Frequently Asked Questions

what is the purpose of the student code of conduct?

The University Student Code of Conduct articulates UToledo's expectations of behavior for student(s), student group(s), and student organization(s); defines the process for addressing alleged violations; and explains the potential outcomes to be imposed for finding of responsibility. Get more detail at the The University Student Code of Conduct.

why does the office of student conduct and Community standards (OSC&CS) charge administrative fines and fees?

The Administrative Fines and Fees allow OSC&CS to support student growth and development by offsetting the cost of educational programming and sanctioning.

What are some of the common terms used throughout the student conduct process?

Some of the more common terms are listed below:

Business Days: Monday - Friday, excluding Saturday, Sunday, recognized University Holidays, and approved University Breaks.
Complainant: Person/Student, Student Group, Student Organization who was subject to the alleged misconduct.
Preponderance of the Evidence: Standard of Review for alleged violation(s) of the Student Code of Conduct. This standard requires that the information utilized shows that it is more likely than not that the alleged violation(s) or behavior(s) occurred.
Respondent: Student, Student Group, or Student Organization alleged to have committed a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
Student Group: A number of persons who are associated with the University and each other, but who have not registered or are not required to register as a student organization (athletic teams, clubs not registered as a student organization).
Student Organization: A number of persons who have registered with the University as a student organization (clubs, fraternities, sororities).
Written Notification: All correspondence will be sent via e-mail to your UToledo E-Mail Address.

For a full list of definitions used throughout the student conduct process, please refer to The University Student Code of Conduct.

what is student conduct amnesty, and how can i receive it?

At UToledo, we believe in addressing student health concerns directly and confronting dangerous behaviors, but also encouraging students to seek help in situations where their own or another student's health and/or safety is endangered. As such, a student who seeks assistance on behalf of themselves or another individual experiencing an alcohol and/or drug related emergency will not be subject to conduct action for the alcohol and/or drug use. Student(s) involved in reported incidents of sexual misconduct may also receive Student Conduct Amnesty for the alcohol and/or drug violation(s) only. Student Conduct Amnesty is only granted to individual students, not student groups and/or organizations, but may be considered as a mitigating factor for Student Groups/Student Organizations.

Additional information can be found in the Student Conduct Amnesty Policy.

i did not attend my information meeting, administrative review, and/or hearing, but I want to appeal the decision my hearing authority made. can i still appeal?

Respondents and complainants who fail to attend their Information Meeting, Administrative Review, and/or Hearing forfeit their right to appeal and/or respond to an opposing parties appeal. In such cases, the decision and sanction(s) issued by the Hearing Authority are final.

if i am found responsible for a conduct violation, will my parent(s)/guardian(s) be notified?

If you have not given OSC&CS written permission via a FERPA Release of Information Form, we will not share the contents of your file with anyone other than you. Exceptions to FERPA include a health and/or safety emergency or an educational need to know. Fill out the FERPA Release of Information Form.

The Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of a Respondent under the age of 21 found responsible for an alcohol and/or drug violation will be notified via US mail.

does the student code of conduct apply to my behavior if it happens off campus?

The University Student Code of Conduct applies to off-campus conduct of students, student groups, and student organizations in direct connection with the following:

Academic course requirements or any credit-bearing experiences;
Activities supporting the pursuit of a degree;
Activities sponsored, conducted, or authorized by the university or by registered student organizations;
Any activity that causes destruction of property belonging to the university or members of the university community
Any activity that causes harm to the health or safety of members of the university community; or
Any activity for which a police report has been filed, a summons or indictment has been issued, or an arrest has occurred for a crime.

why is my student group/organization being held responsible for the behavior of their members and/or guests?

Student groups/organizations will be held responsible for the behavior of their members and/or guests when one or more of the following exist:

Members are acting together to violate University policy (dependent upon the context of the behavior).
A violation arises out of a student group/organization sponsored, financed, or endorsed event.
The student group/organization's leadership and/or membership has knowledge of, or should have had knowledge of, the potential for a violation of policy to occur and failed to prevent its occurrence.
A pattern of individual violations of policy occurred on land owned, leased, or operated by the student group/organization.
The student group/organization provide the means for a violation of policy.

what are sanctions? why did i/my organization receive them?

Students found responsible for violating The University Student Code of Conduct will receive sanction(s). Sanctions are designed to educate the respondent on community expectations regarding appropriate behavior and to protect the UToledo Community and its members. Sanctions also help the respondent repair the harm they caused the community. Read more about The University Student Code of Conduct.

What does the hearing authority consider when sanctioning a respondent?

The Hearing Authority considers the following:

Statements and information presented at the review/hearing;
Seriousness of the violation;
How the behavior impacted the Complainant and the community;
The Respondent's prior conduct history;
The Respondent's intent and motivation;
How the University has handled same/similar violation(s); and
Credibility of the Respondent, Complainant, and Witnesses.

Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards