Responsible Office: Student Development
Policy Administrator: VP for Student Development
Scope: |Student

Approved By: VP/Provost

Approved Date: 7/1/2017

Effective Date: 7/1/2017

Category: Student

Description/Purpose:

An explanation of the University's jurisdiction over students in student conduct issues

Details:

Jurisdiction

Students at the University are provided a copy of the Student Handbook, which contains the University's Code of Student Conduct, annually in the form of a link on the University website. Hard copies are available upon request from the Office of Student Conduct. Students are responsible for reading and abiding by the provisions of the Code of Student Conduct.

The University retains conduct jurisdiction over students who choose to take a leave of absence, withdraw or have graduated for any misconduct that occurred prior to the leave, withdrawal or graduation. If sanctioned, a hold may be placed on the student's ability to re-enroll and/or obtain official transcripts. All sanctions must be satisfied prior to re-enrollment eligibility and/or the degree may be revoked.

The Code of Student Conduct applies to behaviors that take place on the campus, at University- sponsored events and may also apply off-campus when the Vice President for Student Development or designee determines that the off-campus conduct affects a substantial University interest. A substantial University interest is defined to include:

• Any situation where it appears that the student may present a danger or threat to the health or safety of him/herself or others;
• Any situation that significantly impinges upon the rights, property or achievements of self or others or significantly breaches the peace and/or causes social disorder; and/or;
• Any situation that is detrimental to the educational mission and/or interests of the University.

The Code of Student Conduct may be applied to behavior conducted online, such as harassment through social media or bullying via email. Students must also be aware that blogs, web page entries on sites such as Google+, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and other similar online postings are in the public sphere and are not private. These postings can subject a student to allegations of conduct violations if evidence of policy violations is posted online. The University does not regularly search for this information but may take action if and when such information is brought to the attention of University officials. However, most online speech by students will be protected as free expression and not subject to this Code, with two notable exceptions:

• A true threat defined as a threat a reasonable person would interpret as a serious expression of intent to inflict bodily harm upon specific individuals;
• Disparaging speech posted online about the University or it's community members that causes a significant on-campus disruption

The Code of Student Conduct applies to guests of community members whose hosts may be held accountable for the misconduct of their guests. The Code may also be applied to resident non-students, campers and high school bridge/extension/partner/dual-credit and continuing education programs by contractual agreements. Visitors to and guests of University may seek resolution of violations of the Code of Student Conduct committed against them by members of the University community.

There is no time limit on reporting violations of the Code of Student Conduct; however, the longer someone waits to report an offense, the harder it becomes for University officials to obtain information and witness statements and to make determinations regarding alleged violations. Though anonymous complaints are permitted, doing so may limit the University's ability to investigate and respond to a complaint. Persons aware of misconduct are encouraged to report it as quickly as possible to the Office of Student Conduct and/or to University Police.