Student Organizations

San Jose State University is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy living and learning environment for students, faculty and staff. Student organization behavior that is not consistent with the Student Organization Code of Conduct [pdf] is addressed through an educational process that is designed to promote safety and good citizenship, and when necessary, impose appropriate sanctions.

Student Organization Conduct Process

The Student Organization Code of Conduct [pdf] was established to ensure that student organization's officers understand and accept responsibility for the actions of their members and guests.

Investigation and Conference

  1. The Office of Student Conduct & Ethical Development receives a report of a student organization’s alleged misconduct.
  2. The Office of Student Conduct & Ethical Development conducts an investigation and, if warranted, the office will send the president of the organization a notice of conference by email.
  3. The Student Conduct Administrator meets with the president of the organization to discuss the allegations. During the conference, the president learns about the student organization conduct process and their rights and responsibilities.
  4. At the conclusion of the conference, the president will be issued a sanction(s).

Appeals Process

It is the presidents right to accept or reject the sanction.

If the president believes that their due process rights have been violated or the that the sanction was too excessive, he/she may submit a written appeal within five days of the informal conference, to the Associate Vice President for Campus Life.

The president of the organization will be notified of the university's final decision within ten working days.

Sanctions

Educational/Remedial

The primary goal of the Office of Student Conduct & Ethical Development is education. Examples of educational/remedial sanctions include, but are not limited to: community service, reflective papers, counseling, mediation, letters of apology, workshops, programming, alcohol class and monetary restitution.

Warning

In instances of less serious violations from the University norms of conduct, the student organization may be formally warned of the possible consequences of continuing such behavior. No other specific action is taken unless further misconduct occurs.

Probation

Administrative probation given during a specific time period. During this time period, the student must adhere to the Student Organization Code of Conduct. Special conditions may apply.

Suspension

During a specific time period, the student organization will lose SJSU recognition. All student organization privileges will be suspended.

Recognized Student Organization (RSO) Conduct

To view a list of organizations that are currently on probation or warning, visit the Student Involvement website.