Regulations & Policies

Student Affairs

STATEMENT OF REGULATION

1. A. Principles and Scope
   1. Introduction
   2. Guiding Principles
   3. Applicability of Student Code of Conduct
2. B. Authority
3. C. Definitions
4. D. Student Rights
5. E. Violations
6. F. Conduct Process
7. G. Sanctions
8. H. Appeals
9. I. Records
10. J. Student Conduct Record Forgiveness

Statement of Regulation

The Student Code of Conduct establishes the standards of behavior expected of all students and student organizations, grounded in the University’s values of integrity, respect, and accountability. It is intended to provide general notice of prohibited conduct and to support a safe, educational, and supportive community. The Code of Conduct is not a criminal code and should be interpreted broadly; by accepting admission, students accept responsibility for adhering to these standards. The University reserves the right to take appropriate action to protect the health, safety, and well-being of the campus community and uphold its educational mission.

A. Principles and Scope

B. Authority

Authority for student conduct ultimately rests with the University President. The President delegates this authority to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, or their designee ("Provost/Designee"). The President or Provost/Designee may take direct jurisdiction of any case at any time throughout the process.

C. Definitions

D. Student Rights

E. Violations

Listed below are categories of violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Within each category, behaviors or actions are described that constitute violations of the Code. The categories of violations are in writing to give students general notice of prohibited conduct. This Student Code of Conduct is not a criminal code; the illustrations below should be read broadly and are not designed to define misconduct in exhaustive terms. In addition to direct violations of the Code, students who aid, abet, incite, or attempt to commit prohibited behaviors or actions described below will be considered to have violated the Student Code of Conduct. 

Conduct that is a lawful exercise of freedom of expression rights granted through the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I of the Florida State Constitution and other laws is not a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

1. Sexual Misconduct

The University prohibits sexual misconduct, which includes discrimination based on sex, gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. Please refer to the University's Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment Regulation 1.0050R. Any violation of that Regulation is a violation of this Student Code of Conduct.

2. Endangerment

3. Harassment

1. (i) directly, indirectly, or through third parties,
2. (ii) by any action, method, device, or means,
3. (iii) follows monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person or interferes with a person's property.

4. Possession of Weapons and Destructive Devices

1. A sworn law enforcement officer may carry a weapon on University property, University-controlled property or to University sanctioned events;

2. Students may carry lawful self-defense chemical spray which is compact in nature, containing no more than two ounces of chemical, designed to be carried on or about the person solely for purposes of self-defense;

3. A person 18 years of age or older may maintain a firearm or other weapon for self-defense or other lawful purpose within the interior of a private vehicle, without a license, if the firearm or other weapon is securely encased or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use. Additionally, nothing in this section prohibits the carrying of a legal firearm other than a handgun anywhere in a private conveyance when such firearm is being carried for a lawful use. This exception shall not be construed to authorize the carrying of a concealed firearm or other weapon on a person or outside of a vehicle on University property, University-controlled property or at University-sponsored events.

4. Possessing and using a razor blade and/or a box cutter for lawful and intended purposes is permitted. Specifically, razor blades may be possessed and used for personal hygiene and a box cutter may be possessed and used as a tool for University-sanctioned or University-sponsored events.

5. Hazing

Please see the University's Anti-Hazing Regulation, 5.0020R. Any violation of that Regulation is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

6. Fire and Safety

7. Pets and Wildlife

Please note that an individual in compliance with the University's Service, Assistance and other Animals on Campus Regulation (6.0210R), or who otherwise has an animal as a reasonable accommodation, will not be found to have violated the Student Code of Conduct.

8. Possession of Illegal Drugs and/or Misuse of Medication

9. Prohibited Use of Alcohol

10. Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products

11. Gambling

12. Misuse of Technology

13. Misuse of Vehicles and Transportation Devices

14. Disruptive Behavior

15. Unauthorized Collaboration

16. Misuse of Materials (Course or Unauthorized)

17. Plagiarism

Please note the definition of “plagiarism” is widely recognized by academic standards.

18. Identification/Falsification

19. Vandalism or Theft

20. Invasion of Privacy

A student will not be found responsible for invasion of privacy when the alleged conduct is permitted by Florida Statute § 1004.097, which describes the right to record outdoor activities on campus and in lectures in certain circumstances. A student may audio or video record a class lecture in which the student is enrolled for the following purposes: 

1. (a) personal educational use of the student; 
2. (b) in connection with a complaint to the University; or 
3. (c) as evidence in, or in preparation for, a criminal or civil proceeding. 

Faculty may restrict recording class activities other than class lectures, such as lab sessions, student presentations (whether individually or part of a group), class discussion (except when incidental to and incorporated within a class lecture), facilitated discussions such as in a seminar, clinical presentations such as patient history, academic exercises involving student participation, test, or examination administrations, field trips, and conversations between students in the class or between a student and the faculty member.

Inappropriate recording is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and may also subject a student to a lawsuit from a person injured by the publication. For clarity, examples of conduct that would violate the recording rule include, but are not limited to the following: 

1. A student records a lecture and then uploads it to YouTube or their social media account without the permission of the instructor.
2. A student records the administration of an exam, which is not a class lecture, without permission.
3. A student records a professor during their office hours without permission. 

The following table describes violations for Invasion of Privacy:

21. Failure to Follow Direction and Obstruction of University Conduct System

22. Bystander Participation

23. Discrimination

24. Retaliation

25. Violations of UNF Regulations, Policies, Rules, Guidelines or Related Requirements

This section includes, but not limited to, requirements for student behavior contained official regulations and policies that can be located on the University Board of Trustees and/or President’s webpage.

26. Violations of Criminal Law

F. Conduct Process

The student conduct process is not the same as a criminal or civil proceeding before a Florida court. Procedures governing Florida's criminal or civil courts, including formal rules of evidence, are not applicable. For example, hearsay may be used in certain circumstances so long as the use is consistent with due process.

1. Investigation Process

The investigation process is designed to be objective and grounded in fact-finding. Its purpose is to gather information from all relevant parties in a fair and unbiased manner so DOS can understand the situation and determine appropriate next steps. This process is not solely intended to lead to disciplinary action; rather, it also serves to identify opportunities for support, connect students with appropriate resources, and promote accountability, learning, and student success. It is a voluntary process for students and is typically completed within 30–45 class days, although timelines may vary depending on the complexity of the situation, the availability of involved parties, and the time required to gather relevant information. The University strives to conduct investigations as promptly and thoroughly as possible while ensuring a fair, objective, and comprehensive review of the matter.

Sexual Misconduct and Discrimination Claims will be referred to the Office of Title IX and Civil Rights. For all other claims, including reports submitted anonymously, the Dean of Students Office, or the University Police Department may conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation when additional information beyond what is contained in the initial incident report or referral is necessary to determine the appropriate resolution. In some circumstances, the University may determine that sufficient information already exists to make a determination regarding next steps and may proceed without conducting an additional investigation.

The investigation process begins with assigning an investigator who develops an investigation plan and sends a notice letter to the complainant to verify the reported information. The investigator then connects with all involved parties and gathers relevant information through interviews, documentation, public records, and consultation with campus partners. Once the information is collected, a general investigation report is prepared summarizing the findings. The matter is then referred to the appropriate university unit to determine the response and next steps, which may include supportive measures, educational interventions, or other appropriate actions.

a. Interim Measures

1. Immediate Suspension: If the case includes allegations of a student(s) actions that may affect the safety, health, or general welfare of the student or University community (including, but not limited to violations of drug possession and/or intent to distribute, endangerment, weapons possession, and/or violation of criminal law), the Provost/Designee may impose an immediate suspension prior to the student’s hearing. An immediate suspension means a student cannot be on University property, cannot attend classes, and cannot use University facilities. A student may appeal an immediate suspension, as outlined in the Appeals Section of this Code below. Whether or not the student remains immediately suspended, the usual hearing process required by this Code will proceed after resolving the immediate suspension issue and appeal (if any) so that a final decision of responsibility for the alleged conduct may be made. For emergency removals in cases involving Sexual Misconduct, please refer to the University’s Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment Regulation. If an Immediate Suspension is overturned on appeal or the student is subsequently found “not responsible,” the University will correct the student’s enrollment status and educational records in compliance with state and federal laws. If the Immediate Suspension lasts longer than ten (10) class days, the University will refund to the student a pro rata portion of any charges for tuition or fees, if applicable.
2. Immediate Academic Removal means a student may be immediately removed and/or administratively withdrawn from their current enrolled class(es), course(s), and /or educational program.
3. No Contact Order means a student is prohibited from being in physical, oral, written, or electronic contact, including indirect communication, with a named person. No Contact Orders will be issued when the safety and/or well-being of an alleged victim is in question.
4. Trespass Order means a student cannot be on University campus or cannot enter specified University buildings/facilities. In certain circumstances, the student may be required to be escorted by the University Police Department.

1. Academic Measures include, but are not limited to, Course reassignment, Course Incomplete, Modality change, Flexible deadlines, Absence notifications, Leave of Absence, Adjustments within course group/assignment, Withdrawal assistance
2. Care Measures include, but are not limited to, Connection to Care Services, Assistance with resource insecurity, Assistance locating mental health resources, Assistance with Student Emergency Relief Fund, Transportation assistance
3. Housing Measures include, but are not limited to, On-Campus Housing Reassignment, Safe Room, Assistance with Roommate Agreement, Connection to community housing resources
4. Safety Measures include, but are not limited to, Escort on campus, Safety planning, Risk assessment, Monitoring on-campus location of concern

2. Resolution and Standards Program

The Resolution and Standards Program is designed as an educationally focused redirection pathway within the Code of Conduct that emphasizes student growth, accountability, and community standards. Through this voluntary program, eligible students have the opportunity to address concerns outside of the traditional disciplinary process by engaging in guided reflection, skill-building, and educational interventions that reinforce the University’s expectations for responsible behavior. The program supports the educational mission of the University by helping students understand the impact of their actions, repair harm where appropriate, and develop strategies for future success, while also allowing certain cases to be resolved without proceeding through a formal conduct hearing when meaningful learning and accountability can be achieved through this alternative approach.

a. Review 

b. Notice 

c. Intake Meeting 

d. Expectations and Standards Meeting 

• Academic: An Academic Expectations and Standards Meeting is an educational conversation aligned to review expectations related to academic integrity, including plagiarism, misuse of course materials, and unauthorized collaboration. The discussion is intended to clarify University expectations and support students in making responsible academic decisions moving forward.
• Behavioral: A Behavioral Expectations and Standards Meeting is an educational conversation aligned to review expectations related to student behavior. The conversation focuses on helping the student understand University policies, the impact of their behavior, and strategies for making responsible decisions moving forward.
• Organizational: An Organizational Expectations and Standards Meeting is an educational conversation aligned with the standards and expectations for registered and de facto student organizations. The conversation is intended to clarify expectations, promote accountability, and support organizations in maintaining a safe and responsible campus community.
• Medical Amnesty: A Medical Amnesty Meeting is an educational conversation that occurs when a student seeks medical assistance for themselves or another person during an alcohol or other drug-related incident. The conversation focuses on reinforcing the importance of seeking help in emergencies, reviewing relevant University expectations related to alcohol and other drugs, and providing education to support students in making safe decisions moving forward.

3.Conduct Procedures

Student conduct procedures are consistent with basic principles of fairness and procedural due process, which includes the right to notice of alleged charges and a meaningful opportunity to be heard before an impartial decision-maker.

a. University as Convener 

The University is the convener of every action under this Code.

b. Discretion in Charging 

c. Intake and Case Designation 

1. Conduct Governed by the Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment Regulation: If the case includes allegations that would be violations of the Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment Regulation (collectively, “Sexual Misconduct Claims”), those allegations will be directed to the Title IX Coordinator for review under the University’s processes set forth in that regulation. If the case also contains portions that allege violations of the Student Code of Conduct that are not Sexual Misconduct Claims (“Non-Sexual Misconduct Claims”), then the University may decide, in its sole discretion, whether to proceed with the Non-Sexual Misconduct Claims independently before, during, or after completion of the Title IX Coordinator’s review.
2. Discrimination: If the case includes allegations that would be violations of the Non-discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Inclusion Regulation or other violations of discrimination (collectively, "Discrimination Claims"), those allegations will be directed to the Office of Title IX and Civil Rights (“OTCR”) for review under the University's OTCR processes. If the case also contains portions that allege violations of the Student Code of Conduct that are not Discrimination Claims ("Non-Discrimination Claims"), then the University may decide, in its sole discretion, whether to proceed with the Non-Discrimination Claims independently before, during, or after completion of OTCR's review.
3. Academic: Cases that do not allege a Sexual Misconduct Claim or Discrimination Claim but include allegations involving a violation of academic misconduct will follow the procedures outlined in Section G(9) below.
4. Behavioral: Cases that do not allege a Sexual Misconduct Claim or Discrimination Claim.
5. Organizational: If the case includes allegations involving one or more student organizations, it will follow the procedures outlined in Section G(10) below.

d. Charge Letter

e. Provision of Information

f. Pre-Disciplinary Hearing Review

g. Selection of Resolution Method

h. Resolution Methods

1. Agreed Resolution: A respondent may elect to resolve outstanding violations through an Agreed Resolution in lieu of a hearing if deemed appropriate by the Hearing Administrator and if the student accepts both responsibility for the alleged violations and assigned outcomes. In an Agreed Resolution, because the student accepts responsibility, the meeting will be focused on determining an appropriate sanction, if any. Agreed Resolutions are noted as a finding of responsibility for violations of the Code and are considered a student conduct record.
2. Administrative Hearing: A respondent may elect to resolve outstanding violations through an Administrative Hearing if deemed appropriate by the Hearing Administrator. Administrative Hearings are held individually with a Hearing Administrator who reviews the reported charges against the student and all other relevant information to determine whether the respondent is "responsible" or "not responsible" for the alleged violations and to address any appropriate outcomes. The Hearing Administrator may utilize evidence gathered from information sessions, investigation meetings, or other proceedings involving students from the same incident in making a determination on responsibility. The respondent will be informed of the evidence and have an opportunity to respond. If found responsible, the outcome of an Administrative Hearing is noted as a finding of responsibility and considered a student conduct record. Sexual Misconduct Claims - When an Administrative Hearing is held in a Sexual Misconduct Claim, the live hearing and determination of responsibility will occur as described in the Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment Regulation.
3. Panel Hearing: A Panel Hearing provides a hearing body that will review the reported charges against the student and all other relevant evidence to make a recommendation whether the respondent is "responsible" or "not responsible" for the violation(s) and recommend any appropriate outcomes. In all cases except Sexual Misconduct Claims, a student has a right to select a disciplinary proceeding conducted by a committee or panel in which students make up at least one-half of its membership. This right may only be waived upon permission of the University and after the respondent requests such a waiver, in writing, which waiver shall also explain the effect of such waiver. A Hearing Administrator is present at each Panel Hearing to ensure that the Student Code of Conduct procedures are followed. The Hearing Administrator will answer procedural questions asked by the panel, the complainant, or the respondent. The Hearing Administrator will also keep the proceedings focused on issues relevant to the specific allegations. The Hearing Administrator will not participate in the determination of a recommended finding or sanction. The Panel Hearing members may ask the Hearing Administrator questions regarding the student conduct process.

i. Special Procedures Involving Academic Misconduct

1. Investigation: In addition to the investigation procedures described in the above Section F(1), the University may also involve the faculty member, Department chair and/or Dean if further information is required to determine appropriate resolution by DOS.
2. Assignment of Grade: Assignment of grade rests solely with faculty. Grade assignments are not considered a sanction and are issued at the discretion of faculty members. Upon the conclusion of the academic misconduct process, the faculty member can use the DOS decision to inform their grade assignment, but it is not required. Students choosing to appeal a final course grade must refer to the Appealing Academic Grades Policy (0340P).

j. Special Procedures Involving Organizational Misconduct

1. Individual and Collective Responsibility: A student organization and its officers and membership may be held collectively and individually responsible when violations of this Code by the organization or its member(s)-
   • Take place at events, whether participation or sponsorship is formal or informal,
   • Have received the consent or encouragement of the organization or the organization's leaders or officers; and/or
   • Were known or should have been known to the membership or its officers.
2. Collaborative Review: In addition to the investigation procedures described in the Investigation Process Section above, the University may also involve the Osprey Involvement Center staff, Athletics Department, and/or Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life staff if further information is required. National and or/International Headquarters for student organizations may be contacted to facilitate cooperation in the process. Such contact is required for organizations affiliated with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
3. Charge Letter: In addition to the Charge Letter procedure in Section G(6), a Charge Letter will be sent to the organization president or officer who will serve as the main point of contact throughout the conduct process, via their University of North Florida email account. Charge Letters will also be sent to an organization's National or International Headquarters when appropriate.

k. Hearing Procedures

1. The Hearing Administrator (and/or Decision-Maker(s) in a Sexual Misconduct Claim) will explain each participant’s rights and options and assure that fairness and procedural due process are observed throughout the hearing.
2. The University uses the preponderance of evidence standard in determining whether sanctions are appropriate. A student will be found responsible for an alleged violation if the relevant evidence shows that, more likely than not, the violation was committed by the student. Students are presumed “not responsible” unless the preponderance of the evidence shows otherwise.
3. Any sanctions will be proportionate to the severity of the violation and the student's cumulative conduct history.
4. Students may appeal their disciplinary outcomes as provided under the Appeals Section of this Code and Florida law.
5. The Student Conduct process is educational in nature and a confidential process in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). All disciplinary hearings will be closed to the public and may include the person(s) bringing allegations against a student(s), the respondent(s), advisor(s), alleged victim(s), the reporting person(s), Investigator(s), Hearing Administrator(s), other appropriate University personnel, and any witnesses who may offer relevant information regarding the allegation. Witnesses may only be present during the time they are testifying.
6. All parties participating in a disciplinary hearing or resolution meeting under the Code of Conduct will have the opportunity to present information on their behalf, including presenting witnesses, if available, and/or signed written statements from witnesses, and other documentary evidence. Additionally, all parties are given an opportunity to review and respond to written statements and may offer evidence to rebut witness statements and other evidence presented at a disciplinary hearing or resolution meeting.
7. The respondent, complainant, and any witnesses may be accompanied during the hearing by an advisor of their choice, which is further addressed in the Student Rights Section of this Code.
8. Witnesses may be called by the University, the complainant, and the respondent. Witnesses appear at hearings on a voluntary basis and cannot be compelled to attend a hearing.
9. A participating party may choose not to participate or answer any and all questions posed by a Hearing Body. A party’s decision to remain silent will not be used against that party.
10. The Hearing Administrator may determine a recess of the hearing is in the best interest of the parties when additional information may provide clarification to the case.
11. The University is not required to postpone disciplinary proceedings pending the outcome on any criminal prosecution. If a student chooses not to participate or answer questions during the hearing, the Hearing Body may proceed with a hearing and base its decision on all available information but will not use the respondent’s refusal to testify in reaching its determination of responsibility.
12. The respondent does not have the burden of proof regarding the charges that have been brought against them.
13. In non-Sexual Misconduct Claims, where multiple students are charged, information provided at one hearing may be used in the related case(s).
14. If the respondent fails to appear at the scheduled hearing after proper notice, the hearing may be held in the respondent's absence.
15. Prior records of disciplinary action, past criminal convictions, impact statements and character witness statements are considered by the hearing body only in the sanctioning phase of deliberations.
16. The Hearing Body's recommended finding of "responsible" or "not responsible" will be based solely on the information presented at the hearing.
17. After the hearing is concluded, the Hearing Body will provide to the Provost/Designee a recommended finding of "responsible" or "not responsible" on all charges, and any sanctions. The Hearing Body's recommendations will be communicated simultaneously in writing to the parties within fourteen (14) class days from the conclusion of the hearing.
18. In Panel Hearings, the Provost/Designee will review the Hearing Body's recommendations regarding responsibility and sanctions, and make the University's official decision, which may adopt, modify or reject the Hearing Body's recommendations, in whole or in part, or remand for a rehearing. The official decision will be communicated to the parties in writing within fourteen (14) class days, and it will include the finding of "responsible" or "not responsible" on all charges, the imposed sanction(s), an explanation of any differences between the Hearing Body's recommendations and the official decision and notice of the right to appeal. This time limit may be extended where additional consideration of evidence or deliberation is required. The parties will be informed (by phone, email, mail or in person) of the estimated duration of this extended time. If the student does not appeal the official decision, the official decision will constitute the University's final action. In the event the Provost/Designee has a conflict or has been actively involved in the underlying case, the University will appoint another official to review Panel Hearings. If found responsible, the outcome of a Panel Hearing is noted as a finding of responsibility and considered a student conduct record.
19. All hearings will be audio recorded, except for the deliberation phase. This recording will serve as the official record of the proceedings. All hearings are considered confidential in accordance with FERPA and will be maintained by DOS.

G. Sanctions

A sanction is the University's educational response to address student behavior when a student has been found responsible for violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Sanctions will be determined by the Provost/Designee after their review of the Hearing Body's decision that a student is responsible for the reported conduct charges. In light of the facts and circumstances of each case, the following list describes the range of sanctions, or combination of sanctions (with or without appropriate modifications) that may be imposed upon any student or organization found to have violated the Student Code of Conduct but is not an exhaustive list.

1. Reprimand. A written statement placed in a student's disciplinary file regarding a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
2. Restorative Service. Assignment to perform tasks or services under the supervision of a University department or community service agency.
3. Reflective Learning. Attendance at educational programs, interviews with appropriate officials, planning and implementing educational programs, writing research papers, or other educational activities.
4. Educational Programming. Referral to on-campus educational activities or requirement to host an educational event/speaker for an organization, student population, or University community. Students and/or organizations are responsible for expenses associated for hosting any event. Educational programming sanctions may also include a reflective learning element.
5. Monitored Events. Organizations who host events may be required to have advisors and/or University officials present for meetings, events, and/or programming for a specified period of time.
6. Counseling Assessment and Compliance. In certain circumstances in which a student may be a threat to the safety of self or others, the student may be referred for assessment (at the student's expense) to a licensed mental health professional or counseling center for general mental health or other counseling issues. Students must comply with all recommendations established as a result of any assessment.
7. Restitution. Payment of actual damages or loss of services to the University or alleged victim.
8. Disciplinary Probation. A period of time during which any further violation of the Student Code of Conduct puts the student's status with the University in jeopardy. If the student is found "responsible" for another violation of the Code during the period of disciplinary probation, serious consideration will be given to imposing a sanction of suspension or expulsion from the University.
9. Course-specific/Program-specific Probation. A period of time during which any further violation of the Student Code of Conduct puts the student’s status in their course/program in jeopardy. If the student is found “responsible” for another violation of the Code during the period of course/program probation, serious consideration will be given to imposing a sanction of suspension or expulsion from the program and/or the University.
10. Restrictions. Some of the restrictions that may be placed on a student or organization include, but are not limited to:
    1. Participation in student clubs, groups, activities, or events.
    2. Representation of the University on an athletic team.
    3. Holding leadership positions (e.g., Student Government or Resident Assistant).
    4. Entrance to University Housing areas or any other areas on campus.
    5. Contact with another specified person(s).
    6. Change in University Housing assignment.
    7. Extending an invitation of membership.
    8. Hosting social events (may include geographical limitations on location).
    9. Administrative Removal from class(es).

11. Exclusion from University Housing (either temporary or permanent).
12. Cease & Desist Order. Restricting an organization's ability to operate. In some cases, these can be tailored to address the specific violations.
13. Deferred Suspension. A disciplinary outcome in which a suspension from the University is assigned but postponed, provided the student successfully completes specified educational requirements and complies with all conditions within the established timeframe. If the student fulfills these expectations, the suspension is not enacted. However, failure to complete the required items or additional policy violations during the deferment period may result in the suspension becoming active.
14. Suspension. Separation from the University for a specified period of time.
15. Loss of University Recognition. An organization's separation from the University for a specified period of time. Regaining University recognition may require completion of additional steps.
16. Separation from the University without the possibility of readmission.
17. Withholding of registration, diplomas, transcripts or other records.
18. Transcript Notations. A written notation indicating that disciplinary action was taken. This may include, but is not limited to, an FA or Unforgivable F for academic misconduct, suspension, expulsion, or other disciplinary sanctions.
19. Revocation of Academic Credit, Diploma, Degree, or Certificate. If a UNF diploma, degree, or certificate has already been awarded prior to the resolution of the conduct case, it may be revoked in appropriate cases as a sanction.

NOTE: Students will normally forfeit tuition, Housing rent and fees, and other University fees if found responsible for a Student Code of Conduct violation resulting in suspension or expulsion. A student may also forfeit academic credit.

Any sanction that separates a student from the University will be noted on that student's academic transcript.

H. Appeals

1. Appeal

A student may appeal the official decision to Provost/designee, as the Provost/designee has been designated by the University President to be the appellate officer for student conduct appeals. The appeals hearing officer will not have directly participated in any other proceeding related to the charged violation.

A student choosing to request an appeal must do so in writing to DOS within five (5) class days of the date on the official decision letter. A student shall remain eligible to attend classes and University activities until any appeal is concluded, except in cases where the health, safety, or welfare of the student or member of the University community is involved or in cases where the sanction(s) determined in the disciplinary decision include either suspension or expulsion. Supporting documentation shall accompany all appeal requests. An appeal request must specify the grounds of the appeal, indicate which portion(s) of the case are being appealed, and be based on one or more of the following grounds:

1. Errors in the hearing proceedings that substantially affected the outcome of the hearing;
2. The sanctions are extraordinarily disproportionate to the violation committed; or
3. New information that was not available at the time of the original hearing that, if heard, would substantially affect the outcome of the hearing.

The Provost/Designee will assign a person or a hearing panel to determine the appeal. No individual or panel hearing the appeal may have conducted or participated in the disciplinary proceeding being reviewed on appeal.

Appeals of grades will be handled as set forth under Procedures for Appealing a Penalty for Academic Misconduct and as governed by the University Academic Appeals Committee.

Appeals of cases governed by Title IX Sexual Harassment rules will be handled as set forth in the Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment Regulation.

2. Appeal Hearings

1. The student will be contacted within ten (10) class days of receiving the written request for appeal to schedule their requested appeal hearing.
2. The student has five (5) class days to respond to the scheduling request and must contact the Provost/Designee to schedule their appeal hearing. If a student fails to contact the office, the appeal hearing may be scheduled and proceed without the student.
3. The student may bring an advisor to the appeal hearing.
4. On appeal, the student has the burden to clearly establish one or more of the grounds listed in the Appeals Section of this Code.

3. Appeal Decisions

The Provost/Designee may affirm, modify, reverse the official decision, or order a rehearing.

The appeal decision will be communicated to the student within twenty (20) class days of the appeal hearing unless notification is given that additional time is necessary for consideration of the record on appeal. The appeal decision constitutes the University's final action and therefore cannot be appealed further within the University. Final appellate decisions resulting in a suspension or expulsion of a student will include a notice to the student of their ability to appeal the University's final action to an external judicial forum.

4. Appeals from an Immediate Suspension

An Immediate Suspension means a student cannot be on University property, cannot attend classes, and cannot use University facilities. For more information, please see the Investigation Process Section of this Code.

A student may appeal the immediate suspension. Request for an appeal of an immediate suspension must be submitted in writing to DOS within three (3) class days of the student’s receipt of the Notice of Immediate Suspension. The date of the immediate suspension appeal will be scheduled within five (5) class days of the appeal request and may be extended beyond five (5) class days if both parties agree that the suspension appeal should be held at a later date.

Immediate Suspension Appeals are conducted in the form of a Panel Appeal Hearing. The panel may be comprised of any number of individuals from the Student Conduct Board, so long as it maintains at least 50% representation from the student population. The panel will determine whether the immediate suspension will remain in effect until a regular hearing is held on the alleged violations of the Code of Conduct.

An Immediate Suspension Appeal must be based on one or both of the following grounds:

• An egregious error pertaining to the student's involvement; or
• Information showing that the violation, even if proven, does not pose a threat to the safety, health, or general welfare of the University community and this does not warrant a suspension.

The panel will recommend to the Provost/designee that the immediate suspension should be upheld or overturned based on information presented at the panel appeal hearing. The Provost/designee will make a final determination based on the panel's recommendation, which will be communicated to the student in writing within three (3) class days.

Whether or not the student is immediately suspended, the usual hearing process required by this Code will proceed after resolving the immediate suspension issue and appeal (if any) so that a final decision of responsibility for the alleged conduct may be made.

I. Records

1. Records of all disciplinary cases will be maintained in the Division in accordance with FERPA and the State of Florida's record retention schedule.
2. Records of expulsion will be maintained in a permanent file in DOS. The Office of the Registrar will be notified of the expulsion and place a notation of disciplinary expulsion on the student’s permanent academic record.
3. Suspensions will be noted on a student's transcript only during the period of suspension. Suspensions are considered a student conduct record and will be maintained and reported in accordance with FERPA and the State of Florida's record retention schedule.
4. Records which result in a finding of not responsible or result in a sanction less severe than a suspension shall be maintained in compliance with Florida Public Records law. Expulsion records will be permanently retained as official records. Any records kept beyond these limits for statistical purposes will not be considered or released as official student conduct records.
5. A student's prior disciplinary record will be considered only during the sanctioning phase of deliberations, not to determine whether or not to find a student "responsible" or "not responsible" for the alleged violations.
6. The release of student disciplinary records will be governed by applicable Federal and State laws regarding the privacy of educational records.

J. Student Conduct Record Forgiveness

Please NOTE: Sexual Misconduct cases are NOT eligible for Record Forgiveness.

1. Cases are reviewed on a case-by-case basis if a student makes a request for student conduct record forgiveness. During the review and forgiveness process, consideration is given to elements such as whether incident(s) in question occurred during the student's first few semesters on campus, are minor in nature, and did not result in suspension or expulsion and where further violations would not likely result in suspension or expulsion from the University. Students with senior status at UNF or have reached senior status at another institution (may be verified with transcript showing at least 90 credits earned) may submit a request to have their records forgiven.
2. A student conduct record may be forgiven upon submission and review of appropriate documentation to DOS. Requests should be submitted to the Dean of Students Office in writing, who will verify that the record forgiveness request is in compliance with subsection (1). Request should include a written statement discussing what students have learned and how they have grown as a member of the UNF community, including information showing what the student has done to go above and beyond the basic requirements of their sanctions. Letters of recommendation and character references from members of the faculty, staff or from employers will also be accepted in support of the request. DOS will then forward the request for forgiveness to the Records Review Committee.
3. The Records Review Committee, appointed by the Provost/Designee, and comprised of faculty, staff, and students will review and make a recommendation to the Provost/Designee.
4. The Records Review Committee's decision will be based on the following factors: severity of the violation, effect of the violation on the University community, sanctions applied and completion of sanctions, elapsed time between violation and request, and character, personal growth, and moral development demonstrated by the student.
5. Grades are exempt from the DOS Forgiveness Process. The University grade forgiveness process is governed under the Appealing Academic Grades Policy (0340P).
6. The Provost/designee will provide a decision to the student, in writing, within fourteen (14) class days of receipt of the recommendation from the Records Review Committee.
7. There is no appeal process for Record Forgiveness.
8. Any additional violations committed after a student's record has been reviewed and forgiven will reinstate the original record.

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