Student Organization Policies and Procedures

Return to Student Handbook Home

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. Office of Student Involvement & Inclusion

      1. The Office of Student Involvement & Inclusion (OSII) primarily advises Student Government on the recognized student organization process. Any inquiries about starting a student organization and questions regarding Organizational Activity should be directed to OSII.

   7. University Discretion

      1. The University has sole discretion for approving Organizational Activity as well as interpreting policies and procedures that effect organizations, including but not limited to 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–including but not limited to, “FU,” “Furman,” and “Furman University”–in communications, social media handles, swag, or any other expression;

            1. Use of the Furman University name in any form in communications or social media must include the following statement, in a readily apparent location, that the organization is: “A student-run organization and any opinions expressed by it do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Furman University or any representatives of Furman.”

         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 OSII 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 OSII. 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.

   4. Suspended, Expelled, or Otherwise Unrecognized Organizations

      1. Organizations no longer recognized or who never sought recognition by the University–whether suspended, expelled, disaffiliated, or otherwise–lose any and all privileges of a recognized organization. Loss of privileges include, but are not limited to, the following:

         1. Using the “Furman University” name–including but not limited to, “FU,” “Furman,” and “Furman University”) in communications, social media handles, swag, or any other expression;

         2. Using university space for organizational functions;

         3. Participation in any recruitment or involvement events; and

         4. Financial, advising, or any other University support.

      2. Additionally, action may be taken by the University at its discretion to protect the safety and wellbeing of the campus; such acts may include, but are not limited to:

         1. Trespassing or barring the organization from campus;

         2. Providing communications to parent, students, and others regarding the unrecognized status;

         3. Holding individual students within the organization personally responsible for misconduct stemming from Organizational Activity via the Student Conduct Code process;

         4. Barring or removing students from university leadership positions with orientation, admissions, etc.; and

         5. Replacing the organization with an equivalent option that is recognized by the University.

      3. For organizations whose recognition is suspended, the terms of the suspension will outline the return process. For organizations that voluntarily withdraw from or never seek recognition by the University and have a national governing body, the national group will not be considered for expansion or replacement efforts unless it demonstrates to the University’s satisfaction that it has ended any relationship (i.e. revoking charters, suspending/expelling members, etc.) with the unrecognized organization.

          

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. Purchases that do not align with the values of the institution should not be made with institutional funds.

      5. 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 OSII.

      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. Events specifically aimed at recruitment of new members must be alcohol free, which includes not providing alcohol to potential new members for free or at cost, not providing alcohol during selection and/or initiation events, and not hosting recruitment events at a bar or tavern.

      2. Social Events and Potential New Members. Potential new members may attend organizational social events where alcohol is present so long as those events are open to the general student body. Potential new members may only consume alcohol at such events if the potential new member is legally allowed to drink in the United States.

      3. Deferred Recruitment. Greek-letter organizations, with the exception of honor societies, may only extend new (non-transfer), 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. 

      4. New Member Education Period.

         1. A student organization that requires new members to complete an educational or other probationary period prior to initiation must first provide the OSII with an educational plan that includes the following:

            1. A statement of purpose, including but not limited to mission, goals, and learning outcomes of the program; 

            2. A curriculum or detailed description of all new member education activities lasting no longer than six weeks (include calendar with dates, times, and locations);

            3. List of individuals identified as responsible for delivering the educational plan on behalf of the organization without substantial deviation (e.g. officer, advisor, alumnus/ae);

            4. Expectations of stakeholders involved (e.g. new members/candidates, initiated members, and alumni);

            5. Organization’s statement against hazing and hazing reporting protocol; and 

            6. Submitting a copy of a national organization’s new member education materials is welcomed as supplemental documentation; however, this does not fulfill requirements listed above.   

         2. New member education activities may not begin until the organization’s new member education plan is received and reviewed by the OSII.  Failure to submit the plan in advance by a specified deadline will result in the student organization’s inability to begin new member education in a timely manner as well as a shortened window to conduct new member education.

      5. 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.

      6. Overnight Retreats. New members may only participate in overnight retreats with prior approval from the OSII. Organizations should expect to provide location of retreat, planned activities, approval by headquarter staff and/or advisors, and list of attendees at a minimum.

      7. 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 with Alcohol

      1. Introduction. The following policies set the minimum University expectations for social events/activities-with or without alcohol. Organizations may choose to impose additional requirements in order to achieve their desired experience for the event. If organizations affiliated with national groups have additional requirements, the organization is responsible for knowing those additional requirements. However, the University will only enforce its own policies.

      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 only beer, beer-equivalent (Whiteclaw, Truly, Smirnoff, Ciders, etc.), and wine. Beer and beer-equivalent may be no more than six individually packaged, 12 ounce containers. Wine may be no more than four individually packaged, 187 ml containers. Liquor is never allowed at BYOB.  Regardless of allowed amounts, each student is expected to engage in low-risk drinking.

         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, OSII, 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 or activity that the University determines is not primarily educational, professional development, competition, performance, or service in nature. If alcohol is provided at the event or activity, the University presumption is that the event is primarily social in nature.

      4.   On-Campus Social Events/Activities with Alcohol.

         1. All events should be reserved 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. Limited exceptions allowing for BYOB must be approved by the Vice President for Student Life or her/his designee.  

         5. Alcohol sales are limited to cash/credit purchase; open bars or other provision of drinks at no-cost or reduced-cost to the attendee are not allowed unless approved fourteen-days in advance by the Vice President for Student Life or her/his designee.

         6. Cost of alcohol may not be included in any admission, meal, or entertainment charge. 

         7. 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.

         8. 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.

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

      5. Off-Campus Social Events with Alcohol

         1. All events must be registered seven days in advance with all required paperwork in order. Registration must include Third-Party Vendor, expected number of attendees, transportation plan for guests, theme, and contact person within the organization for the Vendor and University

         2. Off-campus events may only be held at or hosted by University-recognized Third-Party Venues. For a list of recognized venues, please contact the OSII. To request use of a venue not on the recognized list, a student organization must contact OSII a minimum of 30 days prior to the event.

         3. In order to be a recognized venue, OSII must have a copy of the venue or vendor’s liquor license, insurance, and acknowledgment of University policies. The University makes no representations regarding the quality of the venue, and student organizations use the venue at their own risk.

         4. Off-campus events with alcohol are recommended to be beer and wine only.

         5. Alcohol sales are limited to cash/credit purchase; open bars or other provision of drinks at no-cost or reduced-cost to the attendee are not allowed unless approved fourteen-days in advance by the Vice President for Student Life or her/his designee.

         6. Cost of alcohol may not be included in any admission, meal, or entertainment charge. 

      6. General Provisions for All Events/Activities

         1. 7 Day Requirement. All off-campus events must be registered seven days in advance with all required paperwork in order.
         2. Academic Restriction Periods. In order to prioritize academics, no off-campus events may be registered from the opening of campus housing for student move-in through the close of business on the first Friday of the academic semester. 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. Events registration is closed during summer and winter breaks.
         3. Advertising. Advertisements of an event may not contain any reference to alcohol specials or discounts as specials and discounts are not allowed by policy.
         4. Alcohol. All events with alcohol but comply with the University’s Alcohol Policy, which can be found here.
         5. Co-Sponsorship with Alcohol Distributor. No student organization may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol manufacturer or promoter.
         6. Cover Charges & Ticketing Events. Events may not create income for a student organization. Third-Party Venues may collect cover charges so long as that money goes directly to the Vendor and not to the organization. Organizations may ticket events so long as ticket revenue are equal to or less than cost of venue rental and/or entertainment contract. Cover charges or tickets may not entitle a guest to any free or reduced price alcohol. Events may raise funds for an organization’s philanthropy so long as 100% of all income is given to the charitable organization.
         7.  Failure to Register. Failure to register an event may result in the cancellation of the event or conduct action.
         8. Guest List. Organizations are not required to maintain a guest list or limit attendees to invitation-only for an event, though both are recommended as best practices. The University may request a guest list after an event as part of a complaint or other investigation.
         9. High-Risk Activities. Any events involving high risk behaviors–including but not limited to, bar crawls, common source alcohol, drinking games, and organization sponsored or organized pre-parties-are strictly prohibited.
         10. Noise. All events must comply with local noise ordinances.
         11. Outside Beverages. No outside beverages are to be brought into an event, except for those allowed by BYOB. This includes, but is not limited to, water bottles, sodas, cups, etc.
         12. Risk Management Training. In order to be eligible to host an event, each organization must complete all required University training.
         13. Security. Events may be required to provide security in accordance with the Use of University Space Policy and/or Alcohol Policy. Additionally, the OSII may require 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. Themes.  All social event themes must be approved by the OSII prior to the advertising of or invitations to the event are distributed. Themes may not be demeaning.

      7. Applicability of other University Policies

         1. All on- or off-campus events planned, funded, and/or executed by a student organization or where a reasonable person would conclude a student organization is primarily responsible for its planning, funding, or execution must follow the student organization policies.
         2. The Student Conduct Code applies to students at all on- or off-campus events.

5. Student Organization Conduct Procedures

   1. Authority of the University. The University reserves the right to not recognize any Student Government or Governing Council organization or to revoke prior recognition when it is deemed that the organization’s goals are not or are no longer compatible with the overall mission of Furman University. Outcomes resulting from all student organization conduct proceedings are recommendations to the University.

   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 OSII 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. 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 but not limited to, 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 but not limited to 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. All decisions by the Review Panel will be presented to the Dean of Students or her/his designee for final approval.

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

      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. All decisions of the Appeal Board 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. Application 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.

   2. Additional Expectations for Organizational Behavior. In addition to Student Conduct Code violations, the organizations may be charged with the following:

      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 during Organizational Activity is strictly prohibited.

      3. Organizational Activities at Unrecognized Venues. Any Organizational Activity occurring at unapproved venues may result in suspension of activities and/or loss of recognition. If the University determines that Organizational Activity occurred, it is not a defense that such activity took place at an individual’s personal, off-campus residence.

      4. 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.

      5. 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.

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