Involvement in a student organization is a powerful experience in the development of individuals. In order to allow our students to make a discerning choice about their involvement, Furman University began reporting conduct violations by organizations in the fall of 2016. The conduct report is updated at the end of each fall and spring academic semester; violations are made public for four years from the semester the violation occurred.
Below you will find a condensed report of violations involving alcohol, drugs, sexual misconduct, physical violence, hazing, or demeaning behavior. These violations may stem from acts of individuals; however, in each instance, the behavior was either closely linked to organizational activity, occurred in an environment permitted by the organization, or represented illegal or otherwise prohibited behavior condoned by the organization’s membership. Consequently, the organization was held responsible in addition to any conduct action involving the individual(s) involved. The description of complaint section offers details from the initial complaint received by the institution. Consequently, it may differ slightly from the actual facts of the violation.
In addition to the corrective action taken by Furman that is outlined below, each organization may take additional steps to self-correct issues via an internal standards board, membership review conducted by the national office of the organization, or other similar processes. Those actions are not represented below.
Furman’s conduct process is designed to be educational, restorative, and consequential. Organizations are given the opportunity to learn from past mistakes and move forward positively. Consequently, a history of violations does not necessarily represent an on-going negative environment or culture within that organization. Concerning patterns of misconduct have and will continue to result in suspending or expelling University recognition.