Code of Conduct

Introduction

As members of the Ringling College community, students can reasonably expect that all College offices, programs, employees, and organizations will respect the following student rights:

Students’ Rights

Ringling College of Art and Design further encourages all members of the College community to endorse, support, and abide by the following statement of values which are deemed fundamental to its mission and integral to its growth:

Students have the right to be treated fairly and with dignity regardless of age, gender, color, disability, marital status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. In their individual roles as members of student organizations, students have the responsibility not to discriminate against others.
Students have the right to express themselves freely on any subject provided they do so in a manner that does not violate the Code of Student Conduct. Students in turn have the responsibility to respect the right of all members of the community to exercise these freedoms.
Students have the right to accurate and plainly stated information relating to maintenance of acceptable academic standing, graduation requirements and individual course objectives and requirements. Students can expect instruction from designated instructors at appointed class times and reasonable access to those instructors. Students have the responsibility to attend class and know their appropriate class requirements.
Students have the right to expect a reasonably safe environment supportive of the College’s mission and their own educational goals. Students have the responsibility to protect and maintain that environment and to protect themselves from all hazards to the extent that reasonable behavior and precaution can avoid risk.
Students have the right to establish representative governmental bodies and to participate in College governance in accordance with the rules and regulations of the College. Students who accept representative roles in the governance of the College have the obligation to participate responsibly.
Students have the right to be heard before formal disciplinary sanctions are imposed by the College for violations of the Code of Student Conduct or other published policies. Students have the right to written notice and the opportunity for a hearing before any change in status is incurred for disciplinary reasons unless a significant threat to persons or property exists.

Code of Student Conduct

Ringling College of Art and Design is committed to maintaining a purposeful learning community, one that promotes intellectual inquiry through vigorous discourse and encouragement of creativity. Essential values, which support this purpose include civility, inclusiveness, dignity, diversity, education, equality, freedom, honesty and safety.

When students choose to accept admission to Ringling College of Art and Design, they accept the rights and responsibilities of membership in the College’s academic and social community. As members of the community, students are expected to uphold its values by maintaining a high standard of conduct. Student misconduct is defined as any student behavior that violates rules of Ringling College of Art and Design as stated in this Student Handbook, contained within any College publication, or on the website; and / or is in violation of State, Local or Federal laws and ordinances. Students who are present or accompanying others while in the act of violating the code of conduct are as culpable as the violators. Ringling College of Art and Design considers the following behavior, or attempts thereof, by any student or student organization, whether acting alone or with any other persons, to violate the Code of Student Conduct:

Physical harm or threat of physical harm to any person or persons, including but not limited to: assault, sexual misconduct (including dating violence and domestic violence) or other forms of physical abuse.
Harassment, whether physical or verbal, oral or written, which is beyond the bounds of protected free speech, directed at a specific individual(s), easily construed as “fighting words” and likely to cause an immediate breach of peace. This additionally includes any harassment done through electronic communications to include email, texting, Facebook, etc.
Sexual Misconduct: the commission of any "Prohibited Conduct" as described in the Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy. Prohibited Conduct includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, fondling, incest, statutory rape, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, sex discrimination, harassment on the basis of sex, gender, or sexual orientation, sexual exploitation, and retaliation. Note that stalking and domestic violence are prohibited even if they are not committed on the basis of sex.
More detailed information about each of these types of misconduct, as well as procedures used to address them, is available in the Policy online here: https://www.ringling.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sexual-Misconduct-and-Title-IX-Policy-Approved-Revision-4.20.2023.pdf
Retaliation: Acts or attempts to retaliate or seek retribution against any individual or group of individuals involved in any investigation and/or resolution of an allegation of other policy violation. Retaliation can be committed by any individual or group of individuals. Retaliation may include continued abuse or violence, other forms of harassment, and slander and libel. Retaliation relating to sexual misconduct is prohibited in the Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy, which is available online here: https://www.ringling.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sexual-Misconduct-and-Title-IX-Policy-Approved-Revision-4.20.2023.pdf
Threatening Conduct: Conduct which threatens the mental health, physical health or safety of any person or persons including:
1. Hazing: Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, that produces mental or physical pain, discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with an organization regardless of a student’s willingness to participate in the activity.
2. Drug or alcohol abuse.
3. Other forms of destructive behavior.
Academic dishonesty, including, but not limited to plagiarism and cheating, and other forms of academic misconduct, for example, misuse of academic resources or facilities, misuse of computer software, data, equipment or networks.
Intentional disruption or obstruction of lawful activities of the College or its members, including their exercise of the right to assemble.
Theft, damage and / or vandalism to personal or College property or services or illegal possession or use of the same.
Unauthorized entry, use, or occupation of College facilities that are locked, closed or otherwise restricted as to use.
Forgery, alteration, fabrication or misuse of identification cards, records, grades, diplomas, or other College documents.
False information/Representation: furnishing false or misleading information to College officials or misrepresentation of any kind to a College office or official.
Interference with, or willful negligence of, the security of any campus facility. This includes unauthorized duplication of keys and propping doors open.
Disorderly Conduct: Conduct that is disorderly, lewd or in- decent; breach of peace; or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on Ringling College premises or at functions sponsored by or participated in by, Ringling College or members of the academic community. Disorderly conduct includes but is not limited to: any unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to make an audio or video record of any person while on Ringling College premises without their prior knowledge, or without their effective consent when such a recording is likely to cause injury or distress. This includes, but is not limited to, surreptitiously taking pictures of another person in a gym, locker room, rest room or residence hall. Disorderly conduct also includes public intoxication, lewd, indecent or obscene behavior, libel, slander or illegal gambling.
Free Speech: Ringling College of Art and Design makes space for dialogue for students to express their viewpoints and opinions through freedom of speech. The College wants to embrace everyone’s right to freedom of speech as long as it does not cross the line to hate speech and violate our Code of Conduct and/or the law. We do not condone this behavior in any way. We do not condone words of incitement, hate speech, fighting words, obscene material, or other non-verbal symbols conveying these ideas. Freedom of speech is a protected right and we at the College want all to feel comfortable to exercise this right.
1. Words of Incitement: speech that is intended and likely to provoke imminent unlawful action. In Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969), the Supreme Court of the United States held that in order to lose First Amendment protection as incitement, speech must be “directed to inciting imminent lawless action and is likely to produce such action.”
2. Hate Speech: any form of expression through which speakers intend to vilify, humiliate, or incite hatred against a group or a class of persons on the basis of race, religion, skin color, sexual identity, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, or national origin.
3. Fighting Words: words that by the very act of being spoken, tend to incite the individual to whom they are addressed to respond violently and to do so immediately, without any time to think things over.
4. Obscene Material: expression may be loosely understood as “hard-core” depictions of sexual acts. You do not have a First Amendment right to produce, transmit, or even, in many situations, possess obscene material on campus.
5. Non-Verbal Speech: the action clearly conveys a specific message to anyone who sees and reads it.
Illegal purchase, use, possession or distribution of alcohol, drugs or controlled substances.
1. Alcohol: Not permitted on campus, in any Ringling College residence hall except in private units in the Bayou Village Apartments, Bridge Apartments, Bradenton Road Apartments, the Cove, the Roy and Susan Palmer Quadrangle, Family Housing, and student houses for those who are of the legal drinking age in Florida (21 years or older). Open containers of alcohol are not permitted in any common or outdoor area of any Ringling College-owned or leased/managed student housing facility, including the Bayou Village Apartments, Bridge Apartments, Bradenton Road Apartments, the Cove, Family Housing, the Roy and Susan Palmer Quadrangle, or student houses, including balconies, hallways, community room, work rooms, laundry rooms, etc.. Kegs, party balls and punches containing alcohol are strictly prohibited. The Office of Student Life at Ringling College of Art and Design supports the College’s Alcohol Policy and abides by the laws of the State of Florida that make selling, serving, possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages to or by individuals under the age of 21 an illegal act. Additionally, students under the age of 21 may not possess empty alcohol containers. Public intoxication by any member of the Ringling College community is expressly prohibited. Common sources (i.e. kegs, beerballs, garbage pail punch) are not permitted. Students who are age 21 may not provide alcohol to underage roommates, suitemates, visitors or guests. The intent of this policy is to permit private and individual use of alcoholic beverages in a legal and responsible way by those students age 21 or older.
2. The Office of Student Life endorses and will assist in the development of educational programs for persons who misuse or abuse alcoholic beverages. (See Ringling College Drug & Alcohol Policy in this Student Handbook).
3. Illegal drugs: Use, possession or distribution of narcotic or other controlled substances except as expressly permitted by law is prohibited. The Residence Life staff will strictly adhere to and enforce all Florida law and College regulations regarding illegal drugs. Possession of any type of drug paraphernalia is prohibited, including: for decorative purposes (e.g. hookahs). Drug paraphernalia is anything commonly known to be used in illicit drug usage whether an illegal substance is present or not, as defined below. The term “drug paraphernalia” means all equipment, products and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, transporting, injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance. The intent of this policy is to promote a healthy environment consistent with the mission of the Office of Student Life and to provide safe and secure residences that support the academic and personal growth of Ringling College’s students. (Refer to Ringling College‘s Drug & Alcohol Policy in this Student Handbook.)
Failure to comply with directions of College officials, including public safety, administrative officials, faculty members, College staff and/ or residence staff members during the performance of their duties and/or failure to identify self when requested to do so by a college official.
Active or passive, willful or deliberate disruption of any class. (Refer to Classroom Policies in “Academic Policies and Procedures.”)
Possession of firearms, explosives, fireworks or weapons on campus or in vehicles parked on College property (police definition of weapons).
Smoking (cigarettes/e-cigarettes/vapes) is prohibited within all residential units and for all persons under the age of 21. This includes all public access areas such as bathrooms, hallways, lounges and lobbies. Smoking is only approved in the official designated smoking areas. See the full Smoking Policy.
Solicitations and sales are not permitted in campus housing except for campus organizations with permission. Door- to-door solicitations are never allowed in campus housing.
Windows/Screens/Rooftops/Ledges: Screens not only provide protection from insects, but they are also an integral part of security for campus buildings. Removal of window screens is a violation of policy and will result in a minimum $50 charge for repair/replacement. Likewise, except in the case of a fire or other emergency, students may not access any rooftops or exterior building ledges or use windows as an egress.
Abuse of the student conduct system which includes, but is not limited to:
1. Failure to obey the notice from a Student Conduct Board or Ringling College official to appear for a meeting or hearing as part of the Student Conduct System.
2. Falsification, distortion or misrepresentation of information before a Conduct Board.
3. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a Conduct Board proceeding.
4. Institution of a student conduct code proceeding in bad faith.
5. Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participating in, or use of, the Student Conduct System
6. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a Conduct Board prior to, and / or during the course of, the Conduct Board proceeding.
7. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/ or intimidation of a member of a Conduct Board prior to, during and / or after a Conduct Board proceeding.
8. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code.
9. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the student conduct code system.
Violation of College policies, rules or regulations that are published in the Student Handbook and other official College publications or agreements, including those available electronically on the College website.
Appliances
With the exception of housing facilities with kitchens, electrical kitchen appliances including hot plates, full-size refrigerators and any appliance with exposed elements (i.e. hot plates, Instapots, air fryer, toaster oven, rice cooker and, George Foreman Grills) are prohibited. Coffee makers and teapots with automatic shut-off are acceptable within the residence halls. Although you may bring your own, the College supplied appliances must remain in your room and may not be stored elsewhere. Prohibited devices will be confiscated and stored temporarily until they can be removed from campus.
U.L. Approved microwaves less than 600 watts and mini-refrigerators less than 4.0 cubic feet are allowed. No grills are permitted in any student housing.
Bicycles, Motorized Vehicles, Scooters, Rollerblades, Skateboards
Using any of the above items near doorways or to jump stairs or ride railings is prohibited. For fire, safety, damage and liability reasons, the items may not be kept in hallways, stairwells or public areas in the residence halls.
Conduct
1. Conduct will be consistent with the College rules and regulations as specified in the Student Handbook, Housing Contract, and any other official College publications.
2. Any violation of Federal, State, or Local law that has a negative impact on the well-being of Ringling College or its individual members, including students, faculty, staff or administrators, shall be subject to disciplinary action.
Damage Policy
1. Ringling College students are held financially responsible for damage to College property incurred by their own actions or that of their guests, which is beyond normal wear and aging. In cases where the damage is intentional or malicious, disciplinary action will result.
2. When damage occurs on a common floor area, such as a hallway or bathroom, and no individual or individuals are found responsible, the charge will be absorbed by all residents of that particular hallway or floor.
3. During move out of housing space, students are expected to leave assigned residence hall spaces, apartments, and common spaces without damages, clean and free from trash and personal items. Reluctance to leave space in suitable condition at move out will result in a fee deducted from the student's damage deposit. It is the student's responsibility to check their student account for any damage fee deductions.
4. Appeals for damage fees assessed to a student account should be emailed to reslife@ringling.edu.
Door Propping / Hall Security
1. In an effort to protect the security of students and their belongings in the residence halls, Conduct System action and / or a fine of $25 may be imposed where a student is found to have propped open a residence hall door that is supposed to be locked.
Fire Alarm Systems & Safety
1. Tampering with fire alarms, fire extinguishers or any other fire equipment is a third-degree crime. Any person found responsible for such actions may be subjected to a fine of up to $500. In addition to potential criminal charges, students engaging in this behavior will be referred for disciplinary action and / or civil prosecution that may result in separation from the College.
Fire Safety

Student rooms are equipped with individual smoke detectors. If you hear a smoke detector activated in a student room, contact Public Safety immediately 941-359-7500 to investigate the alarm. Hot air, smoke, or aerosols directed toward the detector will set off the alarm
Hanging objects from sprinkler heads, pipes and electrical conduit is strictly prohibited. Live cut trees (such as Christmas trees) are not permitted anywhere in student housing.
Halogen floor lamps are not permitted as they pose a severe fire safety risk due to the intense heat generated by the high wattage bulb.
The Florida Fire Prevention Code and State of Florida Electrical Code only permit extension cords with integrated UL-approved surge protectors (internal breaker – on/off switch or GFI) for use within the housing facility. All other types of extension cords (including daisy-chaining cords) are prohibited.
Blocking entries and exits with furniture or personal belongings is prohibited. Stacking furniture in front of residence hall room doors is a fire hazard and could be potentially life threatening. Persons found responsible for such actions will be held accountable through the Student Conduct System.
Flammable Items: Open flames such as candles, incense, and potpourri burners are not permitted in any student residence. No containers of flammable liquids or volatile toxic materials like gasoline or kerosene are permitted in housing facility. An initial violation of this policy will result in a written reprimand. Additional violations will result in Conduct System action and / or a fine.

31. Guest Policy

Residents must accompany their guests during their entire visit in the residence hall. A guest is defined as a visitor that does not live on the wing / floor / building of the host. Students must register overnight guests with the Residence Life Office three business days prior to the guest's arrival. Residents are also responsible for informing their guest(s) of policies and notifying them when a policy is violated. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in a guest being removed from campus housing.

32. Weapons
Firearms or any sort of weapon (using police definitions), including decorative ones, are forbidden. For this reason, even squirt guns are not allowed on campus.

Ringling College Conduct System
Article I: Purpose

The Ringling College of Art and Design Conduct System is the mechanism by which most of the College policies and community standards of Ringling College of Art and Design are enforced. Alleged violations of academic integrity are handled by Academic Affairs. It is the purpose of this Conduct System to be of educational value and to protect the rights of all members of the College community.

Offenses relating to Sexual Misconduct are handled according to the College's Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy, which is online here: https://www.ringling.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sexual-Misconduct-and-Title-IX-Policy-Approved-Revision-4.20.2023.pdf

In some circumstances, such cases may be referred back to this Conduct System as explained in more detail in that policy.

Where a case has already been subject to investigation under that Policy, it will be handled via this process as outlined beginning in Article IV of this Conduct System. Where a case has not yet been subject to investigation under that Policy, it will be handled in the same manner as any other reported student misconduct.

Article II: Definitions

Student Conduct Administrators
The Student Conduct Administrators are the persons designated by the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students to be responsible for the administration of the Code of Conduct. The College Conduct Administrators for non-academic and organizational discipline in addition to the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students are the Associate Deans of Students for Housing and Residence Life, Student Development, Diversity and Inclusion, the Title IX Coordinator, the Director of Housing Operations, the Director of Residence Life, Assistant Directors within Housing and Residence Life, the Directors of Recreation and Wellness, and Student Activities and Leadership Development. The Student Conduct Administrators are authorized on a case-by-case basis to meet with students alleged to have violated College policy and to set sanctions, when appropriate.
Dean’s Panel
When a disciplinary matter may result in the suspension or expulsion of a student, the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students may convene a Dean’s Panel. This three-person Panel, consisting of the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students (or designee) and two faculty and / or staff members, form a hearing body to review all documentation and determine appropriate sanctions.
Advisor
An Advisor is a person, chosen by an accused student, to serve in an advisory capacity during their involvement in the meeting / hearing process. The primary role of the Advisor is to assist the student in preparing for meetings/ hearings and to attend meetings / hearings as support for the student. The student is responsible for presenting their own information and, therefore, Advisors are not permitted to speak or participate directly in any meetings / hearings without approval. An Advisor may be a current student or employee of the College. The use of an Advisor is strongly recommended.

Article III: Code of Conduct Authority

Jurisdiction
1. Generally, the jurisdiction of the College shall be limited to conduct which occurs on College premises, during a College sponsored activity or which adversely affects the College community and / or the pursuit of its learning objectives. Any student found in violation of College policies is subject to disciplinary action according to the procedures outlined in this conduct hearing system.
2. College Conduct action may be initiated if a student is charged with a violation of a law which is in violation of College policy. The College may take conduct action prior to, during, or after the disposition of the case by a court of law.
3. The College will cooperate fully with Federal, State and / or Local authorities and other agencies in the enforcement of civil or criminal laws. If the alleged offense is also being considered for action within this Conduct System, the College may advise off- campus authorities of how such matters will be handled within the College community.
4. A student who withdraws from the College while conduct action is pending is subject to conduct action before permission to re- enroll is granted. In such cases, the College retains the right to investigate and adjudicate alleged violations regardless of whether the student elects to participate in the process.
Rights of the Accused
1. Students shall be considered innocent until found in violation and given an opportunity to be heard.
2. Students shall be notified in writing of the charges against them prior to any hearings.
3. Students have the right to prepare a defense and to have the assistance of an Advisor.
4. Students shall be free from disciplinary sanctions, pending conclusion of the hearing, except in cases that an interim suspension is deemed necessary.
5. Students have the right to present evidence on their behalf.
6. Students have the right to have their case heard within a reasonable amount of time.
7. Students may request a private hearing when more than one student is accused of involvement.
Interim Suspension
The Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students (or designee) may impose an interim suspension prior to a hearing decision if the student presents a threat to any member of the community, including themselves. During this suspension, the student may be denied access to any or all of the College’s facilities, activities or privileges granted to students. This includes access to on-campus housing if a resident.
Extraordinary Circumstances
The Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students may temporarily alter this conduct system if warranted by extraordinary circumstances. Additionally, an interpretation or application of the student code shall be referred to the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students for final determination.
Withholding Degrees & Diplomas
The College has the right to withhold the awarding of a degree and diploma pending the conclusion of the code of conduct hearing process.
Search
The members of the Office of Student Life and/ or Public Safety Officers may search a student room or other College property in use by a student when it appears that College policies may have been violated.
Room Entry
Members of the Office of Student Life and / or Public Safety Officers may enter a student room without permission of the residents when conduct in the room violates State law and / or College policy or is sufficiently disruptive as to require staff intervention.
Preponderance of Evidence
The standard used for investigating any potential violation of the Code of Conduct including Title IX is a “preponderance of evidence,” meaning it is more likely than not that the violation occurred.

Article IV: Non-Academic Conduct

Any member of the College community may report an alleged violation of the College Code of Conduct. Sanctions available in cases involving Prohibited Conduct as defined in the College's Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy are outlined further in that Policy. For other violations, the following is a list of sanctions, of which one or more may be imposed. Such reports shall be prepared in writing and directed to the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students. Reports should be submitted as soon as possible after the alleged violation occurs.

Complainants and respondents involved in reports of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking as defined in the College's Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy will be entitled to have an advisor of choice present with them at each meeting or proceeding according to this Conduct System. They may also continue this access supportive measures as explained further under that Policy. At the conclusion of such cases under this Conduct System, both parties shall be provided with simultaneous written notification of the result of the institutional disciplinary proceeding, the procedures for appealing that result, when any change to the result occurs, and when such results become final.

Administrative Decisions
The parties involved in the incident will meet with a Student Conduct Administrator to discuss ways to resolve the alleged violation(s) administratively. Prior to all formal hearings, the accused student will be informed in writing of the following:
- The time and place of hearing, with at least three days notice (unless student waives this right or the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students (or designee) believes “extraordinary” circumstances exist.
- The specific College policies that have allegedly been violated.
- The right to have an Advisor accompany student to the hearing.
- A hearing may be held in absentia if a student fails to show for a scheduled time and does not re-schedule. Should this occur, the student would forfeit the opportunity to appeal on new evidence.

All students have a right to request reasonable accommodations in advance for a conduct hearing within 48 hours of the scheduled date for this hearing by emailing sas@ringling.edu. Should additional documentation be required, it can be reviewed by a non-biased party, Student Access Services. Examples of reasonable accommodations include a student selected advocate to assist with situation processing and a non-biased note taker to allow for full attention. Each accommodation will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Appeal
1. Decisions rendered by the Student Conduct Administrator may be appealed to the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students. Decisions of the Dean’s Panel or the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students may be appealed directly to the President of Ringling College. Appeals must be submitted to the appropriate authority in writing within 3 days of the written notification of the decision.
2. In the written appeal, it is the responsibility of the person presenting the appeal to demonstrate grounds for the appeal. Appeals may be made on the following grounds:
  1. The accused student has suffered a violation of rights and this violation significantly impacted the decision reached.
  2. Significant and relevant new information, which could not before have been presented has since surfaced.
  3. The accused student has reason to believe the sanctions or decisions levied are unduly arbitrary or unjustified and can provide reasonable evidence or apparent cause to support this contention.
3. The Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students may uphold or overturn the decision of the Student Conduct Administrator, return a case for further consideration or reduce or retain any sanction. Similarly, the President may uphold or overturn the decision of a Dean’s Panel or the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, return the case to the Panel or Vice President for further consideration or reduce or retain any sanction.
4. In all cases, the decision reached by the authority hearing the appeal is final.

Article V: Organizational Conduct

Decisions rendered by the Student Conduct Administrator may be appealed to the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students. Decisions of the Dean’s Panel or the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students may be appealed directly to the President of Ringling College. Appeals must be submitted to the appropriate authority in writing within 3 days of the written notification of the decision.
In the written appeal, it is the responsibility of the organization presenting the appeal to demonstrate grounds for the appeal. Appeals may be made on the following grounds: 1)The accused organization has suffered a violation of rights and this violation significantly impacted the decision reached.
Significant and relevant new information, which could not before have been presented has since surfaced.
The accused organization has reason to believe the sanctions or decisions levied are unduly arbitrary or unjustified and can provide reasonable evidence or apparent cause to support this contention. The Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students may uphold or overturn the decision of the Student Conduct Administrator, return a case for further consideration or reduce or retain any sanction. Similarly, the President may uphold or overturn the decision of a Dean’s Panel or the Vice President or Vice President Student Life and Dean of Students, return the case to the Panel for further consideration or reduce or retain any sanction.
In all cases, the decision reached by the authority hearing the appeal is final.

Article VI: Disciplinary Sanctions

One or more of the following sanctions may be imposed on a respondent(s) for any violation(s).

One or more of following sanctions may be imposed upon any student for a violation of the Student Code of Conduct:

Article Review
A written review of journal articles on a specific topic designed to assist the student to explore the violations in question. Specific guidelines will be outlined in the sanction letter.

Apology
An apology reflecting an understanding of the inappropriateness of actions and the impact it had on the letter’s recipient. Specific guidelines will be outlined in the sanction letter.

Reflection Paper
Reflective paper on a specific incident and its impact. 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.

Restitution
Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.

Educational Community Service
Completion of a determined number of hours of educational community service. Specific guidelines and hours will be outlined in the sanction letter.

Probationary Review Meetings
Scheduled meetings with a member of the Student Life staff. Specific guidelines will be outlined in the sanction letter.

Contact Restriction
Restriction of personal contact with another individual or group for a stated period of time. Specific guidelines will be outlined in the sanction letter.

Computer Privileges Restriction
Loss or restriction from College computer network access or privileges for a stated period of time. Specific guidelines will be outlined in the sanction letter.

Behavioral Agreement
A signed behavioral agreement to live responsibly within the Ringling College of Art and Design community outlining specific behavior guidelines that must be followed. Specific guidelines will be outlined in the sanction letter.

Educational Bulletin Board
Design, research, and create a bulletin board on a specific topic. Specific guidelines will be outlined in the sanction letter.

Program Presentation
Plan, implement, and evaluate an educational program on a specific topic. Specific guidelines will be outlined in the sanction letter.

Alcohol and/or Drug Education
An online course designed to assist students with healthy lifestyle choices. Additionally, there is a fee associated with this sanction. Instructions for completion will be outlined in the sanction letter.

Substance Use Evaluation
A required substance use evaluation. Students are responsible to make arrangements for this evaluation in accordance with the outlined terms in the sanction letter. 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.

Counseling
An assessment or an initial counseling session either at the College Counseling Center or at an approved community mental health provider. Students are required to abide by any treatment plan provided by provider.

Other Restrictions
Loss of specific privileges including, but not limited to, attendance at social events; organization participation; and access to specified College facilities for a designated period of time. Specific guidelines will be outlined in the sanction letter.

Written Warning
Notice in writing to the student that they are or have violated a specific College policy and that continuation or repetition of similar misconduct, may be cause for further disciplinary action and more severe sanctions.

Disciplinary Probation
Designated period that includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions, which may include suspension or dismissal from the College if the student is found violating the specified policy during the probationary period.

Community Probation
Designated period of time that includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions, such as suspension or dismissal from the College if the student is found violating any policy during the probationary period.

Residence Hall Probation
Designated period of time that includes the probability of expulsion from campus housing and/or revocation of privileges to live in campus housing if the student is found violating any policy during the probationary period.

Organizational Probation
Designated period of time that includes the probability of revocation of organizational privileges during the probationary period.

Residence Hall Suspension
Immediate removal from the College housing without refund for a designated period of time.

Residence Hall Dismissal
Immediate and permanent removal of the student from the residence halls without refund.

College Suspension
Separation of the student from the College for a definite period of time without refund, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.

Organizational Suspension
Prohibition of all organizational activities, formal and informal, both on and off campus for a designated period of time after which the organization is eligible for reinstatement/recognition. Conditions for reinstatement/recognition may be specified.

College Dismissal
Immediate and permanent separation of the student from the College without refund.

Disciplinary Fine
Appropriate monetary penalty.

Parent/Guardian, faculty/staff, and/or on-campus Employer Notification
Notification to parent/guardian and/or on-campus employer, and/or faculty/staff concerning a specific incident, outcome and appropriate sanction(s). Notification will be in accordance with FERPA regulations. Such notification may in turn cause other non-disciplinary consequences resulting from the student’s violation in relation to other campus activities.

Deferred Sanction
When significant mitigating factors are present, one or more sanctions may be deferred for implementation. Deferral may be rescinded and additional sanctions may be imposed for any new violations, which occur during the deferred period.