Principles of Student Conduct

Students should conduct themselves in a way that reflects respect for the standards of our community; this includes obeying federal, state, and local laws as well as the guidelines listed below. Not knowing and understanding these standards is not a defense or valid excuse.

While this list is not intended to be exhaustive, some examples of how students might violate University standards and regulations include:

  1. Fraud, misrepresentation, forgery, falsifying documents, records or identification cards, fabricating research data, and plagiarism given to or received by a University official acting within the scope of his/her duties.  This includes providing incomplete information regarding an investigation into alleged policy infractions.
  2. Unlawful or improper use, manufacture, sale, distribution, or possession of alcohol as defined by University Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy.
  3. Unlawful use, manufacture, sale, distribution, or possession of drugs, narcotics, controlled substances, and/or the paraphernalia associated with such as defined by University Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy.*
  4. Possession, distribution, or use of items presenting an imminent or potential threat to the safety and well-being of others, including but not limited to the following
    1. weapons of any type (firearms, bb or pellet guns, knives, bows and arrows, stun guns, paint ball guns, and the like)**
      combustible materials such as gasoline or propane tanks,
    2. candles, incense, or other open flame or burning substances,
    3. operation of or tampering with fire safety apparatus for any purpose other than their intended and proper use.
  5. Disorderly conduct including:
    1. fighting, threats, assault, attempted assault, harassment, or other actual or attempted conduct which threatens the health or safety of yourself or another, or
    2. noise violations or other actions which could reasonably be expected to compromise the unhindered pursuit of the University’s educational mission.
  6. Obstruction, disruption, or noncooperation with a disciplinary hearing process, including perjury, and the failure to comply with an imposed response.
  7. Failure to comply with any reasonable request of a University official acting within the scope of his or her duties.
  8. Actual or attempted:
    1. theft to the property of the University or others, and/or
    2. damage to the property of the University or others
  9. Unauthorized use or misuse of or entry into property or facilities;
    1. obstruction of or dangerous interference with the free flow of traffic on campus;
    2. leading or inciting the disruption of day-to-day activities of others on campus; 
    3. misuse of University computers and computer systems and copyright infringement violations (see Computer Use Policies).
  10. Hazing, which may include actions taken or situations created which have the potential to produce mental or physical harm, discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule to a reasonable person.
  11. Sexual harassment, racial harassment, or any other form of illegal discrimination.  (See University Policy on Harassment and Discrimination on page 21 and Sexual Assault on page 23.)
  12. Sexual misconduct or assault, including any form of unwanted sexual contact. “Unwanted” means against a person’s wishes or without consent, including those instances in which the individual is unable to give consent because of unconsciousness, sleep, impairment, or intoxication due to alcohol or other drugs. (See page 23 for more information on sexual assault).
  13. Failure to consider community expectations and to demonstrate proper regard for the academic and personal rights of others. This includes complicity, as explained on page 20.
  14. Any violation of the University’s policies, rules, or regulations.

*Hookahs are frequently associated with drug use and are not permitted on campus without approval from the Office of the Dean of Students.  Students wishing to obtain approval must bring the hookah to 510 Wilson Commons during regular business hours.  If approved, the student will be given a certificate, which must accompany the hookah at all times.  Any unregistered hookahs are subject to confiscation by University Security and/or the University Fire Marshal’s Office.  Students possessing unregistered hookahs will face disciplinary action. 

**If a weapon is discovered, Security staff will confiscate it and turn the item over to the appropriate law enforcement agency.  In cases where the term “weapon” is subject to interpretation, students are expected to comply fully with Security staff directives.  Possession of weapons may result in arrest, and will likely result in suspension, and/or expulsion.