The Honor Code of Conduct

Coverage

The Honor Code of Student Conduct is the University's policy regarding non-academic discipline of students and student organizations. Academic discipline of students is not covered by this Code, but rather falls within the authority of the individual academic units of the University. Students have the responsibility to follow all regulations outlined in this policy.

Rationale

The primary purpose for the Code in the University setting is to respond to incidents of non-academic misconduct in a way that is developmentally sound and which creates an environment in which all members of the academic community can live, work, and learn together. The Code is designed to provide educational guidance to those wishing to develop into good citizens and, at the same time, to respond appropriately to behavior that may be inconsistent with University policies.
Criminal and civil codes are undesirable models for student conduct codes. Unlike society, Spalding University is a voluntary association of scholars who demand and deserve a positive and special learning environment, as well as an approach for enforcing the community's standards. Spalding University is a community dedicated to the principles of free expression in which diverse views are encouraged and embraced. Opinions that may be unpopular and/or contrary to the University's values and objectives, but do not otherwise violate policy, will not be prohibited.

Interpretation of Code

The University's Honor Code is set forth in writing in order to give students general notice of non-academic prohibited conduct. The Code should be read broadly and is not designed to define non-academic misconduct in exhaustive terms. The Dean of Students or his/her designee is the final authority in defining and interpreting the Code of Student Conduct and conduct procedures. The University reserves the right to amend the Code of Student Conduct at any time.

Inherent Authority

The University reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and well-being of the campus community. The Code applies to incidents that take place on University premises or at University-sponsored activities. Additionally, the Dean of Students or designee may determine that acts prohibited by the Code but not committed on University premises could also be grounds for disciplinary action. Such action will be taken if a student has acted in a way that substantially interferes with or endangers a member of the University community, or behavior with significant potential to disrupt the educational environment for a member(s) of the learning community or members of the broader community. Such acts include, but are not limited to, drug trafficking, hazing and acts or threats of violence against persons.

Each student shall be responsible for his/her conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree, even though conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment (and even if their conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded). The Code shall apply to a student's conduct even if the student withdraws from school while a disciplinary matter is pending.

Interim Administrative Authority

The Dean of Students, or her/his designee, may defer procedural due process and enforce an interim sanction(s), up to and including interim suspension. This action is taken to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the University community; to preserve University property; to ensure a student's own physical or emotional safety and wellbeing; or if the student poses an ongoing threat of disruption of the normal operations of the University. Any student who has had interim action taken against him/her will be afforded an Administrative Conduct Meeting or a Conduct Hearing, as soon as it is practical.

Student Contact Information


All students are responsible for maintaining their current address, phone number, and emergency contact information with the Registrar's Office. It is also the student's responsibility to frequently monitor their campus email, as this has replaced postal mailing as the university's most effective and efficient way to disseminate important information to the campus community.

Violations of Law and of This Code

Students may be accountable to both civil authorities and to the University for acts which constitute violations of law and of this Code. Those accused of violations are subject to the University disciplinary proceedings outlined in this Code during the pendency of any criminal or civil proceedings, or of any other University proceedings, regarding the same conduct. Accused students may not challenge the University disciplinary proceedings outlined in this Code on the grounds that criminal charges, civil actions, or other University proceedings regarding the same incident are pending or have been terminated, dismissed, reduced, or not yet adjudicated. Proceedings under this Code may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings. The University will refer matters to federal and/or state authorities when appropriate.

Standard of Proof

The standard of proof for incidents of non-academic misconduct is a preponderance of evidence. Preponderance of evidence is defined as evidence that a reasonable person would find persuasive or more likely than not to have occurred. The technical rules of evidence applicable to civil and criminal cases shall not apply when resolving incidents as outlined by this Code.