Student Organizations

The Student Organization Code of Conduct defines a process for the efficient administration of justice regarding alleged misconduct by student organizations of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Student organization policies and procedures are designed to help students be compliant with university rules, procedures, state, and federal laws. They also exist to help the student organization be successful and reduce the risk of accident or injury during various activities.  The policies and procedures are applicable at both on campus and off campus events.

The Student Organization Code of Conduct and the handbooks are the official documents regarding student organization conduct policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

Action taken under the Student Organization Code of Conduct does not preclude prosecution in the criminal courts. The Dean of Students Office, or its designee, handles cases of student organization misconduct. The Student Organization Code of Conduct applies to the conduct of student organizations and/or participation in university sponsored events. In addition, the University may exercise jurisdiction for events or actions occurring off-campus in those instances in which the University's community interest is affected. Additionally, other offices (Employee Development & Compliance Services, the University Center, Recreational Sports, etc.) may have jurisdiction for violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

Note: Sexual Misconduct Violations: Alleged violations identified in the Student Code of Conduct as sexual misconduct and other alleged violations that are gender-based, may be investigated and adjudicated under the Student Sexual Misconduct Process in communication/conjunction with the Title IX Coordinator, when appropriate.

1. 1. Alleged Violator is a student organization who is charged with committing a violation of the Student Organization Code of Conduct Code of Conduct.
   2. Appellate Board is any person or persons authorized by the Chief Student Conduct Officer or designee to consider an appeal of the outcome of the Student Organization Code of Conduct.
   3. Charge is an allegation of a potential violation of the Student Organization Code of Conduct Code of Conduct. Charges are issued after a Hearing Officer has determined sufficient information exists to hold a hearing to determine whether a student organization has violated the Student Organization Code of Conduct Code of Conduct.
   4. Conduct Hearing is a proceeding before a hearing body in which the reporting party, the complainant and/or the respondent may have the opportunity to present information relevant to the incident under review.
   5. Faculty Member is any person employed by the University to provide academic instruction, educational supervision and/or engage in scholarly activities.
   6. Incident Report is a written or electronic report indicating that an individual or group may have committed a violation.
   7. Investigation is a process used to ascertain details and circumstances associated with an incident. Investigations may result in charges, mediation or dismissal.
   8. Failure to Comply Action(s) which may be assigned should an organization fail to comply with directives of the Dean of Students Office, designee, or other University personnel. Or for failure to complete assigned sanctions in a timely manner/before designated deadlines.
   9. Good Conduct Standing is when a student organization is not currently on conduct probation, suspension, or expulsion resulting from academic and/or behavioral misconduct.
   10. Hearing Body is any person or persons authorized to determine whether a student organization has violated the Student Organization Code of Conduct Code of Conduct and to impose sanctions. Hearing Bodies may include, but are not limited to, the Student Conduct Board, a Hearing Officer, and any other person or persons as deemed appropriate by the Chief Student Conduct Officer or designee.
   11. May is a term used in the permissive sense.
   12. Member of the University Community is any person who is a student, faculty member, resident, University official, guest of the University, person employed by the University or employed on University grounds or off- campus sites. A person’s status in a particular situation will be determined by the Vice President for Student Engagement and Success or designee.
   13. Notice/notification is written (electronic or hard copy) or verbal communication provided to organizations. Electronic communication is the primary method of delivery for information about the Student Organization Conduct The University presumes that students are receiving all communication sent to their official University email address.
   14. Notice of Charges is a written or electronic statement identifying the respondent, the specific violations(s) of the Student Organization Code of Conduct that has/have allegedly occurred, and a short summary of information leading to the charges.
   15. On-Campus - Any grounds or building under University control, when relevant to the lawful mission, processes and functions of the University.
   16. Preponderance of Information is a standard of proof that indicates that the information provided leads the hearing body to the conclusion that “more likely than not” a violation occurred.

    

   1. Complainant is any person who submits information indicating that a student organization may have violated the Student Organization Code of Conduct. Information brought forth by the individual may result in an investigation.
   2. Rule/Regulation is the written policy of the University as found in, but not limited to, the Student Organization Code of Conduct, Student Code of Conduct, Recognized Student Organization Handbook, Scheduling & Reservations Handbook, Housing Contract, Graduate/Undergraduate Catalogs, University Policies and Procedures and Texas A&M University System Rules and Regulations.
   3. Sanction is an outcome imposed for the violation of the Student Organization Code of Conduct.
   4. Student is an individual who has accepted their offer of admission, and/or who is taking courses from the University, either full-time or part-time. Individuals who withdraw after allegedly violating the Student Code of Conduct are still considered to be students until the conduct matter is resolved. Individuals who are not officially enrolled for a particular term, but who have a continuing relationship with the University are considered students. In addition, persons who are living in University residence halls and apartments, although not enrolled in this institution, may also be considered students.
   5. Student Conduct Board - A select group of students, staff and/or faculty appointed and specifically trained to administer conduct hearings.
   6. Hearing Officer is a University official and/or group who may be authorized to investigate alleged misconduct, initiate charge letters, articulate charges in hearings, present information to support charges, to conduct hearings, and to impose sanctions upon any student organization(s) found to have violated the Student Organization Code of Conduct
   7. Student Organization is a group comprised of any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for University recognition, registration, or is departmentally supported. A student organization is a separate entity from the University
   8. University means Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
   9. University Official is any person employed or authorized by the University to perform assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.
   10. University Function is any activity on or off-campus that is initiated, aided, authorized, or supervised by the University.
   11. Faculty/staff advisor – a University employee who has agreed to provide guidance and resources to a student organization and assists in interpreting university policies for the organization. Advisors may be subject to an approval process in order to serve in the position.
   12. Off-Campus advisor – A volunteer, usually unconnected to the University, that may be appointed by a national/external entity to serve as an advisor to a student organization who receives training and guidance through the national/external organization. The Off-Campus advisor works in partnership with the campus but does not represent or interpret policies of the University in an official capacity.
   13. Coach/Instructor – A coach/instructor is an individual who serves in a volunteer capacity and assists a Sport Club in providing instruction and guidance with their activity.  A coach/instructor may be an employee of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
   14. New Member – Also referred to as an associate member, a student who has received a bid or invitation to go through a member education process of an organization and has not been initiated.
   15. Sport Club – a recognized student organization that is a separate entity
   16. Active Member – A student who has been listed on the roster of an organization; can also be a student who is perceived to be an active member of the chapter. 
   17. Inactive Member – A student who has been initiated into a fraternity/sorority, still maintains membership and has been designated as an “inactive” member. This student is no longer involved in the day-to-day functions of the chapter and/or is unable to practice full privileges of membership.
   18. Event – any activity or program held on-campus or off-campus that is hosted by the organization.
   Councils – A governing body for a select group of student organizations categorized by similar missions, affiliations, or characteristics, that provide rules, guidelines, expectations, development opportunities and programming for the organizations. 

Student Organizations exist to support and complement learning in the educational environment.  Individual students and student organizations are expected to achieve a high standard of academic excellence.  The following are minimum standards which must be maintained:

1. UCSO and Sport Clubs: Officers of an organization falling under the governing council of UCSO, or Sport Club Council SCC are recommended to maintain a 2.5 GPA to maintain their leadership position.
2. Greek Councils: Organizations within the governing councils of the Islander Council, Muticultural Greek Council, and Panhellenic Council must meet the following academic requirements:
   2. Minimum New Member Semester GPA must be at least a 2.5
   3. Minimum Active Member Semester GPA must be at least a 2.5
   4. Chapter Cumulative GPA must be at least a 2.5

The following acts or omissions to act are violations of the Handbooks. These sections are not inclusive, and students are subject to additional rules and regulations of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

Prohibited Conduct: The following actions, or the aiding, abetting, inciting of, or attempt to commit these actions, constitute violations of the Handbooks. Any student group found to have committed or to have attempted to commit the following prohibited conduct is subject to the sanction(s) outlined in Article VII of the Student Organization Code of Conduct.

The following violations may result in immediate sanctioning but may still be eligible for an appeal.

1. Failure to follow published University guidelines including, but not limited to The:

• Recognition process
• Membership requirements
• Faculty/Staff Advisor
• Attendance at recognition retreat
• Travel policy
• Fundraising policy: (tax, forms, outreach, reservations, procedure)
• Building policies
• Involvement Center policies
• Food service policy (exemption, food handlers)
• Scheduling Policies
• Failure to meet Scholastic Achievement Standards
  

The following violations may result in a hearing, sanctions, and when applicable and possible, an appeal:

2. Improper use of University Funds:
   1. for the use of illegal activity,
   2. expenses for non-organization business, falsification, fabrication & misrepresentation of any university funding documentation.
3. Endangerment:
   1. Committing or threatening to commit any act of violence or bodily harm.
   2. Intentional, negligent, or unintentional action(s) that directly or indirectly endanger the health or wellbeing of oneself or others.
4. Hazing: Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization. The term includes, but is not limited to:
   1. Any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity.
   2. Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, and confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.
   3. Involves consumption of food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance, other than as described by paragraph (e) that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.
   4. Any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the penal code or
   5. Involves coercing as defined by section 1.07, penal code, the student to consume
      1. A drug; or
      2. An alcoholic beverage or liquor in an amount that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student is intoxicated, as defined by section 49.01 penal code.

• The intent of the act, or the consent or cooperation of the hazing recipient will not constitute a defense. The University may charge an individual and/or the officers of a recognized student organization with the responsibility for the hazing act(s) occurring on-and-off campus. Hazing is also a violation of Texas state law.

Note: Texas law provides any person who voluntarily (before being contacted by authorities) reports a specific hazing incident to the Dean of Students Office, University Police Department, or other appropriate institutional official is immune from civil and criminal liability unless the report is in bad faith or malicious. Additionally, students may not report their own hazing behavior and be considered for immunity. Reports can also be filed online at tamucc.edu/conduct-advocacy.

5. Use of Force: Using violence, the threat of violence, intimidation, implied threats, coercion or blackmail to obtain a desired outcome or behavior from another individual and/or group.
6. Retaliation: Any behavior and/or adverse action taken against a person and/or group because of participation in a complaint or investigation
7. Equal Access and Opportunity: Admission to and participation in the educational programs and activities of the University will be open to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability. Organizations are exempt from Title IX requirements only as they relate to their status as single-sex organizations, such as sport clubs and single gender fraternal organizations.  Student organizations whose national organization is exempt from Title IX must furnish proof by letter from the national office.
8. Drugs:
   1. Any of the following: possession, purchase, use, manufacture, sale, distribution, being in proximity or being under the influence of any illegal drug(s).
   2. Improper or illegal use, possession, distribution, sale, transfer, or manufacture of controlled substances; to include, but not limited to, prescription drugs.
   3. Possession or being in proximity to any paraphernalia associated with the use and/or possession of any illegal drug(s).

Note: The presence of any prohibited item in a location which is under your control, such as an apartment, residence hall space or vehicle is also defined as possession.

9. Alcohol:
   1. Any of the following: possession, purchase, use, consumption, manufacture, sale, distribution, being in proximity or being under the influence of alcohol and/or empty alcohol containers by anyone under 21 years of age.
   2. Providing alcoholic beverages to an individual who is under the age of 21.
   3. Unauthorized possession, use, consumption, manufacture, sale, or distribution of alcohol in any building, facility, or property under University control or in violation of any applicable law and/or University policy or procedure.
   4. Any use or possession of alcohol and/or empty alcohol containers in a common area of on-campus housing if the student, roommate, or any guests are under 21 years of age.
   5. Intoxicated behavior that causes a public or private disturbance. Indicators of this may include slurred speech, loud and/or inappropriate behavior, loss of coordination, and/or glassy or bloodshot eyes.
   6. Unauthorized possession of keg(s) in any building, facility or property under University control.

Note: The presence of any prohibited item in a location which is under your control, such as an apartment, residence hall space or vehicle is also defined as possession.

Note: For information regarding the 911 Lifeline Law please see Article V.

10. Information and Identification:
    1. Personal Misrepresentation: Representing oneself and/or another in person, verbally, in writing or through means of electronic communication, with intent to obtain a benefit, to injure, or defraud.
    2. Unauthorized Representation: Alleging to represent the University or any of its organizations without specific prior consent of the respective officials and with intent to obtain a benefit or to injure or defraud.
    3. Inaccuracy of Records and Information: Falsifying, tampering, altering, forging, or misusing any University record or official document or knowingly supplying false or misleading information to University officials.
    4. Registration Tampering: Tampering or attempts to tamper with the registration or records of another student or one’s own including, but not limited to, dropping and/or adding courses.
    5. Election Tampering: Tampering with the election or referendum process of any University entity or recognized student organization.
    6. Dishonesty in Conduct and Administrative Matters: Dishonesty before hearing bodies, University boards or committees, or University officials; or knowingly misrepresenting the nature of events or the identification of persons coming before designated individuals or bodies.
    7. False reports: Falsely reporting a crime, a conduct violation, and/or safety threat.

11. Failure to Comply:
    1. Failure to follow the reasonable verbal or written instructions given by any properly identified University official including residence life personnel and other partners of the University.
    2. Failure to present personal photo identification to a University official upon request.
12. Accessory Responsibility:
    1. Accessory to a violation: Aiding or abetting another individual in the commission of an offense as defined by the Student Organization Code of Conduct and/or the Student Code of Conduct. A person may be charged under this section even though the alleged perpetrator of the original offense may be found “not in violation.”
    2. Guest responsibility: Failure to ensure that a student’s or organization’s guest(s) know and behave consistently with this Code while on campus.
13. Abuse of Student Organization Conduct Proceedings:
    1. Falsification, distortion and/or misrepresentation of information before a Hearing Body.
    2. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of any student organization conduct proceeding.
    3. Attempting to discourage or influence an individual or group’s proper participation in, or use of, reporting options and/or student organization conduct proceedings.
    4. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a Hearing Body.
    5. Harassment and/or intimidation of a member of a Hearing Body.
    6. Breaching the FERPA rights of any person involved in a conduct proceeding.
14. Other violations:
    1. Violation of published University rules not otherwise addressed in the Student Code of Conduct and/or Student Organization Code of Conduct.

1. 911 Lifeline Law: In 2011 the Texas Legislature passed a law providing a partial amnesty program for individuals who are under the age of 21 and call 911 or 361-825-4444 on campus because someone might have alcohol poisoning. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi holds student safety as the number one priority. In order to ensure that students are able to call for help when needed, the Student Conduct & Advocacy may not issue charges under the Student Code of Conduct for alcohol possession or consumption by a minor in certain circumstances. This amnesty may be applied when a student is the first person to contact emergency personnel (911 or 361-825-4444 on campus), remains on the scene until medical personnel arrives and fully cooperates with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and law enforcement. Charges may still be filed if other code allegations and/or violations of law occurred. For more information on the 911 Lifeline Law and the signs of alcohol poisoning, please visit our website at studentconduct.tamucc.edu.
2. Amnesty For Students Reporting Sexual Misconduct: In 2017 the Texas Legislature passed a law providing an amnesty program for students who report incidents of sexual misconduct. Students who, in good faith, report to the institution being the victim of, or a witness to, an incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking may be provided amnesty regarding other potential code violations, including, but not limited to, underage alcohol consumption and use of illegal drugs. Amnesty does not apply to a student who reports their own commission or assistance in the commission of sexual misconduct. For additional information please review the Student Sexual Misconduct Process at studentconduct.tamucc.edu.

Student Conduct & Advocacy will determine the composition of the Hearing Bodies and determine which Hearing Body and Appellate Board will be authorized to hear each case.  Decisions made by a Hearing Body will  be final, pending the appeal process. 

A Hearing Body may be designated as mediator of disputes within the student community in cases which do not involve a violation of the Student Organization Code of Conduct. All parties must agree to mediation and to be bound by the decision with no right of appeal.

These proceeding guidelines will be followed for the majority of alleged violations within the Student Organization Code of Conduct.

1. Process:

Alleged incident occurs -> Report is submitted to Conduct & Advocacy -> Investigation occurs -> Charges may be issued -> Mandatory Pre-Conference (Optional Informal Resolution Opportunity)-> Formal hearing -> Notification of finding and if applicable sanctions are assigned -> Student organizations may choose to appeal formal outcome -> Notification of appeal finding and if applicable sanctions

Note: Incidents that may involve student sexual misconduct will be investigated by the Title IX Office. Therefore, two investigations may occur simultaneously.

Note: Student Activities, Recreational Sports, and Conduct & Advocacy will collaboratively work with regional and national organizations. 

2. Reporting/Investigation/Charges:
   1. Any individual may submit an incident report in writing (verbal, hard copy, or electronic format) against any student organization. Incident reports should be submitted as soon as the reporter is aware of the alleged violation. For incidents which may be adjudicated under the Student Sexual Misconduct Process or the Procedure for Student Academic Misconduct Cases, additional information on specific timelines can be found online at studentconduct.tamucc.edu.
   2. The Chief Conduct Officer or designee may assign cases to a hearing officer to conduct an investigation. The hearing officer will determine if the incident report has merit and will determine which entity will hear the case based on the nature of the incidents. The hearing officer will determine if it can be resolved administratively by mutual consent of the parties involved in a manner acceptable to the hearing officer. Such resolution will be final with no subsequent proceedings. If the incident report cannot be resolved by mutual consent, the hearing officer may later serve in the same matter as the Hearing Body or member thereof. If the incident report is substantiated, written charges will be presented to the accused student organization (electronic).

3. Mandatory Pre-Conference Meeting: All student organizations that have been charged will be scheduled for a mandatory pre-conference meeting with a Hearing Officer or designee. The purpose of this meeting is to explain the Student Organization Code of Conduct in detail to the organization, review the organization’s rights, and answer any questions from the organization. Also, the organization will have the opportunity to respond to the charge(s) issued against them by unanimous vote of representatives present at the Pre-Conference Meeting. If the representatives decide to respond “in violation” of all charges then the organization will have the option to participate in an Informal Resolution Process. This will occur during the Pre-Conference Meeting (see below). Should a designated representative(s) from the organization fail to attend this pre-conference meeting, the process will move forward to a hearing.
4. Informal Resolution Opportunity: If an Informal Resolution Opportunity is pursued then the Hearing Officer presiding over the Pre-Hearing Conference will serve as Chair for this procedure. The Hearing Officer will provide the organization with an outcome/sanction(s) for the admitted behavior(s) and the organization must, by unanimous decision, opt to accept the outcome or they will proceed to a Formal Hearing.  

5. Formal Hearing: A formal hearing will be scheduled no less than three, but not more than fifteen business days after the hearing notification has been sent to the student organization. The hearing will be administered by Student Conduct & Advocacy. All notices will be sent to the organization’s President, with a carbon copy provided to the organization’s vice-president, risk management chair and, if applicable, the advisor(s). Student organizations may request to waive the three-day waiting period for a formal hearing, when available, at the discretion of Student Conduct & Advocacy Maximum time limits for scheduling a hearing may be extended at the discretion of Student Conduct & Advocacy. Hearings will be conducted by a Hearing Body according to the following guidelines:

1. Cases resulting in charges under Prohibited Conduct, ‘1. Failure to follow published University guidelines’ will not result in a hearing. Any case resulting in charges under Prohibited Conduct numbers 2-15 may result in a hearing.
2. Hearings are conducted in a closed setting and admission of any person to the hearing will be at the discretion of the Hearing Officer.
3. In hearings involving more than one accused student organization, all student organizations may participate in one hearing together. In special circumstances, the Hearing Officer may schedule the hearings concerning each student organization separately.
4. The accused student organization is responsible for responding to the investigation report. A limited number of representatives from the student organization will be selected to participate in the hearing. However, accused students, reporting parties, witnesses and victims all have the right to be assisted by an advisor of their choice, at their own expense. The advisor:
   1. May be a local/regional/national advisor, friend, parent, faculty member, attorney etc.
   2. Is restricted to an advisory role and is not permitted to participate directly in any hearing. Advisors may speak ONLY to the designated representative(s) for the student organization they are assisting.
   3. Is required to maintain privacy regarding information provided at the conduct proceedings.
   4. Cannot be involved in the incident resulting in the charges.
5. The victim, the accused student organization and the Hearing Body will have the privilege of requesting witnesses and have the right to communicate questions to one another via the Chair of the Hearing Body. It is the responsibility of the individual requesting the witness(es) to notify the individual(s) of the hearing date, location and time. The names of any witnesses being requested are to be provided to Student Conduct & Advocacy in writing, no less than 3 business days prior to the hearing.
6. Relevant documentary information may be accepted as evidence for consideration by a Hearing Body at the discretion of the Hearing Officer. This must be new evidence that is not already a part of the investigation report.
7. All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the Hearing Officer.
8. Organizations will receive an electronic packet of information including the investigation report and incident report with their hearing letter
9. After the hearing, the Hearing Body will determine (by majority vote if the Hearing Body consists of more than one person) whether the student organization has violated the Student Organization Code of Conduct . The accused student organization will be sent a notification outlining the outcome of the hearing typically within five (5) business days.
10. The Hearing Body’s determination will be made on the basis of “preponderance of information”. A determination as to “in violation” or “not in violation” of the alleged offense(s) will be based upon the information presented at the hearing (including the investigation report), and if the accused organization is found “in violation”, appropriate sanctions may be assigned.
11. A confidential record will be kept of all hearings adjudicated by Student Conduct & Advocacy. Hearings may be recorded by the University, at the discretion of the Hearing Officer. Any and all recordings are the property of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
12. If a student organization fails to appear, information regarding the charges will be presented to and considered by the hearing panel and a decision may be rendered in the student organization’s absence.

Sanction(s) may be assigned to a student organization after the group either has admitted to being in violation or has been found in violation by a Hearing Body of having committed a violation of the Handbooks.

The following considerations will be made in determining appropriate sanctions:

• The nature of the violation
• The student organization’s role in the incident
• The impact on the University community
• Past misconduct
• The student organization’s current conduct status
• Previous decisions in similar cases

The sanctions below are not exhaustive, but merely serve as guidelines and may be levied in any combination. Sanctions will typically be imposed in an active and educational manner:

1. Education: involvement in educational activities designed to increase self-awareness such as self-directed research, online courses, referrals to campus resources, and any other assignments deemed appropriate.
2. Conduct Warning: The lowest level of reprimand stating the student organization violated the Handbooks, and indicating that any future violation of the Student Organization Code of Conduct will subject the student organization to further judicial proceedings.
3. Community Service: Service determined by the Hearing Body and given to a student organization to fulfill the requirements of an available work assignment.
4. Restitution: Payment for damage to property. The dollar amount is determined by the cost of materials to repair the item(s) damaged, including any labor needed to replace or restore the item.
5. Restricted Access: Restricting or banning from entering certain designated areas and use of specific equipment as defined by the Hearing Body for a specified period of time. Restricting or banning may include, but is not limited to, access to a University facility and services, academic related programs and/or opportunities, participation in recruitment, access to on campus housing, participation in University-sponsored activities, Homecoming, etc., or conducting activities with a specified University community member(s).
6. Notification: Notification of campus advisor(s), regional or national officers, and/or the campus community of the action taken by the University and entry into the record of the student organization.
7. Fee(s): Fees imposed for a variety of purposes including but not limited to providing educational programming, repairing relationships and/or providing compensation for disrupted programs or events.
8. Suspension of Recognition/Privileges: Temporary loss of the student organization's recognition and/or privileges by the University.
9. Deferred Suspension of Recognition: The temporary or permanent delay of suspension for a definite or indefinite period. If further violation(s) of the Student Organization Code of Conduct occur the suspension may be imposed immediately.
10. Conduct Probation: A status that defines a student organization as not “not in good disciplinary standing” for a specific period of time as a result of violation(s) of the Student Organization Code of Conduct. If a student organization violates any other rules and regulations within the jurisdiction of the conduct process while on Probation, they may receive more severe sanctions than would normally be imposed for the new offense alone.
11. Interim Suspension: Refer to Article IX for definition and procedural guidelines.

Failure to comply with sanction given may result in more severe sanctions and restrictions may be placed on the student organization’s status. These restrictions could include a requirement that no activities or recruitment take place. The restrictions will remain until sanction(s) is completed. Student organizations may face additional conduct actions from their national organizations. 

Should the University not take action against an organization, this does not prevent local/regional/national organizations, criminal charges, or other governing bodies from doing so. Alternatively, the lack of action or finding of “not in violation” by local/regional/national organizations, criminal charges or other governing bodies does not preclude the University from taking action in incidents of student organization conduct.

The University reserves the right to work with local/regional/national organizations, law enforcement, and other governing bodies when determining sanctions.

Based upon a student organization’s alleged behavior, the Vice President of Student Engagement & Success, Dean of Students, or their designee(s) may impose an interim conduct action prior to the initiation of formal charges under the Student Organization Code of Conduct  or a student organization’s hearing on the facts of the case.

1. When the student organization’s actions/behaviors affect the safety, health, or general welfare of a student organization and/or the University community, an interim conduct measure may be issued. Restrictions that may be placed on the student organization during the interim conduct measures period include, but are not limited to:

• barring or limiting some or all of the organization’s activities and/or privileges (including, but not limited to: social activities; intramural competition; organizational competition; Homecoming; eligibility to receive any University award or honorary recognition; privilege to occupy a position of leadership or responsibility in any University student organization governing body, publication, or activity; or ability to represent the University in an official capacity or position.);
• Entrance into University residence halls or other areas of campus, or contact with another specified person(s).
• While on interim conduct measures, the student organization loses its University recognition and/or registration for the suspension period.
• While an organization is suspended, it may not use the University resources or participate as an organization in any University activities or events.

2. The interim conduct measure may include notification of appropriate faculty and staff, and restrictions including but not limited to:

• suspension use of University facilities, or other areas controlled, leased or used by the University.
• participation in student organization activities,
• representation of the University or contact with specified person(s) or organization(s). 

3. In the event of interim measures being taken against an organization, the campus community will be notified as appropriate.
4. An interim conduct measure requires that the student organization be notified in writing (electronic).

1. A request for appeal must be made within five business days of the dated, written notification (hard copy or electronic) of the decision rendered during the student organization conduct proceeding. Any decision that does not receive a request for appeal within the designated timeline will be considered final and binding upon all involved.
2. Request for appeals must be in writing, addressed and delivered to Student Conduct & Advocacy. Individuals who represented the organization during the  hearing process and/or an officer of the student organization will be authorized to submit an appeal.   
3. Except as required to explain the basis of new information, an appeal will be limited to a review of the verbatim record of the hearing and supporting documents for one or more of the following purposes:
   1. Procedure: To determine whether the hearing was conducted in conformity with the prescribed process. Deviations from the designated procedure will not be a basis for sustaining an appeal unless substantial prejudice to the alleged violator or victim was the result.
   2. New Information: To consider new information sufficient to alter a decision not brought out in the original hearing because such information could not have been known to the alleged violator and/or victim at the time of the original hearing.
   3. Severity of Sanction: To consider whether the sanction(s) associated with the outcome provided by the original hearing body are disproportionate to the alleged violations of the Student Organization Conduct Process.
4. Once a request for appeal is received, the student organization and other relevant parties will be notified, and the validity of the request will be verified. Any request for appeal will be sent to the Appellate Board along with all relevant materials regarding the case.
5. If an appeal is upheld by the Appellate Board, the matter will be returned to the original Hearing Body for re-opening of the hearing to allow reconsideration of the original determination. Upon rehearing, the outcome of the case may be overturned and/or if applicable, the same, a lesser, or a greater sanction may be assigned. If an appeal is not upheld, the matter will  be considered final and binding upon all involved.

Conduct records are maintained by offices of Student Conduct & Advocacy in the following manner:

1. Records included in the federally required Campus Safety Report may be purged seven (7) years after the student organization’s last incident date.
2. Other records may be purged five (5) years following the student organization’s last incident date.

Note: Records resulting in suspension or expulsion may be maintained permanently.

Note: These retention periods will be adjusted as needed based on the Texas A&M University System, federal and/or state mandated requirements.

Note: Access to conduct records is provided in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, and the Confidentiality of Student Records policy. A student may request verification of conduct records by providing written authorization to release the records through completion of the proper paperwork at the Public Information Office. Students are able to file an addendum to their record to further explain, clarify or refute information obtained within the record. Expunged records may be retained by the University for two additional years solely to comply with federal law.

1. Hearing Officer: The Hearing Officer or designee(s) will have responsibility for the administration, implementation, investigation and efficient coordination of the Student Organization Code of Conduct and will determine, on an individual basis, which appointee or group will hear the case.
2. Student Conduct Board (SCB)
   1. Chair: From the Student Conduct Board a chair is appointed by the Hearing Officer or designee to preside over the hearing and ensure that the prescribed procedures are followed.
   2. Scope of Authority: The SCB will be utilized, at the discretion of Student Conduct & Advocacy, in hearing Student Organization Code of Conduct cases. The SCB provides a decision and a recommendation for sanction(s) to Student Conduct & Advocacy who then notifies the accused student organization of the outcome, pending appeal.
3. The Chief Student Conduct Officer or designee has total responsibility for the adjudication of student organization conduct cases and has the authority to appoint other bodies to adjudicate formal hearings when deemed appropriate.

1. Any questions of interpretation regarding the Student Organization Code of Conduct will  be referred to  Student Conduct & Advocacy for final determination.
2. The Student Organization Code of Conduct will  be reviewed annually under the direction of Student Life and Student Conduct & Advocacy. In keeping with normal University policy approval processes, the Student Organization Code of Conduct may, at the sole discretion of the University, be amended at any time.