Non-Academic Student Misconduct

The board of regents, administration, faculty, academic staff and students of the a University of Wisconsin system believe that the teaching, learning, research and service activities of the university can flourish only in an environment that is safe from violence and free of harassment, fraud, theft, disruption and intimidation.

The university has a responsibility to identify basic standards of nonacademic conduct necessary to protect the community, and to develop procedures to deal effectively with instances of misconduct while observing the rights of students. Students who violate these standards of behavior are subject to university disciplinary action.

According to UWS 17, the university may discipline a student in the following situations:

1) For conduct which constitutes a serious danger to the personal safety of a member of the university community or guest.

2) For stalking or harassment.

3) For conduct that seriously damages or destroys university property or attempts to damage or destroy university property, or the property of a member of the university community or guest.

4) For conduct that obstructs or seriously impairs or attempts to obstruct or seriously impair university-run or university- authorized activities, or that interferes with or impedes the ability of a member of the university community, or guest, to participate in university-run or university-authorized activities.

5) For unauthorized possession of university property or property of another member of the university community or guest.

6) For acts which violate the provisions of CH. UWS 18, Conduct on University Lands.

7) For knowingly making false statement to any university employee or agent on a university-related matter, or for refusing to identify oneself to such employee or agent.

8) For violating a standard of conduct, or other requirement of restriction imposed in connection with disciplinary action.

If a student has been accused of a Chapter 17 violation, the first step is to discuss the matter with the Assistant Dean of Student Life or a member of their staff. An investigation of the alleged incident will be conducted and a decision will be made regarding the disposition of the case. Any student who is held responsible for a violation will have the right to appeal the decision of the Dean of Student Life.

More specific information about the procedures related to investigation, hearings, and appeals can be found in the full text of UWS Chapter 17, which is available in the Office of Student Life, and library. Additionally, questions may be directed to the Assistant Dean of Student Life at 472-1533. Any member of the university community who wishes to make a complaint regarding a student's behavior may do so by contacting the Assistant Dean of Student Life.

Students who live in university residence halls are bound contractually by additional policies printed in the Residence Hall Living Guide. Students accused of violating these policies may meet with Residence Life staff or student hearing boards for adjudication of their cases. Questions regarding Residence Life policies and procedures may be directed to a student's Residence Hall Director.