Doc. T16-029
Passed by the Board of Trustees on June 15, 2016
Purpose
To establish the essential elements for the codes of student conduct, including standard terms and definitions, expectations of acceptable behavior, and potential consequences for unacceptable conduct reflected in various campus policies and rules; and to require the issuance of standards to be followed by each campus.
I. Introduction
In addition to their academic pursuits, students at the University of Massachusetts (the “University”) are expected to be good citizens in their campus community. This requires adherence to standards of behavior and academic accountability set forth by the campus. The codes of student conduct on each campus enable students to understand these obligations.
In addition to this Statement of Policy, administrative standards will be issued to provide a framework for consistency among the codes of student conduct. The administrative standards will require each campus to have a code of student conduct which clearly defines expectations for acceptable student conduct consistent with University and campus policies and rules, as well as applicable federal and state laws and regulations, identifies possible consequences of unacceptable conduct, and sets forth procedures for addressing unacceptable student conduct on and off campus consistent with appropriate due process rights, in a fair and timely manner.
II. Policy Statement
It is the policy of the University that each campus establish a code of student conduct for the purpose of establishing community standards and procedures which foster and protect the academic and civic development of the University’s students in a secure learning environment, maintains reasonable order, and protects the rights of all members of the University community. The codes of student conduct will set forth the expectations of student behavior on and off campus and potential consequences for conduct violations.
Procedural rules for conduct violations will be developed and designed to safeguard the legal rights of individuals within the fundamental principles of due process and fairness. A code of student conduct must include: a description of potential consequences for violations of particular provisions of the conduct code, including suspension, interim suspension, or expulsion; and a clear description of any complaint and disciplinary processes, including any appeal rights. Each code of student conduct will embrace core philosophies: preservation of the rights of free speech and peaceable assembly; respect for freedom of inquiry and constructive criticism; a conviction that honesty and integrity are key values to the University community; and the belief that all members of the University should be part of a campus environment that respects all members.
III. Responsibilities
The President or designee, in consultation with the General Counsel and the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs or designee will issue administrative standards to implement this policy. Each campus’ code of student conduct and related procedures shall comply with the scope of this policy and the standards.