Student Rights and Responsibilities

By offering a wide range of services designed to assist as well as educate students in resolving their disputes, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR) combines Student Legal Services, Dispute Resolution Services, and the Office of Student Conduct. OSRR provides a forum that contributes to the individual growth and development of the student’s knowledge of community responsibilities, due process, conflict resolution skills, and university student conduct rules. Our resources are more effectively used by combining and referring within the judicial knowledge base that exists within these three services. The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities publishes the Student Handbook, The Golden Rule, which contains more detailed information on student life. Copies of The Golden Rule can be obtained at OSRR, or can be viewed on the Web at http://www.goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu.

Dispute Resolution Services

Dispute Resolution Services enhances the university community by offering mediation training and services directed at resolving interpersonal disputes while promoting individual responsibility. Mediation is a private, voluntary, decision-making process in which one or more impartial persons (mediators) assist people, organizations, and communities in conflict to work toward a variety of goals. This service is available to the university community and is encouraged for those who have been unsuccessful in resolving their differences. Mediation training is conducted several times each semester and is offered at two different levels: 1) a basic introduction to conflict resolution skills and mediation techniques session; and 2) as an advanced mediation techniques session. Mediation services are provided to UCF students, faculty, and staff at no charge. Mediation training is provided to students at no charge, and to faculty and staff at cost. Dispute Resolution Services also offers educational workshops and outreach programs to foster understanding and promote harmony within the university community.

Student Conduct

The Office of Student Conduct addresses alleged violations of the Rules of Conduct contained within the student handbook, The Golden Rule. This office is also responsible for advising students of their rights during the Student Conduct Review Process, dean’s certification, and student eligibility checks. The rules of conduct can be found in The Golden Rule handbook and copies may be obtained at the Student Conduct office, or can be viewed on the Web at http://www.goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu.

Students are urged to take advantage of the many services and educational programs available through the Office of Student Conduct and the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Student Legal Services

Student Legal Services provides students with advice and consultation, including court representation, in selected areas of law such as landlord/tenant, consumer, simple wills, traffic, and criminal. Each eligible student (i.e., an undergraduate or graduate student currently enrolled in UCF) is entitled to consult free of charge with a Program Attorney about any legal matter not excluded by program guidelines. Students in need of legal services should contact the Student Legal Services office. This service is by appointment only and no legal advice is given over the phone.