COVID-19 & General Guidelines for Student Organization Events and Student Conduct
*Note: The President’s Office determines the current campus event status.
All University-sponsored in-person events are subject to approval by Events & Visitor Services and the Division of Student Affairs. Events will be approved on a case-by-case basis and must adhere to all University and CDC COVID-19 guidelines.
For Virtual Events, see the following:
- All virtual events sponsored by RSOs must be registered through the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership. Virtual event submissions should be submitted to jsuengage@jsums.edu. A virtual function is not approved until the respective RSO has received an approval email.
- All virtual events sponsored by RSOs must be attended by the organization’s advisor, meaning the advisor must be present on the virtual platform throughout the entire event.
- The Student Handbook is the guiding principle for all virtual events. Therefore, expectations relating to illegal drugs, alcohol, technology presence, and other associated student conduct expectations should be considered when planning and executing virtual events. The visual appearance of prohibited items during RSO sponsored events is not permitted.
- Invitation only events are allowed for student organization executive board/leadership team meetings and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) members’ only meetings. However, the advisor presence is required on the platform during the entire meeting time.
- Virtual event attendee limitations may be limited according to the desired platform selected. As a result, RSOs should be mindful of this restriction while planning events.
- During student leadership election periods, virtual events must be registered through the CSEL. In turn, a Jackson State University® professional staff member must be present on the platform for each event.
- Outside programming, including table set up, is prohibited during this time.
- Through the Campus Activities Board (CAB), Registered Student Organizations have access to funds to assist with costs associated with the new guidelines.
- All programs and events are limited to JSU™ students ONLY.
Guest Speakers (appearing virtually)
Per the Campus Speakers Policy, registered student organizations may invite persons of their choosing for campus appearances. Such invitations must be submitted to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs or designee for review and approval before arrangements for the campus visit are finalized with the guest. This guidance also includes events where student organizations desire to invite dignitaries (Elected Officials, other higher learning institution Presidents, etc.) to campus for any reason. Invitations of this nature must be submitted to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and approved by the University President. This request should be submitted to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs (studentaffairs@jsums.edu) and the CSEL (jsuengage@jsums.edu). Student organizations should allow five business days for review and approval. Student organizations are advised to plan accordingly.
Guest appearances must not interfere with the university’s regular instructional, research, and service activities and programs. Except for ceremonial occasions, invited speakers should be prepared to participate in reasonable public activities. Such public discussions may include classroom visits, attendance at receptions and related functions, media appearances, and participation in community activities, programs, and projects.
Invited speakers are afforded the courtesy and protection appropriate to a University community. The institutional control of campus facilities and the academic environment’s integrity are not to be used as a device of censorship. Sponsorship of guest speakers does not imply approval or endorsement of the views expressed, either by the sponsoring organization or the institution. For more information, consult the Campus Speakers Policy and the Free Expression Policy.
COVID-19 & Student Conduct
All students who represent the university through affiliation with any Jackson State University® organization, or any university sponsored activity, are required to be in good standing as a Jackson State University® student. Depending upon the severity of offense(s), and/or decisions rendered by the hearing officer(s) or Student Affairs Conduct Committee, students, student groups, and/or student organizations found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct, and are sanctioned to student conduct probation may lead to University representation restrictions. Representation includes, but is not limited to the following: Student Government Association, athletics, band, clubs, fraternities, sororities, and organizations.
COVID-19 related student conduct violations
2.60 FAILURE TO COMPLY. Failure to comply with a proper order or summons when requested by authorized University officials; failure to comply with the directions of University officials (including residence hall staff) acting in the performance of their duties; failure to appear before a student conduct committee upon request; failure to provide student identification upon request; failure to abide by or comply with University policies and procedures, including student leadership, organization, and/or membership requirements; failure to comply with an ordered student conduct sanction.
This includes direct disobedience of a lawful order of a University official, as well as failure to evacuate a building during a fire alarm, drill, or when otherwise so ordered by a University official, fire department staff, or local law official.
COVID-19 Pandemic requirement: Failure to comply with wearing a mask when in the presence of others while on campus, practicing social distancing/physical distancing, and exceeding campus gathering limits.
2.80 GUEST’S BEHAVIOR. Students are responsible for the behavior of their guests whom they invite to the campus or permit to visit on the campus. If a guest is found to be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct while in the company of the student host or with the student host’s knowledge, applicable charges will be brought against the guest, as well as against the student host or the host student organization.
COVID-19 Pandemic requirement: Students are responsible for ensuring their guests are in compliance with campus safety rules, including practicing social distancing and wearing masks when in the presence of others on campus.
3.70 SAFETY CODE MISCHIEF. Tampering with safety equipment is a serious violation of the Student Code of Conduct and is subject to criminal prosecution. Turning in a false fire or bomb alert, by any means including a telephone call or by a warning device, theft, removal of, or tampering with fire extinguishing or safety equipment, exit signs, smoke alarms and detectors, fire hoses, sprinkler systems, hoses, fire mischief, or violation of University guidelines regarding fire safety, or standard safety (e.g., failure to follow evacuation procedures or obstructing the evacuation of a building during a fire, fire drill, or any other type of emergency) is strictly prohibited.
COVID-19 Pandemic requirement: Tampering with items required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the health and safety of all. Stealing, discarding, or purposely tampering with roommate, suitemate, or campus COVID-19 safety items. Deliberate failure to abide by any health or safety standards for any university related function (campus events, classroom operations, etc.).
4.10 TECHNOLOGY. Students and recognized organizations are cautioned that any material posted on the internet, including social networking sites and internet blogs will not be considered private or protected information. Students may be held accountable for inappropriate or unauthorized content posted in this manner and information obtained from such sources may be considered in cases of misconduct. This includes, but is not limited to, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn, BlogSpot, GroupMe, and YouTube. This charge also includes content included in communication threads via texts, emails, group chats, etc.
COVID-19 Pandemic Requirement: This policy also applies to student conduct/behavior associated with technology use, as a health and safety measure, throughout the pandemic. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Zoom Bombing (By Students and Non-Affiliated Parties)
- Online Class Disruptions/Virtual Hearing Disruptions
- Classroom/Virtual Events & Program Chat Behavior
COVID-19 & Student Conduct Sanctioning
Sanctions will be determined based on the level of severity of the violation, repeated offenses, or intent. Reports, along with supporting documentation, would be submitted to the Dean of Students Office via email (deanofstudents@jsums.edu).
- This does not apply to how faculty operate their classes. Of course, suspension is never the goal. However, the intention or impact would be based on non-compliance.
- First Violation:Fine: $75 plus educational sanctions or possible suspension based on the severity.
- Second Violation: Fine: $150 plus educational sanctions which includes loss of privileges (depending on the associated incident) or possible suspension based on the severity.
- Third Violation:Possible suspension for blatant disregard for policy and health concerns of the campus community.
For more information, please refer to the COVID-19 Pandemic Student/Student Organization Manual.