Why do we have a Code of Conduct?
It is the responsibility of a university to be concerned with the overall development of its students. The primary responsibility—intellectual development—is fulfilled in the classroom by the sharing of academic knowledge. Another responsibility held by a university is being concerned with the personal and social development of its students so that it may assist them in becoming mature, responsible adults. Establishing and maintaining standards of student conduct is one of the means through which this latter responsibility is fulfilled. There is a strong relationship between the educational purpose of ÒùÆÞÉç and the focus of student conduct on treating behavioral problems.
The Student Code of Conduct and the conduct process are part of the overall education of the student. As a community, the University is a place where students must accept their obligations to the group. At the same time, the University has an obligation to its community members to conduct its affairs effectively and efficiently. Actions by individuals or groups that interfere with the orderly functions of the University or actions that endanger the health or safety of members of the University community will not be tolerated.
Student Conduct Process
Step 1: Incident Occurs and Report Submitted
Anybody can submit a report regarding student behavioral concerns. Reports most typically come from one of the following:Ìý
- Residence LifeÌý
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Step 2: Report Reviewed
The Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards will review the report to determine one of the following:
- There is sufficient information to move forward to the next step of the process, or
- There is insufficient information and an investigation is necessary, or
- The reported behavior is not actionable under the Student Code of Conduct and the case is dismissed.Ìý
If necessary, an investigation will occur to obtain more information and determine if the information either warrants a charge of an alleged policy violation or the information does not warrant a charge and the case is dismissed.Ìý
Step 3: Information Meeting
At the Information Meeting, the relevant parties meet with a staff member to review student rights, discuss what occurred, accept or deny responsibility, and choose a resolution option.Ìý
Step 4: Resolution
One of four resolutions will occur depending on what is most appropriate for the case and what is selected by the parties involved. The four resolution options are as follows:Ìý
- Administrative review – Informal meeting with one hearing officerÌý
- Administrative hearing – Formal meeting with one hearing officerÌý
- University Conduct Board – Formal meeting with a hearing boardÌý
- Sexual Misconduct Board – Formal meeting with a sexual misconduct hearing boardÌý
Step 5: Outcomes
If a student/student organization is found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct, then sanctions will be issued.Ìý
If a student/student organization is found not responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct then the case will be dismissed.Ìý
Step 6: Appeals
Outcomes can be appealed within five business days of the decision. Grounds for appeal are as follows:Ìý
- New evidence, unknown or unavailable during the original hearing or investigation that could substantially impact the original finding or sanction.
- Procedural error or omission that significantly impacted the outcome of the hearing.Ìý
Step 7: Appeal Outcome
An appeal can result in either upholding the original decision, modifying the original decision, or overturning the original decision.Ìý
If you have any questions, please emailÌýStudentConduct@ÒùÆÞÉç.edu.