University Of Florida Student Conduct & Conflict Disciplinary Hearings
University Of Florida Student Conduct & Conflict Disciplinary Hearings
Students at the University of Florida (UF) who are accused of criminal offenses or violations of the Student Code of Conduct may be subject to a Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution (SCCR) disciplinary hearing. The possible penalties resulting from a disciplinary hearing can have enormous consequences on a student’s academic career.
If you have received a charge letter about an alleged violation of the UF Student Code of Conduct, it is in your best interest to speak to a Gainesville criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You have the right to legal representation for assistance in defending yourself against alleged code of conduct violations.
While criminal charges being filed do not necessarily preclude disciplinary action by UF or vice versa, our Gainesville criminal defense attorneys can provide assistance in either situation. You can receive a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and understand your defense options when you contact our firm at 800-373-8000.
Possible UF Disciplinary Hearings Penalties
The severity of the punishment a student faces depends on the nature of the offense and any previous disciplinary actions that may be on their record. Penalties can include:
- Interim Suspension — Student denied access to residence halls, campus (including classes), and/or all other University activities or privileges pending a formal student conduct hearing and after consultation with the Vice President for Student Affairs. Students on interim suspension cannot earn credit towards a UF degree from any institution during suspension.
- Deferred Suspension — Student will be officially suspended from the University, but may continue to attend classes. Students on deferred suspension are given the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to abide by the Conduct Code, but can be automatically suspended for a minimum of two (2) semesters in addition to the other consequences for any subsequent violation of the Honor Code or Student Conduct Code.
- Suspension — Student is required to leave the University for a designated or indefinite period of time and may not register for or attend any classes at UF while suspended. If a student is suspended and not enrolled for two (2) full semesters, he or she will need to apply for readmission.
- Expulsion — Student is permanently separated from UF and cannot continue at the University in any capacity. Expelled students are also typically trespassed, meaning they are prohibited from entering any UF premises and participating in any UF activity or program without explicit permission.
- Campus or Building Ban — A ban issued by the Dean of Students Office prohibiting a student from being present on any campus property or from specific locations and/or buildings on campus.
- No Contact Order — A directive issued by the Dean of Students Office to refrain from any direct or indirect intentional contact with one or more designated persons or group(s) through any means, including personal contact, e-mail, telephone, social media or third parties.
- Trespass Warning — Warning issued by the University Police Department that prohibits a student from entering any UF premises and participating in any UF activity or program without explicit permission. Violation of a trespass warning can make a student subject to criminal charges and arrest as well as other consequences.
UF Disciplinary Hearings Process
Any incident is first reported to Student Conduct Committee (SCC). The Director of SCCR then reviews the incident report before deciding to investigate or charge the suspect. If there is enough information to warrant an investigation, a Charge Letter is sent out and appointments are scheduled. The accused student meets with SCCR staff to discuss allegations at the Informational Meeting, and the student chooses the type of hearing format.
If the case is not likely to result in a disciplinary sanction of suspension, dismissal, or expulsion, then the student can opt for an informal hearing with SCCR staff. A decision will be made regarding case after the hearing, and the student has the right to file an appeal to be heard by the Dean of Students if he or she disagrees with the decision.
There are two different formal hearing formats. Under one scenario:
- Student meets with the Director for SCCR or designee
- Witnesses are contacted, investigation commences
- Formal Hearing
- Decision is made regarding case
- Appeals are heard by the Dean of Students
Under the other formal hearing scenario:
- Student meets with SCCR or SCC (5-12 faculty, students & staff)
- Witnesses are contacted, investigation commences
- Formal Hearing
- A recommendation is sent to the Dean of Students
- Dean of Students makes a decision regarding case
- Appeals are heard by the Vice President of Student Affairs
During a UF disciplinary hearing, an attorney cannot verbally present a case, but instead acts as an “advisor” to the accused student. Meldon Law has experience with college disciplinary hearings, and we can help you prepare a statement, a witness list, and questions for those witnesses. We will also help you understand the rules and procedures of the hearings as well as how to respond to questions at the hearing.
If you are facing a UF disciplinary hearing that is threatening your academic future, let Meldon Law begin building your defense during a free initial consultation. Contact our firm at 800-373-8000.
