Definition of an Organization’s Activity and When the Organization is Considered Responsible

An activity is considered to be related to an organization and the organization is held responsible for violation of university rules, regulations, laws, and the UA Little Rock Student Handbook when one or more of the following circumstances exist:

  1. One or more of its officers or authorized members, acting in the scope of his or her general responsibilities, commit(s) the violation.
  2. One or more of its members commit(s) the violation after the action that constitutes the violation is approved by majority vote of those members of the organization present and voting.
  3. One or more members of a committee of the organization commit(s) the violation while acting in the scope of the committee’s assignment.
  4. A majority of the members of an organization, acting with apparent authority of the organization, commit the violation.
  5. A student may be disciplined for a student violation even though the organization of which he or she is a member is penalized for the same violation or for a violation growing out of the same factual transaction.
  6. The parent organization shall be responsible for the actions of pledge classes or other subgroups carrying official status. Events planned where non-members are invited are also the responsibility of the organization.

Student Organization Disciplinary Procedures

  1. Any registered student organization may be placed on probation, suspended, restricted, have its registration withdrawn, or other sanctions appropriate to the violation by the dean of students or designee after a hearing before the committee or board having original jurisdiction in accordance with the provision of fundamental fairness (due process) or upon a choice by the organization for informal adjudication by the dean of students or designee. Such actions may be taken for any one of the following reasons which are not all inclusive:
    1. The organization fails to maintain compliance with the general policies on student organizations and criteria for registration of an organization.
    2. The organization operates or engages in any activity in violation of the rules and regulations of the university, the Code, bylaws and policies of the governing bodies, or federal, state, and local laws.
  2. The student organization shall be afforded all the rights of fundamental fairness (due process) as outlined in the Code, and for violations of university rules and regulations, or federal, state, or local laws.
  3. Initial Action:
    1. Violations of university rules and regulations, the Code, or federal, state, and local laws, shall be reported to the dean of students or designee. Where a violation involves organizational governing bodies’ rules or violations of the constitution or bylaws, a report shall be made to the president or appropriate officer of the governing body. This person will report to the appropriate advisor in the Office of Campus Life and the advisor will take appropriate action in accordance with the constitution, bylaws, and policies of the governing body. In cases of violations of university rules and regulations, the Code, or federal, state, and local laws, the dean of students or designee shall hold a preliminary interview to determine if formal disciplinary action is warranted.
    2. If the dean of students or designee determines there is a probable cause to suspect a violation of university rules and regulations, the Code, or federal, state, and local laws, he or she shall arrange a conference with the organization’s officers and individuals to notify them of the alleged charges, to allow them to present their version of the alleged violation, and to review the rights of due process with the student organization officers.
      1. In the absence of unusual mitigating circumstances, an initial conference should be held within five (5) class days of the date of the charge.
      2. Failure of the officers and individuals involved to agree to a meeting or appear at a conference will result in a decision being rendered without organizational input and possible disciplinary action.
      3. After notifying the officers and individuals of their rights and explaining the hearing procedures set forth in the Code, the dean of students or designee may solicit a plea of violation or non-violation and shall solicit from the officers their choice of a hearing alternative. Once the selection has been knowingly made, the choice will be binding on all parties.
  4. Organization Governing Body: For purposes of this Code, organizational governing body shall mean any student governance body made up of representatives from several organizations with a constitution and bylaws. Examples include, but are not limited to, NPHC, NIC, and NPC.
  5. Alternative Procedures: Where the alleged violation involves university rules, regulations, or policies, the Code, or federal, state, and local laws, the organization may have its case heard in one of the following ways:
    1. Through a hearing conducted by the dean of students or designee if violation is admitted;
    2. Through a hearing conducted by the judicial branch of the organizational governing body where applicable;
    3. Through a hearing conducted by the appropriate judicial board or committee where no governing body exists for the organization;
    4. If the alleged violation may result in withdrawal of registration or suspension of the organization during the term of the registration or for the next semester or calendar year, the hearing shall be heard by the appropriate committee or board. (Refer to Behavioral Standards Committee, Student Affairs Committee, and Greek Governing Bodies Judicial Procedures.)
  6. Organization Sanctions: Upon a proper determination that an organization has violated any rules or regulations, of the university, the Code, or federal, state, and local laws, the following organization sanctions may be imposed either singly or in combination:
    1. Reprimand. A written reprimand may be given to any organization in violation of university policy, the Code, or federal, state, and local laws. It signifies that the organization is to take necessary actions to bring it into compliance and to avoid further violation. Failure to do so will result in more severe penalties.
    2. Restitution. Any organization that has committed an offense against property may be required to reimburse the university or other owner. Any such payment shall be limited to actual cost of repair or replacement.
    3. Restriction. Such restrictions may include but are not limited to, loss of privilege of meeting in or using university facilities, denial of right to participate in intramural sports or other campus events, denial of social functions, other restrictions consistent with the nature of the offense.
    4. Probation. An organization placed on probation is deemed not to be in good standing with the university. Its continued registration is conditioned by adherence to the rules, regulations, and provisions of the Code. Organizations on probation may continue to hold meetings, but may lose selected privileges including but not limited to access to university facilities and social privilege. The organization must obtain advance approval from the dean of students for all activities.
    5. Suspension or Withdrawal of Registration. Any organization which is suspended or has had its registration withdrawn may not engage in or sponsor any activity or program and may not hold meetings. When registration is withdrawn, the organization shall cease to exist.
    6. Other appropriate sanctions applicable to the violations.