Resolutions

The following information provides information on possible sanction outcomes pending an SGARB panel and finding of violation. If SGARB panel members find the student group responsible for violating a university policy, then they will propose a range of sanctions: a minimum sanction and a maximum sanction. 

CSSI will review the proposed outcomes and determine which sanction to apply. An organization’s conduct history is a factor in determining appropriate sanctions for subsequent violations. Additionally, status sanctions (Disciplinary Warning through Derecognition) will progress in seriousness for subsequent violations. 

Though each case is considered uniquely, certain violations may result in minimum sanctioning due to the severity of the actual or potential harm. For example, if a student group is found responsible for hazing, the lowest status sanction they should expect to receive is Conditional Disciplinary Probation. 

Additionally, specific factors will escalate an outcome. These include, but are not limited to, forced alcohol or illegal substance consumption, repeated disruptions, hospitalizations resulting from the activity, physical altercations, and/or threats of violence. 

Please note that interim measures may also be issued by CSSI or OIE, in consultation with the Dean of Students (for schools), AVP Student Affairs (for IGB), or appropriate central administrative oversight (central councils/boards) prior to the start of the SGARB process, if deemed necessary. Please see the Interim Measures section (see page 11) for detailed information.

If a recognized student group is found responsible for violating a University and/or school policy, the recognized student group will be informed of the consequence(s) with a letter from the SGARB, copying the Dean of Students (for schools), AVP Student Affairs (for IGB), or appropriate central administrative oversight (central councils/boards).

Sanctions may include, but are not limited to:

An official warning that an RSG has been found in violation of University policy and any future misconduct by the RSG may result in a more serious disciplinary response from the University.

In conjunction with any other sanction listed in this section, an RSG may be assigned educational requirements. These types of sanctions are intended to provide the RSG with opportunities to repair the harm of their actions and to engage in experiences that will help the RSG to reflect on the behavior and assist in avoiding future violations of University policy. Educational Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, workshops, training, performance improvement plans, community service, and restitution or restorative acts. If the RSG has any outstanding (overdue) Educational Sanctions at the end of their Probation or Suspension, the Probation or Suspension status will remain in effect until such time that all requirements are met and approved by CSSI.

Funds may be removed from a recognized student group account as a means to address financial impacts of a recognized student group’s behavior (for example, destruction of property).

A period of time during which a recognized student group is unable to reserve University space for student group activities or a recognized student group is unable to utilize their groups funds due to student group accounts being frozen through the appropriate governing body. The RSG remains registered and has access to all other RSG privileges and benefits upon the condition that it complies with University and school policies.

A period of time during which a recognized student group is unable to travel as an RSG. The RSG remains registered and has access to all other RSG privileges and benefits upon the condition that it complies with University policies.

The prohibition and/or removal of one or more officers from a recognized student group due to their specific role in the policy violation. Removal may be temporary or permanent, based on the severity of the violation(s). This is an outcome distinct from the general policy that prohibits students not in good standing with the University from serving in any leadership capacity in a recognized student group.

This sanction is applied as a result of a breach of specific event and/or risk management guidelines. Social probation is effective immediately and remains through the date specified by SGARB. During the term of the social probation, should the recognized student group violate any additional policies, action will be taken appropriate to the level of the new violation, and may include no less than one full semester of social suspension.

Social suspension is effective immediately and remains in effect through the date specified by the SGARB. During the term of the social suspension, the recognized student group will hold no social functions of any nature. 

This is a period of time during which a recognized student group remains in good standing, and has access to RSG privileges and benefits on the condition that it complies with University policies. Additional restrictive conditions may be imposed as part of the disciplinary probation period and will vary depending on the severity of the policy violation (for example, travel restrictions, loss of funding, loss of space, etc.). Violation of Conditional Disciplinary Probations requirements (e.g., violating policy or imposed sanctions) shall be grounds for further sanctions up to and including Derecognition. All assigned Educational Sanctions must be completed prior to the conclusion of the Conditional Disciplinary Probation period; otherwise, the probation will remain in effect until the Educational Sanctions have been completed and approved by CSSI.

A period of time during which a recognized student group is permitted to remain registered and have access to RSG privileges and benefits upon the condition that it complies with University policies. Additional restrictive conditions may be imposed as part of the disciplinary probation period and will vary depending on the severity of the policy violation (for example, travel restrictions, loss of funding, loss of space, etc.). Violation of disciplinary probation requirements (e.g., violating policy or imposed sanctions) shall be grounds for further sanctions up to and including Derecognition. All assigned Educational Sanctions must be completed prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary probation period; otherwise, the probation will remain in effect until the Educational Sanctions have been completed and approved by CSSI.

A temporary loss of an RSG’s University privileges and benefits for a specified period of time. The purpose of disciplinary suspension is to provide a focused opportunity for an RSG to address issues that led to its violation(s) while limiting the day-to-day organizational activities of the group. The terms of disciplinary suspension will include, but are not limited to, ceasing all organizational activity. This includes not co-sponsoring activities or coordinating with other student groups; not hosting or assisting with any official or unofficial activities including business meetings, new member activities, intake/recruitment, philanthropic and/or community service events, alumni events, educational programming, and/or social events. In addition, the RSG may not use the Columbia University name in any advertisements or statements, including on-campus, off-campus, or on social media. The Dean of Students (schools) or the appropriate administrative oversight (central councils/boards) may work with the Associate Vice President for CSSI or the Executive Director of Community Standards and Accountability to allow additional organizational activity that would assist in the RSG’s development in the spirit of the SGARB outcomes and assist them in getting in good standing. Additional violations of University policies while under disciplinary suspension may lead to Student Group Derecognition. Notices of disciplinary suspension will be sent to campus service providers (e.g., reservations offices, funding providers). All assigned Educational Sanctions must be completed by the RSG prior to the conclusion of disciplinary suspension; otherwise, the disciplinary suspension will remain in effect until the Educational Sanctions have been completed and approved by CSSI. The RSG will typically have a minimum of one year of disciplinary probation following its disciplinary suspension.

The revocation of a recognized student group’s status and privileges. De-recognized groups are required to cease operations and disband as a recognized student group. De-recognized groups lose all University privileges.

An official request to a recognized student group’s national or international office that the local chapter’s charter be revoked.