8.05 / Student Code of Conduct

Effective: October 03, 2017Last Revised: May 23, 2023

  1. Initiating Authority

    The Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards ("Director") serves as the primary conduct administrator, as designated by the Vice President of Student Affairs. In this capacity, the Director is responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures for the administration of the Student Code of Conduct. The Director is responsible for notifying the University community of substantial changes to this policy.

  2. Policy Review

    1. This policy shall be reviewed a minimum of every three years under the direction of the Director.
    2. The following may also review the Student Code of Conduct:
      1. Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards;
      2. Office of Civil Rights, Title IX & ADA Compliance;
      3. Vice President for Student Affairs or their designee;
      4. Student Advocate, as appointed by Student Government Association; and
      5. Office of General Counsel.

  3. Purpose

    The purpose of this policy is to set forth the University's expectations for the behavior of Students, Student Groups, and Student Organizations, and the procedures for addressing behavior of Students, Student Groups, and Student Organizations that fails to meet those expectations, as set forth in the Student Code of Conduct Handbook.

  4. Policy

    By choosing to become a member of the University Community, Students are expected to demonstrate respect for themselves and others and to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with the Kansas Board of Regents and Wichita State University rules and policies; and federal, state, and local laws. When choosing to become a part of the University Community, the Student must understand that they will be required to adhere to University Policy. Being a member of the University Community is a privilege, and the student conduct process will determine whether a Student's conduct warrants the revocation of that privilege.

    It is a violation of this policy for any Student, Student Group, or Student Organization to engage in behavior that aids, attempts, assists, promotes, condones, encourages, requires, conceals, or facilitates any act prohibited by University Policy, including the Student Code of Conduct Handbook. Allowing, permitting, or providing an opportunity for a visitor to violate University Policy is also prohibited. Lack of familiarity with University Policy, intoxication or impairment from alcohol, drugs, or other substances shall not be an excuse or a defense to a violation of University Policy. Unless specifically noted in the policy definition, intent is not a required element to establish a policy violation.

    This policy applies to behavior conducted online, via e-mail or through other electronic mediums. The University does not regularly search for this information but may take action if such information is brought to the attention of University officials.

    Allegations Of Violation Of University Policy By Students, Student Groups, Or Student Organizations Shall Be Addressed In Accordance With The Student Conduct Process Set Forth In The Student Code Of Conduct Handbook, As Administered By The Office Of Student Conduct And Community Standards.

  5. Definitions

    For the purpose of this policy only,* the following definitions shall apply:

    1. Employee - an individual who provides services to the University on a regular basis in exchange for compensation and receives a W-2 for such services. This includes temporary and part-time Employees.
    2. University Community - includes but is not limited to the University and its Students, Student Groups, Student Organizations, Instructors and Employees, and the employees of University affiliates, and individuals participating in a University-sponsored program or activity.
    3. Student - any individual who has been notified of admission to the University; is enrolled in, auditing, or participating in any University course or program; or has a continuing relationship with the University. An individual is considered a student until they notify the University they are no longer a student or the University informs them that they are no longer a student. An individual who has been suspended is still considered a student during the suspension period. Students who leave the University before a conduct complaint is resolved may be prohibited from future enrollment and/or accessing University records until the matter is resolved.
    4. Student Code of Conduct Handbook - a handbook that contains the University's policies related to the behavior and expectations of Students, Student Groups, and Student Organizations, and sets forth the student conduct process for addressing violations of University Policy by Students, Student Groups, and Student Organizations.
    5. Student Group - any number of persons who are associated with the University and each other, but who have not registered, or are not required to register, as a Student Organization that conducts business or participates in University-related activities. Student Groups include, but are not limited to, Student Government Association, Student Activities Council, musical or theatrical ensembles, sport clubs, the University newspaper, or intercollegiate or independent varsity athletic teams.
    6. Student Organization - any student-led organization that has been approved and is recognized by the Student Government Association.
    7. University - Wichita State University (WSU) and its affiliates.
    8. University Policy - any written guidelines of the University or the Kansas Board of Regents as found in, but not limited to, the Kansas Board of Regents Policy Manual, WSU Policies and Procedures Manual, Student Code of Conduct Handbook, Housing and Residence Life Handbook, ICAA Manual, Graduate/Undergraduate Catalogs, Student Organization & Advisor Handbook, Library Facilities Policy, Traffic Regulations, and/or Intramural Sports Handbook.

    *A broader listing of definitions can be found in the Student Code of Conduct Handbook.

  6. Administrative Procedures

    A full listing of the Student Code of Conduct administrative procedures can be found in the Student Code of Conduct Handbook.

  7. Appicable Laws And Additional Resources

    1. WSU Policy 2.17 / Student Academic Integrity
    2. WSU Policy 3.06 / Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation for Employees, Students and Visitors
    3. WSU Policy 3.19 / Prohibition of Retaliation
    4. WSU Policy 3.47 / Discrimination Review Procedures for Students, Employees and Visitors
    5. Student Code of Conduct Handbook
    6. Housing and Residence Life Handbook

  8. Revision Dates

    1. September 10, 2019
    2. May 23, 2023