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Frequently Asked Questions


I received a charge letter, what does this mean?

Upon accepting admission into Florida State University , you signed an agreement stating that you would abide by the Student Conduct Code. It is alleged that you have been in violation of the Student Conduct Code. You must call the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities at 644-5136 within 5 class days receipt of the charge letter to set up an appointment for an information session.

What is an information session?

An information session is a time for you to meet with a representative from the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities to discuss your rights as an FSU student. It is NOT a hearing, but an opportunity for you to become more informed of the disciplinary process. During the information session, you will:

a. review the materials that will be considered at your hearing
b. review your rights as a student
c. have the judicial process explained to you
d. select a hearing body to have your case resolved

I have been charged by the City of Tallahassee and FSU. Why am I being charged twice for the same alleged incident that occurred off campus?

The City of Tallahassee and FSU are two separate entities. The City of Tallahassee process involves city, county, or state laws and deals with legal issues. The FSU process focuses on University violations. You have been charged with a violation of the Student Conduct Code which must be resolved through the University judicial process regardless of the outcome of the legal process.

If my charges have been dropped by the City of Tallahassee , will they also be dropped by FSU?

No. The University falls under the Student Conduct Code and is separate from the City of Tallahassee criminal process. Your Student Conduct Code case will proceed regardless of what happens with the City of Tallahassee .

Do I need an attorney present during the University judicial process?

No, but you may have an attorney present if you choose. As an FSU student, you have the right to an advisor. This can be an attorney, friend, parent, faculty member, or whoever you choose. Student Government sponsors a Student Defender who can advise you throughout the judicial process. Regardless of who you choose to advise you, this person cannot speak for you in the hearing unless authorized by the hearing body. Typically, students are only allowed to have one advisor present during their judicial hearing.

Students will need to complete and submit the "Role of Advisor" form to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities two class days prior to their hearing in order for an advisor to be present at the hearing.

Why do I have a judicial hold on my registration?

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities may place a hold on your University records and registration if you have an outstanding case. This may mean that you have been charged with an alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code but have not begun the process. It may also mean that you have incomplete sanctions. Your hold will NOT be lifted until you contact our office and resolve the situation.

Will this charge stay on my record?

If you are found responsible for a violation of the Student Conduct Code, the University will maintain a record of the violation in compliance with Florida Records law (some exceptions may apply).

Who has access to my disciplinary file?

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, we are not allowed to disclose your disciplinary file to anyone but you. Typically, in order to disclose your disciplinary history to anyone (including parents), we must have a signed waiver from you.   

What is the FSU Parental Notification Policy?

The Parental Notification Policy at FSU states that we can notify parents in emergency situations or when students are engaging in high risk behavior. In addition, we will notify parents of students who are found responsible for possession or consumption of alcohol as an underage student twice within one year.

Why do I have to go through this process if I did not do anything wrong?

Upon entering FSU, you signed an agreement stating that you would abide by the Student Conduct Code. A report has been received by the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities stating that you allegedly violated the Student Conduct Code. To address this allegation, you must go through the judicial process. Remember, you are presumed not responsible for the charge until a decision is made following a hearing.

What sanctions will I be given?

Each case is treated individually, therefore, educational sanctions will vary from case to case. Our intent in sanctioning is to educate students on policies and decision making. Educational sanctions are determined based on the severity of the charge(s), a student's judicial history (if any), a student's developmental needs, and the Student Conduct Code.

What if I do not agree with the decision of the hearing?

As an FSU student, you have the right to an appeal. An appeal request must be submitted in writing to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities within five class days after receiving a copy of the decision letter. An appeal request must be based on one of the reasons listed in the Student Conduct Code.

I have been called as a witness in a disciplinary hearing, what does this mean?

Witnesses are called to provide testimony regarding student disciplinary cases. Individuals called as witnesses will be asked to give a brief statement regarding their involvement in the situation. They may be asked questions by both the hearing body and the charged student. Individuals serving as witnesses are typically required to be present at the hearing. However, witnesses may participate via telephone due to extenuating circumstances if approved by the Director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (or designee). Due to the nature of the hearing procedures, witnesses may be required to attend the hearing for a lengthy period of time. This will depend on the number of people involved and the extent of information.

What if I feel I am a victim in an incident?

If you feel a violation of the Student Conduct Code has occurred against you, you may contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities to file a grievance in the form of a signed, written statement. The office will then determine if the information warrants judicial charges. You may contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities or the Victim Advocate office to gain additional information about the judicial process and your rights as a victim in this process. You are also encouraged to file a report with the FSU Police to determine if what has occurred is a violation of any laws.