About & Scope of Authority
remaining student-centered and educational in its disciplinary procedures. The Code of Student Conduct and the Code of Student Organization Conduct publicly set expectations for all students and Student Groups/Organizations to uphold standards and demonstrate respect within the University community.
The Codes of Conduct are designed to support students and Student Groups/Organizations who may have engaged in misconduct through an educational and restorative approach. The Office of Community Standards upholds the institution’s general mission and goals while recognizing and respecting the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of all students at Jacksonville State University.
The Office of Community Standards strives to ensure that the conduct process is procedurally sound, consistent, fair, transparent, and accessible to the community, providing a just result that holds students accountable for their behavior. The resolution procedures and sanctions or outcomes are designed to address the behavior or misconduct, repair any harm caused, prevent recurrence, and/or provide education and support to the student(s).
The mission of the Office of Community Standards and the Codes of Conduct system at Jacksonville State University is to transform potential incidents of misconduct into opportunities for education and student development. Our goal is that as students and/or Student Groups/Organizations progress through the conduct process, they will emerge as better educated and more well-rounded members of the University’s community and become more effective global citizens.
The philosophy of the Office of Community Standards is educational, aiming to facilitate reconciliation among the University community. This restorative justice philosophy is best achieved through cooperation between the involved parties engaged in the disciplinary process and the administrator(s) overseeing the process. The hopeful benefit of this philosophy is a transformative learning experience for everyone involved.
What is Restorative Justice Philosophy?
The Restorative Justice Philosophy is applied in all disciplinary procedures, but is primarily utilized during the Informal Resolution Process. Restorative Justice Philosophy focuses on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships rather than solely on punishment, involving all stakeholders affected by wrongdoing in a collaborative process to address the impact and find solutions. This approach emphasizes accountability through active participation and a focus on meeting the needs of victims, offenders, and the community, aiming to restore balance and foster a more positive campus environment.
Professional Responsibility: Jacksonville State University must balance the developmental and
educational needs of the student with its obligation to protect the safety and welfare of the Jax State community. In situations where a student’s and/or Student Groups’/Organizations’ behavior poses a risk to themselves or others, Jacksonville State University personnel must take action consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
Nondiscrimination: Protect human rights and promote appreciation of diversity and multicultural practice at Jacksonville State University.
Equal & Consistent Treatment: Treat all students with impartiality and accept all students as individuals with rights and responsibilities. Seek to create and maintain a campus climate that fosters learning, personal growth, and development. Follow the procedural guidelines outlined in Jacksonville State University's Code of Student Organization Conduct when enforcing the Code of Student Organization Conduct.
Confidentiality: Confidentiality is maintained with respect to all privileged communications and to educational and professional records considered confidential. Information is shared only in accordance with institutional policies and relevant statutes, where informed consent is given, or when required to prevent personal harm to oneself or others.
Respect: An opportunity for every student and university employee to be treated with respect and dignity, with freedom of speech and an open exchange of ideas.
Jacksonville State University’s conduct system has the authority to handle all non-academic disciplinary matters. The university reserves the right to discipline students, Student Groups/Organizations, and Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) for acts of misconduct that occur on or off Jacksonville State University Premises. (Including at any University or Organization-sponsored events)
University Premises: The premises of Jacksonville State University, including all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of, owned, leased, licensed, managed, or controlled by the university (including adjacent streets and sidewalks, online networks, and domains).
The Codes of Conduct may be applied to behavior conducted online, via email, or other electronic media. Students should also be aware that online postings such as blogs, web postings, chats, and social networking sites are in the public sphere and are not private. These postings can be subject to allegations of conduct violations if evidence of policy violations is posted online. The University does not regularly search for this information, but may take action if such information is brought to the attention of the Office of Community Standards.
At its discretion, the university may pursue disciplinary action against a student or organization, even if they are also subject to criminal proceedings. The university reserves this right, regardless of whether criminal charges are pending, reduced, or dismissed. The university's disciplinary procedures are administrative proceedings, not criminal or civil in nature. Therefore, formal rules of evidence and procedures akin to those of civil or criminal trials are not applicable.
As a Jacksonville State University community member, students and organization members are expected to uphold and abide by all local, state, federal, and international laws. Referrals received, regardless of location, are subject to possible disciplinary proceedings against the student and/or the organization.
Students will be held accountable in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct for behavior(s) that may have occurred before, during, and/or after an academic term. Additionally, all violations of the Code of Student Conduct, during the academic year, between academic terms, during times of non-enrollment, or during periods of suspension or dismissal, will be addressed.
Organizations are responsible for the conduct of members in relation to the organization from the time of application for recognition until the organization is no longer recognized by the University. Violations of the Code of Student Organization Conduct during the academic year, between academic terms, or during periods of suspension or dismissal will be addressed.
The Codes of Conduct apply to guests of students or organizations, and the student or organization can be held accountable for the misconduct of their guests. Visitors to and guests of the University may seek resolution of violations of the Codes of Conduct committed against them by a student or organization.