Summary of Process

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR) upholds the university's student code of conduct. Students are generally referred for violations of the code of conduct; however, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities may follow-up or initiate a referral if it is believed that a violation has occurred.

Upon receipt of the referral, SRR will commence an initial review involving the charged student in question, complainant/victim and any applicable witnesses. The function of this process is to determine whether relevant evidence exists and if there is a reasonable basis for believing the code of conduct was violated.

Once the initial review is complete, the student judicial officer will issue a determination letter to the charged student. This letter will indicate if the referral on the charged student has been dismissed or accepted. The student will receive this information in writing and be provided 10 class days to decide whether they wish to admit responsibility and agree to the imposition of any sanctions detailed in the letter or exercise their student right to have a formal hearing.

If the charged student elects to accept the charge indicated in the determination letter, the decision will become the official record. Please note, if no response is received in the allotted time, the decision will become the official record.

If the charged student elects to have a formal hearing, he or she must do so in writing, designating the choice of forum from one of the following types:

1. Administrative Officer - One full-time university staff or faculty member.
2. University Conduct Board - A panel composed of three faculty/staff members, one of who shall be appointed chairperson and three students.

Either option will provide the student the opportunity to have a formal hearing process review his or her case. This process again determines whether a violation of the student code of conduct occurred.

If the decision is not in the favor of the student, he or she may appeal the decision in writing within five class days of the date of the letter describing the decision. The appeal is written to the dean for students.

The dean for students will review the appeal, and may request to speak with the student. The decision of the dean for students is the final decision of the University of South Florida.