Florida Student Conduct Code Violations

Let’s face it. The University of Florida in recent years has become less and less tolerant of what was once thought of as standard student behavior. Penalties for Student Conduct Violations may even include suspension, dismissal or expulsion for risky and even dangerous behavior such as alcohol violations, drug possession and, of course, DUI’s and serious or violent crimes or sanctioned behavior. Click here for the Student Honor Code and the Student Conduct Code Philosophy and Definitions.

The Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Process

The University takes a hard line on criminal behavior or actions that endanger the student or others and many times requires the student to undergo a formalized process through the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution at the Dean of Students Office. Depending on the severity of the alleged Conduct Code violation, the student may be required to attend, explain and argue his or her case to either the SCCR Director or Assistant Director or the student may choose to present his or her case to the Conduct Code Committee (5-12 UF faculty, staff and students). Click here for specific Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code Violations.

Your Attorney May Attend Your Student Conduct Hearing as an Advisor

Although the student may not employ a lawyer or anyone else to present their case or call and question witnesses, an advisor (an Attorney, parent, etc. may take this role) may be present, however the advisor may not take an active role. This means the advisor may advise the student directly, be actively engaged behind the scene, attend but not speak, argue or present as part of the hearing. Click here for Student Honor and Student Conduct Code Procedures for Reviews and Hearings.

Student Conduct Violation Appeals

After a decision is made by UCCR or a recommendation is made by the Student Conduct Committee to Dean of Students, the student may elect to Appeal the Decision. The appeal must be filed in writing and an appointment must be scheduled with the proper Appeal Office within 10 days from the date of the decision. Click here for Appeal Process.

The Student Conduct Hearing Process

An allegation is reported (Ex: University Police Department arrest or sworn complaint, student complaint, etc.).
Director of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (SCCR) reviews incident report and determines whether to charge student
Student receives a “Charge Letter” and is directed to schedule appointment with SCCR.
“Information Meeting” is held with student and SCCR administrator.
In some cases, where the incident is less severe, SCCR may resolve the charges through an INFORMAL HEARING. However where the possible sanctions include suspension, dismissal or expulsion, a FORMAL HEARING will be held.
The student chooses a Hearing format type (here’s a Flow Chart to help explain the process)

The Student Conduct Hearing Format

FORMAL HEARING (required in incidents in which sanctions may result in suspension, dismissal or expulsion): If student chooses a Formal Hearing, then the student must choose whether a single SCCR Director or Assistant Director reviews and makes a determination in their case, or the Student Conduct Committee (UF faculty, staff and student volunteers) reviews and resolves their case.

SCCR Director or Assistant Director

Investigation is completed. Witnesses are contacted. A formal hearing is held. Student provides witnesses and makes statements and questions witnesses called by SCCR.
Decision made in case by SCCR Director or Assistant Director conducting investigation and hearing.
Appeals will be heard by Dean of Students

Student Conduct Committee (5-12 UF faculty, staff and students)

more

Investigation is completed. Witnesses are contacted. A formal hearing is held. Student provides witnesses and makes statements and questions witnesses called by Committee/SCCR.
Committee makes Recommendation and sends to Dean of Students
Dean of Students makes decision in case.
Appeals will be heard by VP of Student Affairs (filed in writing and meeting scheduled 10 business days after decision is made)

INFORMAL HEARING (incident likely does NOT warrant suspension, dismissal or expulsion)

SCCR Staff

Hearing conducted
SCCR staff makes decision in case
Appeals will be heard by Dean of Students (filed in writing and meeting scheduled 10 business days after decision is made.

SContact our Student Conduct Code Violation Attorney for immediate help.

Attorney Tania Alavi will properly advise you on the University of Florida Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution process, your options and help you determine your best course of action. Call (352) 732-9191,

For more, see the UF Student Conduct Process Flow Chart.