The following is a list of common sanctions for student organizations. In addition, accountability action plans may also be assigned. An organization’s prior conduct record as well as the nature and severity of the behavior and the organization’s truthfulness and cooperation in the accountability process will be considered in determining the appropriate sanction or plan. Additional information on sanctions can be found in Suspended, Expelled, or Otherwise Unrecognized Organizations policy of the Student Organization Administration section.
- Educational Conference. Such conferences involve a structured discussion with Student Accountability in which leaders of the organization discuss decision-making related to the incident and the impact on the organization and other members of the Vanderbilt community.
- Organizational probation. A status imposed on a student organization for a specific period of time to alert the group that their choices and behavior are significantly inconsistent with University policy and expectations. During this time, the organization is asked to take active steps toward improving the actions of their organization and to demonstrate that they can abide by University policy. Organizational probation will frequently be accompanied by a restriction from certain activities, including the restriction from hosting events with alcohol on or off campus, formal or informal. The probationary period may also restrict the organization from receiving a University award or honorary recognition, participation in recruitment/intake or receiving a new member class, or receiving or retaining institutional funding. Failure to complete all components of an accountability action plan or a finding of responsibility for another violation during the period of organizational probation will result in strong consideration of organizational suspension or expulsion.
- Organizational suspension. Separation from the University for a specified or indefinite period of time. During the period of suspension, restrictions on the organization may include, but are not limited to, hosting social or philanthropy events, receiving any University award or honorary recognition, participation in intramurals, representing the University in any capacity and any travel in connection with such representation, participation in recruitment/intake or receiving a new member class, maintaining membership or representation of the organization on the governing council, utilizing University facilities/ grounds, or receiving or retaining institutional funding. Any activity that is contradictory to the purpose of this sanction could allow for the period of suspension to be extended. This would include any efforts to operate formally or informally as an unrecognized organization by recruiting new members, hosting events on or off campus, renting a facility off campus, or hosting social events as an organization. Conditions may be placed upon a student organization’s return to campus. Interim Restriction, pending an investigation and/or accountability meeting, may be imposed when there is reason to believe the action is necessary to maintain University functions or to protect the safety of individuals. Such Interim Restrictions are not considered disciplinary action and will not be subject to appeal.
- Organizational expulsion. Permanent separation from the University.
Presumptive/Minimum Sanctions for Organizations
- The minimum sanction for a violation of event registration or management policies by a student organization is an educational conference for the first offense.
- The presumptive sanction for student organizations that provide alcohol to those not of legal drinking age, whether through direct purchase or other group activities, is probation, including a restriction period during which the organization will not be permitted to host or participate in any events, on or off campus, where alcohol is present. Accountability action plans may mandate organizations host practice parties with alcohol or dry events to return to hosting events with alcohol.
- Student organizations that unlawfully furnish alcoholic beverages to students who are not of legal drinking age, may also be held responsible for personal injuries or property damages resulting from misconduct committed by underage, intoxicated students.
- Sanctions will be imposed for misconduct that results from the provision or use of alcoholic beverages or other drugs. Student organizations will also be held responsible for any damages that result from their misconduct.