Temporary Restraining Actions (TRAs)

A Temporary Restraining Action (TRA) may be imposed by the assistant vice president for Student Affairs and/or the dean of students (or designee) pending the outcome of a student organization conduct disciplinanary complaint if the continued operation of the student organization threatens immediate and irreparable harm to the health or safety of persons or property. 

Notification of Meeting

Once a report alleging violation of one or more Student Organization Conduct Policy is received by OSSA, the organization (typically through the individual identified as its president or equivalent) will receive written communication. This communication will instruct the president (or equivalent) to schedule a meeting to discuss the potential for a TRA. Organization presidents are welcome to bring their on-campus advisor, chapter advisor (if appropriate/relevant), and/or external contacts affiliated with the organization (if appropriate/relevant). 

Meeting

During the meeting, the dean of students (or designee) will outline the TRA process, ask questions and seek information, and ultimately make a decision regarding if any TRA is needed to ensure safety of persons or property during the course of the investigation. The decision made by the dean of students (or designee) will be communicated in writing to the president (or equivalent) for the organization. 

Implementation of TRA Decision

Following the meeting, a written communication will be sent by the dean of students (or designee) communicating their decision regarding the implementation of any TRA(s). Examples of TRAs include, but are not limited to, the following: 

  • No TRA Implemented
  • Interim Suspension
  • Social Probation 
  • Cease of New Member Activities 
  • Additional advance notification requirements for University processes (as relevant) 
  • Pause on consideration for University processes and/or privileges (as relevant)  
  • Requirement to host all organization events on-campus and/or have advisor presence at all events

Petition for Removal of TRA

At any time after the implementation of one or more TRAs, an organization may submit a written petition requesting removal. Written petitions should be emailed to ossa.soconduct@msu.edu and are reviewed by the vice president for Student Affairs (or designee). The vice president for Student Affairs (or designee) will meet with the organization for the sole purpose of determining if the TRA will be continued and/or removed. The decision made by the vice president for Student Affairs (or designee) will be communicated in writing to the president (or equivalent) for the organization. 

Temporary Restraining Action (TRA) flowchart. Complete process described below.
Temporary Restraining Action (TRA) Process

Download the Temporary Restraining Action (TRA) flowchart. 

  1. Report Received: A report alleging a violation of Student Organization Conduct Policy is received by OSSA.
  2. TRA Consideration: Does the situation pose immediate and irreparable harm to persons or property? 
    1. TRA possible- Move through the review process.
    2. No TRA Needed- Continue through the conduct process
  3. Notify Organization: The organization president (or equivalent) is notified and instructed to schedule a meeting to discuss a potential TRA.
  4. TRA Meeting: Organization meets with the Dean of Students (or designee) to review the situation, answer questions, and discuss interim measures.
  5. TRA Decision: The organization is notified of the determination, outcome, and any assigned sanctions.
  6. TRA Consideration: Is a Temporary Restraining Action (TRA) needed?
    1. Yes - TRA is implemented
    2. No - Continue through the conduct process
  7. TRA Implemented: One or more interim restrictions are put in place to ensure safety during the investigation.
  8. Petition for Removal (optional):The organization submits a written petition requesting removal of TRA.
    1. Petition Review: VP for Student Affairs (or designee) reviews the request and meets with the organization.
    2. Petition Outcome:
      1. Continue TRA - No changes made
      2. Modify TRA - Changes to/removal of TRA
  9. Final Decision: Decision is sent in writing to the organization.