FSU Disciplinary Process for Alcohol and Theft Violations

Colleges and Universities A-Z Florida State University
1

<p>I was just brought up on several alleged violations of the FSU Student code of conduct.</p>

<pre><code> My roommate's friend brought a bottle of liquor to our room and was the only one drinking out of the six people there. The RA knocked on the door due to the noise, saw the bottle on the ground, and told us we were being written up. He also saw a "borrowed" recycling sign on our wall, which he confiscated. The sign was previously screwed in and taped to the wall in the hallway by the recycling room. My roommate and I found it removed from the wall and laying on the ground one night and decided it would look cool in our room so we snagged it and taped it on our wall above our own recycling bin. We honestly were planning on returning it at the end of the semester.

Anyway, I received a letter today informing us that we must attend a hearing for the possession of alcohol, and theft of the sign. The violation for the sign reads "Theft - without authorization removes or uses the property or services of another person or of the University, with the intent to permanently deprive the person or University of the property."

I just want to know if anyone has been in a similar situation (either the alcohol or the theft)? If so, do you think my roommate and I will still be punished for the bottle being in our room even if his friend takes full responsibility for it?

If we are found responsible for the "theft", I'm assuming we'll either get off with a warning, or be obligated to pay some sort of restitution. Has anyone had any experience with this (theft violations, not specifically a sign haha)?

I know that some not-so-smart decisions were made, but what's done is done and if you could hold back judgement I'd really appreciate helpful answers pertaining to my questions. Thanks for your consideration in advance.
</code></pre>

2

<p>I haven’t been involved in this but a friend has and whenever you go in for the hearing make sure you and your roommate have the same exact story saying how the other person brought it in </p>

3

<p>I haven’t been involved in this but a friend has and whenever you go in for the hearing make sure you and your roommate have the same exact story saying how the other person brought it in </p>

4

<p>

Yes. Housing policy is that there is no alcohol allowed in rooms if there is not at least 1 resident that is 21+. You’re likely going to be the one that gets hit the most for someone else’s (likely) underage drinking, but that’s the risk you take with having a party in your room. </p>

<p>

I wouldn’t be surprised if you were told to do community service and had other repercussions. I can see how it was assumed that you stole the sign. The smart thing to do would have been to have picked up the sign and taken it to your front desk and turned it in, not hang it on your wall. If it suddenly was reported to be missing from the wall, it likely was assumed that it was stolen… and since you had it in your possession you’re the one that’s assumed to have removed it from the wall, unfortunately.</p>

<p>If you are going to end up trying to blame someone else, I think you’re going to be in for an eye-opening experience. Admit the screw-ups, say your piece, and then hope that the people you’re appealing you are understanding of your situation. </p>