Student Organizations

Cal State Fullerton is responsible for investigating alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct and adjudicating complaints in a fair and consistent manner. Student organizations are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct and University Policy Statements that govern individual student and student organization behavior.

Below you will find the overview for the student organization conduct process and how allegations are addressed and questions that may arise from the University’s process.

Student Organization Investigation Process

This chart follows the procedures of a student organization investigation as initiated by the Office of Student Conduct. 

  1. The Office of Student Conduct receives a report of alleged misconduct involving a student organization and assesses if a policy may have been violated. Interim measures are considered.
  2. Student Conduct will notify the organization’s student leadership, the organization's Headquarters, if applicable, Student Life and Leadership, and the organization's advisor.
  3. The Notice of Investigation Meeting is held. This meeting is scheduled between Student Conduct, Student Life and Leadership, and the organization's president to explain the process, discuss the alleged charges, discuss the anticipated timeline of the investigation, and share expectations for the student leadership and the organization during the investigation. 
  4. Student Conduct begins the investigation and meets with witnesses to gain insight into the alleged charges and the reported incident. 
  5. Student Conduct concludes witness meetings and determines whether the organization is responsible for any policy violations and any appropriate resolutions in conjunction with Student Life & Leadership and the organization’s Headquarters, if applicable.
  6. The Notice of Investigation Outcome Meeting is held to present the investigation findings and required resolutions. This meeting includes Student Life and Leadership, the organization's student leadership, Student Conduct staff, and the organization's Headquarters, if applicable. 
  7. Once the findings have been delivered to the organization's student leadership, the outcome of the investigation is in effect.
  8. Organizations have the right to appeal the decision. Outcomes are in effect throughout the appeal process.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the standard for determining if an organization is responsible for violating a policy?

The Office of Student Conduct operates on a preponderance of the evidence, meaning the office determines whether it is more likely than not a policy violation occured when considering if an organization is responsible for violating a policy.

Is there an appeals process for student organizations?

Yes. Once the Office of Student Conduct has made its final decision, the organization is expected to abide by that decision. If they choose to appeal, they must notify Student Conduct within 5 working days of receiving the decision. Information on the appeal process will be provided to the organization's President during the Notice of Investigation Outcome meeting.

How will the outcome of the investigation be shared?

The Office of Student Conduct may publish an organization's conduct status and their assigned resolutions on a CSUF student affairs web page. Otherwise, the information is shared directly with the organization, the organization's Headquarters (if applicable), and with relevant professional staff campus partners, if necessary.

Does an organization have to participate in an investigation?

An organization does not have to participate in an investigation. However, a lack of participation means the Office of Student Conduct must make a decision based on the information they have without any input from the organization themselves. Students who are requested to attend witness meetings and who do not participate in the process may receive registration and transcript holds.

How long does the Office of Student Conduct maintain student organization conduct records?

Permanently. The Office of Student Conduct does not remove student organization conduct records from its files.