorded by the University, and no

other recordings are permitted. The recording will be made part of the official

record of the hearing.

1. Reading of charges.

2. Charged registered student organization response of “in violation” or “not

in violation.”

3. Presentation of information in support of the charges.

4. Opening statement by the charged registered student organization.

5. Questioning of the charged registered student organization by the hearing

body.

6. Presentation and questioning of witnesses in support of the charges.

7. Presentation and questioning of witnesses by the charged registered

student organization.

8. Final questions of the charged student organization by the hearing body.

9. Closing remarks by the charged registered student organization.

10. Hearing is brought to a close.

11. Registered student organization is scheduled for a meeting to discuss the

hearing body’s proposed finding(s) and recommended sanction(s), if any.

(d) Deliberations by the panel or the administrative hearing officer are not part of the

hearing and are confidential. Deliberations occur after the closure of the hearing

and are not recorded.

(e) Case Record for Formal Hearing - The case record shall consist of the following

items:

1. A copy of the formal charges in writing.

2. A recording of the formal hearing.

3. All staff memoranda submitted.

4. All items of physical or written documentation submitted, provided such

items are not returned to a rightful owner. In that case, photographs or

other facsimiles shall be made before return.

5. The Director of SCAI’s or designee’s decision.

(f) Student Conduct Board members for panel and administrative formal hearings are

selected through an annual application and interview process with the exception

of the justices from the Student Government Judicial Branch. All Student Conduct

Board members, including justices, receive annual training from SCAI. Student

Conduct Board members who serve on hearings related to allegations of sex

discrimination, including but not limited to relationship violence, sexual assault,

sex harassment, and stalking receive additional training annually.

(4) Registered Student Organization Rights during the Formal Conduct Review Process.

The following rights apply to a registered student organization disciplinary proceeding:

(a) The charged registered student organization shall be afforded written notice, at

least seven (7) business days prior to disciplinary proceeding, unless waived in

writing. Written notice may be sent to the chief student officer of the charged

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registered student organization’s electronic and/or physical address. Written

notice shall include:

1. The name of the organization, the chief student officer’s name and

organization’s address, if applicable.

2. Date, time, and location of the disciplinary proceeding.

3. Alleged Organizational Rule of Conduct Violation(s) known at the time

the notice is sent.

4. A listing of all known witnesses that have provided, or will provide,

information against the registered student organization.

5. A description of any physical or written documentation known at the time

the notice is sent.

Provided that the required notice stated above has been given to the registered student

organization along with its student leadership or member representative(s) but the

organization failed to attend a scheduled disciplinary proceeding without providing a

satisfactory reason for the absence, the organization may be placed on immediate social

probation until such time as the organization completes the disciplinary proceeding and

any further steps in the conduct process. The organization will also not be able to update

its registration while on social probation.

(b) The registered student organization may have at their own expense and initiative,

an advisor, advocate, or legal representative to be present and who can fully

participate in the disciplinary proceeding (i.e., informal resolution conference or

formal hearing). It is the registered student organization’s responsibility to make

appropriate arrangements for an advisor, advocate, or legal representative to

attend the preliminary conference or disciplinary proceeding(s), which shall not

be delayed due to scheduling conflicts of the chosen advisor, advocate, or legal

representative. A registered student organization may consult with their advisor,

advocate, or legal representative at any time during the disciplinary proceeding(s).

This consultation must take place in a manner that does not disrupt the

proceedings. In addition, an advisor, advocate, or legal representative may not

serve as a witness during a disciplinary proceeding. A registered student

organization’s advisor must not be connected to the actual conduct case or a

related case. If the advisor, advocate, or legal representative does not adhere to

their defined role in the Organizational Conduct Review Process, they may be

removed from the disciplinary proceeding(s). The Student Government (SG)

Judicial Advisor(s) may assist the registered student organization with finding an

impartial advisor, advocate, or legal representative or may act as their advisor.

student organization is not in violation until the preponderance of evidence proves

otherwise, except if the registered student organization accepts responsibility for

the charge(s). The technical rules of evidence applicable to civil and criminal

cases shall not apply to the Organizational Conduct Review Process, including

during a formal hearing. The burden of proof is not on the registered student

organization charged with a violation of the Organizational Rules of Conduct. The

university has the burden to prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that a

violation has taken place. Nothing contained in this paragraph prohibits or limits

the University in offering other forms of resolution, such as mediation or informal

resolution.

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(d) At least five (5) business days before the disciplinary proceeding, the University

will provide the registered student organization's chief officer or designee with the

opportunity to inspect all known information related to the allegation(s), including

inculpatory and exculpatory information. Information may be presented in support

of the charged student organization. The University also has the right to review

any information the registered student organization intends to use at the

disciplinary proceeding at least five (5) business days before the disciplinary

proceeding. During a formal hearing, only such information that is determined to

be “Relevant Information” will be allowed.

(e) The University cannot compel any person serving as a witness to attend a

registered student organizational formal hearing. However, all parties to a

registered student organizational conduct formal hearing may arrange for

witnesses to voluntarily present Relevant Information during the proceeding. The

questioning of witnesses shall be facilitated by the hearing officer or panel

conducting the formal hearing.

(f) The registered student organization shall have the right to an impartial hearing

officer for the formal hearing. Prior to the commencement of the formal hearing,

the charged registered student organization shall have the opportunity to challenge

the impartiality of any member(s) of the hearing body. If the registered student

organization shows good cause for the removal of any member(s) of the hearing

body, the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students or designee will assign a

new hearing body member.

(g) The registered student organization shall not be forced to present information that

incriminates its individual members during a disciplinary proceeding. In addition,

the registered student organization has the right to remain silent in the process,

and such silence may not be used against the registered student organization. The

University is not required to postpone disciplinary proceedings pending the

outcome of any civil or criminal prosecution. The University’s student

organizational review process is not a criminal or judicial proceeding and is

designed to address violations of the Organizational Rules of Conduct; therefore,

alleged violations of the rules will be addressed independently of any outcome

imposed by or sought from a court.

(h) Should the registered student organization fail to attend the scheduled formal

hearing, the hearing will be held in the registered student organization’s absence

and the proposed findings, including any recommended sanctions, will be made

using the information available at the time of the scheduled formal hearing.

(i) The proposed finding(s), as well as the Director of SCAI’s determination, of "in

violation" or "not in violation" on the charges shall be based solely on the

information presented at the registered student organizational formal hearing.

(j) Only if the proposed finding(s) of the formal hearing body is that the registered

organization is in violation, will prior conduct history be reviewed and potentially

affect the proposed sanctioning.

(k) The final decision shall be furnished in writing to the registered student

organization within fifteen (15) business days following the hearing. Should

SCAI need additional time, the deadline can be extended by the Director of SCAI

or designee by notifying the charged organization.

(l) The registered student organization's registration status shall remain unchanged

pending the University's final decision in the matter except in cases where the VP

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of SDES or designee determines that the safety, health, or general welfare of any

individual, or any part of the University may be involved.

(5) Additional Procedures in Cases of Sex-Based Misconduct. Where a registered student

organization is charged with sexual misconduct and other identified sex-based misconduct, the

procedures outlined in UCF-5.006(6) will apply in addition to the procedures of the Organization

Conduct Review Process.

(6) Sanctions for Registered Student Organizations

(a) Organizational Warning: An official warning that the organization's behavior is in

violation of the Organizational Rules of Conduct.

(b) Organizational Probation: A period of time during which any further violation of

the Organizational Rules of Conduct puts the registered student organization’s

status with the University in jeopardy. Restrictive conditions may also be

imposed as part of organizational probation and will vary according to the

severity of the offense. A non-exhaustive list of possible restrictive conditions can

be found on the SCAI website (scai.sdes.ucf.edu). If a registered student

organization is found “in violation” for another violation of the Organizational

Rules of Conduct while on organizational probation, more severe sanctions may

be imposed.

for offenses found serious enough to warrant organizational suspension, but

where the specific circumstances of the case mitigate the offense or for repeated

offenses of a less serious nature. Organizational deferred suspension is a

designated period of time during which a registered student organization is given

the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to abide by the community’s

expectations of behavior articulated in the Organizational Rules of Conduct.

During an organizational deferred suspension, the registered student organization

will be officially suspended from the University, but the organizational

suspension will be deferred, meaning that the registered student organization may

continue to operate with sanction-specific restrictions. Organizational suspension

will be enforced should the registered student organization fail to complete any of

the assigned sanctions by the deadline(s) and/or for any subsequent violation of

the Organizational Rules of Conduct unless the Director of SCAI determines

otherwise in exceptional circumstances. If the registered student organization is

found in violation for any violation of the Organizational Rules of Conduct that

occurred while on deferred suspension status, including failure to complete any

assigned sanctions by the deadline(s), the registered student organization will be

suspended for a minimum of one (1) semester in addition to any educational

sanctions imposed for the subsequent violation. Registered student organizations

on organizational deferred suspension may be limited in their abilities to represent

the University in intramural sporting events, extracurricular activities, or official

functions. The duration of any organizational deferred suspension period and the

specific restrictions imposed will be determined by SCAI on a case-by-case basis.

(d) Organizational Suspension: While on organizational suspension the registered

student organization loses it University recognition and/or registration for a

temporary period of time. While an organization is suspended, it may not use

University resources or participate as an organization in any University activities

or events unless authorized in writing in advance under conditions approved by

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the Director of SCAI or designee. Additional provisions may be assigned that

further outline University expectations while on Organizational Suspension

Status.

(e) Revocation of UCF Registration: Permanent severance of the organization's

relationship with UCF.

(f) Recommendation for Charter Revocation: An official request to a national office

that the local chapter's charter be revoked.

(g) Educational Sanctions: In conjunction with any sanction listed above, a registered

student organization found to have been in violation of any of the Organizational

Rules of Conduct will be assigned educational sanctions that are proportional to

the violation such as, but not limited to: reflective/research papers,

classes/seminars, community service, restitution, interviews, etc. If a registered

student organization has any outstanding educational sanctions at the conclusion

of organizational probation or organizational suspension, the organizational

probation or organizational suspension will remain in effect pending completion

of the educational sanctions.

(7) Appeal within the Registered Student Organization Review Process

(a) A registered student organization found in violation as a result of a hearing may

appeal the finding(s) and sanction(s) imposed. The appeal must be made in

writing to the appellate officer (VP of SDES or designee) within ten (10) business

days after the date the registered student organization was notified of the decision

by the Director of SCAI. The person designated to hear the appeal may not have

directly participated in any other proceeding related to the charged violation.

(b) Registered student organizations may appeal the finding(s) and sanction(s)

imposed on the basis of one or more of the following:

1. Irregularities in fairness and stated procedures of the hearing that

substantially affected the outcome of the hearing.

2. Discovery of new and significant information that would be likely to

change the outcome of the hearing and that was not known or could not

reasonably have been discovered and/or presented at the time of the initial

hearing.

3. The sanction(s) are extraordinarily disproportionate to the violation(s).

for appeal, the supporting facts, and the recommended solution. This is not a re-

hearing of the conduct case. An appeal cannot be filed simply because a registered

student organization is dissatisfied with the decision. Failure to describe the

nature of the information in full detail in the appeal letter will result in the denial

of an appeal.

(d) The appellate officer shall first determine if sufficient grounds for appeal exist

and then, if so, may either deny the appeal, thus sustaining the initial decision and

sanction(s), or do one of the following:

1. If the registered student organization alleges that the sanction was

disproportionate to the violation(s) and the appellate officer finds the

sanction to be disproportionate, the appellate officer may alter the

sanction; or

2. If the registered student organization alleges that there was a defect in

procedure or new information was presented which was sufficiently

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substantial to have affected the outcome and the appellate officer agrees,

the appellate officer will order a new hearing.

(e) The registered student organization shall receive a written decision to the appeal.

There is no definitive timeline for receiving an appeal response. It depends on

many factors including the complexity of the case and the information mentioned

in the appeal, as well as the appellate officer's appeal load at that particular time.

Decisions of the VP of SDES or designee reflect final agency action.

(f) Any decision by Appellate Officer to alter sanctions or return a case shall be

accompanied by a concise and explicit written statement that explains the basis

for that decision.

(g) If the Appellate Officer upholds the original findings, the effective date of any

disciplinary sanction(s) imposed will revert back to the date of the Director of

SCAI’s final decision letter.

(8) Community ReEngagement and Educational Development (CREED) Program

(a) The Community ReEngagement and Educational Development (CREED)

Program is designated for a registered student organization to have the

opportunity to demonstrate that in the period following the conclusion of the

Organizational Conduct Review Process, they have taken steps to become a

productive and engaged organizational member of the UCF Community.

(b) Upon completion of one semester of the Organizational Probation, Organizational

Deferred Suspension, or Organizational Suspension, and upon completion of all

educational sanctions/requirements, a registered student organization can request

modification of their organizational disciplinary status through the CREED

Program.

1. Registered student organizations that have been found in violation of an

Organizational Rule of Conduct that required an investigation by the

Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) are ineligible to apply for relief under

the CREED program.

2. Registered student organizations that have been found in violation of a

rule of conduct that had a substantially negative impact on a person or

group of people, as determined by SCAI, are ineligible to seek relief under

the CREED program.

Student Organization CREED Program Submission form that can be found at

https://scai.sdes.ucf.edu/creed-program/.

(d) The CREED Program is designed for registered student organizations to have the

opportunity to demonstrate that in the period following a violation of the

Organizational Rules of Conduct, they have taken steps to become productive and

engaged members of the UCF community. Student organizations that simply

fulfill the minimum requirements of their sanction(s) will not be eligible for the

CREED Program.

(e) Upon receipt of the CREED Program form, the Director of SCAI or designee

shall conduct a preliminary review to ensure that the registered student

organization’s request meets the necessary eligibility and application

requirements. The Director of SCAI or designee must communicate the finding of

the preliminary review of the application as well as the date and time of the

“CREED review meeting” that has been scheduled for a committee to conduct a

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review the registered student organization’s application, if applicable. The

organization has three (3) business days from when the Director of SCAI or

designee sent their preliminary findings to request an alternate date and time for

the “CREED review meeting.”

(f) Prior to this meeting, the committee will have reviewed the packet and will

prepare questions to be addressed, as well as provide the opportunity to further

discuss why the registered student organization’s organizational disciplinary

status should be altered or terminated. No alterations shall be made to include new

or increased sanctions. Should the committee feel that further information and/or

documentation is necessary in order to render a recommendation, the review may

be temporarily recessed. The registered student organization will be given ten (10)

business days to produce the information and/or documentation the committee

requested. Upon receipt of the requested information and/or documentation, the

committee will reconvene the CREED review meeting with the registered student

organization.

(g) After the meeting, the committee will issue a recommendation to the Director of

SCAI or designee. The Director of SCAI or designee will provide a final decision

to the registered student organization in writing within ten (10) business days of

receiving the recommendation.

(h) If the request is denied by the Director of SCAI or designee the decision shall

include a concise and explicit written statement that explains the basis for that

final decision.

(i) There is no appeal process for a Registered Student Organization Disciplinary CREED

Review meeting decision.

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UCF-5.015 Student Academic Misconduct Review Process

(1) The Office of Undergraduate Studies, College of Graduate Studies, Registrar’s Office, and

the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities will review this regulation periodically.

(2) UCF is committed to a policy of honesty in academic affairs. Conduct that comprises a

breach of this policy may result in academic action and/or disciplinary action. Academic action

affects student assignments, examinations, or grades. Disciplinary action could affect student

enrollment status.

(3) Academic misconduct includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, assisting another in

cheating or plagiarism, and commercial use of academic materials. Violations of academic

misconduct at the undergraduate and graduate level are listed and defined in the Rules of

Conduct (UCF-5.008).

(4) Alleged violations of the UCF Rules of Conduct (Academic Misconduct) shall be reported in

writing to the Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI) or designee. When an

instructor becomes aware of an alleged violation of academic misconduct, the instructor must

document the alleged violation(s) through the Academic Misconduct Report Form (AMR),

available at http://scai.sdes.ucf.edu. Upon receiving an alleged violation of academic

misconduct, the Director of SCAI or designee may review relevant information and consult with

relevant parties regarding the incident in question.

(a) The Director of SCAI will refer all information warranting disciplinary action to

the SCAI. SCAI will send notification to the student indicating the nature of the

activity in question and what university rules were allegedly violated.

(b) Upon receipt of an AMR form SCAI has six months to charge a student with a

violation of academic misconduct. SCAI may exercise discretion when applying

the time provision to account for circumstances that warrant a waiver of the six-

month time limit from the date of discovery.

notice to attend a required preliminary conference with SCAI to discuss the

charges. At the preliminary conference, the purpose of this meeting is to provide

the student with information regarding the student conduct review process,

including the student’s rights during the process; an opportunity to inspect and/or

review the information known at the time, and notice of how to contact the

Student Government Judicial Advisor. At the conclusion of the conference, SCAI

will recommend an option for resolution of the academic misconduct charges.

These options are case dismissal, informal resolution conference, or academic

formal hearing. If the student fails to attend the preliminary conference, a hold

may be placed on the student’s record, preventing them from registering for future

classes until the matter is resolved, and SCAI may move forward with scheduling

a formal hearing as a resolution for disciplinary charges. Students who leave the

university or withdraw from a class before a disciplinary matter is resolved may

be prohibited from future enrollment until such time as the matter is resolved.

(5) Options for Resolution of Academic Misconduct

(a) Case Dismissal. The Director of SCAI or designee may dismiss a case if: the

reported case fails to have sufficient facts or information to substantiate the claim

of academic misconduct; or the reported violation is not seen to warrant punitive

disciplinary action; or the reported behavior reported as academic misconduct is

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not a violation of the Rules of Conduct. An informal non-disciplinary meeting

may be held where the student may be instructed to complete an educational

requirement to demonstrate what was learned from the reported behavior. Upon

successful completion of the educational requirement, the reported incident will

be dismissed.

(b) Informal Resolution Conference. At the discretion of SCAI, violations found not

to warrant a formal hearing may be referred to an informal resolution conference.

SCAI shall provide timely written notice to the student of the charges at least

seven (7) business days before the informal resolution conference. At the informal

resolution conference, the charged student has the opportunity to meet with a

SCAI staff member or designee and accept responsibility for the charges of

violation of academic misconduct. At the informal resolution conference level,

the matter will be settled by the following outcomes: punitive sanction

(disciplinary warning, disciplinary probation, deferred disciplinary suspension) as

well as educational sanctions (papers, seminars, community service, etc.). If the

matter is not resolved informally, the case will be resolved through a formal

hearing. The outcomes from an informal resolution conference process (decision

of responsibility and recommended sanctions) are final and are not eligible for

appeal. The student will receive written notice of the Resolution Agreement

within ten (10) business days, except in extraordinary circumstances. Written

notice of the Resolution Agreement will include the determination regarding

responsibility for conduct violations and applicable sanctions.

misconduct is not dismissed or otherwise resolved, then SCAI shall provide

timely written notice to the student of the charges at least seven (7) business days

before the formal hearing. The charged student’s formal hearing shall be open

only to the charged student/co-charged students involved in the same incident,

selected advisor, witnesses (when called upon), the university’s legal

representative, and a representative from SCAI.

(d) Charged students in the Academic Misconduct Review Process shall be entitled to

the rights listed in 5.009(4)(a)-(h), including but not limited to timely written

notice and the right to an advisor, advocate, or legal representative who can

participate in the proceedings.

(6) Academic Misconduct Formal Hearing Process

(a) Academic Misconduct Formal Hearings. Students going through the Academic

Misconduct formal hearing process may elect an Administrative Academic

Misconduct Formal Hearing or a Panel Academic Misconduct Formal Hearing.

1. Administrative Academic Misconduct Formal Hearing

a. Administrative Academic Misconduct Formal Hearings shall be

conducted by one faculty member from the Student Conduct

Board, who will be designated as an administrative hearing officer.

b. A SCAI staff member shall act as an advisor to the administrative

hearing officer. The Director of SCAI or designee shall receive the

administrative hearing officer’s proposed finding(s) as to "in

violation" or "not in violation" of the Rules of Conduct, and

consider any punitive and/or educational sanctions proposed by the

administrative hearing officer.

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c. The Director of SCAI or designee may accept the proposed

finding(s) of “in violation” or “not in violation” or remand the case

for rehearing. If the Director of SCAI or designee accepts the

proposed finding(s) of “in violation,” they may approve, mitigate,

or increase the sanctions proposed by the administrative hearing

officer.

d. Any decision by the Director of SCAI or designee to alter

sanctions or return a case shall be accompanied by a concise and

explicit written statement that explains the basis for that decision.

2. Academic Misconduct Panel Hearings.

a. A panel to consider an individual case shall be randomly selected

by SCAI from the Student Conduct Board and shall consist of at

least one (1) faculty member, one (1) additional faculty or

administrative staff member, and two (2) student members. One

panel member shall be selected by SCAI to chair the hearing and

report the finding(s) and recommended sanctions, if any, to the

Director of SCAI or designee.

b. A SCAI staff member shall act as an advisor to the panel. The

Director of SCAI or designee shall receive the panel’s proposed

finding(s) as to "in violation" or "not in violation" of the Rules of

Conduct, and consider any punitive or educational sanctions

proposed by the panel.

c. The Director of SCAI or designee may accept the proposed

finding(s) of “in violation” or “not in violation” or remand the case

for rehearing. If the Director of SCAI or designee accepts the

proposed finding(s) of “in violation,” they may approve, mitigate,

or increase the sanctions proposed by the panel.

d. Any decision by the Director of SCAI or designee to alter

proposed sanctions or return a case shall be accompanied by a

concise and explicit written statement that explains the basis for

that decision.

(b) Following the Academic Misconduct Formal Hearing.

1. Undergraduate students found “in violation” will be prescribed

disciplinary and educational sanctions appropriate to the findings and

recommendations. SCAI will report the outcome from the academic

misconduct hearing back to the instructor of record and department chair.

In consultation with the college dean or designee, the instructor and the

department chair will determine if further course or academic action

should be imposed. If the undergraduate program recommends further

course or program action, the undergraduate program must notify SCAI

and Academic Services. Final results of the academic misconduct hearing

and/or course or program action must be made available to the student in

writing within fifteen (15) business days following the date of the hearing.

2. Undergraduate students found “not in violation” will be notified within

fifteen (15) business days. SCAI will report the findings back to the

instructor, department chair, and college dean or designee. Students may

have proposed course or academic action removed and the instructor may

determine a new grade since no violation was found.

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3. For graduate students found “in violation”, SCAI notifies the instructor,

Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, and the Dean or designee of the

Academic College in which the graduate student resides. The college dean

or designee will in turn notify the graduate program that a student is in

violation and ask if the program wishes to invoke any program-level

academic action(s). The student’s graduate program will determine if

program action is necessary. If deemed necessary, recommendation of

program action will be made using the Probation/Dismissal Form and/or

Conditional Retention Plan. This information will be forwarded to the

College of Graduate Studies. SCAI will be notified if the graduate

program recommends additional program action. The results of any

hearing and/or program action should be available for the student within

fifteen (15) business days.

4. For graduate students found “not in violation” of academic misconduct,

SCAI notifies the instructor, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and the

Dean or designee of the Academic College in which the graduate student

resides. The graduate student may have their proposed course or program

action removed and the instructor may determine a new grade since no

violation was found.

1. Undergraduate or graduate students found “in violation” as the result of an

academic misconduct formal hearing may appeal the finding(s) and

sanction(s) imposed by the Director of SCAI. The appeal must be made in

writing to the appellate officer (Provost or designee) within ten (10)

business days after the date the student was notified of the decision by the

Director of SCAI. The person designated to hear the appeal may not have

directly participated in any other proceeding related to the charged

violation. Students may appeal the finding and sanction(s) imposed on the

basis of one or more of the following:

a. Irregularities in fairness and stated procedures of the hearing that

could have affected the outcome of the hearing.

b. Discovery of new and significant information that could have

affected the outcome of the hearing and which was not known or

could not reasonably have been discovered and/or presented at the

time of the hearing.

c. The sanction(s) are extraordinarily disproportionate to the

violation(s).

2. Any decision by an appellate officer to alter sanctions or return a case

shall be accompanied by a concise and explicit written statement that

explains the basis for that decision.

3. The appellate officer should issue a written decision to the student’s

appeal within twenty (20) business days of receipt of the appeal. Should

the appellate officer require additional time for review beyond the 20

business days, the appellate officer will notify the charged student in

writing of the need for additional time. Decisions of the Provost or

designee reflect final agency action.

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4. Any decision by the Provost or designee to alter sanctions or return a case

shall be accompanied by a concise and explicit written statement that

explains the basis for that decision.

5. Undergraduate students may appeal program sanctions imposed by the

student’s undergraduate program, per UCF-5.016. Graduate Students may

appeal program sanctions provided by the student’s graduate program, per

UCF-5.017. Students found “in violation” for academic misconduct are

not eligible for academic appeal regarding the final grade issued by the

course of the reported violation.

(7) Z Designation for Undergraduate Student Academic Misconduct

(a) A Z designation denotes a student was found “in violation” of academic

misconduct while enrolled in a course. A Z designation does not affect a

student’s grade point average.

(b) Z designations will remain on a student’s transcript if:

1. The student is found “in violation” of academic misconduct and the

punitive sanction is disciplinary suspension for one or more semesters,

disciplinary dismissal, or expulsion; or

2. The student is found “in violation” of academic misconduct twice during

their UCF academic career.

a. The punitive sanction received in either academic misconduct case

has no bearing on the Z designation being permanently placed on

the student’s transcript.

b. A Z designation will be placed in association with both courses in

which the student was found “in violation” of academic

misconduct.

be placed on their transcript in association with the final course letter grade

recorded (ex. ZA, ZB, ZC, ZD, ZF).

(d) A Z designation will be denoted on the student’s transcript as a ZW if a student

withdrew from the course prior to the conclusion of the conduct process and was

subsequently found “in violation” of academic misconduct.

(e) SCAI will communicate with the Registrar’s Office to have Z designations placed

on student’s transcript following the conclusion of the Conduct Review Process.

(f) Students have the opportunity to improve the letter grade recorded in association

with a course in which they were found “in violation” of academic misconduct

through the use of grade forgiveness. The Z designation however will still remain

on the student’s transcript.

(g) A student can attempt to have a Z designation permanently removed through

participating in the Community ReEngagement and Educational Development

(CREED) Program.

(h) A Z designation will remove a student from consideration for academic awards

and honors (e.g. President’s List and Dean’s List) for the academic semester in

which the violation occurred.

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UCF-5.016 Student Academic Appeals

(1) General Policy.

(a) This regulation applies to:

1. Undergraduate or graduate students seeking to appeal a final course grade

(individual grades on assignments, exams, etc. are not appealed by this

process).

2. Undergraduate students seeking to appeal a program decision. (Graduate

student appeals of program decisions, including termination from an

academic program or grades on thesis or dissertation, are handled in UCF-

5.017).

(b) All grade concerns must first be discussed directly with the instructor of the

course. The professional judgement exercised by an instructor in assigning a grade

or in conducting a class is excluded from the provisions of this regulation. A formal

grade appeal is limited to or more of the following reasons:

1. Alleged deviation from established and announced grading policy;

2. Alleged errors in the application of grading procedures;

3. Alleged deviation from University syllabus policy that could have impacted

the resulting grade; and

4. Alleged lowering of grades for non-academic reasons, including

discrimination.

requirements. An undergraduate program appeal is limited to one or more of the

following reasons:

1. Alleged deviation from program policies or university policies applied to

the program as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog or Undergraduate

Program Handbook(s);

2. Alleged errors in the application of program policies or procedures;

3. Alleged program probation or program dismissal due to non-academic

reasons; and

4. Alleged undergraduate program action for non-academic reasons,

including discrimination and/or sexual harassment in the undergraduate

program, department or college.

(d) If an appeal alleges discrimination, the appeal will first be referred to the Office of

Institutional Equity (https://oie.ucf.edu/). The OIE process must be concluded

before a formal grade appeal can be initiated.

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(e) If the student is charged with a conduct violation based on alleged academic

misconduct (per UCF-5.008) that relates to the grade or program action being

appealed, the student conduct process must be completed before the student

initiates a formal grade appeal.

(f) If the student is pursuing a program appeal that relates to a grade appeal, the

grade appeal must be completed before the student initiates the program appeal.

(g) If needed, the University may extend deadlines applicable to the grade or program

appeal process for the purposes of reviewing the appeal. If extensions are made,

the new deadline will be shared in writing.

(2) For any appeal, the following assumptions are adopted:

(a) The burden of proof for a student academic appeal is on the student.

(b) Students and faculty members are entitled to a fair and timely resolution of

academic appeals.

government to help them become familiar with and understand the procedures

for handling academic appeals. Students may consult the Golden Rule, seek advice

from an academic advisor, or consult with a student government advisor

(sga_cjus@ucf.edu) regarding the student’s rights and responsibilities with

respect to this appeal process.

(d) Faculty members and administrators have access to the materials published in the

Golden Rule and access to University staff in the Office of Student Rights and

Responsibilities (https://osrr.sdes.ucf.edu/) to help them be aware of and

understand the procedures to address academic appeals.

(e) The University as an institution and its faculty members and students are entitled

to procedures that ensure due process and the maintenance of academic

standards.

(f) All appeal communications between the student and any University personnel

must be made via a university-provided system.

1. Information regarding informal appeals should be communicated using

the UCF email account (e.g., knights.ucf.edu or ucf.edu).

2. Information regarding formal appeals are submitted using the appeal

forms and processes available at

https://academicsuccess.ucf.edu/gradeappeal/.

(3) Step 1: Resolution of Student Appeals with the Instructor or Program

(a) The appeal of final grades or an undergraduate program action must be initiated

within ninety (90) calendar days of the final grade being posted or of the

undergraduate program action being taken.

(b) All student appeals of grades or undergraduate program actions must first be

addressed by the person or program whose action is being appealed. In cases of

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grade appeals this will be the instructor of the course and in cases of

undergraduate program actions this will be the faculty administrator (e.g.,

program director or program coordinator) of the program that enacted the action.

Henceforth, the instructor or faculty administrator are referred to as the

“Responding Party”. This attempted resolution is required before the student can

continue to the formal appeal process described in Step 2.

Responding Party is not available, the student has the right to pursue a Step 2

formal resolution at the unit level with the unit head or their designee. The “unit

head” is usually the faculty member who serves as chair of the department or

director of the school that houses the course or program.

(4) Step 2: Formal Resolution of the Student Appeal at the Unit Level

(a) To initiate the formal academic appeal, the student must submit the appropriate

appeal form and supporting documentation. The appeal form is available at

https://academicsuccess.ucf.edu/gradeappeal/. If supporting documentation

cannot be submitted online, the student must provide it to the unit head or

designee. This documentation must clearly state the reason for the appeal and

must include the resolution sought by the student.

(b) Once the appeal is received by the unit head, they or their designee will review

the appeal and supporting documentation to determine if there are grounds for

the appeal.

1. If there is not a basis for the appeal, the appeal will be dismissed, and the

unit head or designee will inform the student in writing why the appeal is

dismissed.

2. If there is a basis for the appeal, within ten (10) business days of receipt of

the appeal the unit head or designee will consult with the Responding

Party and may also ask to meet with the student.

a. If the Responding Party or student is not available to discuss or

respond to the appeal, the resolution should wait until the

Responding Party or student can respond, but not more than thirty

(30) business days.

b. In the event an immediate resolution is needed (e.g., due to

pending graduation certification) the unit head will make a decision

based on available information.

Responding Party or student not being available (see above), the unit head or

designee will provide the student and the Responding Party with a written

decision.

(5) Step 3: Resolution of Student Academic Appeals at the College Level

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(a) If the student has new information to present or can show that a procedural error

occurred in the previous steps, within ten (10) business days of the unit head or

designee’s written decision the student may submit the appeal to the dean of the

college that offers the course or program. The student will provide the information

using the processes outlined in (2)(f).

(b) The dean will delegate the appeal to an associate dean or designee who will,

within ten (10) business days of receipt, review the appeal. One of the following

actions will take place:

1. If an appeal is presented that was previously dismissed for having no basis,

and none of the new or additional information establishes a basis, then the

appeal will again be dismissed, and the associate dean or designee will

inform the student in writing why the appeal is dismissed.

2. If the student presents new or additional information that must first be

reviewed by the unit head, then the associate dean or designee will inform

the student in writing that this information must be reviewed first by the

unit head and that the student is required to revisit Step 2.

3. If the appeal warrants a review, the associate dean or designee will submit

a recommendation to the dean.

receiving the associate dean or designee’s recommendation the college dean will

provide the student with a written decision on the appeal. The dean’s decision will

be sent to the student and copied to the Responding Party, the unit head, and the

appropriate dean of the undergraduate or graduate college.

(6) Step 4: Resolution of Student Academic Appeals at the University Level

(a) If the student has new information to present or can show that a procedural error

occurred in the previous steps, within ten (10) business days of the dean’s written

decision the student may submit the appeal to the dean of the college of

undergraduate studies or the dean of the graduate college. The student will

provide the information using the processes outlined in (2)(f).

(b) The university dean will review the appeal within ten (10) business days of receipt.

One of the following actions will take place:

1. If an appeal is presented that was previously dismissed for having no basis

and none of the new or additional information establishes a basis, then the

appeal will again be dismissed, and the university dean or designee will

inform the student in writing why the appeal is dismissed.

2. If the student presents new or additional information that must first be

reviewed by the college dean, then the university dean or designee will

inform the student in writing that this information must be reviewed first

by the college dean and that the student is required to revisit Step 3.

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3. If the information presented warrants additional review, the university

dean will inform the student in writing that the appeal will be reviewed by

the Ad Hoc Student Academic Appeal Committee which will make a

recommendation to the university dean. The appeal will continue to Step

(7) Step 5: Ad Hoc Student Academic Appeal Committee

(a) The committee will function as an objective, fact-finding body when examining all

available and relevant information concerning the student’s appeal of a grade or

program action by the Responding Party. Such information may include the

student’s documented appeal, written and/or oral information provided by the

student or Responding Party, statements made by both parties before the

committee, and any other information the committee may deem relevant.

(b) The committee will review the student’s appeal of the awarded grade or the

undergraduate program action and will make a recommendation to the university

dean about how the appeal will be resolved.

faculty members and an equal number of students. The university shall make a

reasonable effort to select students of comparable academic classification as the

student initiating the appeal. The university will select student members from a

panel of students appointed and trained by the Vice President of Student

Development and Enrollment Services and/or the Dean of the College of Graduate

Studies. The list of students appointed to the student panel shall be maintained

by the office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (for undergraduate) or

the College of Graduate Studies (for graduate).

(d) Once the committee is convened, the committee should make reasonable efforts

to meet for review of the case within twenty (20) business days. If the committee

cannot meet within the 20 days, the university will inform the parties of the need

for additional time.

(e) The meeting is not covered by Sunshine laws, is closed to outside parties, and will

not be recorded.

1. The student and Responding Party shall be separately invited to meet with

the committee. Participating individuals in the appeal may appear through

virtual (electronic) means at the committee meeting. While either party

may invite a guest to attend the meeting, no guest may address the

committee or respond to questions.

2. The student and Responding Party shall be allowed adequate time to

respond to the appeal and material as submitted, to answer any questions

from committee members, and to present additional information needed

to clarify the issues involved.

3. Should either party fail to attend the scheduled appeal meeting, the

meeting will be held in the party’s absence with the understanding that

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the proposed outcomes and resolutions will be made using the

information available at the time of the appeal meeting and in the party’s

absence.

(f) After meeting with both parties, the committee will deliberate and issue a

recommendation by majority vote to the university dean. If applicable, the

committee will suggest a resolution to the appeal. This decision may let the

grade/action stand as is or may alter the recommended grade/action. If the

decision of the committee is to alter a previous decision, only the faculty members

on the committee will recommend what the alteration will be; however, the

student members on the committee may participate in the discussion. The

committee chair will ensure that the committee's majority opinion, rationale, and

recommended findings and resolutions are documented and forwarded to the

university dean within five (5) days of the conclusion of the committee hearing.

(g) Within five (5) business days of receiving the committee’s recommendation, the

university dean will provide the student with a written decision on the appeal. This

decision represents final agency action. The dean’s decision will be copied to the

unit head and the dean of the college from which the appeal originated.

(8) Responsibility for Record Keeping of Formal Student Academic Appeals

(a) To support institutional compliance with the Southern Association of Colleges and

Schools Commission on Colleges’ Principles of Accreditation, the following parties

shall be responsible for maintaining complete records of all formal student

academic appeals.

1. The College of Undergraduate Studies for undergraduate-level academic

appeals; and

2. The College of Graduate Studies for graduate-level academic appeals.

(b) The complete record shall include the following components:

1. First and last name of the student filing the formal appeal or the student’s

unique UCF personal identification number,

2. Date the formal appeal was filed,

3. Final decision resulting from review of the formal appeal,

4. Date the formal appeal was determined closed, and

5. Documentation reviewed at each phase of the formal appeal process.

Graduate Studies or their respective designees shall be responsible for

monitoring formal academic appeals for patterns that may warrant broader

review in an effort to ensure the integrity of the academic enterprise and

continuous compliance with accreditation standards. At minimum, the

respective dean or designee shall conduct an annual review of the elements

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addressed in the SACS-COC Principles of Accreditation (10)(b)1, 2, 3, and 4 and

shall consult the documentation on file for SACS-COC Principles of Accreditation

(1)(b)5 as needed to render a determination of need for broader review.

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UCF-5.017 Appeals of Graduate Program Actions or Decisions

(1) Review of Academic Performance.

(a) The primary responsibility for monitoring a student’s progress to degree (or

program completion) rests with the graduate program, although the College of

Graduate Studies also monitors a student’s progress and takes appropriate actions

if performance standards as specified by the program and University are not

maintained. Satisfactory progress to degree (or program completion) requires an

ongoing evaluation of a student’s performance in a program as indicated by

satisfactory grades within courses, successful performance on program

competency exams, progress in thesis and dissertation research, the maintenance

of the standards of academic and professional integrity expected in a particular

discipline or program, and any other measures of progress as customarily used in

the program. Academic probation or even dismissal of the student from the

program may occur when the individual is not making satisfactory progress to

degree (or program completion).

(b) A graduate program may also recommend dismissal if the student fails to

maintain the standards of academic and professional integrity, meet or exceed the

professional competencies of the discipline, or maintain the competence necessary

for the welfare of faculty, fellow students, staff, patients, clients, or others

encountered in internships, externships, or other classes required by the degree

program. A student’s performance in clinical settings may be evaluated by clinical

supervisors or other clinicians in conjunction with instructors of record and/or

faculty advisors.

graduate program when, in the professional judgment of a qualified clinician,

faculty supervisor or instructor of record, client/patient welfare could be at risk.

In cases where client/patient welfare could be at risk, graduate programs may

forego published procedures for advising, mentoring or probation if

documentation from clinical or faculty supervisors indicate immediate action was

necessary to protect the welfare of others. When immediate action is taken, the

graduate program must inform the student in writing of the action and the reasons

for the action. The student may appeal such action as a graduate program action

under this Regulation.

(d) Misconduct associated with research or misconduct in laboratory assignments

may result in immediate termination from the assignment and/or the graduate

program when the misconduct places clients, researchers, subjects or the

university at risk

(e) It is incumbent on the graduate program to give the student an opportunity to

discuss the pending action with the program director and provide additional

relevant information prior to making a recommendation of probation or dismissal.

A student does not have to agree with the action in order for the program to move

forward with a recommendation of probation or dismissal.

(f) The Dean of the College of Graduate Studies has final authority over probation

and dismissal recommendations and will execute them accordingly.

1. Once dismissed, a student may apply to UCF as a student in another program,

or as a non-degree student. Readmitted students are prohibited from taking

courses in the program from which they were dismissed.

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2. A student can only be reinstated to the previous graduate program by either

submitting a new application to the program with a new admissions decision,

or through a formal grievance process. (See Grievance Procedures in

following section).

(2) Other Procedures. Graduate students disputing a graduate program action (including the

evaluation of their progress to degree) as described above, have several routes of appeal

depending on the nature of the grievance.

(a) In the appeal of a grade in a specific course (excluding thesis or dissertation credit

hours) students are referred to Regulation UCF-5.016 for the grade appeal

procedures.

(b) For issues resulting from a failure to maintain academic behavior standards such

as cheating, plagiarism, etc., students are referred to Regulation UCF 5.015 (and,

as appropriate, student conduct review procedures).

Office of Research and Commercialization.

(d) All other grievances, including the appeal of grades issued in Thesis and

Dissertation credit hours, follow the Procedure for Other Grievances of Graduate

Students as outlined in this Regulation.

(3) Applicability of graduate program action appeal procedure:

(a) This regulation applies to graduate student appeals of decisions made by the

College of Graduate Studies, an academic college or graduate degree program

based on:

1. Alleged deviation from program or university policies as outlined in the

Graduate Catalog or Graduate Program Handbook(s)

2. Alleged errors in application of policies or procedures

3. Alleged probation or dismissal due to non-academic reasons

4. Alleged deviation from the University’s syllabus policy

5. Alleged discrimination and/or sexual harassment in the program, department

or college. (An appeal alleging discrimination and/or sexual harassment in

the program, department or college will be referred directly to the Office

Institutional Equity. The University is entitled to a reasonable period of time

to review allegations of discrimination contained in a graduate student

appeal, and the University may accordingly extend deadlines applicable to

the University for purposes of reviewing such allegations.)

(b) Decisions based on professional judgment of an instructor, faculty member or

clinical supervisor in the assignment of a grade or assessment of a student’s

performance in a class are excluded from the provisions of this regulation except

as noted above. Probation or dismissal due to unsatisfactory performance on

competency exams, research, or progress in thesis or dissertation research may

not be appealed based on the student’s disagreement with the professional

judgment of an instructor, faculty member or advisor. Students may appeal based

on alleged errors in process or alleged non-academic reasons.

not maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA may not appeal the academic program or

academic college’s decision to not submit a Conditional Retention Plan (CRP). A

CRP may be offered to a student when, in the discretion of the academic program,

extenuating circumstances warrant such an exception; however, graduate

programs are not obligated to provide a CRP.

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(4) Procedure for Other Grievances of Graduate Students. Students are entitled to a fair

and timely resolution of appeals. This procedure is intended for graduate students having

complaints regarding specific actions or decisions by a faculty member, program or college,

including termination from an academic program, for reasons that are not covered in Section

2(a)-2(c) above. The graduate student is encouraged to first discuss the matter within the

academic unit of the grievance and attempt to resolve the grievance informally. The formal

procedure is as follows:

(a) Step 1 -Program and Department Level: The graduate student appealing the

decision of a program, must state the nature of the grievance in writing to the

graduate program director, including a brief narrative of the grievance, the parties

involved, and a statement of the remedy being requested. All appeals must be

submitted using the form located at https://graduatecouncil.ucf.edu/appeals-

committee. This statement must be submitted by the graduate student within six

(6) months of the notification date of the occurrence of the program action being

appealed.

(b) Dependent on the nature of the grievance, the graduate program director will in

ten business days following receipt of the grievance either make a

recommendation about the grievance to the unit head or refer the grievance to the

unit/ program graduate committee to examine the issue at their next scheduled

meeting. The unit/program graduate committee may invite the aggrieved student

and others having information about the case to attend the meeting and present

information and arguments about the grievance. If so invited, the graduate

student can have a personal advisor at the meeting, but the advisor can only

confer with the student and not participate in the committee meeting. The unit/

program graduate committee will make a recommendation about the grievance to

the graduate program director.

graduate committee and make a recommendation to the unit head about the

grievance. The unit head will then make a final decision about the grievance at the

program/ unit level and inform the student of the decision within ten business

days after receiving the recommendation from the graduate program director.

(d) Step 2 - College Level: Should the graduate student disagree with the decision of

the unit head, the student has ten business days to file a written appeal of the

decision with the academic college graduate coordinator (or the Dean of the

College of Graduate Studies in the case of interdisciplinary programs with no

academic college assigned to oversight of the program). It is incumbent on the

student to explain in the appeal why the unit/program decision is in error and

should be reexamined. At each appeal level, the basis for the appeal must be the

same as the original appeal or must articulate new information discovered as part

of the appeal process itself. If the basis for the appeal changes, the student will be

considered to be initiating a new appeal that must begin at the initial level of the

appeal process (and which must be timely).

(e) Dependent on the grievance, the academic college graduate coordinator will, in

ten business days following receipt of the appeal, either make a recommendation

to the college dean about the grievance or refer the grievance to the college

graduate committee to examine the issue at their next scheduled meeting. The

college graduate committee may invite the aggrieved student and others having

information about the case to attend the meeting and present information about

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the grievance. If so invited, the graduate student can have a personal advisor at the

committee meeting, but the advisor can only confer with the student and not

participate in the committee meeting. The college graduate committee will make a

recommendation about the grievance to the college graduate coordinator.

(f) The academic college graduate coordinator after considering the input of the

college graduate committee will make a recommendation to the college dean

about the grievance. The college dean will then make the final decision about the

grievance at the academic college level, and inform the student of the decision

within ten business days after receiving the recommendation from the college

graduate coordinator.

(g) Step 3 - College of Graduate Studies Level: Should the graduate student disagree

with the decision of the academic college dean, the student has ten business days

following receipt of the college decision to file a written appeal of the decision at

the university-level with the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. It is

incumbent on the student to explain in the appeal why the academic college

decision is in error and should be reexamined.

(h) Dependent on the appeal, the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies will within

ten business days following receipt of the appeal either make a decision about the

grievance or refer the appeal to the Appeals Subcommittee of the Graduate

Council to examine the issue at a scheduled meeting. The Appeals Subcommittee

may invite the aggrieved student as well as others having information about the

grievance to attend and present information about the grievance. If so invited, the

graduate student can have a personal advisor at the meeting, but the advisor can

only confer with the student and not participate in the committee meeting. The

Appeals Subcommittee will submit a recommendation to the Dean of the College

of Graduate Studies concerning the grievance.

(i) The Dean of the College of Graduate Studies will consider the input of the

Appeals Subcommittee of the Graduate Council and make a final decision about

the grievance for the university. There is no appeal beyond the level of Dean of

the Graduate College as this person is vested with the final authority by the

President of the University.

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University Registrar

(1) Student Record Guidelines

Student records submitted become the property of the University and cannot be returned

to the student or released to a third party. Copies of student records will be released only

upon receipt of a written request signed by the student. Student records are stored in

paper form or are digitally scanned. Once the student has been absent from the

University for three academic years, all records are transferred to optical disk storage

and the paper copies destroyed.

(a) Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The procedures for protecting the confidentiality of student records are based on

state regulations and the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of

1974. FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education

records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within

30 days of the day the University receives a written request for access.

Students should submit to the University Registrar, dean, head of the

academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests

that identify the record(s) they desire to inspect. The University

official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the

time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are

not maintained by the University official to whom the request was

submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to

whom the request should be addressed;

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records

that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. The student may

ask the University to amend a record that he or she believes is

inaccurate or misleading. The student should write the University

official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the

record to be changed, and specify why the current record is inaccurate

or misleading. If the University decides not to amend the record as

requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the

decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing

regarding the request for amendment. Additional information

regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when

notified of the right to a hearing;

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable

information contained in the student’s education records, except to the

extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One

exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to

school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official

is a person employed by the University in an administrative,

supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including

law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company

with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor,

or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a

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student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or

grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing

his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest

if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his

or her professional responsibility;

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education

concerning alleged failures by a State University to comply with the

requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that

administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington DC, 20202-4605

5. Directory Information FERPA authorizes the University to classify

certain information concerning students as “directory information,”

which means that it may be released to anyone upon request. In

accordance with Florida Statutes Section 228.093, the University is

required to release student directory information to independent

vendors upon request. Directory information at UCF includes:

• Name;

• current mailing address;

• telephone number;

• e-mail address;

• date of birth;

• major field of study;

• dates of attendance;

• enrollment status;

• degrees and awards received;

• participation in officially registered activities and sports; and

• Athlete’s height and weight.

All other student information will be released in accordance with

FERPA; in most cases this requires the student’s prior written and

signed consent. The University extends to students the opportunity to

withhold any or all information, including “directory information.” To

do this, students must complete the “Directory Disclosure/ Release

Authorization” form available at the Registrar’s Office (MH 161) or

online at http://registrar.ucf.edu, requesting that this information be

withheld. The Golden Rule outlines the University procedures for

confidentiality. For additional information describing FERPA policy,

enter the Department of Education Family Policy Compliance Office

website at http://www.ed.gov/offices/OM/fpco/.

(2) Student Communication Responsibility Policy

(a) To communicate in a more expedient manner, UCF uses e-mail as the primary

means of notifying students of important university business and information

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dealing with registration, deadlines, financial assistance, scholarships, tuition

and fees, etc.

(b) To avoid missing important communications from the university, students must

ensure that the university has an up-to-date “preferred” e-mail address, as well

as both a permanent and mailing (local) address.

account for official announcements and notifications. Communications mailed

to a student’s “preferred” email address are considered official notice. The

university does not accept responsibility if official communication fails to reach

a student who has not notified the university of a change of e-mail or mailing

address.

(d) Please ensure that your e-mail address, as well as your permanent and mailing

(local) address and telephone number are current with the university at all times.

Students can update their contact information on the web at: http://my.ucf.edu

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Student Health Services

(1) Drug-Free Workplace/Drug-Free Schools Policy Statement

This is a statement of the standards of conduct and disciplinary sanctions to be imposed

for the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by UCF

students and employees on UCF property or as part of any of its activities. The unlawful

manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance or

the unlawful possession or use of alcohol is prohibited in and on UCF owned and

controlled property or as part of any of its activities. Any UCF employee or student

determined to have violated this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action for

misconduct, action which may include termination or expulsion and referral for criminal

prosecution. No employee or student is to report to work, class or any University

activity while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol. Violation of these policies

by an employee or student will be reason for evaluation and possible intervention or

treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse or dependency disorders. The University’s

alcoholic beverages policy is stated below.

(2) Campus Alcoholic Beverages Policy

(a) Policy- The sale, service, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages

shall comply with state and federal laws, city and county ordinances, and the

licensing agreement with on-campus distributors which allows for the sale and

service of alcoholic beverages. In addition, the University has formulated the

following policies governing the sale, service, possession, and consumption of

alcoholic beverages on campus.

(b) Guidelines- The sale or service of alcoholic beverages to persons younger than 21

years of age is prohibited.

1. Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited by persons

younger than 21 years of age.

2. Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in open or unsealed

containers is prohibited, except in designated areas or as approved with

special events.

3. Individuals are responsible for their actions, regardless of whether or not

their mental or physical state may be affected by mind-altering chemicals

such as alcohol and other drugs.

4. Student organizations may develop more stringent regulations regarding

alcohol use.

permitted only in licensed areas by licensed on-campus distributors.

1. The sale or service of alcoholic beverages to individuals of legal age will

be permitted at other select campus locations for catered functions by

properly authorized distributors.

2. The serving, possession or consumption of alcohol by individuals of legal

age may be permitted in private residential rooms in the residence halls

and other on-campus housing, unless otherwise prohibited by the

governing organization. Consumption of alcoholic beverages in public or

common areas within on-campus residential units shall follow guidelines

provided by their governing organization.

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(d) Approval Procedure for Student Groups- Prior approvals for students or student

organizations to host an event where alcoholic beverages are present in non-

licensed campus locations must be obtained from the associate Vice President for

Campus Life or designee.

1. The following information must be supplied by the student organization

and approved by the appropriate University officials, no less than 15

calendar days prior to the event(s). The required form may be obtained

from the Office of Student Involvement. These arrangements include but

are not limited to:

a. Sponsoring organization and nature of event;

b. Date, beginning and ending times and location of event;

c. Number in attendance and method of registering guests;

d. Method of designation for those of age/underage;

e. Contained area where alcohol consumption is permitted;

f. Type of alcohol along with food and alternative non-alcoholic

beverages to be provided;

g. Method of security including number of campus police officers;

h. Person to be contacted at event in case of questions or problems.

2. When an event is properly scheduled to take place in a location for which

a campus concession holds a license, alcoholic beverages are to be sold

through the concession and their license. Groups or organizations that seek

to sell beer or wine along with a non-alcoholic choice at other locations on

campus must obtain approval to secure a beer or wine license from the

Director of Business Services prior to making application for the license.

With approval, the license is then to be obtained by the organization from

the Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Division of the Department of

Business Regulations.

(3) Student Organizations

(a) Active registered student organizations must secure in writing permission to serve

or consume alcoholic beverages on property owned or operated by the University

of Central Florida for the purpose of engaging in any activity to benefit either

their own organization directly, or a program that their organization may sponsor,

as follows:

1. Student Union and inside the Pegasus Circle - Director of the Student

Union or designee

2. Outdoor area immediately adjacent to any building - officially designated

building manager for that facility

3. Other outdoor open spaces on the campus - designated sponsors, i.e. Lake

Claire - Director of the Recreation and Wellness Center or designee.

4. Inside any building - officially designated building manager for that

facility

(b) Permission by active registered student organizations to use any space on each

regional campus or its host institution’s campus for the purpose of providing or

consuming alcoholic beverages must be secured in writing in advance by the

Director of Campus Life on each regional campus.

(4) Drug/Alcohol Counseling, Treatment, or Rehabilitation and/or Re-entry Programs

Available to UCF Student and Employees

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Substance Use Disorders Prevention, Treatment & Recovery Services are available at

the UCF Student Health Center. A variety of health promotion services, including

education, assessment for substance use disorders, interventions, treatment and recovery

support are provided to UCF students by clinicians at Student Health Services.

Confidential screening and assessment is available for students who are interested in feedback

regarding risk and protective factors associated with their self-reported substance use.

Student Health partners with other campus and community entities to support services

that encourage individuals and student organizations to make safer, responsible choices

that enhance their personal and academic success at UCF.

Applicable Legal Sanctions Under Federal, State and Local Law for the Unlawful

Possession or Distribution of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol

(a) In the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Agency 1989 edition of

Drugs and Abuse the following statement is provided regarding applicable legal

sanctions under federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit

drugs. “The foundation of the federal fight against drugs is Title II of the

Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, commonly

known as the Controlled Substance Act (CSA). The basic Provisions of that law

were strengthened by the Congress in 1984 and again with the Anti-Drug Abuse

Act of 1986. The CSA provides penalties for unlawful manufacturing,

distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances. The penalties are basically

determined by the schedule of the drug or other substance, and sometime are

specified by drug name, as in the case of marijuana. As the statute has been

amended since its initial passage in 1970, the penalties have been altered by

Congress.” Florida laws (directed to discourage persons from driving under the

influence of drugs or alcohol) have severe penalties including mandatory

minimum incarceration sentences. Other sanctions include:

• Suspension or revocation of driver’s license;

• Suspension of vehicle registration and return of license plates, in the case of

a multiple offender;

• Mandatory blood testing to determine alcohol or drugs levels; and

• Mandated assessment and counseling, and fines.

(5) Biennial Review by UCF of its Drug-Free Workplace/Drug-Free School Policy

Compliance

The Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services and Human Resources office will review,

on a biennial basis, the effectiveness of the programs stated in its Drug-Free Workplace/Drug-Free

Schools Policy Statement and will implement changes to the programs if they are needed in accordance

with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act amendments of 1989 (Public law 101-226). This

review will also be conducted to ensure that the disciplinary sanctions stated in the UCF Policy Statement

are consistently enforced.

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Office of Student Involvement

(1) Student Activities and Organizations

The University supports a variety of student organizations as a belief in their co-

curricular value, their role in the general education of students, and their being an asset to

the University community. Opportunities for student involvement in student organizations

include student government, academic, honorary, athletics, religious, special interests,

cultural, international and service groups. Student organizations play an important role in

the total University life and must, therefore, exercise judgment and responsibility in the

planning and implementation of their activities. This judgment and responsibility extends

to individual members and officers of organizations. Organizations and individuals must

also observe certain regulations for rational and effective operation in the University

community.

(a) Student Organizations

1. Benefits of Involvement

The University of Central Florida (UCF) recognizes the importance of

active and effective student organizations. Research clearly shows that

those students who choose to become involved in some form of organized

activity do better academically, persist through graduation, and gain

valuable career related and life skills, and experience greater personal

development when compared to those students who choose not to get

involved. These benefits are even more enhanced for those students who

take on leadership roles within student organizations.

2. The Ability to Organize

The University encourages students to organize themselves and to pursue

personal and/or professional interests. Further, the University supports the

choice to form and affiliate with an organization and strives to remove

administrative barriers that would hinder such involvement.

3. University Oversight

The University has the responsibility to exercise appropriate oversight

over student organizations and their related activities. This includes the

official registration of all student organizations through the Office of

Student Involvement as well as oversight for the appropriate time, place

and manner of all activities, events, etc. Policies and procedures related to

the conduct of student organizations are presented below.

(2) Approval and Registration of Student Organizations

(a) New Student Oganization Registration

Any student association, group, or organization other than the Student Government

Association is eligible for active registration as a registered student organization.

Approval and registration is permitted and completed upon the recommendation of

the Student Government Association, the review and concurrence of the Office of

Student Involvement, compliance with all registration requirements and the approval

of the Associate Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Services or

designee. In order to comply with the University’s commitment to non-

discrimination, student organizations shall not discriminate in membership or

leadership on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ability,

87 | Page

marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic

information, or veteran status. Social fraternities and sororities permitted to do so by

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 may restrict membership on the

basis of sex and will not be denied registration on that basis. Student organizations

whose primary purpose or mission is religious which adopt eligibility criteria for

leadership positions based on religious beliefs will not be denied registration on that

basis.

1. Registration Process

To be considered for approval and registration, a student organization must

submit to the Office of Student Involvement a list of UCF student members and

their UCFID numbers, a list of all officers and their UCFID numbers, the

signature of two officers and the faculty/staff advisor(s), the organization's

constitution and completion of officer training (minimum two officers).

Proposed student organizations must have a minimum of twelve UCF student

members, exceptions to this rule can be requested and approved by the director

of the Office of Student Involvement or designee for Regional Campus

Organizations, College of Medicine Organizations, Organizations affiliated with

a National Governing Body, and Organizations classified as Graduate.

Exceptions to this rule can be requested and approved by the director of the

Office of Student Involvement or designee for Regional Campus Organizations,

College of Medicine Organizations, Organizations affiliated with a National

Governing Body, and Organizations classified as Graduate. A proposed student

organization, with a mission/purpose that appears to duplicate that of an existing

organization, may not be approved or recognized. No student organization may

be set up so that any individual benefits monetarily from its existence.

2. Privileges of Registration

Student organizations registered by the University may be granted the following

privileges:

a. The privilege to use University facilities depending on availability,

program and guidelines;

b. The privilege to request Student Government Association

activity and

service fees provided said organization adheres to the Student Body

Constitution, the Student Body Statutes, and all Student Government

financial regulations;

c. The privilege to establish dues and sponsor money-raising

projects;

d. The privilege to use the University's name as part of the

organization's name as per Organizational Rules of Conduct;

e. The privilege to invite guest speakers to campus;

f. The privilege to grant awards and honors to organization

members.

g. The privilege of access to campus for recruiting, fundraising,

and publicity;

h. The privilege of a free organizational website;

i. The privilege of access to resources provided by university

departments and offices;

j. The privilege to apply for cubicle and storage space on campus;

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k. The privilege to program with SGA agencies;

l. The privilege to participate, as a group, in University-sponsored

events

3. In seeking, securing, and maintaining the privilege to be registered, each

student organization must agree in writing to abide by all university

policies, procedures, and regulations and to hold harmless the University

for any actions or activities of the organization. Approval and registration

of student organizations by the University shall not imply support for any

student organization’s purpose, philosophy or activities. While faculty and

staff members of the University serve in advisory capacities to student

organizations, it is presumed that students of legal adult age are adults, and

therefore, make and are accountable for their decisions and behaviors as

individuals and as members of the organization. The University will not

assume any legal liability for any student organization’s activities per

Florida Administrative Code.

(b) Re-registration and

Organizations which have been approved and wish to maintain registion with the

Office of Student Involvement shall re-register and complete officer training

annualy, based on the date of the oranization’s last registration. In addition

organizations are required to re-register within 10 school days of any change of

information for the organization (e.g. elections, officer change, advisor change)..

The report must include a current listing of the organization's membership and

officers, the signature of at least two current officers and the faculty/staff

advisor(s), and the organization’s contact information.

Complete membership and officer lists should be made available to the Office of

Student Involvement upon request. Should an organization fail to register each

fiscal year (July 1

through June 30), by attending Orientation and submitting an

Update Form, that organization shall be considered inactive.

Organizations that fail to re-register with in 15 months of their last registration or

fail to meet any of the other requirements listed above will be considered inactive.

Inactive organizations may only be reactivated by following the aforementioned

registration process.

(d) Constitutions

Changes made to an organization’s existing constitution must be submitted to

and approved by the Office of Student Involvement in order to take effect.

Organization are required to follow their current contsitutions in implementing

any revisions

(3) Funds and Expenditures

Complete financial statements shall be made available to the Office of Student

Involvement upon request. Registered organizations may receive operating and

programming funds from Student Government Association through an application

process. All approved Student Government Association funding will be disbursed

and expended through the Activity and Service Fee Business Office. Student

organizations receiving funds must comply with Student Government, Activity

and Service Fee Business Office, and Office of Finance and Accounting

Guidelines. In the event an organization is inactive, organizational funds shall be

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distributed as per its constitution, but cannot be distributed to an individual or

other student organization.

(4) Membership

Membership in any student organization is limited to:

(a) Any UCF student who is paying activity and service fees and is currently

or continuously enrolled with the University of Central Florida.

(b) Any Valencia College Downtown student that meets it’s institution’s

eligibility for student organization membership, as long as the

organization’s constitution, bylaw or National Governing documents does

not prohibit it.

Organizational membership requirements must also be satisfied. UCF employees

may be non-voting members if the organization’s national constitution and by-

laws allow for it. In order to comply with the University's commitment to non-

discrimination, all students who enroll at the University will be assured equal

access to educational programs and related opportunities, including student

organizations and related programming, without regard to race, color, religion,

sex, national origin, age, ability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity,

gender expression, and veteran status

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 makes an exception for social

fraternities and sororities with regard to sex for membership criteria.

(5) Student Eligibility for Leadership and Officer Positions

(a) Registered Student Organizations may not discriminate in membership or in

officer positions on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, ability,

marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic

information, or veteran status. However, Student Organizations whose primary

purpose or mission is religious may adopt eligibility criteria for officer positions

which are consistent with those beliefs.

(b) The University has established the following minimum requirements for student

leadership and officer positions. Such positions may be elected or appointed and shall

include without limitation, only as the University deems appropriate in its sole

discretion, student government officials, officers of active registered student

organizations, members of University department- sponsored groups, and members of

University committees. Student leadership and officer positions which require current

enrollment in a specific academic program must fulfill the academic requirements of

the program in maintaining satisfactory academic progress towards degree

completion as determined by the University Registrar. These minimum requirements

may be reviewed for waiver only under extraordinary circumstances as deemed

appropriate by the University in its sole discretion.

1. During fall and spring semesters, a student leader must be currently enrolled

as an activity and service fee-paying half-time student (currently defined as

at least six (6) credit hours as an undergraduate degree- seeking student or a

post-baccalaureate student, or at least five (5) credit hours in a graduate

degree- seeking program or at least three (3) credit hours if registered for

dissertation or thesis hours). The student is not required to be enrolled during

summer term; however, the student must be continuously enrolled for the

minimum number of hours stated above during the preceding spring

semester and following fall semester. Exceptions shall be made, upon appeal,

for students in their last semester prior to graduation.

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2. A student leader must have a minimum institutional grade point average for

their current academic career (i.e., undergraduate or graduate). This is a

grade point average of 2.5 for Undergraduate Students and 3.0 for Post-

Baccalaureate or Graduate Students, for all hours earned: a. toward UCF

classes (i.e., UCF Cumulative GPA), or b. at a previous educational

institution, if the student is in their first semester (within their current

academic career) at UCF.

3. A student leader must be in good academic and disciplinary standing,

defined as not being on academic or disciplinary probation.

4. A student leader must be free of financial or disciplinary holds on University

records. Upon notification of ineligibility, students have two (2) weeks to

gain eligibility before removal from leadership position. Students who do

not meet the above minimum requirements may submit a written appeal to

the Eligibility Appeals Board through the Office of Student Involvement

within 2 weeks from the first day of being alerted of their eligibility

delinquency by the Office of Student Involvement. The appeal should

address the causes for ineligibility and reasons for believing that the

problems have been resolved. The Eligibility Appeals Board is made up of

students (3) appointed by the Student Body President and faculty (1) and

staff (2) appointed by the Director of the OSC. The board elects their

chairperson, who votes only in case of a tie. The Eligibility Appeals Board

shall resolve the issue within four weeks. The Eligibility Appeals Board is

the deciding body that, upon hearing the appeal may waive the eligibility

requirements for that semester. Students may only be granted one appeal per

criterion every two consecutive regular semesters (fall and spring).

5. Valencia College Downtown Students that are a members of an organization

must student that meets it’s institution’s eligibility for student

organization leadership positions.

The Eligibility Appeals Board may review the academic record of students

in those positions of leadership or responsibility. The decisions of the

Eligibility Appeals Board are final.

The Student Government Association has established eligibility

requirements for selected positions within student government. These

requirements and governing procedures are presented in their election and

eligibility statutes, which are made available to any student upon request, as

well as to all candidates filing for office.

(6) Faculty or Staff Advisor

All organizations shall have a contracted UCF employee, as defined by Human

Resources, faculty or staff advisor in order to be considered for approval and

registration. The advisor has no voting rights in organizational decisions.

Additionally, a faculty or staff advisor is required in order to receive Student

Government Association funding.

(7) Event Management

(a) Event Management for Events

1. Potentially Hazardous Events/SAFE Form

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a. This regulation applies to the holding of potentially hazardous

events on university controlled property. Excepted from this

regulation are official events which are scheduled annually in

university publications (classes, orientation, registration, etc.).

b. The provisions of this regulation are in addition to the

provisions of other University regulations and university

policies related to campus events.

c. A potentially hazardous event is defined as any activity that

could reasonably be expected to create a risk of harm to persons

or of defacement or damage to public or private property.

Examples of potentially hazardous events include, but are not

limited to: bonfires; lighting of fireworks; events involving

helicopters or other aircraft; motor vehicle races; gatherings in

excess of 400 persons, including unregistered campus athletic

events; marches (including any organized walks or runs);

parades; outdoor events involving animals; any event involving

the distribution of alcohol; and any event on Memory Mall.

d. Any event that meets the above criteria would require the

organization to complete a SAFE Form at least 15 days prior to

event date.

e. Full regulation can be found at regulations.ucf.edu

i. UCF-4.0292 Potentially Hazardous Events

(b) Responsibility

The sponsoring organization is responsible for implementation of this procedure.

1. Loud Speakers and Sound Equipment

Active registered organizations must secure in writing permission to use

amplified sound on campus (including Research Pavilion) for the

purpose of engaging in any activity to benefit either their own

organization directly or a program that their organization may sponsor,

as follows:

a. Student Union and inside the Pegasus Circle - Director of the

Student Union or designee (see Student Union Amplified Sound

Policy);

b. Outdoor area immediately adjacent to any building—officially

designated building manager for that facility;

c. Other outdoor open spaces on the campus - designated sponsors,

i.e., Lake Claire - Director of the Recreation and Wellness Center;

d. Inside any building - officially designated building manager for that

facility.

e. Permission by active registered student organizations to use any

space on each regional campus or its host institution’s campus for

the purpose of such fundraising must be secured in writing in

advance from the Director of Campus Life on each regional

campus. All registered student events must be in compliance with

local, state, and federal law.

2. Admission Fees

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Student organizations wishing to charge admission to an event should

receive prior approval from the Office of Student Involvement. No

admission fees may be charged to students for activity and service fee

funded events pursuant to applicable Florida statutes.

3. Contracts

No student is permitted to represent the University as a signatory on

contracts.

4. Student Organization Contests, Campaigns, or Petitions

Any student organization sponsoring a fundraising campaign, contest,

competition or petition must register with the Office of Student

Involvement. This does not pertain to Student Government Association

elections.

(8) Campus Demonstrations and Other Outdoor Events

(a) Subject to the limitations of this and related regulations, outdoor areas of the the

University campus may be used for demonstrations and other exercises of free

speech and assembly. Such use must not interferewith the conduct of classes or

University activites and must not infringe on the rights of. All general

requirements for use of the University buildings and outdoor areas of campusset

forth in University regulations UCF-4.029, UCF-4.0292, UCF-4.0293, and UCF-

4.0294 apply to uses of University grounds under this regulation.

(b) No campus buildings, other indoor facilities, or athletic or recreational facilities

may be used for demonstrations or assemblies unless specifically permitted in

writing by the campus authority specifically responsible for the building or

facility.

conduct, or participate in demonstrations and other exercises of free speech and

assembly on University grounds, except for non-common outdoor areas.All

information regarding most up-to-date policies concerning University buildings

and outdoor areas of campus are set forth in University Regulations UCF-4.029,

UCF-4.0292, UCF-4.0293, and UCF-4.0294.

(d) Non-university organizations and persons may conduct spontaneous expressive

activities, and other exercises of free speech and assembly, on outdoor areas of the

University campus that are otherwise accessible to the campus community for common

use, but must abide by the reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions set forth in

this and related University regulations (see also University Regulations UCF-4.029,

4.0292, and 4.0294), including that such use be lawful and non-disruptive. A person

making use of the outdoor areas of the University’s campus for expressive activities

does not have the right to limit access to those outdoor areas or to conduct commercial

activities in conjunction with the person’s expressive activities

Campus

demonstrations that will take the form of or involve a parade or march on

campus must follow the requirements of Regulation UCF-4.0292, “Potentially

Hazardous Events.” This is required so that necessary safety precautions can be

taken, particularly where the parade or march route will cross lanes of vehicular

or pedestrian traffic.

(9) Advertising and Signs

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Exterior signage is allowed for students sponsored activities, clubs and events to promote

student participation.

(a) Student organizations may use exterior signs to advertise activities, clubs, and

events three times per semester.

(b) All signs must be registered and properly “stickered”. Stickers may be applied for

at the Office of Student Involvement and are issued by the director or his/her

designee. Stickers may only be issued for 5 days increments, with provisions for

renewal.

or event.

(d) All signs must be removed by the posting organization within 24 hours after the

registered event or immediately after the fifth day if the signs are not renewed.

Signs not removed within the specified timeframe will be removed by Physical

Plant and a $50.00 per sign charge levied. The sign will be released after the fine

has been paid at the “Cashiers” office, and credited to the appropriate account.

(e) The placement of printed materials on vehicles, light posts, benches, trees and

exterior doors are not permitted.

(f) Signs must adhere to the following standards:

1. The maximum size of a sign is 4 feet by 8 feet.

2. Signs must be free standing and not staked into the ground or hung,

fastened or attached to shrubbery, trees, and light posts. Signs are not

permitted in any street median.

3. All signage must be placed in a minimum of 50 feet from any motor

vehicle intersection.

4. Signs can only be placed in locations designated on the UCF Signage

Location Map.

5. Any signs in violation of any of the above stated regulations will be

removed by Facilities Operations and a $50.00 per sign charge levied. The

sign will be released after the fine has been paid at the “Cashiers” office,

and credited to Account # 2421000, object code #499000.

(g) These posting rules do not apply to Student Government elections.

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Student Union

(1) In-line Skating, Skateboarding, and Scooters Procedure

(a) Each building of the University will have properly posted signs prohibiting in-

line skating, skateboarding, and scooters within or adjacent to building

structures. The building manager is responsible for posting the signs with the

assistance of the Physical Plant.

(b) Any staff or faculty member shall discourage anyone from in-line skating,

skateboarding, or using scooters within the confines of each building or adjacent

to the property, the disruptive individual will be referred to the Division of

Student Development and Enrollment Services or Human Resources as

applicable. In the case of a person not affiliated with the University, University

Police will issue a Trespass Warning according to policy. The University Police

will assist the reporting party as necessary.

and entranceways adjacent to the exterior of each building.

(d) In-line skating, skateboarding, and scooters are prohibited on the roadways and

in parking garages/lots.

(e) The University Police Department is responsible for enforcing this procedure.

(f) Scooters used by persons with disabilities to aid in their mobility are exempt

from this policy.

(2) Solicitation on Campus

(a) General Policy

1.All business entities and all natural and legal persons (hereinafter

referred to as "Vendor(s)") wishing to solicit business or otherwise

engage in any form of commerce on the Orlando campus of the

University of Central Florida ("UCF") must coordinate such activities

through UCF's Director of Student Union or designee. The conduct of all

such activities shall be confined to that area of campus situated within the

boundaries of Pegasus Circle from Centaurus Drive to Aquarius Agora

Drive.

2.Vendors wishing to utilize the free speech area must secure permission

from the Director of Office of Student Involvement or designee.

(b) Procedure

Vendors must comply with the following guidelines to reserve and allocate

space for the conduct of solicitation: Market Day Guidelines

1.Contact UCF’s Student Union Event Services to request space. Space is

limited. Reservations must be made in advance at UCF’s Student Union

Office, Room 312. All fees for the reservation of space must be paid at

the time the reservation is made. (See Student Union Event Services for

current fee schedule.) UCF reserves the right to require any Vendor to

submit proof of insurance coverage for comprehensive and general

liability insurance in amounts deemed acceptable by UCF.

2.Placement of Vendors within the bounds of Pegasus Circle will be at the

sole discretion of UCF’s Student Union Event Services staff.

3.Vending space will be clearly designated for Vendors upon their arrival

at set up time. Displays may not extend beyond the allotted space.

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4.UCF’s Student Union reserves the right to restrict the participation of any

Vendor or Vendors.

5.If a Vendor is not set up by 10:00 a.m., UCF may, but is not obligated to,

remove the Vendor’s equipment, if any, and will consider such Vendor a

NO SHOW. This information will be noted in Vendor’s file and could

impact future reservations.

6.The market will end promptly at 5:00 p.m. UCF’s Student Union patio

will be open to load merchandise and equipment from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00

p.m. Vendors must completely vacate UCF’s Student Union patio by

6:00 p.m.

7.In case of inclement weather, the market may be canceled at the sole

discretion of Student Union staff. If the market is canceled, reservation

fees will be refunded to UCF’s Vendors who paid the fees. No prorated

refunds will be issued if the market is held and inclement weather occurs

during the day.

8.Vendors are to purchase a parking pass on the days they will be on

campus. Parking is available in Lot T-600 after the vendor unloads the

materials and merchandise at UCF’s Student Union.

9.UCF is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to Vendors’

equipment or goods. Vendors are responsible for the security of their

property.

10. Vendors must adhere to the requirements established by UCF’s

Student Union for the safety of the event and any rules as may be

mandated by UCF’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

11. UCF shall not tolerate the placement of tables, displays, tents, or

other activities for solicitation purposes outside Pegasus Circle. UCF’s

Police will be responsible for monitoring all such activities outside

Pegasus Circle. Those violating this policy will be instructed to leave

immediately and may be issued a no-trespass warning by UCF Police.

1.Posted materials should not be fastened to or hung from shrubbery or

trees; drawn, taped, painted or otherwise displayed on sidewalks, walls,

glass and painted surfaces, or building exteriors. No holes may be dug

into the ground (except for wood stakes) nor nails or tacks hammered

into trees.

2.Solicitors and tradesmen, including students, faculty and other University

personnel, are prohibited from conducting business transactions with

individuals or organizations on campus unless a permit has been issued.

Permits to conduct such business with students and student organizations

may be issued by the Director of the Student Union or for all others by

the Director of Business Services.

(d) Exception to Policy

Officially registered, active student organizations of UCF desiring an exception to

the above policy must secure, in advance, the written permission of either the

Director of the Student Union or other individual listed below to use, free of

charge, space on UCF property to conduct a solicitation to benefit only the student

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organization. No person or entity outside of the student organization shall

participate in the solicitation or receive any financial or other benefit or thing of

value from the solicitation. Examples of such solicitations include but are not

limited to, bake sales and similar fundraising activities, distribution of literature,

speakers, giveaway promotions, or signing of petitions. On UCF’s Orlando

campus, permission must be secured as follows:

1.Student Union and inside the Pegasus Circle and Ferrell Commons

Courtyards from the Director of the Student Union or designee.

2.Residence Halls and outside areas immediately adjacent thereto - from

the Director of Housing or designee.

3.Greek Park area from the Director of Office of Fraternity and Sorority

Life or designee.

4.UCF Arena and areas immediately adjacent thereto - from the Director of

the UCF Arena or designee.

5.Inside any other building and outside areas immediately adjacent thereto

- from the officially designated building manager of that facility or

designee (identification of the building manager for a particular facility

may be obtained from the Office of the Vice President for Administration

and Finance.

6.Recreation and Wellness Center and Intramural Sports area – from the

Director of Recreation and Wellness Center.

On the regional campuses or their host institutions, permission to use space

to conduct solicitations must be secured from the Director of Campus Life

on that regional campus and, as may be required, from the appropriate

official of that host institution.

Failure of active student organizations to comply with this solicitation

policy and procedure may result in student disciplinary action taken against

such organizations, including the loss of the privilege to engage in

solicitations on UCF property, the loss of the privilege to register as a

student organization, as well as other disciplinary action.

(e) Responsibility the Associate Vice President for SDES or designee shall be

responsible for implementing this policy.