Student Code of Conduct: What You Need to Know as a University Student

July 8, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. College, College Student Disciplinary Hearing, Criminal Defense Social Share

What is a Student Code of Conduct?

A Student Code of Conduct is a set of principles, expectations, and rules that are given to students to communicate the expectations the school has for their behavior. It outlines student rights as well as responsibilities students are expected to uphold. Student Codes of Conduct are intended to preserve academic integrity, as well as the safety, health, and welfare of the university community. Each university has its own unique conduct code.

What is your Student Code of Conduct?

Your Student Code of Conduct can be found on your university website. The Florida State University Conduct Code page can be found here. The Florida A&M University Student Code of Conduct can be found here. The Tallahassee Community College Student Code of Conduct can be found here.

What Happens if I Violate My Student Code of Conduct?

When a student violates the conduct code, he or she may be subject to a disciplinary hearing and a resulting punishment, such as service assignments, parental notification, or educational assignments. Punishments can be as severe as suspension, removal from campus residence, or expulsion. You can read more about disciplinary proceedings here.

Sanctions and Penalties

• Formal Warning: This is a written notice that a student’s behavior did not meet the expectations of the conduct code. A formal warning is usually issued for low level infractions.
• Disciplinary Probation: Disciplinary probation is a status of bad standing with the university resulting from a violation of the student conduct code. It is for a designated period and requires the student to remain free from disciplinary trouble during that period. If the student violates their probation, he or she can face severe consequences, such as suspension or expulsion.
• Housing Probation: Any violation of a conduct code while on housing probation could result in additional sanctions. This includes temporary or permanent separation of the student from university managed living properties, suspension, or expulsion.
• Trespass Warning: This is a written notice issued by the university that warns a student that they are not permitted to enter or remain on university property for a specific period of time.
• Removal from Campus Residence: Students who have violated community standards or have a series of breaches of community standards may be asked to leave campus residence. There may be conditions a student must satisfy before he or she is allowed to return.
• Suspension: A student who is suspended from school will not be able to register for and attend classes or to be present on school property for a certain period of time. There may be certain conditions that must be met before the student is able to return.
• Dismissal or Expulsion: A student who is expelled will be permanently separated from the school. The student will not be allowed to attend class, participate in school programs or events, or be on school property. An expulsion becomes part of a student’s permanent record and is reported to any other universities the student might apply to.
• No Contact Order: A student may be required to sign a no contact order, which prohibits contact with a protected individual. If the student and protected person observe one another in a public area, it would be the accused student’s responsibility to leave the area immediately without contacting the protected person.
• Cease & Desist: This is a written directive that prohibits both parties from contacting one another, either directly or through a third party.

Lesser Possible Sanctions

• Service or Educational Assignment: A student could be required to perform a service or engage in an activity relating to the conduct violation that would benefit the student and the community. These programs include Alcohol Education Programs, Drug Education Programs, Community Service, or Bystander Intervention Programs.
• Written Assignment: A student may be required to reflect upon his or her behavior through a written assignment. This could include reflecting how his or her behavior relates to the school’s mission or research that could help students understand why the schools conduct code was adopted.
• Loss of Privileges: A student may lose specific privileges for a designated period.
• Restitution: A student may be required to pay for damages he or she caused, such as university property damages.
• Parental Notification: Sometimes, a university may notify the parents of any student found to have violated the student conduct code.

College Student Defense Lawyer in Tallahassee, FL

If you or a loved one is involved in a university disciplinary proceeding, it is important to contact a knowledgeable defense attorney to protect your future. At Pumphrey Law, we work hard to protect college students from a permanent disciplinary record.  Disciplinary proceedings can result in suspension or expulsion from their current school. The record can prevent them from attending another college or graduate level program, and even follow them into a career in the health care profession, the legal profession, local or state government, the military or law enforcement. Call (850) 681-7777 to speak with Tallahassee student attorney about protecting the student’s disciplinary record. We strive to help the student obtain a positive result to protect their future education and career opportunities.

This article was written by Caroline Calavan

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