Skip to main content

Overview and Scope

The Student Conduct System

The purpose of the student conduct system is to promote honesty, fairness, respect, and accountability within the university community and to provide a fair and effective mechanism for resolving situations in which a student (or group) is alleged to have violated the standards or policies of the university.

All reports of student behavior may be filed with or forwarded to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Staff within the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards will determine the most appropriate means by which to handle a report. Resolution may include a conference, alternative/informal resolution, or disciplinary action.

Any alleged violation of university policy is within the scope of the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. If the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards determines that another office is more appropriate to handle the situation, the case may be referred to that office. 

  • The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards is designated to oversee the conduct system for students. It also oversees and implements the procedures of the Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Misconduct (PPDHRM)related to undergraduate and graduate and professional students.
  • Hearing officers are designated by the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards to resolve disciplinary matters through informal or formal disciplinary resolution.
  • The Conduct Board (CB) is designated to resolve formal disciplinary matters that involve complicated circumstances, serious infractions of university policy, and/or repeated misconduct. The CB is comprised of students, faculty, and staff. Consideration shall be given to the appointment of a board reflective of the population of the university community. 
  • The Appellate Board considers appeals of students/groups found responsible and sanctioned through a panel hearing of the Conduct Board, and/or complainants in harassment-related cases. The Vice President/Vice Provost for Student Affairs appoints the chair and other members of the Appellate Board, consisting of faculty, staff, and students.
  • Peer Advisors are available to assist students/groups through the conduct process. Advisors include students and staff who have been trained and are familiar with the confuct system. A list of advisors is available from the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.