Denison University Student Handbook 2006-2007

Campus Organizations and Activities

Campus Organizations and Activities

All students on campus are encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities. There are more than 100 registered campus organizations on campus (see Campus Organization Directory available in the Student Activities Office). Students are continually encouraged to start new organizations with the assistance of the SAO.

Registered campus organizations and their members are responsible for adhering to and supporting the community standards and values as set forth in the Student Handbook and Campus Compact. A campus organization and its officers may be held collectively and/or individually responsible for violations of the Student Code.

  1. Registration and Membership Eligibility

    1. All campus organizations are required to submit to DCGA a constitution for the organization. Further, organizations are required to complete a registration form each semester. Failure to complete and submit the form to The Student Activities Office may result in the organization's loss of DCGA funding.

    2. Funding. DCGA allocates funding to organizations. Budget requests are taken from individual organizations at the beginning of second semester each year.

    3. Eligibility. Eligibility for membership in any campus organization requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater as specified by the organization. In support of the rules of the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils, the minimum academic requirement to participate in recruitment and pledging activities is a cumulative GPA of 2.30 for fraternities and 2.25 for sororities plus the completion of at least 12 credit hours. In addition, a student on Disciplinary Probation is ineligible to affiliate with a fraternity or sorority organization. Community Rights and Standards action may be taken against both individuals and organizations in violation of eligibility requirements. Underground fraternity or sorority membership will constitute a major violation and will be dealt with accordingly.

    4. Greek New Member Education. No required new member or pledging activities shall take place between midnight and 6 a.m. The new member education or pledging process must be completed prior to the start of the final examination period and all new members must be initiated prior to that time. There will be no hold-over pledging permitted.

    5. Greek Grades. Students wishing to participate in the recruitment process for membership in national fraternities or sororities automatically consent to release of their cumulative and semester GPAs and credit hours to the Assistant Director of Student Activities for Leadership for verification of eligibility.

      Members of social Greek organizations automatically consent to the release of their cumulative and semester GPAs to the chapter president, scholarship officer, and chapter advisor for coordinating of scholarship programming, internal chapter judicial concerns, or the completion of required reports to be filed with the National Headquarters or Alumni Advisors.

  2. Policies Governing Campus Organizations.

    The Student Activities Office (SAO) at Denison University, in an affirmation of its commitment to the principles of multicultural enhancement, is supportive of the concepts of non-discrimination, affirmative action, and equal opportunity as they relate to race, creed, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age and physical ability. In holding with these tenants, the SAO stresses the importance of eliminating discriminatory and/or culturally insensitive language, behavior, and content from Denison University-sponsored events. The statement is not to suggest the SAO supports censorship, but rather urges thought and advance planning so that Denison University and SAO sponsored events reflect diversity and sensitivity inherent in the University Mission Statement and goals.

    1. Organization's Responsibility. Denison University places particular importance on respect and dignity for all persons. Campus programming, both social and co-curricular, should be consistent with this standard. Campus organizations and student groups that have responsibility and authorization to sponsor programs, including films, lectures, and various kinds of entertainment, must keep this expectation in mind when planning programs.

    2. Facility Scheduling Please refer to the Campus Guide to Social Spaces (available in The Student Activities Office) for details of available facilities.

      FacilitiesReservation Contact
      Academic Buildings For reservations before 4:30 pm-Registrar Office, Ext.6296.
      For reservations after 4:30 pm-Public Affairs, Ext. 6709
      Academic Quad Student Activities Office, Ext. 5730
      Slayter Hall Facilities Student Activities Office, Ext. 5730
      Lamson Lodge Student Activities Office, Ext. 5730
      Bandersnatch Student Activities Office, Ext. 5730
      Mulberry House Fine Arts, Ext. 6596
      Residential Hall Quad Areas Appropriate Area Coordinator,
      EastQuad Office, Ext. 6232,
      West Quad Office, Ext. 6757
      Physical Education Center Physical Education Dept., Ext. 6242
      Doane Third-Floor Conference Room Human Resources, Ext. 6299
      Doane Basement Conference Room Public Affairs, Ext. 6709

      **All events occurring outside of the academic year (including all official university breaks) are scheduled through the Conference Services Office (Ext. 6461) and are subject to additional regulations and/or fees.

    3. Campus Organization Funding Policy for Administrative Offices and Academic Departments

      Administrative offices and academic departments will not be funding campus organization social events. These offices and departments do not have budgets that include social programming for campus organizations. Funding for campus organizations is available and is appropriately allocated by DCGA through the normal budgeting process and through the Student Activities Office. Regularly scheduled social events as well as regularly scheduled academic events should be included for consideration in the normal annual budgeting cycle. There are times when academic opportunities become available during the academic year, after budgets have been approved, that might lead campus organizations to seek alternative sources of funds. An example would be when a campus organization learns that a certain speaker might be in our area as part of another campus program and wishes to take advantage of the opportunity. In these cases, it would be appropriate for campus organizations to explore possible funding assistance through appropriate administrative and/or academic departments. This policy applies to campus organizations seeking funding from academic departments and administrative offices other that the Office of Student Activities. It does not apply to campus organizations seeking to work together with other campus organizations to co-sponsor campus events. Indeed, this type of co-sponsorship among various campus organizations has many advantages and is encouraged.

    4. Co-Sponsorships with The Student Activities Office

      The Student Activities Office at Denison University is committed to assisting students in developing their leadership and life skills. This goal is accomplished by creating an environment in which students can exercise their organizational and leadership skills in the area of activity planning and presentation. Specifically, the Student Activities Office, through the Assistant Director of Student Activities for Programming, acts as an information and, at times, financial resource to Campus Organizations at Denison University. In order to provide the best possible service to the Denison community, the Student Activities Office has developed the following policies and guidelines for organizations requesting event co-sponsorship with SAO:

      1. Logistical co-sponsorships consist of programming operation assistance including facility, technical, and hospitality reservations, contract negotiations, program resources, volunteer training, and administrative assistance. This type of co-sponsorship involves no fiscal support of any kind, and is available to any organization, department, or individual member of the Denison community.

      2. Financial co-sponsorships consist of fiscal support. This could also be coupled with logistical support as well. Financial co-sponsorship is limited to registered campus organizations or departments within the Denison community. Typically, the Student Activities Office will not provide more than 33% of the cost of the event. All events receiving financial co-sponsorship must meet the following criteria:

        1. Have an open admission policy (open to all students)

        2. Follow all Student Activities Office programming policies

        3. Adhere to the Student Activities Office sensitivity statement

      3. Criteria for Applying for co-sponsorships:

        1. Event is open to all Denison students

        2. Event does not specifically advocate a political or religious point of view

        3. Event does not infringe on the Student Activities Office Theme Sensitivity Statement, Denison Document on Harassment, the Student Code of Conduct, the University Alcohol policy, or any other University policy or procedure

        4. Sponsoring organization does not request more than 33% of total operating costs for an event

        5. Sponsoring organization is registered and in good standing with the university

        6. Organization successfully completes the application process (i.e., timely application, signed co-sponsorship application)

        7. Events that are used as a fund-raising source for organizations or philanthropy projects are not eligible for co-sponsorship with the Student Activities Office

        8. The Student Activities Office reserves the right to decline any application for co-sponsorship

    5. Advertising/Posting on Campus (Advertising Regulations)

      1. Postings for student-initiated commercial enterprises must be approved in advance by the Associate Dean/Director of Student Activities and Slayter Union.

      2. All posters/banners must be event-specific and list "who", "what", "where", "when", and the sponsoring group or individual name. There are no exceptions to this policy.

      3. Off-campus commercial enterprises are not permitted to advertise on campus.

      4. Wording or artwork on any posting may not contain reference to an amount or type of alcohol available at an event, nor may reference to alcohol be the dominant feature of the posting. In addition, there may not be any reference to abusive or excessive consumption of alcohol in any advertisement.

      5. No posting for an event shall take place until all appropriate registration has been finalized. In particular, reference to alcohol events will not be permitted until all appropriate forms have been submitted and approved by the Associate Dean/Director of Student Activities and Slayter Union.

      6. The advertising of term or research papers will not be permitted.

      7. The sale of personal articles (i.e., books, couches) may be advertised in designated areas.

      8. No advertising of any kind may be placed under the doors of residents' rooms or on any motor vehicle on campus. There is no door-to-door solicitation allowed by anyone for any reason.

      9. No advertisements or postings may be hung on exit or access doors.

      10. Advertising may only be hung in interior spaces. Any advertising on any exterior surface is subject to removal and fines may be levied against responsible parties.

      11. Advertisement to the general campus population of any event requiring a guest list is not permitted.

    6. Campus Organization Alcohol Policy

      1. All alcohol-related events must be registered with The Student Activities Office at least one week prior to the event. Procedures and forms for registration are available through the Student Activities Office, Room 200, Slayter Union.

      2. The possession, sale, use or consumption of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, while on University premises, during an organization event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the organization, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws and/or policies of the state, county, city and Denison University.

      3. The selling of alcohol on campus is not permitted except through the university-held liquor license. Any alcohol to be sold must be approved by the Ohio Department of Liquor Control. This includes both "direct" and "indirect" sales, the latter referring to admission fees, donations, sales of cups/t-shirts or other items for admission as well as fund raising for a campus organization and/or charitable organization.

      4. The Student Activity Fee, which the University collects and a portion of which is given to DCGA to be allocated to various campus organizations, cannot be used for the purchase of alcohol, either directly or indirectly.

      5. No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through organization funds nor may the purchase of same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of, or on behalf or the organization. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common source of such alcoholic beverage (kegs and cases) is prohibited.

      6. No members of the organization or guests shall collectively or individually, purchase, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those under the legal "drinking age" of 21).

      7. No alcohol shall be served to those who appear intoxicated, nor shall alcohol be served in an uncontrolled, unregulated manner.

      8. Any event involving alcohol cannot exceed four hours in length. Events held Monday through Thursday must end no later than 12 midnight; events held on Friday or Saturday must end no later than 2:00am.

      9. For BYOB events, according to FIPG guidelines, persons of legal drinking age may bring two (2) twelve ounce cans of beer or two (2) wine coolers per hour of the remaining time of the function. Once a guest has brought in the allotted amount, they are not permitted to bring in anymore alcohol. NOTE: BINGE DRINKING IS DEFINED AS MORE THAN FIVE (5)DRINKS IN ANY 24-HOUR PERIOD. THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL VARY BASED ON WEIGHT AND GENDER. THE UNIVERSITY DOES NOT SUPPORT THE IRRESPONSIBLE USE OF ALCOHOL.

      10. No organization shall co-sponsor or co-finance a function where alcohol is purchased by any of the host organizations.

      11. No organization or member shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in "drinking games" during registered events.

      12. All advertising for alcohol-related events must be in compliance with established University guidelines. This includes no posting on the academic quad (except Slayter Union), and no advertising which connotes abusive use of alcohol (i.e., drinking games or contests). All registration materials must be completed and approved by the Associate Dean/Director of Student Activities and Slayter Union prior to the release of any publicity.

      13. At any event where alcohol is permitted, a reasonable quantity of non-alcoholic beverages and non-salty foods must be available throughout the entire event in a visible location. The quantity of non-alcoholic beverages and non-salty foods should at least equal the percentage of underage guests invited to the event and must be provided free of charge to those in attendance.

      14. A TIPS-trained server must be present throughout the duration of any BYOB alcohol event.

      15. Events involving alcohol may require security personnel to be hired. The number of security personnel required will be determined at the time of registration by the Associate Dean/Director of Student Activities and Slayter Union and will depend on the size, nature, and location of the event.

      16. Expenses incurred by Denison University for additional cleanup/repair by Denison University employees or contracted services may be billed to the sponsoring organization(s). In addition, judicial charges may be filed against the sponsoring organization(s).

      17. Due to National Fraternity Sorority Risk Management Policies, all Greek organizations sponsoring an event with alcohol are required to submit a guest list with the completed registration forms. The guest list cannot exceed 200 individuals per sponsoring organization (including organization members) or the reasonable capacity of the facility in which the event is being hosted,whichever is the lesser amount.

      18. Advertisement for the general campus population for any event requiring a guest list is not permitted. Advertisement for guest-listed events is to be by invitation only.

      19. All recruitment activities associated with any social Greek organization must be alcohol-free.

      20. No alcohol shall be present at any pledge/associate member/novice program, activity, or ritual of Greek social organizations.

      21. Open containers are not permitted in any common areas of the campus, including lobbies, lounges, stairways, parking lots, walkways or residential quads unless designated by provision of the Student Code of Conduct or published university policies and procedures. An exception is the side patio of Lamson Lodge during properly registered alcohol events and all other non-academic quad areas upon proposal by a sponsoring organization in conjunction with authorization by the Associate Dean/Director of Student Activities and Slayter Union. Examples of possible areas include the East, West and North Quads, Ebaugh Pond area, etc.

      22. At any event at which alcohol is served or permitted, a reasonable quantity of non-alcoholic beverage (defined as lasting throughout the duration of the event or as long as alcohol is being served or permitted) other than water must be served.

      23. The Roost is an Ohio Department of Liquor Control licensed site for sale. This is operated by Sodexho Food Service.

      24. All alcohol-related events must be registered with the Student Activities Office prior to the event. Procedures for registration are available through the Student Activities Office.

      25. All advertising for alcohol-related events must be in compliance with established University guidelines. This includes no posting on the academic quad, and no advertising which connotes abusive use of alcohol (i.e., drinking games or contests). Event registration must be completed prior to the release of any publicity.

      26. The amount of alcohol available should follow responsible use guidelines and be governed by anticipated attendance of those of legal age, facility capacity and length of event (not to exceed four hours). The amount must be determined at the time of registration. Registration forms and detailed policy are available in the Student Activities Office.

      27. No alcohol shall be served to those who appear intoxicated, nor shall alcohol be served in an uncontrolled, unregulated manner.

      28. "BYOB" events are the only alcohol events which are permitted by the University, except as noted in 6 below. It is the responsibility of the sponsor of the event to ensure that all University procedures and policies are followed.

      29. Use, possession, sale or distribution of drugs, drug paraphernalia, narcotic or other controlled substances except as expressly permitted by law.

      30. Smoking in any interior area of the University, including classrooms, labs, private offices, restrooms, hallways, dining rooms and designated non-smoking residence halls is prohibited.

    7. Registration of Alcohol Events Sponsored by Student Organizations

      1. Organizations must properly reserve the facility in which an event is planned.

      2. Organizations sponsoring events where alcohol will be present must submit a completed Alcohol Registration Form to The Student Activities Office no later than one week prior to the proposed event. This registration form requires the organization advisor signature. (Due to national guidelines, Greek organizations sponsoring alcohol events must include an alphabetized guest list when the registration form is submitted. The total number of guests is not to exceed 200 persons per sponsoring Greek organization and must be appropriate for the capacity of the facility.)

      3. The Associate Dean/Director of Student Activities and Slayter Union will review the registration form and either approve or deny the event. The student coordinator of the event will be informed of the decision in writing via his/her Slayter box.

      4. If the event is approved, the Associate Dean/Director of Student Activities and Slayter Union will determine the number of security officers required for the event. SAO will order the security and inform the coordinator of the event of the cost. The organization is required to have payment in full for security prior to the event.

      5. SAO will provide the sponsoring organization with a list of Denison students over the age of 21.

    8. Responsibilities of the Sponsoring Student Organization During a BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage)Alcohol Event

      1. The Student Organization sponsoring the event is responsible for providing tickets and wristbands. Tickets may be printed or purchased from a vendor. Wristbands may be purchased from the Student Activities Office or from an outside vendor.

      2. The sponsoring organization is required to meet the personnel assigned to the event at the site of the event 15 minutes prior to the designated starting time.

      3. Secure the event location so that only one entrance is designated and will be used as such during the event; being sure to secure all other doorways, stairways, etc. so they are not open to entry from the exterior of the facility but accessible for use as an exit and otherwise safe under fire and safety guidelines.

      4. Set up the serving location including non-alcoholic beverages and food in a visible location.The percent of non-alcoholic beverages and food offered should be at least equal to the percentage of underage guests present at the event and must be provided free of charge to the guests.

      5. Check each attendee against the guest list to ensure that he/she was invited. If attendees wish to bring alcohol into the event, check attendee ID to see if his/her name is on the over 21 list. If you verify that they are over 21, place a wristband on his/her wrist. Calculate the amount of alcohol that he/she is bringing against the amount of time left in the party. According to FIPG guidelines, persons of legal drinking age may bring in two (2) twelve ounce cans of beer or two (2) wine coolers per hour of the remaining time of the function. Once a guest has brought in the allotted amount, they are not permitted to bring in any more alcohol. NOTE: BINGE DRINKING IS DEFINED AS MORE THAN FIVE (5) DRINKS IN ANY 24-HOUR PERIOD. THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL VARY BASED ON WEIGHT AND GENDER. THE UNIVERSITY DOES NOT SUPPORT THE IRRESPONSIBLE USE OF ALCOHOL.

      6. The social event monitors should take the alcohol from the attendee and give the attendee an equal number of tickets. During the event an individual with a wristband may obtain alcohol from the serving area by presenting a ticket. He/she is not guaranteed that alcohol brought into the function will be provided/returned to said individual if he/she is intoxicated or otherwise exhibits behavior unhealthy of unsafe for themselves or others at the function.

      7. Check with event security personnel regularly (every one-half hour) to ensure all problems are dealt with expediently and the appropriate individuals know whom to contact in the case of an incident. Secure and monitor, in partnership with event security, the entrance to the event and the general facility to ensure that persons are not allowed to enter the facility from areas other than the designated entrance.

      8. Record, when possible, the name of any individuals attempting to enter the event using falsified or incorrect identification. Monitor all common/public areas of the host location for underage consumption of alcohol. Monitor and record any violations of this policy and immediately report such information to campus security.

      9. There shall be one centrally-located point (indicated on the social event registration form) from which all alcoholic beverages will be dispensed. No alcohol may be distributed from any other part of the event location (this includes private rooms). Persons designated to operate as servers shall be TIPS trained and shall not be consuming alcohol. Designated servers shall not serve anyone who is underage or visibly intoxicated.

      10. Individuals may only receive one beverage at a time. To obtain a beverage, a person must present one ticket and their empty can. Sponsoring organizations are encouraged to require attendees who bring alcoholic beverages to the event to bring cans and further require that containers not be distributed without receipt of an empty container. (In other words, a person must bring an empty container to the dispensing location before another will be given out.)

      11. The hosting organization(s) will be responsible for monitoring the party to make sure no one is drinking without a wristband. Beer or wine coolers are the only alcoholic beverages permitted at any social event.

      12. Parties are not allowed to exceed four hours from start to finish. All parties shall have a designated ending time, by which time all drinking shall cease. Fifteen minutes prior to the ending time, an announcement should be made declaring the closing time of the event is near, and all guests should begin to gather their belongings and prepare to leave the function at the closing time.

      13. Any person bringing alcohol into the event is permitted to leave the function with any containers from those that they brought into the event prior to 30 minutes before the scheduled ending time of the event. Any alcohol remaining at the closing of the event will be claimed by Denison University Security for disposal.

      14. Denison University Campus Security personnel shall have the authority to assist in the closing of an event, whether the event is closed at the designated time or prior to such time due to violations of this and/or other University policies.

      15. Violations of any aspect of this policy may result in the sponsoring organization(s) being charged with violating University policy.

      16. The sponsoring organization should clean the facility and leave it as it was found before the event. The organization will be billed for costs of excessive clean up or damage and may face judicial proceedings.

    9. Anti-Hazing Policy (Policy Applies to Individuals and Organizations)

      Denison University expects its students and organizations to abide by the Denison community code of conduct which states that members of the Denison community are expected to treat other persons with dignity, respect, mutual consideration and to respect and preserve property, and to act with due regard for the health and safety of others. In addition it is expected that community members act with dignity, respect, mutual consideration and to respect and preserve property, and to act with due regard for the health and safety of others. Failure by individuals and/or organizations to comply with the University Anti-Hazing policy constitutes a major violation of the Student Code of Conduct and may result in sanctions for the organization and/or individuals, including but is not limited to: Disciplinary probation, deactivation, suspension, expulsion, withdrawal of recognition and/or suspension of operations.

      No Denison University student or organization shall conduct nor condone hazing activities. Hazing activities are defined as any action taken or situation created, directly or indirectly, whether on or off university premises, which results in or has the potential to result in mental or physical injury, discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; mutilation or alteration of the body or parts of the body; physical and psychological shocks; quests; road trips;wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts of buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other such activities that are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal or organizational law, ritual or policy, or State of Ohio law.

      It shall not constitute a defense to the charge of hazing that the participant(s) took part voluntarily, that they voluntarily assumed the risks or hardship or the activity, or that no injury, physical or mental, in fact was suffered.

      To report possible violations, even anonymously, call the "Hazing Hotline" at (740) 210-0207, or contact the Student Activities Office, (740) 587-6739.

    10. Serenades

      1. Serenades will be allowed to take place on the steps between East Hall and Shaw Hall. Serenades to take place elsewhere on campus may require additional approval.

      2. Serenades must be registered with the Assistant Director of Student Activities for Leadership in 304 Slayter Union. A completed registration form will be required in order to reserve space for the serenade.

      3. Space for a registered serenade must be reserved no less than seven (7) days prior to the event through the East Quad Area Coordinator. The completed and approved registration form must be presented to the Area Coordinator in order to reserve space.

      4. Participants and organizations at serenades are expected to comply with ALL University policies including noise, litter, alcohol, hazing and respect for persons.

      5. Absolutely no open flames or torches (other than candles) may be used during the serenade.

      6. No serenades will be permitted to take place during Little Sibs weekend.

      7. Excessive cleanup and/or damage to the facility may result in the sponsoring organization(s) being billed by Denison University and may result in community rights and standards charges being filed against the sponsoring organization(s).

        In order to promote a positive Greek community, the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils have instituted the following additional guidelines for serenades involving fraternities and sororities that will be considered enforceable University policy.

      8. All participants at all times must be appropriately clothed, and nudity will not be tolerated.

      9. No throwing or projecting of any objects will be permitted at any time during the serenade.

      10. Participants of serenades shall clean up all materials immediately following the event. This shall include, but is not limited to, wax, cups, leaflets, posters, clothing, etc.

      11. No vulgarity of any sort will be allowed at any time during the serenade. This includes, but is not limited to, any words or behavior that someone might hear or see as crude, unrefined or offensive; this also includes anything described elsewhere in the Student Handbook Anti-Harassment Policy.

      12. Buses or other forms of transportation for events following the serenade must depart from Lamson Lodge or the Deed Field steps. Those persons registered for serenades are responsible for reserving space through the Student Activities Office.

      13. No serenades shall take place during Parents Weekend or Homecoming Weekend.

      14. As described elsewhere in the Student Handbook, students attending serenades shall adhere to all university alcohol policies including, but not limited to, public intoxication, open container and underage consumption regulations.

      15. Those persons registered for the serenade shall be responsible for publicly notifying East Quad residents of a serenade at least 12 hours in advance. An example of acceptable notification would be signs on all residence hall doors.

      16. At least two representatives from the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils will be present at each serenade to document any infringement of said policies.

    11. Community Rights and Standards Process for Campus Groups and Organizations

      1. Alleged violations of The Student Code of Conduct and/or University policy by a campus group or organization will be adjudicated by an administrative hearing officer.

      2. A hearing shall be conducted by the Vice President of Student Affairs or his/her designee according to the following guidelines:

        1. Hearings shall be closed and the proceedings are private. In consultation with the particular campus group/organization, the hearing officer(s) shall determine which organizational members shall be present for the entire hearing process.

        2. Admission of any person to a community rights and standards hearing shall be at the discretion of the administrative hearing officer(s) of the hearing.

        3. In hearings involving more than one accused group/organization, the hearing officer(s), at his/her discretion, shall decide whether to conduct individual or joint hearings.

        4. The complainant and the accused have the right to be assisted by any advisor they choose, at their own expense. The advisor must be from the University. The complainant and/or the accused is responsible for presenting his or her own case and, therefore, advisors are nor permitted to speak or to participate directly in any hearing before a community rights and standards body.

        5. If there is no specific complainant, and it is clear there are serious community issues involved, when off-campus behavior violates University expectations, or when the interests of the University are clearly involved, the University may appoint a representative to serve in this capacity.

        6. The complainant, the accused, and the hearing officer(s) may present material witnesses. The witnesses are subject to the right of questioning by the hearing officer(s). In certain circumstances where confidentiality is paramount, an incident report or sumary report will be substituted. The accused group/organization may question facts in the report.

        7. The accused campus group/organization may present information and provide witnesses during the hearing at the discretion of the hearing officer(s).

        8. All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the hearing officer(s).

        9. After the hearing, the hearing officer(s) shall determine whether the campus group/organization has violated each section of the Student Code of Conduct which the group/organization is charged with violating.

        10. The hearing officer(s) determination shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the accused campus group/organization violated the Student Code of Conduct.

      3. There shall be a single record such as a tape recording or written summary of all hearings. The record shall be the exclusive property of the University.

      4. Except in the case of a group/organization charged with failing to obey the summons of a community rights and standards body or a University official, no group/organization may be found to have violated the Student Code of Conduct solely because the group failed to appear before a community rights and standards body. In all cases, the evidence in support of the charges shall be presented and considered.

      5. Community Rights and Standards misconduct: A group/organization may be charged with community rights and standards misconduct and additional charges may be filed due to but not limited to any of the following:

        1. Failure to appear at a duly scheduled hearing unless excused in writing by the community rights and standards body or by the Assistant Dean/Director of Community Rights and Standards.

        2. Interfering with the community rights and standards process, such as intimidating a complainant, witness, or member of a community rights and standards body.

        3. Failure to carry out a sanction imposed by the hearing officer(s). The hearing officer(s) may impose sanctions (including Withdrawal of Recognition and Suspension of Operations) on groups/organizations found to be responsible for Community Rights and Standards Misconduct.

        4. Providing false information.

    12. Sanctions: The following sanctions may be imposed on groups or organizations:

      1. Those sanctions listed in the student Code of Conduct, Article V, may be applicable in sanctions involving campus groups/organizations.

      2. Letter of Warning Written notification that a violation of the Student Code of Conduct or other University policy has occurred, and warning that further violation may result in more significant community rights and standards action.

      3. Warning Probation Written notification for a specified period of time that a violation of the Student Code of Conduct or other University policy has occurred, and may include requirements and restrictions as circumstances warrant.

      4. Discretionary Sanctions A campus group/organization that violates provisions of the Student Code of Conduct or other University policy may be required to complete educational programs or educational referrals. Or, as circumstances warrant, may be prohibited from sponsoring or co-sponsoring any social events on or off-campus at which alcohol is present. Additional restrictions may include limiting access to or closing of the chapter lodge area as circumstances warrant.

      5. Probation A campus group/organization will be placed on probation if the group/organization has a prior history or if the campus group/organization has engaged in a major violation as specified in Article V of the Student Handbook. Groups/organizations on Probation risk Withdrawal of Recognition and/or Suspension of Operations if further violations occur. Therefore, it is imperative for campus groups/organizations on this probationary status to review leadership development, risk management and educational programs to avoid further policy violations.

      6. Withdrawal of Recognition and Suspension of Operations. In cases of major or repeated violations, including but not limited to hazing, the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee will have the authority to recommend to the President that group or organization recognition by the University be immediately withdrawn and operations suspended, this would include withdrawal of all funding. In cases involving fraternities, this may include closing of the chapter lodge area. Withdrawal of recognition by the University will be for a designated period of time.

    13. Appeals Process (refer campus group/organization to the appeal process in Article IV of the Student Handbook)

      1. The decision reached by a hearing officer(s) or a sanction imposed by the Vice President or his or her designee must be appealed by the accused campus group/organization or to the Assistant Dean/Director of Community Rights and Standards within ten (10) calendar days of the decision.

      2. The Appeals Board shall hear appeals of judgments and sanctions from the Community Rights and Standards Council or the administrative hearing officer. Membership shall consist of: two students (one year renewable), one teaching faculty member (two year term), one administrative or supportive operating staff member (two year term), and one teaching faculty member who serves as Chair (one year renewable up to three years). All members are appointed by the President. Quorum for a hearing is three members, all hearings are closed, and the Chair votes only in case of a tie.

      3. Except as required to explain the basis of new evidence, an appeal shall be limited to the review of the record of the initial hearing and supporting documents for one or more of the following purposes:

        1. To determine if procedural protections were followed; that is, whether the original hearing was conducted fairly in light of the charges and evidence presented, and in conformity with prescribed procedures giving the complainant a reasonable opportunity to prepare and present evidence that the Student Code of Conduct or other University policy was violated, and giving the accused campus group/organization a reasonable opportunity to prepare and present a rebuttal of those allegations.

        2. To consider new evidence sufficient to alter a decision, or other relevant facts not brought out in the original hearing, because such evidence and/or facts were not known to the person appealing at the time of the original hearing.

        3. To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed were fair and reasonable for the violation of the Student Code of Conduct or other University policy which the campus group/organization was found to have committed.

      4. The Appeals Board has the authority to uphold or modify the decision of the administrative hearing officer or Community Rights and Standards Board, including increasing or decreasing the original sanction, to refer the matter back to the administrative hearing officer or Community Rights and Standards Board for reconsideration of the sanction(s) or for a rehearing, or to hear the case themselves.

      5. Decisions of the Appeals Board are final.

    14. Public Information Regarding Community Rights and Standards Matters: As soon as feasible after an incident which represents a serious breach of community standards, a brief description of the incident will be posted at designated locations around campus. In addition, statistics are compiled by the Office of Security and Safety and published annually in compliance with the Campus Security Act.

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