Frequently Asked Questions by Students
Q: What is the best way to contact the Office of Student Conduct?
A: The Office of Student Conduct may be reached by calling (407) 823-4638 or you may visit us in the Ferrell Commons room 142. We are near the Marketplace Dining Hall. The South Parking Garage across from the Recreation and Wellness Center is the closest student parking facility.
Q: To whom does The Golden Rule apply and when does it apply?
A: The Golden Rule student handbook applies to all undergraduate students, graduate students, students pursuing professional studies, and student organizations of the university, including those attending its regional campuses and off campus instructional sites. The Rules of Conduct are expectations for student behavior regardless of the location of the alleged offense.
Q: I just received a letter from the Office of Student Conduct. What is it and what should I do?
A: Your letter outlines your alleged violation and the corresponding charges. The charges match up with the language found in the Rules of Conduct in The Golden Rule. The letter also lists the dates of the alleged offense. Please call 407-823-4638 or email st_condu@mail.ucf.edu to confirm your appointment.
Q: What happens if I don't make an appointment or skip my appointment?
A: A hold will remain on your record. Over time, you may be dropped/withdrawn from your classes and the hold will persist on your record. It is in your best interest to attend your appointment with the OSC staff member.
Q: What will happen at this appointment?
A: At this meeting, you will sign a Student Rights checklist that outlines your rights throughout the student conduct review process. The conduct procedures will be explained to you, and a hearing process will be selected to resolve the allegation(s). The OSC staff member will explain the procedure and the different types of hearings which may be chosen to resolve the complaint. The OSC staff member will allow you the opportunity to inspect and review any information available in your case and discuss the incident.
Q: What are the hearing options?
A: A majority of cases are resolved in an informal administrative hearing, though the student has a right to a formal hearing before a hearing officer or panel. In an informal administrative hearing, the student can resolve their case with the OSC staff member by accepting responsibility for violating the Rules of Conduct. The OSC staff member recommends sanctions for the student to the Director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR). Formal hearings occur when a student does not accept responsibility or the alleged offense in considered a mjor violation as deemed by the OSC staff member. There are two types of formal hearings: administrative and panel. Administrative hearings have one faculty/staff member and panel hearings have two (2) students and two (2) faculty/staff members. A hearing is a chance for you to provide any information you know about the alleged violation. After the incident is discussed, a decision will be made on whether or not a violation occurred. If it has been decided that a violation occurred, then a recommendation for sanctions will be made.
Q: Where can I locate an advisor to help me through the hearing process?
A: The Office of Student Conduct maintains a list of faculty, staff and students who are trained to assist you through the hearing process. Please ask an OSC staff member for the advisor list.
Q: What if I am found in violation for violating the rules?
A: If you are found in violation for violating the rules, you will be assigned sanctions, which could include educational activities (including classes, reflection or research papers, interviews), restitution, restrictions, community service, etc. Additionally you will be assigned a Disciplinary Warning, Probation, Suspension or Expulsion if you are found in violation. Please see The Golden Rule for further description of these sanctions. Our sanctions range depending on:
- The nature of the violation (what you did)
- Prior violations/previous disciplinary history (what have you done before)
- Mitigating circumstances surrounding the violation (unusual circumstances)
- Your motivation for the behavior (why you chose to do what you did)
- Sanctions involved in cases involving similar violations (precedent)
- The developmental and educational impact (how is this going to affect you)
Q: What if I disagree with the decision?
A: You have a right to appeal a decision made by the Director, OSRR. Following is the appeal form: Appeal Form. You have seven calander days to appeal from the day a decision is rendered to you. Follow this link to the Student Conduct Appeals Process: Appeals Within the Student Conduct Review Process
Q: What happens if I get caught for an act of Academic Misconduct?
A: If you get caught for an act of Academic Misconduct, your instructor has the freedom to apply one or more of the following outcomes. Typical outcomes include:
- Academic penalty (usually an F) on the assignment
- Academic penalty for the course (usually an F)
- Your instructor may send your case to the Office of Student Conduct for informational purposes only. If there are multiple reports, your case will automatically investigated and adjudicated.
- Your instructor may send your case to the Office of Student Conduct for formal adjudication.
- If your case goes through the Student Conduct Review Process, you will likely receive a suspension or expulsion from the University.
Q: What happens to my student records if I am found in violation of the Rules of Conduct in The Golden Rule?
A: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act makes a student's disciplinary record part of the educational record. The University will not release or permit access to educational records and personally identifiable information kept on a student except as otherwise permitted by law and this rule. This record may be accessed by the student, the parent of a minor or dependent student, with the student's authorization, or in response to a court order. This educational record may also be shared with other members of the academic community with a legitimate need to know. Decisions resulting in suspension and/or expulsion will be noted on the student's academic transcript.
