Community Standards & Responsibility

Students

In the tabs below, you will find information regarding hearings and sanctions, both for individuals and for student organizations. If you would like to find out ways in which you can be a part of the CSR team, facts and statistics concerning our office's work, or frequently asked questions regarding the hearing process and other elements of Community Standards procedures, click the links below:

Conduct Process

A Commitment to Fairness

Rollins College is committed to providing a fair process for students who become involved with Community Standards & Responsibility. A fair process ensures that students have an opportunity to understand how they may have violated college policy, as well as the opportunity to explain their involvement, if any, in that event.

It is important to note that the student conduct process purposefully differs from the legal process. The student conduct process is educational in nature and embraces the language and spirit of student development. The student conduct process is not bound by court timelines, external rules of evidence, confrontational discourse, or a burden of proof “beyond a reasonable doubt” used in the court system.

Charge Letter

If the Office of Community Standards & Responsibility receives a report and determines that the student may have violated the Code of Community Standards, the educational conference/hearing process is initiated by sending the student a charge letter. The charge letter will include information on the alleged policy violation as well as a copy of the report. This letter will be e-mailed to the student at their Rollins e-mail address.

Educational Conference

An educational conference is a less formal, in-person conversation between a student and a trained conduct educator. There are several reasons to conduct an educational conference:

Cases where the misconduct is minor
When Community Standards & Responsibility has received information about an event that has not yet taken place and where a policy violation is likely to occur
When the Community Standards & Responsibility team wishes to acknowledge students who have gone above and beyond in promoting a commitment to student safety and responsibility

In order to determine if misconduct is minor, Community Standards & Responsibility weighs the severity of an incident or event based on the following criteria:

The impact that the incident or event has or may have on the student and the community,
The likelihood that the incident or event will have a lasting negative effect on the student’s ability to succeed at Rollins, and
College precedent for the violation(s) and/or potential violation(s).

When it pertains to minor misconduct, it is the expectation of Rollins College that an educational conference will only be used once during a student’s tenure at Rollins. It will be at the discretion of the Community Standards & Responsibility staff to determine if an educational conference may be used more than once. Future policy violations will go through the formal hearing process unless referred to another appropriate office by Community Standards & Responsibility. An educational conference will not be a part of a student’s official conduct record, however, the incident or event will be documented within Community Standards & Responsibility.

An educational conference can be used to prevent potential misconduct and/or to address misconduct that may have already occurred. The educational conference is an opportunity for students to take accountability for their actions, correct course if they are engaging in any high-risk behaviors, and discuss ways in which they can improve their decision-making. It is the College’s expectation that students are being honest with the conduct educator so they can benefit from the conversation.

Students are not required to answer any or all of the conduct educator’s questions. That being said, an educational conference is intended to serve as a critical time for dialogue and reflection. The goal is to help students be proactive in their decision-making. The more a student shares with the conduct educator, the more he/she is able to help.

A finding of “responsible” in the educational conference process will result in a recommended action letter, sent to a student’s Rollins email account. This recommended action letter may include resources for the student in order to prevent future incidents from occurring. In some circumstances, a conduct educator may determine that a student has action items to complete following an incident.

Although an educational conference will not always end in a student having requirements to complete, the goal is that students will walk away with resources and knowledge that will allow them to be successful members of the Rollins community.

EC/Hearing Process

A hearing differs from an educational conference in some specific and significant ways. A hearing is considered to be a more formal conduct process with the conduct educator. It is reserved for cases where misconduct is more severe, the impact on the campus community may be more significant, a student has a prior conduct record, and/or Community Standards & Responsibility deems it necessary to address a violation through this process.

A hearing is also meant to educate. However, it may result in more severe sanctions than that of an educational conference. A finding of “responsible” from a hearing will result in the student having a conduct record. This can affect a student’s ability to study abroad, obtain an internship, or hold a student leadership position, depending on the severity of the sanction(s). More specific information about judicial checks can be found in the Code of Community Standards.

A finding of “responsible” in the hearing process can result in a sanction(s) that may escalate up to suspension or dismissal from the College. More information regarding sanctions can be found in the Code of Community Standards

Student Rights

1. Proceedings will be conducted in private.
2. Students may be accompanied by an advisor.
3. Students may bring witnesses to their hearing. Witnesses will be present only to give their statement and answer questions for the conduct educator.
4. Students will have the opportunity to present evidence or submit documents for the conduct educator.
5. Students may choose not to answer any or all of the questions posed by the conduct educator.
6. It is a violation of College policy to provide falsified information during an educational conference or a hearing.

Outcome Letter

Once an educational conference or a hearing is complete, the conduct educator must consider all of the information that he/she has received about the incident at hand and must hold students accountable for their actions. If the College is responding to an incident report, the educational conference or hearing will result in a student being found responsible or not responsible for violating College policy.

This information will be communicated to the student in a written outcome letter. Outcome letters are emailed to students at their Rollins email address. In some cases, the conduct educator may also deem it necessary to discuss the decision via phone or in person. The conduct educator will make that determination and will contact the student appropriately.

Appeal Process

New Information Prior to an appeal, if the student believes that there is new evidence or relevant facts that were not available to the student at the time of the original hearing, and such evidence or facts may be sufficient to alter the original finding, the student may make a request that this information be considered. The student must make such a request in writing to the appropriate Dean or designee by the appeal deadline in the decision letter. The matter will be returned to the original conduct educator for reconsideration.

Appeals
Students have may appeal the outcome of their hearing on at least one of the following grounds for appeal:

There was procedural misconduct by the conduct educator which was prejudicial to the accused student or;
The sanction(s) imposed was inappropriate for the violation of College policy

There are no other grounds for appeal. Attempted appeals that are not based on any of the grounds listed may be dismissed without further meeting or action.

Community Standards submits all appeals to the appellate officer for consideration.

All appeals must be done in writing and submitted to Community Standards & Responsibility by the deadline stated in the outcome letter. It is the College’s expectation that the appeal is written by the student.

The appeal will be limited to the verbatim record of the initial hearing, supporting documents, and the written appeal. New evidence or other relevant facts not part of the original hearing will not be considered. The appeal body may uphold, reduce, or increase the sanction(s) imposed by the conduct educator. In some cases, the appeal body may choose to return the case to the original conduct educator. The student will be notified in a timely fashion of the appeal body’s determination. Decisions of the appeal body are final.

If a student elects to file an appeal, pending a decision from the appeal body, the student may continue to attend their courses and participate in College life as usual. Limitations on personal contact and/or participation in College-related events or activities may be imposed.

Sanctions

Recommendations, Sanctions, and Conditions

If a student is found responsible for violating College policy in an educational conference, they will receive an outcome letter with information about resources that are available to them. Some of the resources and recommendations will draw from the sanctions and conditions list below, but they will not be mandated. Community Standards & Responsibility reserves the right to mandate an action item(s) if deemed necessary.

If a student is found responsible for violating College policy in a hearing or through the Responsible Action Protocol process, the outcome letter will also include an assigned sanction(s) or condition(s).

Recommendations, sanctions, and conditions are designed to be educational in nature so that students can learn from their experiences. They are tailored to the individual student and are determined after consideration of several factors, including, but not limited to: a student’s prior conduct history, the nature and severity of the incident, the student’s willingness to accept responsibility for their actions, the need to bring an end to the violation, and College precedent for the violation.

When a case involves a student-athlete, the conduct educator will collaborate with the Athletic Director or designee to determine the appropriate recommendation(s), sanction(s), or condition(s) pertaining to athletics.

A student will not have a conduct record if they accept responsibility within the Responsible Action Protocol, but this is only upon successful completion of their assigned condition(s). The conduct educator or his/her designee will have the sole discretion to determine if a condition has been successfully completed. Due to the formal nature of a hearing, sanctions will be recorded within a student’s educational record.

Potential recommendations, sanctions, or conditions are listed below. All sanctions are applicable to individuals, student organizations, academic groups, and athletic teams. It is important to note that more than one sanction or condition may be assigned for any single violation.

Alcohol Education Group – This education may consist of an online course or educational session(s) with the Wellness Center. This education is designed to assist students in making healthy lifestyle choices. There is a fee associated with this sanction.
Anger Management Training – This training consists of educational sessions with the Wellness Center to address appropriate ways to express feelings of anger or frustration. There is a fee associated with this sanction. This may also consist of a written Anger Management Training Workbook that must be completed and submitted to the Office of Community Standards & Responsibility by the due date. Upon submission, a follow-up meeting with a member of the Office of Community Standards & Responsibility may be scheduled to individually discuss this training.
ASSIST – Completion of ASSIST (Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test). ASSIST is a two session, non-punitive, individual program offered through the Wellness Center. The counselor administering the program may determine that an additional session is necessary to address any further information or concerns. There is a fee associated with this sanction.
Athletic Sanctions – These sanctions apply only to student-athletes in their practice, play, and competition.
1. Athletic Warning – A notice in writing to the student that he or she is violating or has violated College policy and that continuation or repetition of similar misconduct may be cause for further disciplinary action and more severe sanctions as it pertains to athletic participation.
2. Athletic Probation – A notice to the student that he or she has restricted use of athletic services or facilities for a prescribed period of time.
3. Athletic Suspension – Suspension from competition and/or practice for a prescribed period of time, relative to the violation and/or number of violations.
4. Athletic Dismissal – Dismissal from the team. The Athletic Department may recommend to the Office of Financial Aid that the grant-in-aid not be renewed for any succeeding academic years.
BASICS – Completion of BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students). BASICS is a two session, non-punitive, individual program offered through the Wellness Center. The counselor administering the program may determine that an additional session is necessary to address any further information or concerns. There is a fee associated with this sanction.
Bystander Intervention Training – A training conducted by College facilitators that is designed to educate and empower students to speak up or assert influence in a difficult or dangerous situation.
CASICS – Completion of CASICS (Cannabis Screening and Intervention for College Students). CASICS is a two session, non-punitive, individual program offered through the Wellness Center. The counselor administering the program may determine that an additional session is necessary to address any further information or concerns. There is a fee associated with this sanction.
Computer Privileges Restriction – Loss or restriction from College computer mainframe access or privileges for a stated period of time.
Course Transfer or Removal – Removal or withdrawal from academic courses without academic credit or tuition refund. This may include being transferred to another class(es) or section(s), or being placed in an independent study if available. Otherwise, the student forfeits the class without academic credit or tuition refund.
Deferred Sanction – When significant mitigating factors are present, one or more sanctions may be deferred (delayed) for implementation. Additional sanctions may be imposed for any new violations, which occur during the deferred period.
Disciplinary Warning – Disciplinary Warning is for a designated period and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions, which may include community probation or suspension from the institution if the student is found violating the specified policy during the warning period.
Diversity and Inclusion Training – This training, presented by the Center for Inclusion & Campus Involvement (CICI), includes information about values congruence, identity development, and addressing issues of perception within the greater community.
Educational Bulletin Board/Flyer – Design, research, and create a bulletin board or educational flyer on a specific topic assigned by Community Standards & Responsibility.
Educational Research/Reflection – The assignment of one or more relevant texts or books with an associated writing component. This may include a research paper, a reflection paper, and/or an essay. The topic, length, and source determinations will be made at the discretion of the conduct educator. Specific guidelines will be outlined in the sanction letter.
Educational Service – Completion of a determined number of hours of educational community service. The conduct educator reserves the right to assign this service to the appropriate office or community partner. Specific guidelines and hours will be outlined in the sanction letter.
Empathy and Compassion Building Group – This group is conducted by the Wellness Center, and is intended to give students the tools to identify and understand another person’s situation, feelings, and motives. The frequency and duration of this group is at the discretion of the counselor(s) involved. There is a fee associated with this sanction.
Ethics Training – A written Ethics Training assignment must be completed and submitted to the Office of Community Standards & Responsibility by the sanction due date. If necessary, a meeting with a member of the Office of Community Standards & Responsibility may be scheduled to individually discuss this training.
Group Participation – Required attendance at a weekly group offered by the Wellness Center that is designed to help students reduce/moderate their drinking and/or drug use. There is a pre-group, individual session that is used as an intake and overview of group expectations. There is a fee associated with this sanction.
Know the Code Worksheet – This worksheet is intended to teach students more about the Code of Community Standards and to reflect on any policy violation(s) that he/she may be responsible for. Students are required to complete this worksheet on their own – those who are found to plagiarizing another student’s Know the Code will be charged with Falsification and are subject to additional learning action plans or sanctions.
Letter of Apology – A written apology reflecting an understanding of the inappropriateness of the student’s actions and the impact it had on the letter’s recipient.
No Contact Order – The Dean of Students’ Office or the Title IX Office may determine that a No Contact Order is necessary to ensure that students’ contact and communication is restricted to prevent further potentially harmful interaction. Information about the No Contact Order will be issued by the Dean of Students, the Title IX Coordinator, or a designee.
Online Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Courses – The student is required to complete a series of online courses pertaining to sexual misconduct and harassment education. Login information and instructions will be emailed to the student.
Parental Notification – Written notification to parent/guardian concerning a specific incident, outcome, and appropriate sanction. Notification will be in accordance with FERPA regulations.
Party Plan – The student is required to develop a written plan identifying how he/she will manage any future parties at his/her residence to ensure compliance with all state and local laws. This plan should include such topics as (but not limited to): advertisement, handling unwanted guests, confirming identification, ensuring that underage students are not consuming alcohol, and a safety plan if assistance is necessary. Additional guidelines will be outlined in the sanction letter.
Privilege Restrictions – Loss of specific privileges at the discretion and determination of the conduct educator. Such restrictions may include, but are not limited to:
1. Prohibited attendance at athletic, social, or organizational events, including social functions, group meetings, and student organization or club events. This includes fraternities and sororities.
2. The ability to be a member of an organization.
3. Housing for a designated period.
4. Prohibited from hosting visitors.
5. Prohibited from participating in a College ceremony or event, including, but not limited to, commencement/graduation, fraternity or sorority recruitment, Greek Week, fraternity or sorority formals, or other College-sponsored events or activities.
Probationary Review Meetings – This sanction is a typically a component of being on Community Probation, but the conduct educator may deem it appropriate in other circumstances. The Office of Community Standards & Responsibility will connect the student with the appropriate college staff or faculty who can provide insight or education around the impact of the student’s violation(s) and appropriate ways to respond to similar situations in the future. The frequency and duration of these meetings is at the discretion of the conduct educator. Specific guidelines will be outlined in the sanction letter.
Program Presentation – Plan, implement, and present an educational program on a specific topic.
Recommended Mediation – A recommended sanction to assist a student with interpersonal skills. Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party works with disputants to attempt to achieve a lasting and mutually satisfying outcome to the dispute. Since successful mediation requires participation by consenting parties, this sanction can only be recommended, although this recommendation will remain a part of the student’s disciplinary record. The Office of Community Standards & Responsibility will recommend an appropriate party to lead this mediation.
Reflection Paper – Reflective paper on a specific incident and its impact on the community. Specific guidelines will be outlined in the sanction letter.
Research Paper – Research paper on a specific topic citing at least three sources. Specific guidelines will be outlined in the sanction letter.
Residence Hall Dismissal – Immediate and permanent removal from the residence halls without refund.
Residence Hall Probation – Residence Hall Probation is for a designated period and includes the probability of dismissal from campus housing and/or removal of privileges to live in campus housing if the student is found violating any policy during the probationary period.
Residence Hall Suspension- Immediate and permanent removal from the residence halls without refund for a determined number of semesters.
Residence Hall Suspension (Deferred) – A period of observation and review for a defined period of time. If the student fails to complete any previously imposed sanctions or is found violating any College policy during the deferred suspension period, restriction from College-operated housing and housing grounds may be immediately imposed. Any student on deferred residence hall suspension may not be allowed to participate in the housing room selection process and therefore not be eligible for future college housing.
Restitution – Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.
Room Reassignment – Removal from the student’s current room and relocation to another available space. This sanction applies regardless of a student’s fraternity, sorority, or club affiliation.
Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Education – This sanction has three components: online education courses, an interview with the Title IX Coordinator or a designee, and a reflection paper. Specific guidelines will be outlined in the sanction letter.
Sexual Misconduct Risk Assessment and Treatment – This is an evaluation to assess a student’s level of risk for sexual and non-sexual recidivism. This is done at the student’s expense. The student is required to make an appointment with a certified treatment professional, which is someone with specialized training and experience in conducting psychosexual evaluations. Students are required to meet the recommendations of the certified treatment professional as indicated in this evaluation. Results must be released to appropriate College officials, as per the sanction letter.
Substance Abuse Assessment and Treatment – This is an evaluation to assess a student’s drug and/or alcohol use and is typically sanctioned in conjunction with additional treatment by an off-campus approved provider. This is done at the student’s expense. The student is required to make an appointment with a certified treatment professional, which is someone who has a background in dealing with drug and/or alcohol use in college-aged populations. Students are required to meet the recommendations of the certified treatment professional as indicated in this evaluation. Results must be released to appropriate College officials, as per the sanction letter.
Substance Use Evaluation – This is an evaluation to assess a student’s drug and/or alcohol use. This is done at the student’s expense. The student is required to make an appointment with a certified treatment professional, which is someone who has a background in dealing with drug and/or alcohol use in college-aged populations. Community Standards & Responsibility has a recommended provider who works closely with our office, but students may seek another treatment provider as long as that provider has been approved by our office. Students are required to meet the recommendations of the certified treatment professionals as indicated in this evaluation. Results must be released to appropriate College officials, as per sanction letter.
Title IX Coordinator Interview – This is a meeting between the student and the Title IX Coordinator or designee and is designed to educate the student on the sexual misconduct and harassment policy and discuss the impact that sexual misconduct and harassment has on the College community.
Wellness Series – This is a form of group intervention or prevention treatment that is offered through the Wellness Center. The Wellness Series is individualized based on group needs, it is malleable, and can be completed over a semester, an academic year, or a series of years. Students are required to comply with the recommendations made by the facilitators of the Wellness Series. More information about this sanction can be found in your decision letter.
Wellness Sessions – The student is required to attend sessions with a mental health counselor at the Wellness Center or an off-campus licensed facility by a specific date. The frequency and duration of these sessions is at the counselor’s discretion. Additional guidelines will be outlined in the sanction letter. The student is required to follow all recommendations made by the provider as a result of the assessment. Any off-campus mental health assessments, treatment, and/or diversion programs will be at the student’s own expense. Students are required to sign a release form granting the conduct educator permission to receive treatment recommendations or other information as outlined in the sanction letter

When misconduct is more serious and a student has been found responsible through the hearing or investigation process, more severe sanctions, such as the following, may be issued:

Community Probation – Community Probation is for a designated period and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions, which may include suspension or dismissal from the College if the student is found violating any policy during the probationary period. Students must be in compliance with any additional requirements set by Community Standards & Responsibility during the probationary period.
Deferred Suspension– Deferred Suspension is a time of observation and review for a designated period. If the student fails to complete any previously imposed sanctions, adhere to previously imposed conditions, or violates any policy during the deferred suspension period, the student may (at minimum) be automatically suspended for one semester.
Suspension – Separation of the student from the College for a definite period, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified. Students who are suspended from the College once classes have started will be automatically withdrawn from all of their courses and will receive a grade of “W” or “WF” (based on the date that the sanction was issued) and will not receive a tuition refund, unless the sanction is deferred to the following semester. Suspension is noted on the transcript. A suspension will only be lifted when the student is in compliance with all required sanctions that must be completed prior to return. This determination will be made by the Director of Community Standards or a designee.
Retroactive Suspension – The student will rescind or forfeit previously earned semester credits.
Withhold Diploma – The College may withhold and refuse to confer a student’s diploma for a specified period of time and/or deny a student participation in commencement activities if the student has a grievance pending, or as a sanction, if the student is found responsible for violating College policy.
Dismissal – Permanent separation of the student from the College. Students who are socially dismissed from the College once classes have started will be automatically withdrawn from all of their courses and will receive a grade of “W” or “WF” (based on the date that the sanction was issued), and will not receive a tuition refund, unless the sanction is deferred to the following semester. Dismissal is noted on the transcript.
Revocation of Degree – The College reserves the right to revoke a degree for fraud, misrepresentation, or any other violation of College policies, procedures, or directives in obtaining the degree, or for other serious violations committed by a student prior to graduation, even if the misconduct was reported or investigated after the degree was conferred.

Failure to Complete Sanctions or Conditions

All students and organizations/teams, as responsible members of the College community, are expected to complete mandated action items, sanctions, or conditions within the specified timeframe given by the Office of Community Standards & Responsibility. Failure to successfully complete said sanction(s) by the date specified, whether by refusal, neglect, or any other reason, may result in the following:

Additional sanction(s) may be assigned
A hold may be placed on the student’s account and educational records
The student may be charged with violating the Requests or Orders policy
The student may be suspended or dismissed from the College. In these situations, residential students will be required to vacate College housing within a specified timeframe at the discretion of the Dean of Students or a designee.

In the case of a student organization, failure to comply may impact the organization’s status at the College.

Suspended Students

This page is designed to answer frequently asked questions regarding suspensions. If you have questions that are not answered, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Community Standards and Responsibility at (407) 691-1790.

Living on Campus You are required to remove all of your belongings from your room and return your key to Residential Life and Explorations by the date in your decision letter. If you do not return your key to tResidential Life and Explorations, you will be charged a $75.00 fee to have the lock core changed.

Financial Aid Students suspended from the College in the middle of the semester should pay particular attention to how this might affect current financial aid eligibility. Students who are suspended in the middle of the semester are not eligible for a tuition refund. Please refer to the FAQ’s on the financial aid office website, or speak with the financial aid office directly. Students who leave the College for a duration greater than one academic year are not guaranteed a similar financial aid award package upon their return. The policies and availability of financial aid might vary from one year to the next. Therefore, no student is guaranteed Rollins grants and scholarships upon their return to the college. Students who have been gone for more than one academic year will be considered for financial aid in comparison to all other transfer students being admitted in that same semester.

Course Registration Students who are suspended once classes have started will be automatically withdrawn from all of their courses and will receive a grade of "W" or "WF" (based on the date that the sanction was issued). Students who have the sanction of suspension deferred to the following semester will be able to continue in their classes through the end of the semester.

On Campus Privileges Students are not permitted to be on campus during the time that they are suspended. If you need to visit campus for a legitimate reason, you must get prior approval from the Office of Community Standards and Responsibility and be escorted by Campus Safety while on campus.

Transfer Credits According to the College of Arts and Sciences Catalogue, any student planning to earn credit during a social suspension needs the permission of the Dean of Students to transfer those credits back to the College. After receiving this permission, the student should consult with their academic advisor and the registrar’s office for pre-approval of potential transfer courses. Please see the Academic Regulations section of the Catalogue for additional information.

Returning After Suspension In order to return to Rollins after your suspension, you must meet the criteria described in your decision letter. Please submit all documentation to the Office of Community Standards and Responsibility. We will not be able to process your change of status until we have received all documentation.

Student Organizations

Student organizations and their individual members can be held responsible for violations of College policies and/or other policies applicable to the organization. In addition to other considerations deemed appropriate by the Office of Community Standards & Responsibility, an event will be considered an organization-sponsored activity under one or more of the following conditions:

Organizational misconduct does not need to be officially sanctioned by the leadership of an organization or by the entire organization membership in order to be considered grounds for possible disciplinary action against the organization.
There is no minimum number of members who must be involved in an incident before disciplinary action may be taken against an organization; in some cases, the misconduct of a single member may prove sufficient grounds for disciplinary action to be taken against an entire organization.
If the event is funded by participants or by the organization’s collective budget, which includes “passing the hat”.
If the event is advertised and the advertisement makes any mention of the organization, and/or the organization creates or causes to be created any promotional materials for the activity.
If the activity is discussed during an organization meeting; information about the activity is distributed during a meeting; and/or the activity is mentioned in the minutes of a meeting.
If participants or observers consider, refer to, or classify the event as an organization event.
If the incident occurs in the residence hall affiliated with the organization.

If an organization is involved in an alleged violation of the Code and/or other policies applicable to the organization, the organization may choose to engage in either the partnership process or the College hearing process. Please note that in cases of dangerous misconduct, the College may require the organization to go through the College hearing process.