Student Organizations and the Conduct Process

Unless otherwise stated, wherever this Code refers to “student” the same also applies to student organizations. “Student organization” means any group or organization of students of Kenyon College that has obtained official recognition as a student organization. Communications with student organizations regarding conduct matters may be directed to the President, advisor, and Student Organization email account. The College reserves the right to notify inter/national organization representatives of such matters at any time. 

It is the goal of the College to support a campus culture where alcohol is responsibly used and that students are mindful of potential safety risks. For the purpose of this policy, social events with alcohol are defined as events sponsored by student organizations that are registered with the Office of Student Engagement and will take place in designated, reservable spaces on campus. It is expected that those who agree to host social events also agree to ensure the safety of those in attendance. Specific expectations for student organizations hosting social events with alcohol may be found in the Student Organization Handbook.

If members of a student organization or students representing the group violate the code of conduct, disciplinary action may be taken against the group as a whole, its officers or individual members. 

The process for resolving alleged violations of Student Organization Conduct is the same as the process for an individual student, and is outlined in the Student Conduct Process section of the Student Handbook. For departmental organizations including varsity athletic teams, the vice president/provost who oversees the department will consult with the president on decisions for alleged violations rather than utilizing the Student Conduct Process.

For organizations and groups that are found responsible for violation of the code of conduct, sanctions may include, but are not limited to the following:  

• Organizational Notification. Written or verbal notification to inter/national organization representatives, officers or advisers.

• Loss of Privileges. Denial of privileges such as removal of services and access to facilities, restriction of use of campus financial account and/or student activity fee funding, attendance or participation in activities/programs, loss of theme or division housing privileges.

• Social Probation. Probationary status during which time the organization is restricted from participating in social events, including hosting as an organization.

• Probation of Student Organization. Probationary status for a specified period, typically not less than one semester, during which time the organization will be required to fulfill specific conditions before reinstatement to good standing.

• Suspension of Student Organization. Separation from the College for a specified period, typically not less than one semester. Involves loss of all rights and privileges of student organizations, including the use of College facilities, and probationary status for one year following completion of suspension.

• Termination of Student Organization. Termination is the most serious of College disciplinary actions for a student organization. It involves permanent separation of a student organization from the College and removal of recognition of the organization.

If a sanction is violated, the individual and/or group may be subject to further disciplinary actions. 

An individual student, who is part of a student organization, may be sanctioned under the code of conduct separate from any sanctioning received by their organization.