To uphold the integrity of our community, the Code of Conduct outlines expectations for both individual students and student organizations. Just as students strive for excellence, organizations play a vital role in fostering a campus environment built on respect, accountability, and ethical leadership. By acting with honesty and integrity, student organizations contribute to a culture where all members uphold their commitments and support one another. Understanding and following the Code ensures that their actions reflect the university’s values. Explore the sections below for guidance, tips, and recommendations on navigating the conduct process as a student organization.
Student Organizations Conduct Process
Information for Student Organizations
Student Organization Conduct Report
To help you make informed choices about joining student organizations at UK, we provide this report on student organization conduct violations.
Student Leader Information
Information to support the student organization representative navigating the UK conduct process.
Advisor & Inter/National Organizations
Information to support advisors and inter/national organizations navigating the UK conduct process.
Report a Violation
Submit a referral to the Office of Student Conduct regarding alleged violations of the Code of Student Conduct.
UK’s Amnesty Policy
UK cares about the health and safety of all its community members. As such, UK has an amnesty policy to encourage individuals and student organizations to seek assistance for others experiencing drug or alcohol-related emergencies.
Request a Training
Staff are available to present to your organization on a variety of different topics.
Connecting Conduct to a Student Organization
The Code of Student Conduct policies and procedures also apply to student organizations at UK. The Code outlines the following points will be used to decide if certain behavior is connected to a Student Organization (SO):
| 1. | Support or approval by the organization: The SO or its officers were aware of, involved in, supported, or failed to prevent the behavior. This could mean planning, promoting within the organization, or knowing it was likely to happen and not stopping it. |
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| 2. | Paid for by the organization: The behavior took place at an activity that was paid for with SO funds or with members’ personal funds. |
| 3. | Location of the activity: The behavior happened on property owned, rented, leased, or used by the SO or its members for an organizational event. |
| 4. | Membership connection: The activity was related to affiliating with, joining, initiating, or continuing membership in an SO. |
| 5. | Public connection: The activity was known outside the SO in a way that linked it to the organization. This could include advertisements, social media, other communications, or it could be observed by non-members who reasonably believed the activity was affiliated with or endorsed by the SO. |
| 6. | Attempts to hide the activity: Members of the SO tried to cover up the behavior or protect other members involved. |
Definitions
Below is a list of common terms and their definitions that may help you better understand the Code or the student conduct process.
Administrative Liaison
"Administrative Liaison” (AL) means a university staff member from a designated office who serves as a resource to an organization during the conduct process. Student Organizations and Activities (SOA) or Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) will serve as the AL for organizations that the office typically supports.
Event Registration Hold
“Event Registration Hold” means a restriction placed on a student organization indicating that the organization must resolve an outstanding issue, such as incomplete restorative actions, prior to registering or hosting events.
Inter/National Organization Governing Body
“Inter/National Organization Governing Body” is any known or designated association or body affiliated with any SO.
Student Leader
“Student Leader” is any student appointed, elected, or serving in a leadership role within their SO (e.g., officer, committee chair, etc.).
Student Organization Representative
“Student Organization Representative” is the elected or appointed leader of an SO. The University will generally direct communication to the student on file with the University as the elected or appointed leader of the SO (e.g., president or team captain); however, the SO may choose any student member to serve as the official representative of the SO at any time during the student conduct process. If the individual designated is no longer eligible to serve in that role (e.g., the student withdraws from the University or is no longer a member of the SO) or if the SO dissolves prior to final resolution of the matter, the University may designate a SO representative of their choosing.
Student Organization Volunteer
“Student Organization Volunteer” is an individual who is selected, identified, and approved by the University to serve in a support, advisory, or mentoring capacity for an SO. This may include alumni, national or regional organization representatives, community members, or other individuals who provide guidance, coaching, or logistical support to an SO. Student Organization Volunteers do not hold formal oversight authority.
University Volunteer
“University Volunteer” is a faculty or staff member who chooses to support a Registered Student Organization (RSO) in a voluntary capacity, outside the scope of their official university job responsibilities. These individuals may provide mentorship, event support, or organizational guidance, but their involvement is not required by their position.
University Advisor
“University Advisor” is a full-time faculty or staff member who provides oversight, guidance, or support to a Sponsored Student Organization (SSO) as part of the organization’s departmental or college sponsorship. University Advisors may offer advisement, facilitate access to institutional resources or facilities, assist with funding processes, or serve as a liaison between the organization and the sponsoring unit.
Unrecognized Student Groups
“Unrecognized Student Groups” is an SO that is not registered in accordance with policies published by Student Organizations & Activities and/or an SO that has had their registration suspended or dismissed through the Office of Student Conduct.