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UNT//CSRR University of North Texas

Code of Student Conduct

Revised Spring 2004.

Purpose of the Code

The primary concern of the University of North Texas is the student. The university attempts to provide for all students a campus environment that is conducive to academic endeavor and social and individual growth. To that end, rules, regulations and guidelines governing student behavior and the student's relationship with the university have been formulated into a student code of conduct and discipline. Enrollment at the University of North Texas is considered implicit acceptance of these and other policies applicable to students, all of which are educational in nature and designed to help students understand expectations and accept responsibility for their own actions.

This code and other University policies are subject to change. Changes are available in the Office of Student Development and through university publications. The student is responsible for obtaining all published materials and updates from the Vice President for Student Development Office relating to the code and to become familiar with other rules and guidelines which have bearing on student behavior and responsibilities.

Authority for Discipline

As both the responsibility and the authority for discipline at the University of North Texas ultimately rests with the Board of Regents, the President, acting on their behalf, has delegated authority to administer a fair and just disciplinary program to the Vice President for Student Development Office. Therefore, the Judicial Officer, his/her staff or designee, and certain committees to whom this responsibility has been delegated, have the authority to enforce all regulations approved and stated in university documents or otherwise and to administer disciplinary procedures.

This Code is applicable to currently, continuing, and formerly enrolled students as well as individuals seeking admission to the University. Conduct prior to admission to the university that may have an adverse affect on the student/university relationship may be considered by the university. Applicants and formerly enrolled student cases shall be reviewed exclusively by the judicial officer without right to appeal to the Committee on Student Conduct.

Student Responsibility

Students retain the responsibilities of citizenship. The university expects that each student will conduct him/herself in a manner compatible with the University's function as an educational institution. Regardless of place of residence, each student must observe all federal, state and applicable local laws both on and off campus. Any student who violates any provision of those laws is subject to disciplinary action, including expulsion, notwithstanding action taken by civil authorities on account of the violation.

Nature of the Code

The Code of Student Conduct is not a contract and serves only as a guideline for the fulfillment of acceptable and fair procedures.  The standard of review in all hearings is by preponderance or greater weight of the credible evidence.  The Board of Regents has the authority and may modify or change the Code of Student Conduct at any time.  In addition, the procedures contained herein may be modified by the University at any time in order to effectuate justice.

Records

Upon receipt of information regarding an alleged violation of the code, a disciplinary file will be generated in the Vice President for Student Development Office. At the conclusion of the disciplinary process, the file, including original complaint or evidence, summons, statements, hearing notations, conclusions and sanctions, if any, will become a part of the disciplinary records in the office. Disciplinary records are kept for seven years from date of incident. At that time, the material will be destroyed, except for files dealing with misconduct penalties such as disciplinary probation, suspension or expulsion, which become a part of the student's permanent behavioral record in the Vice President for Student Development Office and will be retained indefinitely. Disciplinary records may be introduced and given due consideration in any subsequent case in which the student may be involved.

Appeals of Decisions of the Committee on Student Conduct

Within three working days after the decision has been made by the Committee on Student Conduct, either or both parties may appeal to the Vice President for Student Development. The appeal shall be in writing and set out the specific facts upon which the appeal is based.  The decision will be reviewed upon the basis of the written summary or tape recording of the hearing and/or documents filed and produced at the hearing and/or any witnesses the Vice President for Student Development wishes to call.  The Vice President for Student Development may request both parties submit oral or written arguments to support their positions All documentation the appealing party wishes to be considered, including written arguments when appropriate, must be filed with the Vice President for Student Development within three (3) working days after notice of appeal is given or after a request for documentation is made by the Vice President.  The Vice President for Student Development may modify, uphold, or overturn the decision in question or may require that the original hearing be re-opened for the presentation of additional evidence and reconsideration of the decision.  All decisions by the Vice President for Student Development concerning matters of student disciplinary appeal are final.

Organizational Discipline

Organizations will follow the same process as outlined above; however, organizations may appeal a sanction of conduct probation.  In addition, organizations may ask for an administrative review after one year from the date their sanction becomes final.  The organization will submit a written request to the Judicial Officer with documentation supporting such request.  The Judicial Officer may grant, deny or modify the request.  Organizations may not appeal the decision of the Judicial Officer, but may submit subsequent requests for review annually.