Code of Conduct Green Pages Student Handbook

Introduction and Purpose

Jacksonville University students are expected to contribute to the development and sustenance of a community characterized by respect, caring and honesty. This expectation calls for behavior which demonstrates the five principles of student conduct: respect for oneself, respect for others, respect for property, respect for authority, and honesty.

The Code of Student Conduct encourages students to take responsibility for positively contributing to our living and learning community. The University affords certain rights to students and expects in return that students will conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner that best represents the institution and themselves. If, however, the behavior or conduct of a student infringes on other members of the community or negatively impacts the institution, the University reserves the right to address the behavior through the conduct process prescribed herein. Students are responsible for being fully acquainted with the student handbook, University catalogue, and all other rules and regulations pertaining to students, and for complying with them accordingly.

Jacksonville University students enroll voluntarily in a private, independent educational institution which embodies these principles. Students who find their personal values incompatible with those of the University, and who are unable to respect the University’s values, may wish to pursue their education at an institution which is more in line with their own personal values.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

To preserve an educational community in which all members of the community can learn, live, and work successfully and without hindrance, Jacksonville University has the inherent responsibility to preserve order and maintain stability, through the setting of standards of conduct and the prescribing of procedures to ensure such standards are met. Underlying the prescription of student standards is the foundational tenet that the exercise of individual student rights must be accompanied by an equal amount of responsibility, assuring that the same rights are not denied to others. By matriculating as a student at Jacksonville University, one acquires rights in, as well as responsibilities to, the entire University community.

Student Rights

Jacksonville University seeks to maintain an environment where students have the following rights:

Expression: Students can freely examine and exchange diverse ideas in an orderly and respectful manner;

Association: Students can associate freely with other individuals, groups of individuals and organizations, for purposes which do not infringe on the rights of others, or the mission of the University;

Freedom from Discrimination: Students can expect to participate fully in the University community without discrimination, as defined by federal and state law, as well as University policies;

Safe Environment: Students can function in their daily activities without unreasonable concerns for personal safety;

Support: Students have access to support in managing personal adjustments, understanding self, and others;

Grievance Processes: Students have access to established procedures for respectfully presenting and addressing their concerns/complaints to the University; and

Personal Growth: Students live and study in a setting that promotes personal growth.

Student Responsibilities

Students enrolling at the University assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner that is civil and compatible with the college's mission and function, as an educational institution. It is clear that, in a community of learning, willful disruption of educational processes, destruction of property, and interference with the overall orderly processes of the University, or with the rights of other members of the University, cannot be tolerated. The University has the authority and responsibility to exclude those who find their personal values incompatible with those of the University, and who are unable to respect the University’s values.

Principles of Student Conduct

Respect for Oneself

The University values all of its students and is concerned with their total development. Therefore, it is appropriate to set expectations for personal integrity, which encourage students to appreciate their own talents, to take themselves and their academic pursuits seriously and to enhance the quality of their lives. When an instance of disrespect for self is known, the University will routinely respond to a student engaging in self-destructive behaviors - behaviors which might impede an individual’s ability to enjoy the privileges of education and to fulfill their obligations as an educated leader. Students engaging in such behaviors are also encouraged to seek help from the University community.

Respect for Others

One value of learning lies in understanding what knowledge can contribute to the community. It is expected that students will be open to learning, including learning about and respecting persons and cultures different from their own. Members of the campus community must act out of mutual respect to establish an atmosphere of trust, without which there is no community. Therefore, Jacksonville University expects its members to treat one another with sensitivity, consideration, understanding, tolerance and an active concern for the welfare of others. The University is particularly concerned that its members show respect for others regardless of race, color, age, veteran status, gender, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or presence of a disability.

Respect for Property

The mission we share depends upon the responsible use of all property, including such tangible goods as buildings, library materials, equipment and green space. Respect for property also involves helping to foster a well-maintained environment, a sense of security, tranquility and accomplishment. This principle requires students to respect both personal and institutional property, both inside and outside the University community.

Respect for Authority

Authority derives legitimacy from the commitment to act on behalf of the common good. At Jacksonville University, that authority especially resides in the officers of the University, its faculty, administration and staff - each of whom has been charged with responsibilities essential to the orderly operation of the University. They help to define the atmosphere which supports and fosters the University’s common mission. Additionally, these individuals provide structure to preserve the well-being and freedom of community members and an orderly environment in which all can develop. The successful exercise of authority depends in part on the respect it enjoys from the community it serves.

Honesty

Jacksonville University’s educational mission reflects a commitment to the development of the whole person. While at the University, students are expected to demonstrate the personal characteristic of honesty and integrity in all aspects of their campus life, both inside and outside the classroom.

Student Conduct Authority and Responsibility

Under the authority of the charter of the University, the Board of Trustees has designated that the President and their designees provide a nurturing and respectful environment for learning and living. Consequently, the University has developed guidelines and regulations for student conduct which will enhance and support that undertaking. Responsibility for the student conduct system is delegated to the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, who is the chief student conduct officer of the University. Professional Residential Life staff members and other trained administrators/staff members may be designated as conduct officers, at the discretion of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students.

The Code of Student Conduct and the associated procedures cover all Jacksonville University students (whether residing on or off campus). When alleged violations of University regulations or local, state, or federal laws or statutes take place off campus and come to the University’s attention, the University reserves the right to take appropriate action. The Code of Student Conduct and the procedures through which it is implemented will also apply to students studying abroad.

Definitions

When used in this Code, the following definitions are applicable:

STUDENT: A person who is registered for one or more credit courses and/or non-credit courses. A person who has not officially enrolled for a particular term but has a recent, new or continuing relationship with the University may be classified as a student.

FACULTY MEMBER: Any person hired by the University to conduct academic or classroom related activities.

UNIVERSITY or INSTITUTION: Refers to Jacksonville University.

UNIVERSITY OFFICIAL: Any person employed by the University performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities, including student staff members.

GROUP or ORGANIZATION: Any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements of University recognition for groups and organizations.

UNIVERSITY PROPERTY or UNIVERSITY PREMISES: All land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the University, as well as property contiguous to such land, buildings, and facilities.

Procedural Protections for Accused Students

Accused students are responsible for fully familiarizing themselves with the procedural protections set forth herein, and for presenting any questions regarding the process prior to scheduled educational conferences and hearings. Students who are accused of violating the Code of Conduct are entitled to the following procedural protections.

Notice of any scheduled educational conferences or hearings.
Notice of the alleged violation, likely to occur at the beginning of the educational hearing.
Opportunity to offer a relevant response to the alleged violation and alleged misconduct.
Opportunity to challenge the appointment of any hearing board member with prior knowledge of the events which are the subject of the hearing (does not apply to educational conferences).
To receive written notification of the outcome of the educational conference or hearing.
The right to privacy in the educational conferences and hearings and record keeping, in accordance with the terms of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and any other relevant federal or state regulations.
To appeal sanctions assessed in an educational conference or hearing.

Violations which occur during peak times, including but not limited to final exam weeks, may result in the forfeiture of certain procedural protections in order to resolve the matter in a timely manner. The University reserves the right to adjust the conduct process as it determines necessary in order to assure fairness, order, efficiency or the physical and emotional security of individuals.

Statement on Victims

The University will take reasonable measures to assist students who are impacted by acts of other students that violate the Code of Conduct and/or other University policies. The Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/ Dean of Students or a designee will meet with all student participants and discuss the student conduct process as well as reasonable options which are available to assist students in continuing their educational experience at the University.

Conduct Checks

During the course of the year, many offices on campus will contact the Dean of Students Office to inquire about a student's conduct statue. Some of these offices may include:

Athletics
Fraternities & Sororities
Navy Reserve Officers Training Program (NROTC)
New Student Experience
RecWell
Residential Life
Student Engagement and Leadership
Student Inclusion Center
Study Abroad

A student's conduct standing has the potential to affect many privileges, including but not limited to, the ability to participate in some experiences like study abroad, obtain an internship, obtain an on-campus job, become a Peer Mentor, and hold a leadership position within a student organization. The Dean of Students office recognizes the impossibility of aniticipating every circumstance under which a student's privileges may be revoked due to conduct standing. The final decision regarding these privileges lies with the office granting the opportunity.

Prohibited Student Conduct

The behaviors detailed below provide students with general notice of prohibited conduct. The list is not designed to be all-inclusive, but should serve as examples of unacceptable student behavior, and thus be broadly read. The following actions, in addition to violations of all other rules and regulations relating to students, constitute conduct for which students may be sanctioned, whether such conduct occurs on- or off-campus.

Students are expected to obey all local, state, and federal laws in whichever jurisdiction they are in at all times. Failure to obey or to report violations of local, state, or federal law, whether such conduct occurs on- or off- campus is a violation of the code of conduct.
Endangering or causing physical harm to any person. Causing reasonable apprehension of such harm. Other conduct which endangers the health or safety of any person including, but not limited to: bullying, cyber bullying, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment or coercion. The capture or production of any audio, video, or image of any person where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy without the person’s prior knowledge and express consent. Any of these actions are violations whether they take place in person or via electronic modes of communication, including but not limited to: electronic mail, text messaging, internet sites, social media platforms, or digital messaging services.
Sexual misconduct, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, other non-consensual sexual activity, or sexual harassment. See the Title IX section at 239877.com/titleix for additional information.
Attempted or actual theft, wrongful appropriation, unauthorized use of, tampering with, entry into, and/or damage to property, spaces, vehicles, or services belonging to the University, a member of the University community, or other entities permanently or temporarily associated with the University, or knowingly possessing stolen property. Damage to, destruction of, vandalizing, reallocation, and/or unauthorized selling of University property or property belonging to others.
Dishonesty and non-compliance. This includes but is not limited to: furnishing false information, failing to furnish requested information, failure to respond to a request to report or appear and give testimony, failure to comply with the directives of, failure to provide acceptable identification (upon request) to the University, a University official, or a University conduct board in the performance of their usual duties, investigation of a disciplinary matter or conduct case, following proper notification.
Forgery, alteration, destruction, or unauthorized use of University documents, records, and/or instruments for identification.
Littering or dumping trash on grounds or common areas.
Unauthorized storage of vehicles (including watercraft, trailers, hoverboards, commercial vehicles, or recreational vehicles) on University property or premises. Having a registered or unregistered vehicle with the University which has been cited with an excessive number of parking violations, as determined by Campus Security. Violation of rules and regulations governing the use of motor vehicles on University property, University premises or at University sponsored activities. If a vehicle is disabled, the permit holder must notify Campus Security immediately with their name, the vehicle's license plate number, and location. Owner or operator of a disabled vehicle must arrange for the vehicle to be towed/removed from campus. Failure to report and/or remove a disabled vehicle may result in parking violation citations and/or towing at the owner or operator’s expense.
Failure to satisfy promptly, after notice, all financial obligations with the University and/or agencies either permanently or temporarily associated with the University.
Unauthorized use, access, or misuse of the University’s information technology and computing resources and/or facilities.
Any act of arson, falsely reporting a fire or other emergency, falsely setting off a fire alarm, misusing or damaging fire or life safety equipment. Maturing or causing to be initiated any false report, warning or threat of fire, explosion or other emergency on University property, University premises or at University sponsored activities.
Possession, use or storage of, while on University property or University premises, any weapons incendiary devices including but not limited to, firearms, air, bb, pellet and paintball guns, tasers/stun guns, knives, fireworks, or ammunition. Storage cases for any of the aforementioned weapons are also prohibited. Weapons are further defined in the weapons policy section.
Unauthorized sale, attempted sale, use, distribution, manufacture, dispensing, or possession of any controlled substance, alcohol (when unauthorized), illegal drugs or synthetic analog to a drug, or drug paraphernalia (including Hookahs) on University property, University premises or at University sponsored activities. Students are expected to obey all local, state, and federal laws regarding the possession, consumption, and distribution of alcohol. See the University and Residential Life policies and Florida Statutes on Alcohol and Illegal Drugs for more information.
Disorderly, lewd, indecent, obscene, reckless, careless, or dangerous behavior on University property, University premises, or at University sponsored activities. This includes public intoxication.
Any activity which performed alone or as part of a group which interferes with, obstructs, or disrupts normal University or University sponsored activities, or the rights of others including but not limited to classes, studying, research, teaching, conduct proceedings, University administration, residence hall living, student activities, freedom of expression, freedom of movement (pedestrian or vehicular) of any person, or fire, police, medical, security, or other emergency services.
Violating the terms of any conduct sanction imposed in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
Students or guests in custody of an animal, shall be required to keep the animal on a leash at all times while on University property. Students and guests are also required to pick up and dispose of their animal’s waste. Animals are prohibited from University facilities, with the exception of registered service animals. Please see the Emotional Support Animal policy, for more information.
Hazing, defined as an act which endangers one’s mental or physical health or safety, or which destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization. Hazing is a purposeful, costly aspect of group induction activities that: (a.) do not appear to be group-relevant assessments/preparations, or (b.) appear excessive in the application. Group induction activities are those tasks formally or informally required to obtain membership or participatory legitimacy for new or prospective members.
Any attempt to commit, be an accomplice or accessory to, or incitement of other students to knowingly or unknowingly commit or attempt to commit any act in violation of the Code of Conduct or other rules and regulations pertaining to students shall be viewed as a violation of the same kind.
Willfully entering a restroom or changing facility designated for the opposite sex and refuses to depart when asked to do so by any administrative personnel, faculty member, security personnel, or law enforcement personnel.
Incivility or any act of disrespect, including but not limited to, gestures, acts, contact, or comment (oral or written including email and online communication) that cause offense, humiliation, physical or emotional harm to any individual that could be expected by a reasonable person.

Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct

Alleged Conduct will be evaluated by the office of the Dean of Students to determine whether it will be investigated under the Student Code of Conduct or Employee Code of Conduct if it is determined prior to a Formal Complaint or after the dismissal of a Formal Complaint, that the Respondent is a student or employee of Jacksonville University and the alleged conduct meets one or more of the following:

The alleged conduct does not fall within the definition of Sexual Harassment as defined in the Title IX Policy,
The alleged conduct, if proved, would constitute a violation of Sexual Harassment as defined in the Title IX Policy and did not occur in the Education Program or Activity of Jacksonville University but would have a substantial impact on Jacksonville University,
The alleged conduct if proved, would violate the definition of Sexual Harassment as defined in the Title IX Policy and did not occur in the U.S.,
The Complainant is not participating in or attempting to participate in Jacksonville University’s Education Program or Activity,
The alleged conduct, if proved would constitute any of the following:
- Prostituting another person (i.e. personally gaining money, privilege, or power from the sexual activities of another person)
- Non‐consensual video, photography, audiotaping, or any other form of recording, of sexual activity;
- Allowing others to observe a personal act of consensual sex without knowledge or consent of the partner;
- Engaging in voyeurism (being a “peeping tom”)
- Knowingly or recklessly transmitting an STD or HIV to another person;

Sexual Exploitation. Sexual exploitation is defined as: When an individual takes non‐consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another, for their own benefit; or to benefit anyone other than the one being exploited. Examples of sexual exploitation include, but are not limited to:
Non-Title IX Sex or Gender Based Harassment.

Referral to Educational Conferences and Hearing Boards

The conduct process is an educational tool that assists in determining responsibility for misconduct, and provides a method to redirect behaviors toward patterns more acceptable to the University community.

Upon receipt of reports or other information which allege a potential violation of the Code of Conduct or other rules and regulations pertaining to students, Division of Student Affairs staff members will conduct a preliminary review of the matter. Students will typically be referred to an informal educational conference with a staff member from the Division of Student Affairs or other designee. Students may also be referred to a formal hearing before a designated conduct board (as described in section VIII. Conduct Conferences of this Code). The Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/ Dean of Students has full and complete discretion to refer any and all student cases to the hearing venue deemed most appropriate. During periods when timely hearing procedures cannot be conducted, and in instances when the number of cases to be heard cannot be scheduled in a timely manner, alternative procedures may be adopted to efficiently and fairly resolve cases. Students should be advised that conduct violations which disrupt the academic endeavors of the institution, such as those occurring during final exam week, may result in the forfeiture of certain procedural protections in order to resolve the case in a timely manner.

Failure to Participate/Appear

Students summoned to a educational conference or hearing board are expected to appear as scheduled. Students who fail to appear will be considered in violation of Prohibited Student Conduct Number 5 (Refusal or failure to respond to a request to report to a University administrative office, an educational conference, or educational hearing board). A conference or hearing will be held in the student’s absence, and the student will be notified in writing of the sanction(s) imposed.

Closed Proceedings

All preliminary meetings, educational conferences, and hearings are closed processes open only to Conduct Officers, Hearing Board members, the accused student(s), and relevant called witnesses. The disciplinary process serves an educational rather than legal purpose. Therefore, students are not allowed legal or parental representation during an educational conference or hearing, unless express written permission to that effect has been granted by the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students. Recording the educational hearing is prohibited by Florida’s two-party consent law (Statute 934.03), as well as the JU Code of Conduct.

Concurrent Civil or Criminal Action

Disciplinary action may be initiated against a student charged with a violation of local, state or federal law which is also a violation of the Code of Conduct and/or other rules and regulations pertaining to students when both violations result from the same factual situation, without regard to pending civil litigation, criminal arrest, and/or prosecution. Conduct proceedings as set forth in this Code may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following external civil or criminal proceedings.

Educational Conferences

Students accused of alleged violations will typically be referred to an informal educational conference with a staff member from the Division of Student Affairs or other designee, referred to as the “Conduct Officer”. The Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Officer or Designee will determine when it is appropriate to convene the University Conduct Board to address a conduct case or appeal. Students will be provided with reasonable notice of a scheduled educational conference. At such a conference, students will be provided with notice of the alleged violation and an account of the alleged misconduct upon which the violation is based. Students will be afforded the opportunity to offer a relevant response to the alleged violation and alleged misconduct. Accused students will be required to answer fully any questions asked of them by the Conduct Officer. During the course of the conference, students are expected to uphold the Code of Conduct and be honest at all times. The preponderance of the evidence standard (greater weight of the evidence) will be used to determine responsibility for violations of the Code of Conduct and/or any other rules and regulations pertaining to students.

If the Conduct Officer does not believe additional investigation is warranted, a determination as to responsibility will be made, and if applicable, a sanction determined. The Conduct Officer will provide the student with written notification of the outcome of the conduct conference.

University Conduct Board

The University Conduct Board is authorized to handle violations of University regulations and policies and review conduct appeals. The University Conduct Board is typically comprised of faculty, Student Affairs staff members, and/or students and is chaired by the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students or their designee. The University Conduct Board is authorized to hear cases which may result in sanctions up to and including expulsion from the University.

Following the assignment of a case to the University Conduct Board, the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, or their designee, will provide the accused student with written notice of the alleged violation; an account of the alleged misconduct upon which the violation is based; and the date, time, and location of the scheduled hearing.

The Board will conduct the hearing in a manner consistent with the conduct process of the University. Following the hearing, the Board will provide the recommended finding(s) and sanctions for the student and notify the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students. The Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students will then formally notify the student in writing of the findings and sanction(s) to be imposed.

During the course of an educational hearing, students are expected to uphold the Code of Conduct and be honest at all times. The accused student will be required to answer fully any questions asked of him/her by members of the hearing board. Additionally, the hearing board will have the right to require the presence and testimony of witnesses relevant to the case. As a condition of their enrollment at Jacksonville University, students are required to appear as witnesses and give testimony unless excused for cause. Students who fail to appear after proper notice will also be considered in violation of Prohibited Student Conduct (Refusal or failure to respond to a request to report to a University administrative office, a conduct conference, or conduct hearing board).

Should the hearing board decide it requires additional information or testimony to resolve the case, a second hearing date will be scheduled to review this information.

During the process of deliberation regarding responsibility and sanctions, Board members will make decisions based on the information available for their review, including, but not limited to, all testimony from witnesses, written statements, and other relevant information. Hearsay may be considered in the deliberation process. The preponderance of the evidence standard (greater weight of the evidence) will be used to determine responsibility for violations of the Code of Conduct and/or any other rules and regulations pertaining to students. The student will be provided written notification of the hearing outcome.

Procedures for Reviewing Misconduct by Student Groups

Student groups may be accused of violating the Code of Conduct, and be held responsible either individually or collectively, if violations by those associated with the group received the tacit or overt consent or encouragement of the group or its officers. Possible violations will be referred to the Division of Student Affairs for processing under the provisions of the Code of Conduct. Sanctions for a student group may include revocation of the group’s recognition by the University, as well as other appropriate sanctions.

Cases involving student groups will normally be heard by the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Officer/Designee, or a designated student conduct board. Student groups will be accorded the same hearing and appeal procedures provided for students herein, except where noted in the following section.

Procedural Protections for Accused Student Groups

Student groups accused of violating the Code of Conduct and/or other Jacksonville University policies are entitled to the following procedural protections.

Notice of any scheduled educational conferences or hearings.
Notice of the alleged violation.
Opportunity to offer a relevant response to the alleged violation and alleged misconduct.
Opportunity to challenge the appointment of any hearing board member with prior knowledge of the events which are the subject of the hearing (does not apply to educational conferences).
To receive written notification of the outcome of the educational conference or hearing.
To appeal sanctions assessed in an educational conference or hearing.
Groups accused by the University will not have the opportunity to question persons who have filed reports adverse to them, as the University serves as the complainant in these cases.

Sanctions

The purpose of disciplinary sanctions is to redirect students’ behaviors toward patterns more acceptable to the University community, if such redirection is feasible; and/or to protect the University community from possible harm or injury. This information is promulgated to assure that students are aware of the potential consequences of their misconduct. Sanctions for misconduct will be determined on a case to case basis, utilizing three main criteria:

The nature of the offense;
The precedent, if any, established at the University for similar offenses; and
The previous disciplinary history of the student, if any, and the student’s attitude and behavior throughout the disciplinary process.

Students should be aware that a history of conduct violations may affect their housing assignments if they are residential students. Students, who fail to comply with University directives and/or conduct sanctions, may have holds placed on the release of their grades, records and/or transcripts.

Minimum Recommended Sanctions for Alcohol and Drug Policy Violations

The University seeks to educate students on the potential impacts of their choices with respect to alcohol and drugs, while at the same time holding students highly accountable for their actions. Consequently, students violating regulations regarding the possession, use, manufacture, and/or distribution of alcohol and other drugs can expect to face serious consequences for their actions. Fine money collected will be used to help fund alcohol and drug educational programs. These are minimum recommended sanctions – the circumstances of a case may dictate that additional and more severe sanctions be imposed.

Alcohol and Drug Violation Sanctions

Alcohol and Marijuana Violations

First violation: Educational Conference and online educational module
Second violation: $100 Fine, Educational Conference, and educational modules or reflection paper
Third violation: $250 Fine, Educational Conference, BASICS assessment wtih Student Counseling Center, parental notification, and/or Disciplinary Probation, and/or Deferred Suspension to potentially include removal from housing

Other Drug Violation

First violation: $250 Fine, Educational Conference, Deferred Suspensions, Alcohol and Drug education modules, parental notification
Second violation: Suspension or Dismissal from the University
Large quantity of drugs, social sharing, or dealing of drugs will result in more severe sanctions than listed above

Other drugs include but are not limited to:

“K2” and other synthetic drug analogs (such as “bath salts” and “flakka”)
Cocaine
Heroin
Amphetamines
Steroids
LSD
GHB
Adderall (not prescribed)
Opioids Substances typically known as “designer drugs” such as “ecstasy.”

Other Sanctions

The University may impose any of the following sanctions on a student or group of students:

Positive Actions

Positive Actions are required activities intended to engage the student in a positive learning experience related to the student’s inappropriate behavior. Positive Actions should allow students to reflect upon their inappropriate behavior, to learn about the behavior in which they engaged, and to gain an understanding of why it is inappropriate or unacceptable. Such actions may include engaging in a campus or community service project, attending or presenting a program related to the implications of the student’s conduct, writing a paper, or engaging in some type of personal assessment or counseling.

Non-paid work for the University or for a specified administrative area of the University may be assigned to students, in addition to any other sanctions which may be imposed. Students may also be required to perform community service work in a specific field related to their violation. Community service hours required to fulfill a sanction may not be applied toward individual organization requirements.

Warning

A warning serves as notice to a student, either written or verbal, that the student has failed to meet the University’s expectations for student conduct. The warning will include a caution that the continuation or repetition of such behaviors will result in more serious penalties.

Restitution

A student whose actions deprive the owner of possession of, damage, deface or destroy any University or personal property shall be required to restore said property by replacement or by monetary reimbursement, in addition to any other sanctions which may be imposed. Restitution charges will be placed on the student’s University account and must be paid in full immediately.

Fees

Monetary fees may be assessed against students as future deterrents of violations, in addition to any other sanction which may be imposed. Fees will be placed on the student’s University account and must be paid in full immediately.

Notice to Parents / Legal Guardians

The University may at its discretion, and when it considers such action to be appropriate, notify the parents/legal guardians of students involved in disciplinary matters. Usually, the University, in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, will only notify the parents/legal guardians of a dependent student as defined in Internal Revenue Code, section 152, (1954). However, as a condition of remaining at Jacksonville University a student may be required to notify their parents/legal guardians of their disciplinary standing with the University.

The Higher Education Act of 1998 gave universities who receive federal funding authority to notify parents for any drug or alcohol violation. When the University believes it is in students’ best interest, the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students or designee will require a student to contact their parents regarding their disciplinary status, and have the parents confirm this notification.

Residential Probation

Residential probation, in conjunction with other possible sanctions, is applied to cases in which residential students’ behaviors are disruptive to the residential community. Students are placed on residential probation for a period of time, and any further violations during the probationary period may result in immediate removal from the residential facilities and additional conduct sanctions. (See “Suspension from Residential Facilities” below.)

Disciplinary Probation

Disciplinary probation is a notice to the student that their behavior does not align with the University’s Code of Conduct and the student may be in jeopardy of removal from the University. A student is placed on disciplinary probation for a specified period of time, and specific obligations are outlined. During this period, the student must demonstrate the ability to comply with University rules, regulations and all other stipulated requirements. Any violation of this probation or other University policies may result in the student being immediately removed from the University community.

Suspension from Residential Facilities

Serious infractions of residential life regulations or patterns of misconduct may lead to the suspension of a student from the residential facilities. This sanction requires the immediate removal of the student from the residential community, cancellation of the housing contract, and forfeiture of any residential fees paid.

Deferred Suspension

Deferred suspension is used for repeated offenses of a less serious nature or for offenses found serious enough to warrant suspension, but where the specific circumstances of the case mitigate the offense. Deferred suspension is a designated period of time during which a student is given the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to abide by the community's expectations of behavior articulated in the Code of Conduct. If the student is found in violation of any University rule during the time of deferred suspension, the Suspension takes effect immediately without further review. Additional student conduct sanctions appropriate to the new violation also may be taken. A student who has been issued a deferred suspension sanction is deemed “not in good standing” with the University for the duration of the suspension period.

Interim Suspension

Students may be immediately suspended from the University for a period of time following a violation of policy, if it is determined an immediate and/or imminent danger may exist to the student, others, or property. This suspension will be implemented immediately and a educational conference or hearing will follow. Typically, students placed on interim suspension are immediately removed from the campus and the residential facilities.

Students who are arrested and/or jailed by an off-campus agency for a serious crime are subject to immediate interim suspension from the University, pending a review of the case by the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students or designee.

Jeopardy

A student may be placed in jeopardy while pending criminal, civil and/or University charges are being resolved. This sanction may be imposed concurrently or independent of other sanctions.

Suspension

Suspension from the University involves the exclusion of the student from participation in any academic or other activities of the University for a specified period of time. Written notification of this action will be provided to the student. Suspension from the University also involves the following:

The suspension will be noted on the student’s conduct record with the University;
The student will be withdrawn from all courses for the semester in which the violation occurred;
The student shall forfeit fees paid according to the normal refund schedule of the University;
The student is banned from campus, must refrain from visiting the University property, premises, or attending University-sponsored activities unless prior written permission has been granted by the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students; and
The suspension may include any other disciplinary action that is judged to be of value to the student

REINSTATEMENT FROM SUSPENSION

When a student has concluded a suspension period, the student must submit a letter to the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students requesting reinstatement and provide documentation that the student has taken action to positively address the issues which led to the suspension. The student may return to the University only after the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students has made an affirmative decision in this regard.

Dismissal

Dismissal is permanent expulsion from the University; it may be ordered as a result of very serious violations and/or repeated offenses. In addition to forfeiting all tuition, room and board fees paid, the student suffers all the other losses and restrictions imposed upon suspended students. Dismissed students additionally forfeit all academic credit for all courses carried for the semester in which the violation occurred; and are never again eligible to apply for readmission to the University at any time.

DEPARTURE FROM CAMPUS FOLLOWING SUSPENSION OR DISMISSAL

Any student, who has been suspended or dismissed from the University for conduct or other reasons, must leave the premises immediately after being notified of such action.

Postponement of Activity, Participation and Conferring of Honors and Degrees

The University reserves the right to delay or postpone the involvement of a student in any University-related activity, or delay or postpone the conferring of any honor or degree while any student conduct investigations or procedures, including appellate procedures, are pending.

Other Possible Sanctions

Other possible sanctions which may be assessed against students include, but are not limited to:

University facilities restrictions, with the exception of attending classes, or required class functions;
Restriction from extracurricular campus events and programs;
Notification sent to the student’s academic advisor, academic Dean or program director, and when applicable, the Athletic Department and/or coaches, and/or the NROTC program;
Restriction from representing the University in any public performance, athletic event, committee, organization, or from holding any student government office or office in any recognized student organization, or participating in any organized University function;
Ineligibility to receive financial assistance from any funds provided by the University, including grants, scholarships, waivers, etc.;
Ineligibility to hold an on-campus job (i.e. work study, institutional or third party);
In addition to sanctions imposed by the University, sanctions imposed under Florida State Statutes may also apply. These statutes can be found in the Annual Safety and Security Report published by the Department of Campus Safety and Security.

Appeal Process

When a student or student group is formally notified of the findings from a educational conference or hearing board, the student has the right to appeal the findings or results of the hearing to the Dean of Students Office. In cases initially heard by a member of the Dean of Students Office, and when deemed appropriate by the Dean of Students Office, appeals should be directed to the University Conduct Board. In cases initially heard by the University Conduct Board, appeals should be directed to the Dean of Students Office. Such appeal requests must be filed in writing no later than three (3) University business days after receipt of the written results of the educational conference or hearing. Appeals from students found responsible by the Conduct Officer or hearing board will only be granted with supporting documentation for one or more of the following grounds:

The sanction imposed is grossly disproportionate to the offense (including any consideration of the student’s prior offenses).
The student was not afforded their procedural protections as outlined in the Code of Conduct, and this significantly affected the student’s ability to receive a fair conference or hearing.
New information has become available since the initial conference or hearing which would have significantly altered its results.

In most cases, the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students will only review written appeal requests, the case file, and written findings from a Educational Conference or Hearing Board. A new educational hearing will not be held. All sanctions assessed from a educational conference or hearing board will remain in effect during the appeal period and process, until such time as they are reversed or modified.

Following review of the appeal request, the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students or University Conduct Review Board may elect to void the decision, uphold the decision, alter the sanctions, or return the case to the Board or Officer for further consideration. The decision of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students and/or University Conduct Review Board in all appeal reviews will be final.

Maintenance of Records

When a student is accused of violating the Code of Conduct, a conduct file is created. This file contains all the information pertinent to the situation in which a student has been involved. Each subsequent time a student is accused of violating the Code of Conduct, their prior record may be used by the Conduct Officer(s) or Hearing Board in determining sanctions. Such records shall be maintained by the Student Life Office, until the graduation of the student from the University, or as deemed necessary by the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs /Dean of Students.

Special Administrative Evaluation

The University reserves the right to deny admission, continued enrollment, or re-employment to any applicant or student as a result of the University receiving information, or the applicant’s or student’s failure to disclose information, on the admission or employment application, regarding a student or employee whose personal history and background indicate that their presence at the University would endanger the health, safety, welfare or property of themselves or members of the academic community, or interfere with the orderly and effective performance of the University’s functions.

A student may be subject to special requirements or sanctions, including suspension or dismissal from the University, for actions not otherwise covered in the Code of Conduct if it is determined from the student’s behavior that they:

Lack the capacity to understand the nature of the accusation against him/her, or to respond and participate in the disciplinary process;
Pose a danger to themselves or others;
Have become gravely disabled (lacks the ability to care for themselves).

In such instances, the case will be referred to the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students or designee, who may schedule an evaluation of the student by appropriate medical and/or mental health care professionals either on or off-campus. Students must consent to evaluation as a condition of their enrollment or continued matriculation. Any student who refuses to participate in any such evaluation may be dismissed or suspended as determined appropriate by the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students or designee. The student may also elect to seek an independent medical or psychological evaluation (at their own expense), for purposes of this review.

In addition, it may be necessary for the safety and health of the student and or community that they be transported to a treatment facility. If the University and/or its agents deem necessary, community authorities will be contacted in order to assist in this regard.

Student of Concern Reporting

Students of Concern – CARE Form

During the course of their time at JU students may experience a variety of pressure and stress from academic work, relationships, and other parts of life. In some cases, students might be confronting certain issues for the first time, while for others these issues may be ongoing. If you find yourself worried about the well-being of a JU student (a student in your class, someone you live with/near, someone in your student organization, etc.), we encourage you to share your concerns through the CARE form. Your report may be the activating event that helps that student get connected to appropriate campus resources, or you may be providing supplemental information that assists in our ability to more appropriately reach out to support that student.

If this is an emergency that requires immediate attention, please contact JU Campus Security immediately at 904-256-7585 or 9-1-1. The CARE form is reviewed during normal business hours, when the campus is open. Complete the CARE form online.

Why Document?

This form is for the use by JU students, faculty, staff, or parents and community partners to report concerning behavior exhibited by a student. If you are aware that a student is experiencing challenges or difficulties that concern you, please report the concern using the CARE form. All CARE forms are routed through the Division of Student Affairs and the Students of Concern committee for review and determination of appropriate next steps.

When to Report a Concern?

Use the CARE Form to report a student that is struggling with academic, personal or emotional difficulties or exhibits concerning behavior. Examples of concerning behavior includes but is not limited to the following: a student exhibiting behavior significantly out of character, acting peculiar (and this is cause for alarm), displaying unhealthy or dangerous patterns of behavior, continuing to seem distressed despite prior referrals made, change in a student’s attendance pattern, questionable email messages or social media posts, or instances of self-harm or thoughts/discussion related to suicide. Please provide detailed information regarding the concern you are reporting. Once the form is received, the Students of Concern committee will review the information and take appropriate action, which may or may not include contacting the student, you, and any witnesses you have identified.

Confidentiality

The Students of Concern committee will take reasonable steps to maintain the privacy of those who complete a CARE form, if requested. On occasion, due to the nature of the reported concern, the ability to maintain confidentiality may be limited.

Please Note

The Students of Concern committee is comprised of an interdisciplinary group of University professionals who meet to communicate the needs and appropriate follow-up for students of concern. If you have any questions regarding the form or have additional updates or concerns, please call 904-256-7067 during regular business hours. You may also reach us via email at studentlife@239877.com.

The University reserves the right to adjust the Conduct Process as it determines necessary in order to assure fairness, order, efficiency or the physical and emotional security of individuals.

HELP JU STUDENTS STEP INTO THEIR FUTURE

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