Student Organization Policies and Procedures

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The mission of Student Life is to enhance the personal development, well-being and intellectual growth of our students.  We cultivate discovery, collaboration, civic engagement and the exchange of ideas through innovative programs and a diverse residential community experience.

We engage students and student organizations through programs, services and individualized opportunities that support the ideals of a liberal arts education.

We create a welcoming, vibrant environment where our students can flourish and develop as global citizens and leaders with a passion and tenacity for lifelong learning.

As such, student organizations, clubs and similarly organized groups are recognized by the University to allow current students to gather together in shared missions and intents.  These organizations contribute positively to the campus, adhere to expectations for the entire Furman community, and abide by all University policies governing both individual students and student organizations.

Groups of students not officially recognized by the University may not affiliate themselves with Furman University, the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion or other official University organizations.  Many benefits are extended to officially recognized student organizations, such as the ability to reserve campus facilities, the ability to advertise for organization activities on campus, and the ability to apply for funding through the Student Government Association.

The Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion desires to support and encourage all student organizations, student leaders and advisors at Furman University.  This goal will be achieved through personal relationships, training sessions and established expectations and policies. 

1. Key Terms & Relationships

   1. Student Organization

      1. For the purpose of this policy, a student organization is defined as a group of currently enrolled students who unite around a common interest. Consequently, a student organization includes Student Government Association Recognized Organizations, Governing Council Recognized Organizations (fraternities, sororities, club sports, etc.), sports teams recognized by Athletics, and similarly united groups. Student organizations may have non-student members as part of the organization, but non-student members may not be considered voting members.  Only students may serve as officers or have a controlling interest in the organization.

   2. Student Organization Recognition

      1. A group of students wishing to form an organization must work through established University processes for doing so, which includes Student Government Association recognition, sorority and fraternity expansion, governing council recognition, Athletics, and more. Ultimately, however, the Vice President for Student Life or her/his designee determines recognition of non-athletic organizations and the Athletic Director of her/his designee determines recognition of athletic organizations.

      2. Recognized organizations may affiliate themselves with Furman University and take advantage of the associated rights. Any unrecognized organizations attempting to operate on Furman’s campus may be trespassed with individual members being referred to appropriate conduct or law enforcement officials.

   3. Organizational Activity

      1. Furman University defines Organizational Activity as any activity, on- or off-campus, sponsored or endorsed by an organization recognized by Furman or any activity a reasonable person would associate with the organization. Organizational Activity is not defined by the number of members engaging in the activity.

   4. Organizational Assumption of Risk

      1. Student organizations and their membership assume responsibility for their actions. The University is not responsible for any injury, damage, debt or other liability caused by the Organizational Activities.  The University’s General Polices for Student Organizations, Risk Management Policies for Organizational Social Events, Student Organization Conduct Expectations, and other applicable university policies are only intended to provide guidance to reduce risk and to help Student Organizations contribute positively to the campus.

   5. Policy Conflicts

      1.  For the purposes of enforcement and interpretation, when a conflict arises between the University’s policies and the policies published by a student organization’s national organization, insurance group, or other controlling body, University policy controls. Student organizations should be aware of any and all external policies controlling their operations and make all reasonable attempts to satisfy those requirements placed upon the organization. 

   6. University Discretion

      1. The University has sole discretion for approving Organizational Activity as well as interpreting policies and procedures that effect organizations, including determining appropriate conduct action for an organization and/or individual members. 

2. Recognition of Student Organizations

   1.   Student Government Recognition of Student Organization

      1. Student organizations recognized by the Student Government Association fall into two classifications:

         1. Recognized Student Government Organization

         2. Sponsored Student Government Organization

      2. Privileges of a Recognized Student Government Organization

         1. Reserving and using University spaces and facilities for events and meetings;

         2. Scheduling events on the University Calendar;

         3. Inclusion in various University publications;

         4. Use of the “Furman University” name;

         5. Eligibility to participate in the annual Student Involvement Fair; and

         6. Access to support services in the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion

      3. Privileges of a Sponsored Student Government Organization

         1. All of the privileges permitted to Recognized Student Organizations

         2. University provision of additional leadership and professional development

         3. Eligibility to apply for funding from the Student Government Association (SGA), funding requests should be made to the SGA Treasurer and Finance Committee

      4. Students seeking recognition for a new student organization should contact the Office of Student Involvement & Inclusion as well as the Vice President of the Student Government Association no later than four weeks after the start of the semester in which recognition is sought to receive information on the process.

      5. Student Government Organizations unable to find a University faculty/staff member willing to serve as an advisor prior to receiving recognition may be granted probationary status for up to one academic year. During this time the organization will be allowed to operate as a recognized student organization under the guidance of the Office of Student Involvement & Inclusion. If, at the end of the academic year, the organization has not found a faculty/staff advisor, recognition will be revoked.

      6. Prior to being recognized by the Student Government Association, all new organizations must also be approved by the Vice President for Student Life or her/his designee.

   2. Governing Council Recognition of Student Organizations

      1. In order to be recognized by a Governing Council, a student organization must follow the processes outlined in the constitutions and bylaws of their respective councils, which include:

         1. Interfraternity Council (IFC). All men’s Greek-lettered fraternities must be members of IFC. Fraternities allowing both men and women must choose between IFC, FPC, or NPHC. The University will determine the appropriate council.

         2. Furman Panhellenic Council (FPC). All women’s Greek-lettered sororities must be members of FPC. Sororities allowing both men and women must indicate their preference between IFC, FPC, or NPHC. The University will determine the appropriate council.

         3. National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). All historically Black fraternities and sororities must be members of NPHC.

         4. Religious Council. All religious organizations must be members of the Religious Council.

         5. Club Sports Council. All organizations that compete or intend to compete in organized athletic competitions against other schools on or off campus must be members of the Recreational Sports Council.

         6. Student Diversity Council. All organized multicultural or identity-based organizations other than those affiliating based on religious identity must be members of the Student Diversity Council.

         7. Student Media Board. All organizations that produce or intend to produce at least one form of mass media for the consumption of Furman’s students, staff, or employees must be members of the Student Media Board.

      2. If a Governing Council’s constitution or bylaws conflict with University policy, the University’s policy will control.

      3. Prior to being recognized by a Governing Council, all new organizations must also be approved by the Vice President for Student Life or her/his designee.

      4. Governing Council organizations receive the same Recognized Student Government Organizations.

   3. Athletics Recognition of Student Organizations

      1. The recognition of athletic teams competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association is exempt from this policy.

3. Student Organization Disputes

   The leadership within a student organization is encouraged to resolve internal conflicts and problems.  If unable to resolve, the student leadership is encouraged to seek the counsel and guidance of their faculty/staff advisor.  If still unable to resolve or if the dispute involves the advisor, the organization may contact the Student Life office to arrange mediation of the dispute.

4. Student Organization Operations

   1. Allocation of University Funds  

      1. The recommendations on allocations of funds from the Student Government Fee to student organizations are initiated by the Student Government Association. Student Government Recognized Student Organizations may request allocations by presenting a written request and justification to SGA. Final SGA budget recommendations are then submitted to the Vice President for Student Life or his/her designee(s) for approval.

      2. Governing Council Recognized Organizations and Athletic Recognized Organizations are not eligible to receive funds from the Student Government Fee. Governing Councils may receive funds directly from Student Government to distribute to their recognized organizations.

      3. Alcohol may not be purchased through or with student organization or any other University funds, nor may the purchase of alcohol beverages for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of, or on behalf of, the group.

      4. The allocation of all monies collected in the Student Government Fee is the final authority of the President of the University

   2. General Risk Management Provisions for All Student Organizations

      1. Insurance. All student organizations insured by an external insurance company must annually provide a copy of their insurance policy to the University’s Director of Risk Management; that policy must include a provision(s) that names Furman University as an additional insured and provides commercial general liability of $1 million/$2 million aggregate. Greek-letter organizations hosting social events must be insured to operate on campus.

      2. Philanthropic Events. Furman student organizations are prohibited from co-sponsoring philanthropic events and/or fundraisers in conjunction with any alcohol distributor, bar, or tavern or hosting philanthropic events at such locations. Alcohol may not be served at a philanthropic event without approval from the Office of Student Involvement & Inclusion.

      3. Space Reservations. Reservation of space on campus must follow the Use of University Space policy found here.

      4. Travel.

         1. Domestic. Any student organization traveling outside of Greenville County, South Carolina must contact the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion at least fourteen days prior to travel and provide a complete itinerary of all events that would be considered student organization activity in order to receive travel authorization.  Domestic travel endorsed, arranged, and led by Athletics, Academic Affairs, Academic Departments and Programs, and Student Life is exempt from this policy.

         2.  International. Any student organization traveling outside of the continental United States must contact the Rinker Center for Study Away and International Education at least thirty days prior to travel to receive authorization. Authorization will not be granted for events that the University determines are primarily social in nature as opposed to educational, professional development, competition, performance, service, or similar. Travel endorsed, arranged, and led by Athletics is exempt from this policy.

   3. General Risk Management Provisions for Organizational Recruitment of New Members

      1. Alcohol-Free Recruitment. Recruitment of new members must be alcohol free, which includes providing alcohol to potential new members, providing alcohol during selection and/or initiation events, and hosting recruitment events at a bar or tavern.

      2. Deferred Recruitment. Greek-letter organizations, with the exception of honor societies, may only extend new, first-year students invitations to join the organization in the spring semester. Academic credits earned while in high school or the summer prior to enrollment at the University for the fall semester do not exempt students from this policy. 

      3. New Member Education Period.

         1. A student organization that requires new members to go through an educational or other probationary period prior to joining or being initiated into the organization must first provide the Office of Student Involvement & Inclusion the following information:

            1.  An educational plan for a new member period that includes learning outcomes, assessments of learning, and a curriculum lasting no longer than six weeks;

            2.  A student(s), staff, professor(s), or national representative(s) identified as responsible for delivering the educational plan on behalf of the organization without substantial deviation; and

            3. Process for dismissing a new member from the organization during the educational plan period.

      4. Dry Initiation. All student organization activities within 24 hours before, during, and 24 hours following selection (i.e. Bid Day) and initiation must also be dry.

      5. New Members and Alcohol. No alcohol shall be provided at any new member program, activity, or ritual of the student organization regardless of age. This includes, but is not limited to, activities associated with “Bid Day/Night;” “big/little” events or activities; “family” events or activities that include new members; and initiation.

   4. Risk Management Provisions for Organizational Social Events

      1. Introduction. Social events increase risk to student well-being. Accordingly, the following policies are designed to aid student organizations in reducing risk and promoting the health and safety of students. However, students and student organizations are responsible for making safety a priority.

      2. Scope. The following policies apply to all applicable social events even if the organization fails to register the event as required by University policy. Registration is an opportunity for an organization to consult an advisor on University policies related to the event. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the organization to know and apply all relevant policies. The University is not responsible for enforcing or ensuring compliance with any external policies governing the organization.

      3. Definitions.

         1. BYOB. Alcohol brought to the event by an of-age individual. The alcohol may only be consumed by the person who brought it. The alcohol that each person may bring and consume to a BYOB event is no more than: six 12-ounce beers or four 187 ml (mini/individual containers) of wine. A check-in and distribution system for alcohol at BYOB events is required and only one beverage can be distributed to its owner at a time.

         2. Facility Operator. A facility operator is a University employee who has primary decision-making responsibility for a University Space and includes, but is not limited to, staff in Athletics, Spiritual Life, Conference & Event Services, McAlister Auditorium, Office of Student Involvement & Inclusion, and Registrar. The Use of University Space policy supersedes any conflict in the definition a Facility Operator.

         3. Food Service Provider. Furman’s food service provider is the entity and its successors contracted by Furman to operate dining facilities on campus.

         4. Third-Party Vendor. A licensed third-party vendor is a vendor or bartender licensed by the South Carolina Department of Revenue to serve alcohol. Third-Party Vendors must be approved by Furman’s Food Service Provider to operate on campus. All Third-Party Vendors must provide a copy of their current license allowing them to serve alcohol at an event on University property and proof of insurance naming the University as an additional insured/loss payee under their policy. The preferred Third-Party Vendor is Furman’s Food Service Provider.

         5. Social Event. A social event is defined as an event that the University determines is not primarily educational, professional development, competition, performance, or service in nature. If alcohol is provided at the event, the University presumption is that the event is primarily social in nature.

      4.   On-Campus Events with Alcohol.

         1. All events must be reserve space fourteen-days in advance in accordance with the Use of University Space Policy, which can be found here, with additional notice to University Police.

         2. All events are limited to beer and wine only unless approved in advance by the Facility Operator and University Police.

         3. Security must be provided by the Furman University Police or their designees at the expense of the event planner.

         4. All events with alcohol that students would reasonably be expected to attend must identify attendees as of-age or underage and use Furman’s Food Service Provider or a Third-Party Vendor. Alcohol service is limited to per-drink sales only (cash bar), collected during the function, unless approved fourteen-days in advance by the Vice President for Student Life or her/his designee. Cost of alcohol may not be included in any admission, meal, or entertainment charge.

         5. Non-academic public spaces on campus may be used for events with alcohol, which includes, but is not limited to, the Amphitheatre, Cherrydale Alumni Center, Hartness Pavilion, Trustee and Faculty Dining Rooms, Furman University Golf Course, Garden Room of the Chapel, Herring Center for Continuing Education, Paladin Tower at the Football Stadium, Timmons Arena, The David E. Shi Center for Sustainability, The Vinings Clubhouse, Trone Student Center, Younts Conference Center, and outdoor spaces.

         6. Academic spaces and classrooms may not be used for events with alcohol except when the event organizer in an academic department, academic affairs administrator, or a professor using alcohol as required for classroom instruction.

         7. Religious ceremonies involving alcohol that are approved by the Office of Spiritual Life are exempt from this policy.

   5. Off-Campus Events with Alcohol
      1. Off-campus events with alcohol are recommended to be beer and wine only. Off-campus events in which students may reasonably be expected to attend must be beer and wine only unless approved otherwise fourteen-days in advance by the Vice President for Student Life or her/his designee.
      2. The appropriate local and state authority must properly license the Third Party Vendor. This might involve both a liquor license and a temporary license to sell on the premises where the function is to be held.
      3. The Vendor must be properly insured with a minimum of $1,000,000 of general liability insurance, evidenced by a properly completed certificate of insurance prepared by the insurance provider naming Furman University as the additional insured.
      4. The Vendor must assume, in writing, all the responsibilities that any other purveyor of alcohol beverages would assume in the normal course of business, including, but not limited to: 
         1. Checking I.D. cards upon entry
         2. Not serving minors 
         3. Not serving individuals who appear to be too intoxicated 
         4. Monitoring fire code/guest list capacity for the event.
      5. If students would reasonably be expected to attend the event, the Vendor must agree to per-drink sales only (cash bar), collected by the vendor during the function unless approved fourteen-days in advance by the Vice President for Student Life or her/his designee. Cost of alcohol may not be included in any admission, meal, or entertainment charge.

   6. General Provisions for All Social Events

      1. 14-Day Requirement. All social events must be approved by the Office of Student Involvement & Inclusion at least fourteen days prior to the event and comply with applicable University policies as well as local, state, and federal law.
      2. Academic Restriction Periods. In order to prioritize academics, no off-campus social events will be approved from the opening of campus housing for student move-in through the first seven days of the academic semester (starting on the first day of classes). Similarly, no off-campus social events will be approved the last seven days of classes for the academic semester (ending on the last day of classes) through the closing of campus housing. Limited exceptions will be made by the Vice President of Student Life in consultation with the Provost or their designees.
      3. Advertising. Any advertisement distributed or posted on campus shall not contain any explicit reference to alcohol beverages.
      4. Alcohol. All social events with alcohol but comply with the University’s Alcohol Policy, which can be found here. There are four methods by which a student organization may host an event with alcohol:
         1. Third Party Vendor at an on-campus venue; 
         2. Third-Party Vendor (Vendors) at an off-campus venue; 
         3. Third-Party Vendor (Vendors) at a fraternity house; or
         4.  Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB) at a fraternity house
      5. Attendance and Guest List. Open parties, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the student organization, without specific invitation, are prohibited.  Limited exceptions will be made for campus-wide events as approved by the Assistant Vice President for Student Development or his/her designee. Accordingly, a guest list must be turned in to the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion 24 hours prior to any event for pre-approval and the completed event guest list must be turned in within 72 hours after the event. A guest that the organization failed to include in the pre-approved list may be admitted if the person’s identification is checked, name is accurately documented for the completed event guest list, and the organization did not use its full allotment of invitations on the pre-approved guest list. The following guest list requirements apply to all social events:
         1. Social Event at a Private Residence
            1. Capacity for a social event is defined as the lower of two guests per member or fire code capacity.
            2. The pre-approved and completed event guest lists may not exceed two guests per member
         2.  Social Event at a Third-Party Venue
            1. Capacity for a social event at a Third-Party Venue is defined as the lower of two guests per member or fire code capacity.  
            2. The pre-approved and completed event guest lists may not exceed four guests per member. When the venue has reached capacity, another guest may replace an individual who leaves the event (One-In-One-Out Rule).  
            3. Security hired by the third party venue must administer the One-In-One-Out Rule.
      6. Co-Sponsorship with Alcohol Distributor. No student organization may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor, bar, or tavern. Event space may be reserved in a facility operated by an alcohol distributor, bar, or tavern as approved by the Office of Student Involvement & Inclusion.
      7. Cover Charges. No student organization shall collect a cover charge, donation, or admission fee, which entitles a guest to alcohol beverages or utilize alcohol beverages as contest prizes.
      8. Event Duration. Events may not last longer than four hours, including last call. All events must comply with local noise ordinances.
      9.  Failure to Register. Failure to register a social event may result in the cancellation of the event or conduct action.
      10. High-Risk Activities. Any social events involving high risk behaviors-including, but not limited to, bar crawls, common source alcohol, drinking games, and pre-partying-are strictly prohibited.
      11. Outside Beverages. No outside unsealed beverages are to be brought into a Third-Party Vendor event where alcohol is present. This includes, but is not limited to, water bottles, sodas, cups, etc.
      12. Risk Management Training. In order to be eligible to host a social event, each organization’s appropriate officers (i.e. president, social chairman, risk manager) must attend a risk management workshop provided by the Division of Student Life. These workshops will be provided each semester to accommodate the election of new officers and ensure communication of current information and university policy. All new members of fraternities and sororities are required to attend a risk management workshop prior to the initiation date of the respective student organization. Requests for individual student organization workshops should be made to the Office of Student Involvement & Inclusion.
      13. Security. Social events may be required to provide security in accordance with the Use of University Space Policy and/or Alcohol Policy. Additionally, the Office of Student Involvement & Inclusion may require social events to include approved security based upon attendance size or other concerns. On-campus events may only use University Police or their designee as security.
      14. Sober Party Monitor (SPM) Training.  A minimum of 15% of each organization must be trained as sober party monitors. Only these trained students can serve in this capacity during social events. Training will be offered each semester. SPMs will not consume alcohol or illegal substances before or during the event. SPM duties should include overseeing the function to make sure attendees are adhering to safe social practices and following risk management policies. It is recommended to have one SPM per 15-20 attendees.
      15. Themes.  All social event themes must be approved by the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion prior to the advertising of or invitations to the event are distributed. Themes must not be demeaning.

   7. Applicability of other University Policies

      1. All on- or off-campus events with alcohol planned, funded, and/or executed by a student(s) or where a reasonable person would conclude a student is primarily responsible for its planning, funding, or execution must follow the student organization policies regardless of whether the students are operating as a recognized student organization.
      2. The Student Conduct Code applies to students at all on- or off-campus events with alcohol.

5. Student Organization Conduct Procedures

   1. Authority of the Vice President for Student Life. The Vice President for Student Life reserves the right to not recognize any Student Government or Governing Council organization or to revoke an organizational charter when it is deemed that the organization’s goals are not compatible with the overall mission of Furman University. Outcomes resulting from all student organization conduct proceedings are recommendations to the Vice President.

   2. Organizational Conduct Action - Internal. Organizations may not address a member’s violations of university policy via internal standards boards or other accountability mechanisms without prior approval of the Assistant Vice President for Student Development. Conduct expectations unique to membership in the organization and that do not overlap or otherwise interfere with university authority may be addressed at the organization’s discretion.

   3. Organizational Conduct Action - University.

      1. Conduct action may be taken against a student organization for Organizational Activity. Furthermore, conduct action may be taken against a student organization for the acts of individual members when a reasonable person would find that:

         1. The acts grow out of, or are directly related to, the organization’s activities or an environment created or knowingly permitted by the organization; or 

         2. A member of an organization is violating local, state, or federal laws or University regulations and other members are present and failing to discourage such activity, thus silently condoning the behaviors.

      2. In addition to conduct action being taken against an organization, action may also be taken against members and officers as individuals for their roles in any violation of University policy.

      3. During the investigation and resolution of alleged organizational misconduct, the University may suspend any and all organizational activity. Notice of the suspension of activity will be given to the organization as well as other parties pertinent to the suspension including, but not limited to, national organizations, advisors, other organizations on campus, and the campus community.

      4. Anonymous reports may be submitted to the University. Additionally, the University may choose to protect the anonymity of reporting parties.

      5.  It is the University’s discretion whether to forward a matter onto formal conduct proceedings.

   4. Procedures for Operational Violations.

      1.   Organizations are expected to comply with all provisions for operation contained in this policy. Failure to do so may result in an organization being charged with a Student Organization Policies violation.

      2. When an alleged violation(s) by a student organization is strictly related to a failure to adhere to student organization operations and not the Student Conduct Code, the matter will be resolved by the Director of the Office of Student Involvement & Inclusion or his/her designee (“Chair”).

      3. The Chair will notify the organization of the alleged violation(s) at least two business days prior to a hearing unless there is a reasonable need to waive this requirement. Notice may be given verbally or in writing. Additionally, the Chair may choose to notify the national office, advisor, or others pertinent to the resolution process.

      4. The incident will be heard by a Review Panel consisting of the Chair and two students, selected as follows:

         1. Violations by Student Government Recognized Organizations will include two students appointed by the Student Government Association;

         2. Violations by Governing Council Recognized Organizations will includes two students appointed by the respective governing council;

            1. For violations by Greek-letter organizations the IFC and Panhellenic presidents will serve;

            2. If the IFC or Panhellenic president is a member of the accused organization, the Chair will designate an alternate from the respective governing council to serve; and

            3. If the violation involves a NPHC organization, the Chair may replace either the IFC or Panhellenic president as her/his discretion.

         3. Violations by Athletic Recognized Organizations will include two student-athletes appointed by the Athletic Director or her/his designee.

      5. The accused organization may designate one member to attend the hearing and speak on the organization’s behalf. Alternatively, the organization may submit a written statement for consideration.

      6. The Chair may choose to call witnesses with information about the facts of the alleged violation.

      7. By a majority vote, the Review Panel will make determinations of responsibility using the Preponderance of the Evidence as its standard of proof and, if responsible, assign sanctions.  

      8. The Chair will give notice of the outcome to the organization within five business days unless there is a reasonable need for delay. Notice may be given verbally or in writing. Additionally, the Chair may choose to notify the national office, advisor, or others pertinent to the resolution process.

      9.  Notice of the recommended outcome will also be provided to the Vice President for Student Life or her/his designee for final approval.

      10. There is no appeal.

   5. Procedures for Student Conduct Code Violations.

      1. Review Panel Decision.

         1. When an alleged violation(s) by a student organization includes a Student Conduct Code violation, the matter will be resolved by the Assistant Vice President for Student Development or his/her designee (“Chair”).

         2. The Chair will notify the organization of the alleged violation(s) at least two business days prior to a hearing unless there is a reasonable need to waive this requirement. Notice may be given verbally or in writing. Additionally, the Chair may choose to notify the national office, advisor, or others pertinent to the resolution process.

         3. The incident will be heard by a Review Panel consisting of the Chair and two students, selected as follows:

            1. Violations by Student Government Recognized Organizations will include two students appointed by the Student Government Association;

            2. Violations by Governing Council Recognized Organizations will includes two students appointed by the respective governing council;

               1. For violations by Greek-letter organizations the IFC and Panhellenic presidents will serve;

               2. If the IFC or Panhellenic president is a member of the accused organization, the Chair will designate an alternate from the respective governing council to serve; and

               3.   If the violation involves a NPHC organization, the Chair may replace either the IFC or Panhellenic president as her/his discretion.

            3. Violations by Athletic Recognized Organizations will include two student-athletes appointed by the Athletic Director or her/his designee.

         4. The accused organization may designate one member to attend the hearing and speak on the organization’s behalf. Alternatively, the organization may submit a written statement for consideration.

         5. The Chair will resolve any questions concerning procedure or the admission of information (including its relevancy and reliability).

         6. The Chair may choose to call witnesses with information about the facts of the alleged violation. The Review Panel may use any information and/or evidence to make a determination of responsibility, including past conduct history.

         7. By a majority vote, the Review Panel will make determinations of responsibility using the Preponderance of the Evidence as its standard of proof and, if responsible, assign sanctions.  

         8. The Chair will give notice of the outcome to the organization within five business days unless there is a reasonable need for delay. Notice may be given verbally or in writing. Additionally, the Chair may choose to notify the national office, advisor, or others pertinent to the resolution process.

         9. Notice of the recommended outcome will also be provided to the Vice President for Student Life or her/his designee for final approval.

      2.    Appeal of Review Panel Decision.

         1. The decision of the Review Panel may be appealed as follows:

            1. Notice of appeal must be submitted to the Assistant Vice President for Student Development or her/his designee along with a completed appeal form no later than 72 business hours after receiving notice. The appeal form must be attached as a Word document submitted via email.

            2. The Appeal Board will consist of three students, one faculty or staff member, and a Hearing Board Advisor from the University’s Student Conduct Code Hearing Board.

            3. The appeal will not be a re-hearing of the original case and must be based on the one or more of the following criteria:

               1. Substantial new evidence can be provided related to the specific case which was not available at the time of the original hearing;

               2. A substantial violation of the hearing procedure occurred; or

               3. The sanction(s) levied is excessive.

            4. Appeals that do not reasonably meet one of the aforementioned appeal criteria, as determined by the Hearing Board Advisor, will not be given further consideration. 

            5. If an appeal does meet the criteria, the Appeal Board will choose to uphold the decision or remand back for a rehearing. The decision will be made based on a preponderance of the evidence.

            6. Notice of the recommended outcome of the appeal will be provided to the Vice President for Student Life or her/his designee for final approval.

      3. Special Considerations in the Resolution Process

         1.  Student organization Review Panels may not be convened during school closings, semester breaks, summer months and exam periods; consequently, all necessary determinations will be made as follows:

            1. If the organization denies responsibility for alleged violations, a panel of two or more faculty, staff, or students appointed by the Vice President for Student Life will make all necessary determinations; or

            2. If the organization accepts responsibility for the charges, the Assistant Vice President for Student Development or his/her designee may assign sanctions.

6. Student Conduct Code Violations for Organizations

   1. Violations of Student Conduct Code. Upon determination that conduct action will be taken against an organization, the organization may be charged with any violation(s) listed in the Student Conduct Code. Additionally, the organizations may be charged with the following organization-specific violations:

      1. Demeaning Behavior. Any actions, activities, events or themes, whether on or off campus, which are demeaning and/or discriminatory based on a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, or sexual orientation including, but not limited to verbal harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct by individuals or members acting together. The employment or use of strippers, exotic dancers or similar, whether professional or amateur, at a student organization event is prohibited.  See the Sexual Misconduct Policy.

      2.  Drug-Free Campus. The possession, sale or use of any illegal drugs, controlled substances or prescription drugs without a valid medical prescription while on student organization premises or Organizational Activity is strictly prohibited.

      3. Hazing.

         1. Furman University will not tolerate any hazing by student organizations or their members.

         2.  Hazing is considered an action taken toward a student or subset of students by an organization or its members that is not universally applied to all members of that organization. The only exceptions to the requirement of universal application are University approved educational plans for new members, sanctions or other disciplinary measures assigned as a result of an organization’s internal disciplinary process, and University, athletic, and military training approved by Furman employees. Examples of prohibited hazing include, but are not limited to, the following activities:

            1. Personal service to members of the organization or their designees;

            2.  Physical abuse such as paddling, striking, branding, electric shock or bodily contact with harmful substances;

            3. Intimidation by threats of physical or other abuse;

            4. Excessive exercise or other tasks intended to cause physical exhaustion;

            5. Prolonged or repetitive tasks that result in sleep deprivation;

            6. Prolonged or harmful exposure to the elements;

            7. Humiliation through verbal or physical actions;

            8. Compelled consumption of any amount of alcohol;

            9. Compelled consumption of food or liquids;

            10. Grooming or dressing requirements; and

            11. Any task that requires the participant to violate the law or University policies

         3. This list does not and cannot encompass every circumstance that will cause the University to discipline a student or student organization for hazing. Physical harm is not required for an action to be found to be hazing. Consent by the person against whom the hazing was directed is not a defense. The sanctions assigned as a result of hazing depend upon the severity of the act. Hazing as well as complicity with hazing is criminalized by the State of South Carolina at §16-3-510 and §16-3-520.  The University may refer hazing to law enforcement authorities

         4. No student or organizations may retaliate against or discourage participation by any individual who brings forward allegations of hazing, is a witness involved with, or cooperates in the investigation or adjudication of hazing cases. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, physical, verbal, or written harassment, threats, or intimidation of any person(s) who brought the complaint of hazing to the University or of anyone who was a witness or involved in the University’s review of the case.

      4. Violation of Federal, State or Local Law. Alleged violations of any federal, state or local law may be adjudicated as a University violation and can subject the organization or the individuals affiliated with the organization or event to University student conduct sanctions, as well as appropriate criminal or civil action.

   2. Violation of Student Organization Policies. An organization that violates the “Student Organization Operation” subsection of this policy may be referred for conduct action.