STUDENT ORGANIZATION ACCOUNTABILITY
Philosophy Statement for Student Organizations’ Accountability Process
Through their formation and registration, Registered Student Organizations (RSO’s) have stated that they want to be part of the University of South Florida Community . USF Community membership has both benefits and responsibilities. The University of South Florida ’s Student Code of Conduct forms the basis for behavioral expectations in the university community for both individual students and RSO’s.
The USF Student Code of Conduct is designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of members of this community so that that they may pursue their educational goals without undue interference. In addition, the Code of Conduct helps to foster students’ personal and social development, to maintain and enhance the ethical climate on campus, and to better prepare students to handle the responsibilities of citizenship. The following standards are designed to instill within the individual the necessity to develop a personal set of higher standards and to exercise personal self-discipline.
RSO’s are expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct and violations of the code by RSO’s will be adjudicated within the Student Activities Department. In attempting to resolve any infractions, the primary intent of the accountability process will be to educate members of the organization while holding them accountable for violations committed. Furthermore, it is our desire to encourage critical decision-making skills that may prevent future offenses.
RSO’s may be held accountable for a violation of the Student Code of Conduct when one or more members or guests commit an offense, and any of the conditions below apply:
~Is sanctioned by an officer of that same organization; ~Organization funds are used to finance the venture; ~Is substantially supported by the organization’s membership; ~Members with knowledge of the forthcoming violation did not attempt to prevent the infraction; ~The organization fails to report or chooses to protect those individuals; ~When the behavior relates to the good name of the University, the integrity of the educational process, or the safety and welfare of the University community either in its public personality or in respect to individuals within it.
Reasonable steps should be taken by RSO’s to prevent infractions of university regulations. Such steps include a clear establishment of standards (preferably in writing), documented educational sessions for members regarding the standards, and established and documented enforcement of standards when violations occur. The RSO has the duty to take clear and firm action to prevent and/or cease the behavior in question.
(Adapted from CAS Standards, Temple University and University of Southern California )
What Every Student Organization Should Know: Rules, Regulations, & Policies
- This section includes the student code of conduct, student activities policies and procedures, greek life policies, alcohol policy, student event management policy, signage, chalking, and posting policies, registration and conduct of student organizations, and the USF policy manual.
- As a registered student organization, it is your duty to be informed and knowledgeable of all USF’s and Student Activities rules.
So, what happens if we break a rule? Student Activities and USF’s Judicial Process
- This section includes a list of frequently asked questions, and the procedures of the judicial process.
Related Links
- Student Judicial Services
- Student Organization Manual
- Student Organization Look Up
- Victims Advocacy Program
- Student Activities Home Page
- Filing a Complaint
