Stetson University is a private, nonprofit university with four colleges and schools located along the Interstate 4 region commonly referred to as the “I-4 corridor.” While the University has campuses in Gulfport, Celebration, and Tampa, the primary campus home to most of the University’s graduate programs is located in DeLand.
DeLand is essentially located midway between the popular tourist destinations of Orlando and Daytona Beach. While this location allows for students to engage in popular activities and enjoy exciting nightlife scenes, it is not uncommon for some individuals to be arrested for alleged crimes that not only carry possible criminal penalties but also possible sanctions that may jeopardize their academic careers.
Attorney for Stetson University Disciplinary Hearings
If you are a Stetson University student who could be under investigation for an alleged violation of the student code of community standards or was arrested for an alleged criminal offense, it is in your best interest to not speak about your case to anybody until you have legal representation. Galigani Law Firm aggressively defends students in disciplinary hearings all over the Sunshine State.
Dean Galigani is an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can assist you with your case. He will review your case and discuss all of your legal options when you call (352) 375-0812 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Stetson University Code of Standards Violations Information Center
- What constitutes a violation of the Student Code of Community Standards?
- How does the disciplinary process work at Stetson University?
- Which sanctions can students and organizations face at Stetson University?
Types of Stetson University Student Code of Community Standards Violations
Stetson University’s Student Code of Community Standards states that any student found to have committed conduct prohibited by the University is subject to disciplinary sanctions. The following offenses, or the aiding, assisting, condoning, attempting to commit, or failing to report or take action on such offenses, can constitute violations of the Student Rules of Conduct:
- Academic Honesty
- Alcohol
- Controlled Substances
- Smoking/Tobacco
- Disorderly Conduct
- Harmful Behavior
- Gender-Based Misconduct
- Interpersonal Violence
- Hazing
- Retaliation
- Audio/Video Recording
- Interference
- Identification
- Misrepresentation
- Failure to Comply
- Respect for University Representatives
- Unauthorized Entry
- Property Damage
- Vehicles
- Technology Resources
- Fire Safety
- Solicitation
- Animals
- Weapons
- University Housing Policies
- University Policies
- Federal, State and Local Laws
Student organizations are subject to the same standards of behavior as individual students. Any student organization can be held responsible for its actions or the actions of one or more of its members or anyone associated with the organization.
Disciplinary Procedures at Stetson University
University jurisdiction and discipline is limited to conduct that adversely affects the University community or the pursuit of its objectives. The University can review or initiate the disciplinary process:
- If a student is charged with an off-campus conduct violation of federal, state, or local laws; or
- When a student or organization’s behavior off-campus interferes with the rights of others, reflects adversely on the University, or results in a criminal conviction.
A student or organization alleged to have violated the Student Code of Community Standards will have the matter adjudicated by either an administrative hearing or a board hearing. Administrative hearings are conducted by a conduct officer on behalf of the Office of Community Standards.
A hearing is for the purpose of discussing the alleged violation(s) of the Student Code of Community Standards, and the alleged student and/or organization’s hearing is open only to the alleged student and President of the organization, his or her advisor or support person, the hearing body, witnesses (when called upon), and a representative from the Office of Community Standards.
The University continues its hearing procedures even when a student alleged of a violation chooses to withdraw or not participate in the hearing procedures.
At the conclusion of the proceedings, the hearing body or conduct officer will determine whether the student or organization has been found to be responsible for a violation the Student Code of Community Standards. If a student or organization is found to have violated the Student Code of Community Standards, the hearing body or conduct officer will create the sanctions to be imposed and a communication outlining the hearing decision and any applicable sanctions will be sent to the student or organization via Stetson email.
Students and organizations have the right to appeal the decisions of the Office of Community Standards. Appeal requests must be made in writing to the Office of Community Standards within three business days of the date of the decision letter, and an appeal must fall into one of the following categories:
- New evidence exists, which was unavailable to the party submitting the appeal request at the time of the decision and would likely have affected the outcome. A summary of the new evidence and its potential impact must be included in the appeal request. Deliberate omission of information by an appealing party is not sufficient grounds for appeal;
- A significant procedural error or omission occurred that may have significantly impacted the outcome (e.g., substantiated bias, material deviation from established procedures, preponderance of evidence does or does not support the findings, etc.); or
- The sanctions are not appropriate to the violation for which the student or organization was found to be responsible.
Stetson University Student Sanctions
Stetson University students can face different kinds of sanctions for alleged misconduct. Sanctions may include any of the following:
Educational/Restorative Sanctions
Educational sanctions are aimed at providing students who have been found responsible for violations of the Code of Community Standards the “opportunity to be reflective of their experiences, take individual and community responsibility into consideration, and aim to not only avoid duplicating past inappropriate behavior but to make active efforts to learn and grow from the experience.”
Educational sanctions include:
- Anger Management Education
- Brief Alcohol Screening & Intervention for College Students (BASICS)
- e-Checkup Marijuana
- Think About It
- Referral
- Letter of Apology
- Check-in/Success Meeting
- Restitution
- Reflection/Research Papers
- Community Service
- Parental/Guardian Notification
Disciplinary Sanctions
Disciplinary sanctions are “status level sanctions placed on a student as a result of being found responsible for violations or used in other circumstances for the safety and security of an individual or greater community.” Disciplinary sanctions include:
- Administrative Warning
- Disciplinary Probation
- Residential Probation
- Residential Suspension
- Disciplinary Suspension
- Expulsion
- Fines
- Restriction of Privileges
Organization-Specific Sanctions
Organization-specific include:
- Organizational Warning
- Organizational Probation
- Organizational Suspension
- Revocation of Stetson Registration
- Educational Sanctions
Administrative Actions
The following actions are administrative decisions that may be placed as a result of behavior exhibited for the safety and security of an individual or greater community, and are not subject to appeal:
- Behavioral Agreements
- Confiscation
- Hold
- Deferred Removal
- Parental/Guardian Notification
- No-Contact/Communication Orders
- Interim Suspension
Galigani Law Firm | Stetson University Code of Community Standards Violation Defense Lawyer
Were you recently arrested or do you believe that you might be under investigation for an alleged violation of the Stetson University Student Code of Community Standards? You can give yourself the best chance of securing the most favorable outcome to your case by contacting Galigani Law Firm as soon as possible.
Dean Galigani and the Gainesville criminal defense attorneys of Galigani Law Firm can fight to possibly get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed and help you avoid academic penalties as well.
Call (352) 375-0812 or complete an online contact form to have our attorneys provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case during a free, confidential consultation.
