Student Conduct Code - Student Conduct & Community Standards

REVISED Student Conduct Code- Effective July 1, 2024

Student Conduct Code 2017-June 30, 2024

I. General Principles
II. Definitions
III. Offenses
IV. Administration of the Code
V. Sanctions
VI. Appeals
VII. Temporary Suspension and Other Interim Measures
VIII. Record Retention
IX. Reporting Policy

I. General Principles

A. Purpose

Washington University in St. Louis is a community that embraces our mission to act in the service of truth through the formation of leaders, the discovery of knowledge and the treatment of patients for the betterment of our region, our nation, and our world. In support of this mission, it is expected that our Students strive for personal and academic integrity, treat others with dignity and respect, and act as responsible citizens as members of our University community.

The Washington University in St. Louis Student Conduct Code (“the Code”) sets forth community standards and expectations for University Students. These community standards and expectations are intended to foster an environment conducive to working, learning and inquiry. Each Student is held to the expectations outlined in the Code.

Freedom of thought and expression as well as respect for different points of view are essential to the University’s academic mission. Nothing in the Code should be construed to limit the lawful, free and open exchange of ideas and viewpoints, even if that exchange proves to be offensive, distasteful or disturbing to some. However, such speech must conform to University policies.

The Code also describes general procedures that may be used to ensure that these standards and expectations are upheld by all Students. The University is committed to ensuring that Students adhere to University policies, take responsibility for their actions and recognize how their choices may affect others.

B. Inherent Authority of the University

Nothing in the Code should be construed as limiting the University’s inherent authority to take necessary and appropriate action to (1) further its mission and (2) protect the working and learning environment and the safety and well-being of the University community. The responsibility of Student Conduct Administrators and Decision-Makers is concurrent with that of the administration of the University and does not displace the University’s administrative responsibility to address instances of discrimination, harassment and threats to individuals or property. Furthermore, the authority and procedures described in the Code supplement, but do not supersede, rights retained by the University in its housing and residential life contracts and leases.

C. Interpretation of the Code and Standards of Conduct

The Code is not a civil or criminal legal code. It is intended to provide general notice to Students on our expectations and describe the types of behavior that conflict with University standards. Importantly, the Code’s provisions are not designed to be exhaustive; the Code should be read broadly.

D. Scope of the Code

Students and Student Groups are subject to student conduct procedures if they engage in behavior that occurs (1) on Campus; or (2) off campus when such behavior disrupts or adversely affects the University community and/or surrounding neighborhoods in the pursuit of the University’s objectives.
The University reserves the right to investigate and respond to any report of an alleged violation of the Code occurring on or off campus and alleged to have been committed by:
1. A Student or Student Group.
2. Any person who has accepted an offer of admission as a Student extended by any School at the University and is expected to be an incoming Student.
3. Any person who is not currently enrolled as a Student but has a continuous relationship with the University, including but not limited to continuing to reside in University property, or who is on an approved leave of absence or studying abroad through direct enrollment at another institution.
4. Any person who is not currently enrolled as a Student but is accused of an academic integrity violation allegedly committed while enrolled as a Student.

E. Proceedings

Student Conduct Code proceedings are intended to be informal, fair and timely. Procedures governing criminal or civil courts, including formal rules of evidence, are not applicable. Deviations from the procedures set forth in the Code or as provided by a Decision-Maker do not invalidate a proceeding or decision unless such deviation clearly results in significant prejudice to a Student Complainant, a Respondent or the University.

F. Violation of Local, State or Federal Law

Students or Student Groups may be accountable to both governmental authorities and to the University for acts that constitute violations of both applicable law and the Code. The University may refer a Student or Student Group to appropriate law enforcement agencies if it believes the alleged conduct at issue may constitute a violation of law.

Student Conduct Code proceedings at the University will not be subject to challenge on the grounds that criminal charges involving the same incident have been filed, prosecuted, dismissed, reduced or otherwise resolved by governmental authorities, or that such proceedings constitute double jeopardy (or a similar equivalent).

G. Violation of other University Policies

Students or Student Groups alleged to have violated certain University policies (e.g., the Research Integrity Policy) may be subject to proceedings under the Student Conduct Code as well as procedures and determinations pursuant to that other policy. Student Conduct Code proceedings will not be subject to challenge on the grounds that allegations involving the same incident have been filed or resolved, or that such proceedings constitute double jeopardy.

H. Time Limitations for Bringing a Complaint

Except as set forth herein, a Complaint alleging a violation of the Code may be brought at any time so long as the Respondent is a current Student or Student Group at the University, as defined in section II, and has not completed their program at the University and the University has not conferred their degree. Complaints alleging an academic integrity violation, however, may be brought against any current or former Student at any time. Potential Complainants are reminded that the University’s ability to effectively investigate Complaints can be hampered or negated by the passage of time. Potential Complainants are therefore encouraged to file Complaints in a timely manner.

I. Amendment of the Code

The University reserves the right to add to, modify or otherwise revise or amend the Code, as well as any policies and procedures set forth herein, at its sole discretion and without notice. Substantive changes to the Offenses under the Code (see section III) generally will not apply retroactively.

II. Definitions

A. Administrative Hearing

A procedure whereby a Student Conduct Administrator investigates and determines whether a Respondent is responsible or not responsible for one or more alleged Code Offenses and imposes Sanctions, if appropriate.

B. Academic Integrity Board (AIB)

An appointed body that hears and decides Complaints involving allegations of academic misconduct that are referred to it by Academic Integrity in the Office of the Provost.

C. Business Day

Any weekday on which the University is in operation and that is not designated as a holiday on the University’s official calendar.

D. Campus

All property owned, leased, managed or rented by the University or a subsidiary of the University.

E. Complainant

A University Community Member who initiates a Complaint alleging behavior that may constitute a Code Offense. Representatives of the University (e.g., Dean of Students, Residential Life, Washington University Police Department) may serve as a Complainant based on one or more reports received from faculty, staff, Students or third parties.

F. Complaint

A written submission reporting behavior of a Student or Student Group alleged to be in violation of the Code to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards or other University office designated to accept Complaints under the Code. A Complaint can be filed by any University Community Member. In cases administered by the Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office, third parties may file a Complaint if the alleged behavior and accused Student Respondent are within the scope and jurisdiction of both the Code and the Gender Equity and Title IX grievance procedures.

G. Consent

Consent consists of mutually understandable words and/or actions which indicate that an individual has freely chosen to engage in sexual activity. In the absence of such words and/or actions, Consent does not exist. Consent may not be inferred from silence, passivity, lack of physical resistance, or lack of verbal refusal alone. Consent to engage in sexual activity must be knowing and voluntary. For example, sexual activity is not knowing and voluntary and therefore not consensual when any participant is physically forced, passed out, asleep, unconscious, or beaten.

Sexual activity is also not knowing and voluntary and therefore not consensual if it is the result of coercion. A person’s words or conduct amount to coercion if they eliminate the other person’s ability to choose whether or not to engage in sexual activity. Examples of coercion could include the following, so long as the conduct rises to a level that eliminates the other person’s ability to choose whether to engage in sexual activity: threats (express or implied) of substantial emotional or psychological harm or any physical harm, confinement, or other similar conduct.

Consent to engage in sexual activity must exist from the beginning to end of each instance of sexual activity, and for each form of sexual contact. Consent may be withdrawn by either party at any time.

An individual who is incapacitated is unable to give Consent. In such circumstances, the Respondent will be held responsible if the Respondent either knew or a reasonable person in the same position would have known that the other party was incapacitated and therefore could not Consent to the sexual activity.

Incapacitation is the inability, temporarily or permanently, to give Consent because the individual is mentally and/or physically helpless due to a medical condition or the voluntary or involuntary consumption of drugs and/or alcohol, or the individual is unconscious, asleep, or otherwise unaware that the sexual activity is occurring.

H. Decision-Maker

An individual or a panel designated by the University to review a Complaint and determine whether it is more likely than not that a Respondent has engaged in behavior that constitutes a Code Offense. Decision-Makers may include, but are not limited to, Student Conduct Administrators, the Student Conduct Board, the University Sexual Harassment Investigation Board and the Academic Integrity Board.

I. Hold

An administrative action that prevents a Student from registering for classes, dropping or adding courses, withdrawing, changing grade options after registration and obtaining an official transcript.

J. Notice of Complaint

Written notice to a Student that includes a brief description of the reported behavior alleged to be in violation of the Code, a statement of the Code Offenses that are at issue and information regarding the procedures to be followed.

K. Panel Hearing

A procedure presided over by a Chair at which the relevant panel considers a Complaint alleging a violation of the Code, determines if a Respondent is responsible or not responsible for an alleged Code Offense and, if applicable, imposes Sanctions.

L. Pre-Hearing

A meeting held in advance of a Student Conduct Board (SCB) Panel Hearing presided over by the SCB Chair and generally attended by the Respondent, the Complainant and their respective Support Persons; and a representative from the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards and from the Office of General Counsel. During the Pre-Hearing, the Respondent and Complainant are given opportunities to discuss their proposed list of Witnesses and documents, and to introduce any evidence supporting their positions. Any matters that may require resolution by the SCB Chair prior to the SCB Panel Hearing are discussed as well.

M. Preponderance of Evidence

The “more likely than not” standard used by a Decision-Maker when evaluating the evidence and determining whether a Respondent is or is not in violation of the Code. A Respondent will be found to have violated the Code if the evidence demonstrates that it is more likely than not that the Respondent committed the Offense.

N. Respondent

A Student, or a Student Group, alleged to have violated the Code.

O. Sanction

A measure, or measures, imposed against a Respondent who has been found by a Decision-Maker to have violated the Code.

P. Student

Any person who is registered in one or more courses for academic credit in an undergraduate or graduate-level degree-seeking program offered by a School of Washington University in St. Louis or who is otherwise engaged in activities pursuant to the degree program requirements. If also registered as Students, teaching/research assistants and assistants in instruction are classified as Students for purposes of the Code.

Q. Student Conduct Administrator

A person or a University office of the University whose responsibilities include the administration of procedures under the Student Conduct Code. Student Conduct Administrators may include, but are not limited to, staff in University offices such as the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the Department of Campus Life, the Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office, the Office of Residential Life, Academic Integrity in the Office of the Provost, School of Medicine’s Office of Medical Student Affairs, some Schools and their Deans and graduate School administrators for academic integrity cases. Please also see paragraph I.D.2 for the scope of the Code.

R. Student Conduct Board (SCB)

An appointed body that hears and decides on Complaints referred to it by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards or a Student Conduct Administrator in another University office or department.

S. Student Conduct Board (SCB) Chair

The member of the SCB who presides over all SCB Pre-Hearings and Hearings conducted before the SCB and issues written decision letters. The SCB Chair also serves as the appellate officer and rules on appeals of decisions made by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards and by other University bodies, as necessary.

T. Student Group

Any organization of two or more Students that (1) is recognized by the University, Campus Life, Student Union, Congress of the South 40, Department of Athletics, Interfraternity Council, Women’s Panhellenic Association, Graduate-Professional Student Council or any of the University’s Schools or that (2) utilizes or seeks to utilize Campus space.

U. Support Person

Any one person chosen by a Respondent, Complainant or Witness to accompany them at any meeting or interview throughout the student conduct procedure. A Support Person serves at the Student’s own expense, if any, and may include, for example, a friend, faculty member, advisor or parent. The Support Person’s role is to provide support, advice or assistance to the person requesting their presence. The Support Person is not permitted to actively participate in any part of the procedure and may not serve as a fact Witness or a party in the proceedings. Therefore, if the individual personally witnessed the events at issue or has other first-hand information relevant to the factual circumstances, they may not serve as a Support Person.

V. University Community Member

Any Washington University in St. Louis faculty member, Student or employee.

W. University Sexual Harassment Investigation Board (USHIB)

Hears cases referred to it by the Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office involving allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and/or domestic violence, stalking based on sex and other sexual misconduct that may be in violation of the Code.

X. Witness

A person who may have knowledge about or other information related to a Complaint alleging a violation of the Student Conduct Code.

III. Offenses

A.

Any Student or Student Group that aids, conspires with, attempts or agrees to commit or protect a Student or Student Group who commits a Code Offense may be held accountable and sanctioned to the same extent as the Student or Student Group who has committed the Offense.

A Student or Student Group may also be held accountable for the conduct of any visitor who engages in an act that is prohibited by the Code.

Allegations of the the following Offenses by a Student or Student Group are subject to student conduct procedures under the provisions of the Code.

Academic Integrity: Academic or professional misconduct includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of data or records, impermissible collaboration, résumé or credential falsification, unauthorized use of resources, violation of test-taking conditions or otherwise engaging in activity prohibited by the University or applicable School’s Academic Integrity and Professional Integrity policies.
1. Plagiarism: Plagiarism consists of taking someone else’s ideas, words or other types of work product and presenting them as one’s own. A Student should not use, copy or paraphrase the results of another person’s work or material generated by artificial intelligence and represent that work as their own, regardless of the circumstances.
2. Cheating on an Examination: A Student must not receive or provide any unauthorized assistance on an examination. During an examination a Student may use only materials authorized by the faculty.
3. Copying or Collaborating on Assignments without Permission: When a Student submits work with their name on it, this is a written statement that credit for the work belongs to that Student alone. Unless the instructor explicitly states otherwise, it is dishonest to collaborate with others when completing any assignment or test, performing laboratory experiments, writing and/or documenting computer programs, writing papers or reports and completing problem sets.
4. Fabrication or Falsification of Data or Records: It is dishonest to fabricate or falsify data in laboratory experiments, research papers, reports or in any other circumstances; to fabricate source material in a bibliography or “works cited” list; or to provide false information on a résumé or other document in connection with academic efforts. It is also dishonest to take data developed by someone else and present them as one’s own.
5. Other Forms of Deceit, Dishonesty, or Inappropriate Conduct: Under no circumstances is it acceptable for a Student to:
  1. Submit the same work, or essentially the same work, for more than one course without explicitly obtaining permission from all instructors. A Student must disclose when a paper or project builds on work completed earlier in their academic career.
  2. Request an academic benefit based on false information or deception. This includes requesting an extension of time, a better grade or a recommendation from an instructor.
  3. Make any changes (including adding material or erasing material) on any test paper, problem set, or class assignment being submitted for a re-grade.
  4. Willfully damage the efforts or work of other Students.
  5. Steal, deface or damage academic facilities or materials.
  6. Collaborate with other Students planning or engaging in any form of academic misconduct.
  7. Submit any academic work under someone else’s name other than their own. This includes but is not limited to sitting for another person’s exam; both parties will be held responsible.
  8. Violate any rules or conditions of test-taking or other course assessment (e.g., bringing materials or devices into an exam room when disallowed).
  9. Knowingly making false allegations of academic misconduct against another Student.
  10. Engage in any other form of academic misconduct not covered here.
Disruptive Conduct
1. Conduct that unreasonably interferes with the rights of other University Community Members or visitors to the University to engage in educational, recreational, residential, administrative, professional, business, ceremonial or other activities.
2. Conduct that is unreasonably disruptive, disorderly, or disturbs the peace or incites others to engage in such behavior (1) on University-owned or affiliated premises, (2) at events or activities sponsored or participated in by Washington University in St. Louis or a Washington University in St. Louis Student Group or (3) off campus in surrounding neighborhood.
3. Conduct that is lewd or indecent.
Physical Assault
1. Physical assault.
2. Threatening physical assault.
Harassment and Bullying
1. Harassment as defined in the University’s Discrimination and Harassment Policy.
2. Sexual harassment as defined in the University’s Discrimination and Harassment Policy.
3. Stalking.
4. Any other conduct that is harassing, threatening, bullying or endangers the safety or health of a University Community Member or a University visitor.
Sexual contact: Sexual contact with any University Community Member or visitor to the University without that person’s Consent, including but not limited to rape and other forms of sexual assault.
Hazing: Hazing as defined in the University’s Hazing Policy.
Weapons and Explosives: Use, actual or implied possession, distribution, manufacture or storage of weapons, explosives, or fireworks, or an imitation or replica thereof, as defined by the University’s Policy on Weapons, Explosives or Fireworks on any University-owned or controlled property and at any University-sponsored event or activity except as otherwise permitted under the University’s Policy. Implied possession or threat of use of a weapon will also be considered a violation. Additional prohibitions as defined in the University’s Weapons, Explosives or Fireworks Policy.
Narcotics, Other Controlled Substances and Prescription Medications
1. Possession or use of medical or recreational cannabis on Campus or at off campus events and activities sponsored by the University.
2. Possession or use of narcotics or other controlled substances, including prescription medication, except as expressly permitted by federal law.
3. Manufacture of cannabis on Campus or narcotics or other controlled substances.
4. Distribution or facilitation of distribution of narcotics or other controlled substances, including prescription medication.
5. Possession of drug paraphernalia.
Smoking and Tobacco Policy: Smoking, vaping and otherwise consuming tobacco products within any University building and on University property and any additional smoking and tobacco usage as defined in the Tobacco Free Policy.
Alcoholic Beverages
1. Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by a Student in violation of the law.
2. Distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages, except as expressly permitted by law and by University policy.
3. Possession or use of common-source containers on Campus, including but not limited to, BORGs, kegs, mini kegs, trash cans, tubs or any similar containers of alcohol.
4. Manufacture of alcohol on Campus.
5. Alcohol abuse, including being involved, facilitating, arranging, or participating in extreme alcohol consumption activity that constitutes, facilitates, or encourages competitive, rapid or excessive consumption of alcohol.
Unauthorized Use of University Resources: Unauthorized or fraudulent use of the University’s resources, including, but not limited to, facilities, telephone system, mail system, electronic communication devices, electronic databases, course management programs and computer systems, or use of any of the above for any illegal act.
False Information
1. Knowingly furnishing false information to a University official or designee acting in an official capacity.
2. Falsifying information in applications for admission or financial aid.
3. Intentionally passing an insufficient funds check or fraudulent money order or other fraudulent payment to satisfy a financial obligation to the University.
4. Filing a false police report.
5. Knowingly making a false claim with the intent of fraudulently representing the University or a Student Group of the University.
Obstruction of Student Conduct Procedures
1. Preventing or attempting to prevent another person from reporting an alleged violation of a University policy or the Code.
2. Intentional falsification, distortion, misrepresentation of information, defiance or belligerence before any Student Conduct Administrator or any Decision-Maker of the University, as well as knowingly filing a false Complaint against a Student or Student Group.
3. Failure to appear before a Decision-Maker, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards or any University administrative personnel as directed.
4. Conduct that hinders, disrupts, interferes or attempts to influence another person to disrupt the procedures set out under the Code or other University policies or procedures.
5. Failure to comply with a directive or complete a Sanction imposed by a Decision-Maker.
6. Attempting to influence, harass or intimidate a Student Conduct Administrator, Decision-Maker, Witness, or other person involved in an investigation or Hearing conducted by the University.
Retaliation: Retaliation toward an individual who has made a report or is cooperating with a University investigation.
Identification
1. Refusing to self-identify upon reasonable request by an appropriate University official or designee.
2. Providing a false University identification card or other identification to an appropriate University official or designee upon reasonable request.
3. Manufacturing, using or possessing false identification, including another person’s identification.
Failure to Comply: Failure to comply with a reasonable and lawful request of a University official or designee acting in an official capacity.
Theft and Attempted Theft
1. Taking, attempting to take or using any University, public or private property without proper authorization.
2. Knowingly possessing stolen property.
Unauthorized Recording: Recording, attempting to record, sharing, publishing or distributing unauthorized video or photographic images of one or more persons taken in locations where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy or where otherwise prohibited by the University, including but not limited to prohibition by faculty in their courses.
Unauthorized Entry and Property Damage
1. Entry into any University, public or private property without proper authorization.
2. Deliberate destruction of, damage to, malicious use of or abuse of any University, public or private property.
Violation of University Policy: Knowingly or recklessly violating a published University policy, rule or regulation; or participating in conduct that one should reasonably know to be a violation of a published University policy, rule or regulation, including, but not limited to, Residential Life Policies and Procedures, Campus Life Student Group policies, and Parking and Transportation Rules and Regulations.
Fire and Life Safety Violations
1. Intentionally or recklessly disabling, removing, covering, hanging items from or otherwise tampering with safety devices, including, but not limited to, exit-door alarms, emergency telephones, fire-safety equipment, smoke detectors, sprinklers, closed-circuit television systems, emergency notification systems, and identification-card and door-access systems.
2. Intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause a fire or explosion.
3. Intentionally or recklessly causing the activation of a fire alarm.
4. Failing to comply with emergency notification directives, including the requirement to evacuate a building during a fire alarm (including a fire drill) or directives given during a tornado.
Criminal Charges: Formally convicted of or found guilty of a crime such that the Student’s continued presence on the University Campus poses a substantial threat to the ability of others to continue their normal University events and activities.

B. Student Groups

Student Groups and their officers may be held responsible for violations of the Code, and for violations of Campus Life policies, committed by any of their members or by others associated with the Student Group or organization in the event that the Student Group or its leaders, officers or spokespersons have given implied or overt consent or encouragement to the member alleged to have violated the Code.

IV. Administration of the Code

A. The Student Conduct Code is administered by the offices and bodies set out below.

Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
1. The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS) oversees the administration of the University’s Student Conduct Code. OSCCS staff serve as Student Conduct Administrators; in this role, they review all Complaints alleging a Code violation that are submitted to OSCCS.
2. Following initial review, OSCCS investigates and adjudicates the Complaint through an Administrative Hearing or refers the Complaint to the SCB or to another University office (see below) for adjudication.
3. If OSCCS retains the Complaint, the assigned Student Conduct Administrator investigates the facts of the Complaint and an Administrative Hearing is held. Complaints investigated and heard by OSCCS are governed by procedures posted on the OSCCS website.
4. If, as a result of the evidence presented, the Student Conduct Administrator determines that it is more likely than not that the Respondent has committed the alleged violation of the Code, OSCCS will impose appropriate Sanctions. OSCCS is not authorized to suspend, expel or otherwise directly terminate the status of a Student, unless by agreement with the Student. However, OSCCS is authorized to revoke a Student Group’s status.
Other Student Conduct Administrators: Representatives of a number of other University offices may serve as Student Conduct Administrators responsible for reviewing and adjudicating Complaints alleging violations of the Code. These offices include the Department of Campus Life, the Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office, the Office of Residential Life, Academic Integrity in the Office of the Provost, and the School of Medicine’s Office of Medical Student Affairs, as well as some Schools and their Deans.
Student Conduct Board
1. An assigned panel from the SCB hears and decides cases referred to it by OSCCS or a Student Conduct Administrator in another University office. Procedures for SCB Panel Hearings are posted on the OSCCS website. The SCB also performs other duties as called for by the Code.
2. The SCB has the authority to suspend, expel or otherwise directly terminate the status of a Student.
3. SCB members including the SCB Chair, selected from faculty, staff and Students, are appointed for a two-year term by OSCCS and may be reappointed. OSCCS consults with and seeks nominations from Faculty Senate Council, Student Union, Graduate-Professional Student Council, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Human Resources. OSCCS retains final authority to select SCB members and SCB Chairs. SCB members may be reappointed. Members of the Faculty Senate Council, Student Union Executive Council, officers of the Graduate-Professional Student Council, and officers of the University may not serve on the SCB.
4. The SCB Chair, a University staff or faculty member, is appointed by OSCCS and may serve without limitation for consecutive terms. The Chair presides over all SCB procedures.
5. OSCCS selects SCB panel members to be convened for a SCB Panel Hearing which will include three members, including the SCB Chair. OSCCS determines which SCB members will comprise the panel for each case. A Student member will comprise a portion of the Hearing panel in every case. Reasonable attempts are made to designate peer representation of a graduate or undergraduate Student member on every SCB Hearing panel.
The Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office and the University Sexual Harassment Investigation Board
1. The Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office (GETIXCO) receives and investigates Complaints that involve allegations of sex-based discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking based on sex. GETIXCO either investigates and adjudicates the Complaint or, in its discretion, may refer the Complaint to another appropriate University office, Hearing body, or Student Conduct Administrator (e.g., OSCCS, SCB, USHIB, the Office of Institutional Equity or Human Resources) for investigation and/or Hearing. If GETIXCO or its designee investigates a Complaint against a Student Respondent and a violation is found, GETIXCO may impose appropriate Sanctions.
2. The USHIB is composed of faculty, staff, and Student members.
3. Complaints investigated and heard by a USHIB panel or GETIXCO are governed by separate investigation and hearing procedures found on the GETIXCO website. Complaints may allege other violations of the Code, in which case GETIXCO or the USHIB may investigate and exercise jurisdiction over such Complaints in their entirety, as long as the additional charges arise out of the same set of facts and circumstances or are related to the alleged incident(s). The USHIB may elect to refer the other charges to GETIXCO, OSCCS or SCB for Hearing and resolution.
4. Following a determination by a USHIB Panel that it is more likely than not that a Respondent has committed a violation of the Code, Sanctions will be imposed in accordance with the applicable USHIB grievance procedures and may include suspension or expulsion.
Academic Integrity in the Office of the Provost and the Academic Integrity Board
1. Academic Integrity in the Office of the Provost receives and investigates Complaints that involve allegations of misconduct in violation of University (or a School’s) academic or professional integrity policies. Academic Integrity in the Office of the Provost either investigates and makes outcome recommendations regarding the Complaint or, in its discretion, may refer the Complaint to another appropriate University office, Hearing body, or Student Conduct Administrator (e.g., OSCCS, AIB, SCB) for investigation and/or Hearing. If Academic Integrity in the Office of the Provost, or their designee, investigates a Complaint against a Respondent and a violation is found, Academic Integrity in the Office of the Provost or AIB will recommend appropriate Sanctions.
2. The AIB is composed of faculty and Student members.
3. Complaints investigated and heard by Academic Integrity in the Office of the Provost or the AIB are governed by investigation and hearing procedures that are posted on the Academic Integrity webpage on the Office of the Provost’s website. Complaints may allege other violations of the Code, in which case Academic Integrity in the Office of the Provost or the AIB may investigate and exercise jurisdiction over such Complaints in their entirety as long as the additional allegations arise out of the same set of facts and circumstances or are related to the alleged incident of academic or professional misconduct. The AIB may also refer the other allegations to another appropriate Decision-Maker for investigation and adjudication.
4. In the event of a determination by the AIB that it is more likely than not that a Student committed a violation of the Code, Sanctions are imposed according to the applicable procedures and may include suspension or expulsion.
Authority of Schools Over Graduate and Graduate Professional Students
1. Each School at the University may establish an academic integrity officer and/or a panel to hear and decide cases of alleged academic or professional misconduct by its graduate or graduate professional Students. Schools that so choose are required to create procedures to govern the process of investigating and adjudicating the Complaints filed.
  1. The School Dean, or a designee, determines the composition of such a panel and the scope of the panel’s authority, which will not exceed the parameters set out immediately below.
  2. The panel has authority to impose or recommend appropriate Sanctions to the School Dean, including suspension or expulsion, if academic or professional misconduct is determined.
  3. Appeals of decisions made by an academic and professional integrity panel of a School may be made to the School Dean, whose decision is final. This includes decisions of a School’s academic and professional integrity panel where the panel is vested with such authority, and the panel’s decision is to impose the Sanctions of suspension or expulsion. Schools are permitted, but not required, to establish an intermediate level of appeal that must be completed before a final appeal to the Dean.
  4. Except for cases falling within Section IV.A.6.a(iii) above, any appeal from a decision of a Dean of a School to suspend or expel a Student will be made in accordance with the provisions of Section VI of the Code.
2. If a School does not establish an academic integrity officer or panel or if an established officer or panel fails to function, Complaints of academic or professional misconduct against graduate or graduate professional Students may be heard by Academic Integrity in the Office of the Provost, the AIB or the SCB.

B. Internal Student Group Procedures

Student Groups may establish procedures that they can use to determine if a member has violated the group’s expectations of its members and/or internal policies, as well as apply appropriate remedies for Student members. The University regards it as essential that such procedures, investigations and remedies be conducted in a fair manner.

Student Groups are strictly prohibited from taking any investigative or other actions with regard to allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault or other alleged violations that are the exclusive responsibility of GETIXCO.

C. Temporary Appointments

In the event that Student Conduct Administrators or other individuals with roles in investigating and adjudicating alleged violations of the Student Conduct Code are unavailable to serve as described above, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Provost, Dean of Students, Dean of a School or their designees may serve as the Student Conduct Administrator or appoint an appropriate University official to serve temporarily in that capacity.

V. Sanctions

A.

Subject to the limitations described below in paragraph V.B.7., a Sanction may be imposed following a determination that a violation of the Code has occurred. A Student’s entire academic record, Student conduct record, and criminal history, if appropriate and relevant, may be considered in determining the appropriate Sanction. The Respondent is responsible for any financial costs associated with a Sanction.

Warning: A written notice of a Code violation finding and that a continuation or repetition of Code violations may result in a more severe Sanction.
Written Reprimand: A written reprimand, as well as a second notice that a continuation or repetition of Code violations may result in a more severe Sanction.
Probation: A specific period of time during which the Student may be expected to complete an additional Sanction or may be restricted from participating in specified University programs events and activities. A continuation or repetition of Code violations may result in a more severe Sanction.
Suspension: Removal from Student status at the University for a specified period of time (see also V.B., below).
Expulsion: Permanent removal from Student status at the University (see also V.B., below).
Restitution: Reimbursement for actual damage or loss resulting from the violation through appropriate monetary compensation as determined by the University.
Educational Assignments (Educational Remedies): Required activities and submissions that may include, but are not limited to, participation in workshops, trainings, educational classes and panel discussions; meetings with University officials or other specified persons; completion of any subsequent educational requirement; and composing letters of apology, research papers or reflective essays.
Alcohol/Drug Wellness Meeting: Participation in a wellness meeting with a Habif Health and Wellness Center Alcohol and Other Drug Health Educator for supportive education and assistance in setting personal goals for substance use.
Activity Restriction: Ineligibility for participation in some or all elected and appointed positions within the University, as well as ineligibility for participation in University-recognized events and activities for a specified period of time.
Facility Access Restriction: Exclusion from some or all University owned or leased facilities and grounds, including but not limited to housing, athletic and recreation facilities or grounds, for a specified period of time.
Housing Probation: Notice that any further violation of the Code or other stipulations of the Housing agreement may result in termination of the Student’s Housing contract and their removal from Residential Life Housing.
Temporary Removal from University Housing: Temporary removal and ineligibility to reside in University Housing ― including off campus University-owned, -leased, -managed or -rented apartments ― for a specified period of time.
Permanent Removal from University Housing: Removal and permanent ineligibility to reside in University Housing, including off campus University-owned, -leased, -managed or -rented apartments.

B. Conditions of Suspension and Expulsion

A Student who is suspended or expelled is not permitted to be on Campus for any reason, including to attend on or off campus University-sponsored events and activities, or to be in any University-owned, -leased, -managed or -rented property.
A Student who is suspended is prohibited from applying any academic credit for coursework, internships or study abroad earned during the period of suspension, completed at the University or elsewhere, toward a degree from the University.
A Student who is suspended after completing all degree requirements but before degree conferral will not be awarded a degree until their period of suspension is over. Additionally, a Student may not participate in Commencement exercises until the period of suspension is over.
In the event that a suspension and an academic time away or medical leave of absence occur simultaneously, the suspension and time away/leave of absence will occur consecutively, not concurrently.
If the University is contacted by another institution of higher education or by a future employer, agency or entity conducting a background check or investigation, the details surrounding a Student’s suspension or expulsion will be disclosed in accordance with the law.
Suspensions and expulsions are permanently noted on the Student’s official transcript.
Sanctions of suspension and expulsion may only be imposed by:
1. SCB.
2. USHIB.
3. AIB.
4. The Chancellor, Provost, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or Dean of a Graduate or Graduate Professional School or their designees
5. For Graduate and Graduate Professional Schools that grant such authority, the School’s Academic and Professional Integrity Panel

C. Academic Misconduct

If academic misconduct is determined to have occurred, the AIB may recommend that the faculty member in whose course the academic misconduct occurred consider a grade penalty, for example, that the grade of the Respondent be lowered or that no credit be given. The final decision regarding any grade penalty, however, is at the faculty member’s total discretion.

D. Sanctioning of Student Groups

As set forth in the Code, Student Groups are subject to the same or modified Sanctioning provisions as individual Students, including, but not limited to, revocation of the Student Group’s status. Campus Life policies provide a full listing of Student Group regulations and Sanctioning.

E. Failure to Comply with Sanctions

If a Student or Student Group fails to satisfactorily comply with an assigned Sanction (or Sanctions), a Hold may be placed on the Student’s record and/or the Student or Student Group may be subject to other interim measures (e.g., restricting their participation in University events and activities). The Hold will be removed upon completion of the assigned Sanction. Other circumstances created by failure to comply with an assigned Sanction are outlined in section III of the Code.

VI. Appeals

A. Who Can Appeal

A Respondent who has been determined to have violated the Code may submit a written appeal of decisions by a Decision-Maker who has imposed Sanctions.
A Student Complainant has the right to appeal decisions of the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards that result in dismissal of their Complaint. A Student Complainant also may appeal a finding that the Respondent did not commit an Offense.
If the University served as the Complainant in a case, it may not appeal a decision that is adverse to the University.

B. Grounds for Appeal

A Student may initiate an appeal on any of the following grounds:
1. A procedural irregularity that materially affected the determination.
2. Except for Academic Integrity Cases, new evidence that was not reasonably discoverable or available before the decision was made that could have affected the determination.
3. A conflict of interest or bias on the part of the Decision-Maker that affected the determination.
4. The claim that the Sanctions imposed are excessive.
Grade penalties imposed by a faculty member for academic misconduct are not considered a Sanction under the Code and are not appealable.

C. Appeal Officer Authority and Actions

The appeal officer is not permitted to substitute their judgment of the facts for that of the Decision-Maker. The appeal officer, whose decision is final, may take the following actions:

Affirm the original finding and Sanction (or Sanctions).
Remand the case to the appropriate Decision-Maker for further procedures.
Modify the imposed Sanction (or Sanctions).
If there was a procedural or factual defect that cannot be remedied by a remand, dismiss the case.

D.

Sanctions are stayed pending the disposition of an appeal, but a temporary suspension or other interim measures (see section VII) remain in effect. If a Hold was placed on the Student’s record for a suspension or an expulsion, it will remain until final disposition of the case.

E.

More infortmation on appeal procedures and processes is posted on the websites of the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office, and Academic Integrity in the Office of the Provost.

VII. Temporary Suspension and Other Interim Measures

A. Temporary Suspension

The Chancellor, Provost, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dean of Students, Deans of Schools or their designees with suspending authority may suspend a Student for a temporary period of time in the following situations:
1. There is evidence that the Student has committed an Offense under the Code.
2. The Student has been indicted or otherwise formally charged with a crime.
3. There is evidence that the Student’s continued presence on the University Campus or in the University community poses a substantial threat to the Student, to others or to the ability of others to continue their daily University activities.
The suspending authority will limit the scope of the temporary suspension to those parameters necessary to protect those who might be harmed by the Student’s actions. Access to University-owned, -leased, -managed, or -rented property, the Campus, or to University events or activities, may be limited. In cases of substantially disruptive or dangerous behavior, the suspending authority may deny the Student access to the University-owned or -leased, -managed, or -rented property, and/or prohibit class attendance and participation in University events and activities.
Written notice of the temporary suspension setting out the scope and rationale, as well as the appeal procedures under the Code will be sent to the Student at their University email address.
A Student wishing to appeal a temporary suspension can submit a written appeal to the suspending authority within five (5) Business Days from the date of the written notice of the temporary suspension. In order to be reviewed and acted upon, the appeal must question one or more of the following issues:
1. The reliability of the information about the Student’s conduct on which the suspending authority based the decision to issue a temporary suspension.
2. If a reasonable basis exists for believing that the Student’s continued presence on Campus poses a substantial threat to the Student or to the rights or the safety, security and well-being of others to engage in their daily University activities.
3. The reasonableness of the temporary suspension.
Following the suspending authority’s imposition of a temporary suspension, OSCCS or the Student Conduct Administrator will issue a Notice of Complaint to the Student within a reasonable time.
A temporary suspension ends when rescinded by the suspending authority or when the Complaint brought against the Student is heard and decided.

B. Other Interim Measures

The University may determine that other interim measures are necessary and appropriate to ensure the safety, security and well-being of the University community or to otherwise prevent and/or respond to allegations of misconduct while a Complaint against a Student is pending. Such measures may include, but are not limited to:

A no-contact order
A wellness or behavior contract.
Temporary changes to housing, work or course/classroom assignments.
Limitations on the Student’s participation in University events and activities.
Denial or limitations of access to University facilities.

VIII. Record Retention

A.

Except as otherwise described in the Code, both written and electronic records of cases alleging non-academic violations of the Student Conduct Code are destroyed by OSCCS after a period of 10 years from the date of the final decision.

B.

Records of cases alleging academic or professional integrity violations of the Student Conduct Code that are maintained by OSCCS and Academic Integrity in the Office of the Provost are retained permanently.

C.

Records of any cases resulting in suspension or expulsion, as well as records of cases that are not pursued because the Student Respondent withdraws from the University while a Complaint is pending against them, are retained permanently.

IX. Reporting Policy

Information regarding a Student’s conduct record may be reported to internal or external agencies in accordance with the University’s Student Conduct Code Violation Reporting Policy. More information is posted on OSCCS’s website: Reporting Policy.