Behavioral Conduct
All students are expected to follow the UNF Student Code of Conduct. The Code defines behaviors, or violations, that do not align with institutional values, and the conduct process is designed to challenge the decision-making of students.
Students are responsible for knowing the information, policies and procedures outlined in this document. The regulations are not a criminal code; they should be read broadly and are not designed to define misconduct in exhaustive terms. By accepting the privilege of attending classes at the University, each student consents to the Student Code of Conduct.
The Student Conduct process for behavioral cases may take between 25 and 35 class days. Please visit the Academic Concerns page for additional information regarding academic misconduct and grade appeals.
Initial Referral (Recommended within 48 hours of incident)
Students may be referred for violations via the Student Conduct Referral Reporting Form. This referral is reviewed by the University Conduct Officer for potential charges under the UNF Student Code of Conduct.
When submitting a referral, please remember the following:
- Students have the right to review case documentation associated with their case. This includes the referral form submitted by a Faculty or Staff member.
- Include as much information as possible related to the incident.
- The Reporting Party and/or Complainant will receive a Maxient letter with additional information and a review of the conduct process.
Notice Letters (Issued within 3 class days of referral)
Notice of Investigation Letter
If the initial referral does not meet reasonable cause, the University Conduct Officer may open an Investigation. The following is a brief overview of an investigation which is a VOLUNTARY process:
- Review rights of participants throughout process.
- Participants provide information and additional documentation to the Investigator.
- Investigator writes an Investigation Report to be reviewed by the Dean of Students. This report determines whether there is reasonable cause to believe a violation of the Student Code of Conduct may have occurred.
Please note: information presented during an investigation is protected under FERPA; however, information presented by participants will be associated with their name.
Notice of Charges Letter
If a referral includes reasonable cause to believe the student has violated the Student Code of Conduct, the University Conduct Officer may issue a Notice of Charges Letter to the student. The following is in the Letter
- Scheduled disciplinary hearing with date/time/location
- Ability to confirm or request changes for their disciplinary hearing
- Outlines the allegations and charges
- Explains student's rights throughout the process
- Ability to schedule an Informational Review Meeting
Please note: Reporting Parties and/or Complainants will receive a Notice of Charges Letter with similar information.
Informational Review Meeting (within 3 days of Notice of Charges Letter)
Faculty and Staff members can review their level of participation during the process through an Informational Review Meeting with the Hearing Administrator. Generally, Faculty and Staff who are the Reporting Party and/or Complainant may participate in the Hearing process in the following ways:
- Provide a written statement to the Hearing Administrator to be used during the Hearing.
- Participate in the Hearing with the right to ask questions, present information, maintain confidentiality, have an advisor present, and ability to appeal.
Resolution Options
(Scheduled at least 7 class days after Notice of Charges Letter issued)
Administrative Hearing
- One hour meeting - with possibility of being lengthened based on reported violations
- Student states if they are "responsible" or "not responsible" for the charges.
- Participants provide their perspectives.
- Hearing Administrator asks questions; participants ask questions through Hearing Administrator or their Advisor.
- Hearing Administrator reviews potential appropriate outcomes.
Please note: Florida state law dictates that a Panel Hearing is the default resolution option for students. If a student does not attend or confirm their scheduled Administrative Hearing, the student will be scheduled for the next available Panel Hearing slot.
Agreed Resolution
- One hour meeting
- Student accepts responsibility for all charges.
- Participants provide their perspectives.
- Conversation is focused on decision-making and potentially appropriate sanctions, if any.
Panel Hearing
- Two-hour meeting - with possibility of being lengthened to four hours
- Panel Hearing Officers consist of four individuals: two students and two Faculty/Staff members. Hearing Administrator is present to ensure due process procedures.
- Student states if they are "responsible" or "not responsible" for the charges.
- Participants provide their perspectives.
- Panel Hearing Officers ask questions; participants ask questions through Hearing Administrator or their Advisor.
- Panel Hearing Officers review charges and presented information to make a recommendation to the Provost/Designee on findings of responsibility and potential sanctions.
Please note: Florida state law dictates that a Panel Hearing is the default resolution option for students. In some cases, it may be appropriate for the University Conduct Officer to automatically schedule a Panel Hearing based on nature of the violations and potential impact of sanctions on the student's enrollment.
Decision Letter (within 14 class days of resolution option)
All participants will receive a copy of the decision letter within fourteen (14) class days unless there are unusual or extenuating circumstances. The decision letter outlines the potential responsible findings, potential sanctions, and the appeal process.
Appeal Process (initiated within 5 class days of Decision Letter)
All parties have the right to file a written appeal within five (5) class days of the decision letter being issued. Should any party appeal, all parties will be notified for participation. A conduct decision may be appealed on the following reasons:
- Errors in the hearing proceedings that substantially affect the outcome
- Sanction(s) are extraordinarily disproportionate to the violation committed
- Presentation of new information that was not available at the time of the original hearing which may substantially affect the outcome
Have questions?