PROCEDURES RELATED TO BEHAVIORAL MISCONDUCT:

Introduction

The University has designed its Behavioral Conduct system to be educational, disciplinary, restorative, and fundamentally fair. All parties must receive equal and just treatment, with due respect for all individual rights and privileges. The University ensures that the Complainant alleging the policy violation has the same rights as the accused Respondent. Students are presumed innocent (not responsible) until they are proven guilty (responsible).

A student's silence will not be held against him or her. Further, the presumption of innocence shall not be grounds to construe that any Complainant or witness presented false testimony or evidence.

The University's jurisdiction over Student Conduct shall not be limited to conduct that occurs on the University's campus. The University shall also have jurisdiction for off-campus conduct in the following situations:

  • student activity in direct connection with any credit-bearing experiences, including, but not limited to:
  • internships;
  • field trips;
  • study abroad; and
  • student teaching
  • any activity supporting pursuit of a degree, including, but not limited to:
  • research at another institution or a professional practice assignment;
  • any activity related to an extracurricular activity in which a student serves as a representative of the University; and
  • conduct which adversely affects the University community and the pursuit of the University's objectives
  • any activity that is considered a University-sponsored event, including, but not limited to:
  • away sporting events; and
  • performances (i.e., band, choir, debates)

Investigation and Determination

Allegations of misconduct may be initiated via several sources, including, but not limited to, law enforcement reports, incident reports, direct observations, and complaints. Any member of the University community may file a report against a student for misconduct. Reports should be prepared in writing and directed to the Student Conduct Officer or, in the case of infractions occurring in the residential community, to the Associate Director of Housing.

Reports not submitted in writing will be independently verified prior to initiating the conduct process. If a reporting party requests that his or her identity be withheld or that the allegation not be investigated, the University may consider if the request can be honored while still providing a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for the University. The reporting party should be aware that: (1) federal law mandates the University to report in certain cases, (2) the University cannot guarantee confidentiality, (3) honoring the request may limit the ability to fully respond to the incident, and (4) such request may limit the University's ability to carry out its conduct process.