Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are members of the UC Davis campus and community. With this membership come benefits and responsibilities. The UC Davis Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline form the behavioral expectations of UC Davis students and RSOs. Appendix B of the UC Davis Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline specifically outlines the standards of due process provided to a RSO for reports of alleged misconduct.
An RSO is defined as any group whose membership consists of students currently enrolled at the university and recognized through the Center for Student Involvement (CSI). RSOs are responsible for following the UC Davis Standards of Conduct for Students (UC Davis Standards of Conduct) Sections 102.01 through 102.27, as well as university administrative policies.
Reports of misconduct by an RSO are categorized as Tier 1 or Tier 2 policy violations.
- Alleged Tier 1 policy violations involve minor violations of University administrative policies identified in the university Policy and Procedure Manual. CSI may address Tier 1 policy violations with an RSO according to CSI policy.
- Alleged Tier 2 policy violations include violations of the UC Davis Standards of Conduct and/or repeated or serious Tier 1 violations. Tier 2 and/or repeated Tier 1 violations are adjudicated by Student Conduct and Integrity (formerly OSSJA).
The extent and terms of disciplinary action against an RSO will depend upon the nature and severity of the violation, as well as any history of previous violations.
The primary intent of the RSO disciplinary process is to guide behavior and correct misconduct in a manner consistent with university policies and procedures. Through education and promoting critical decision-making, the disciplinary process seeks to help RSOs avoid future misconduct and repair any harm committed by the RSO and its members. As such, sanctions levied in the disciplinary process will be commensurate with the seriousness of the offense, with the understanding that repeat violations may justify increasingly severe sanctions up to and including loss of recognition.
The most common RSO violations include:
- Prohibited manufacture, sale or distribution of alcohol
- Prohibited manufacture, sale or distribution of controlled substances
- Hazing
- Conduct that threatens the health and safety of any person
- Failure to identify oneself to, or comply with the directions of, a university official or other public official acting in the performance of their duties while on university property or at official university functions
- Physical Assault
- Properties Use and Extracurricular Activities
- Violation of Disciplinary Terms
RSO Conduct Review Process
- Report Submitted to Student Conduct and Integrity
- - Report is reviewed by Associate Director/Director
- Does the alleged behavior, if true, violate policy? - Review for Cease Operations
- - Is there a potential threat to the health and safety of any person?
- Does the alleged conduct disrupt the orderly operation of campus?
- Is this alleged conduct of a serious nature?
- Operations restrictions may vary based on evaluated need - RSO Notified of Allegations
- - President of organization receives communication
- Directed to contact office to schedule meeting
- Failure to respond could result in privilege restrictions and case will proceed based on available evidence - Initial Meeting
- - Review of the allegations & policies allegedly violated
- Overview of process
- May have one advisor (silent observer) - Investigation
- - RSO may present evidence
- RSO may provide witness names
- Student Conduct and Integrity will collect information
- RSO may review any documentation supporting the report - Written Decision
- - Findings are based on a preponderance of the evidence standard
- Rationale for findings will be provided