Student Conduct and Complaints
The information contained in this section references the university’s official Student Handbook. Students should consult the Student Handbook for complete information. New campus students are provided a hard copy edition of the Student Handbook during orientation. All students have access to the Student Handbook electronically.
Student Conduct
Each student at the Baptist University of Florida has given evidence of above-average dedication to Christian ethics. The practice of going beyond what is expected, in spirit as well as in service, should characterize every student’s activity in and outside the classroom, on and off the campus. Anything less than personal honesty, integrity, morality, and sensitivity is out of character for anyone preparing for Christian leadership and will be a factor in evaluating a student’s continuance in study as a part of the BUF family.
Conditions of Dismissal
The following violations of the University Code of Conduct may result in dismissal: (1) academic dishonesty such as cheating, plagiarism, and any other misrepresentation of work; (2) complicity in another student’s Code of Conduct violation through permission, approval, or assistance in the violation; (3) the use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs; (4) any criminal activity; (5) disorderly conduct; (6) sexual misconduct; (7) social media misconduct; and (8) any misconduct occurring on campus or in violation of the off-campus expectations of students preparing for Christian leadership.
Procedures for Appeal
Any student charged with misconduct will have the opportunity to appeal those charges through a sequence of fair and open progressive processes. In matters related to academic misconduct, an appeal of an instructor’s disciplinary decision may be made in writing to the School Chair, and ultimately to the Executive Vice-President of Academic Affairs. Non-academic misconduct appeals can be made to the University Hearing Officer in writing. The decision of the University Hearing Officer on appeals is final unless the President chooses to review the matter.
Filing a Complaint against BUF
While BUF expects individuals to attempt to resolve problems in a biblical manner, any student may make a complaint against the institution. Student complaints must be submitted in writing describing the complaint in the clearest possible terms, signed and dated, and sent to the attention of the Director of Student Life and Compliance.
If the complainant is not satisfied with the response of the Director of Student Life and Compliance, the student may submit an appeal in writing to the University Hearing Officer. The University Hearing Officer’s decision is final unless the President chooses to review the matter.
Appeal to Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Baptist University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and masters degrees. The Commission is to be contacted if there is evidence that appears to support an institution’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard. Procedures have been established to provide a mechanism for the Commission to consider complaints that address significant violations of the Commission’s standards. Questions about the accreditation of Baptist University of Florida may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Appeal to the State of Florida Office of Articulation
If an individual has exhausted the university’s grievance process and wishes to file a complaint against this institution, he/she may write a letter or email containing the name of the student or complainant, as well as a current address and phone number, along with the name of the institution, the location of the institution (city), dates of attendance, and a full description of the problem and any other documentation that will support his/her claim, such as enrollment agreements, correspondence, etc. One may then send the letter to:
Office of Articulation Department of Education
325 West Gaines Street, Room 1232
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400
Or email: articulation@fldoe.org
Or phone: 850.245.0427
Or fax: 850.245.9525