Student Conduct Code | Safety Awareness Facts and Education | SIU

The Student Conduct Code describes a set of policies designed to reflect the unique culture of the SIU community. This code is intended to provide a framework upon which we can all rely as we work toward our common goals. It is also reflects our commitment to procedural fairness and shared accountability. All students are expected to comply fully with all local, state and federal laws at all times. All members of the SIU community are held to a higher standard of conduct than those who have not chosen to become a part of the university community. Therefore, in addition to complying with all local, state and federal laws, students are required to comply with the standards of conduct and university policies set forth in the Student Conduct Code, which applies to all students throughout their time as members of the SIU community.

SIU recognizes student success, as well as the security and integrity of the university community, are affected by all areas of a student’s life, therefore students are responsible for conforming their behavior to the standards and policies set forth in this document at all times, whether on or off campus. These standards and policies are designed to foster an environment supportive of personal, social and ethical development and serve to promote the protection of the rights, responsibilities, safety and welfare of the university community while ensuring that all community members are free to pursue their educational goals. The Student Conduct Code will be applied without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, or military or veteran status. Any adjudication will be based solely on the conduct for which charges were brought against the student.

The Code applies to conduct occurring on any property owned, operated, leased or controlled by the university or at any activity sponsored or supported by the university. Recognizing off-campus behaviors often directly affect the educational environment or substantially interfere with the mission of the university, the university shall have the right to adjudicate any alleged violation of any provision of the Student Conduct Code, without regard for the geographic location of the alleged violation, at the discretion of the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. This may include violations which occur partly or entirely through electronic means.

The university reserves the right to initiate disciplinary proceedings for violations of the Student Conduct Code whenever the university has jurisdiction, regardless of whether criminal or civil proceedings have been commenced. Disciplinary actions by the university are independent of any criminal or civil proceedings and the university will not consider any decision, settlement, judgment, or other outcome of a criminal or civil proceeding in the adjudication of alleged violations of this Code. The disciplinary process will not be delayed pending the outcome of any legal proceedings.

The following rights and responsibilities are the foundational principles upon which the Student Conduct Code is based.

All students have the right to engage in a free exchange of ideas. University policies are intended to safeguard the rights of free inquiry, expression and assembly. All students have the right to freely express their views and examine all questions of interest. All students have the right to be free from discrimination or harassment based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, or military or veteran status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. All students alleged to have violated any provision of the Student Conduct Code have the right to procedural due process. All students have the right to be free from unreasonable restrictions or intrusions upon privacy, personal property, or dignity, in accordance with the provisions of this Code.

All students are responsible for knowing and complying with the Code as well as all local, state and federal laws, and other university standards, policies and procedures. All students have the responsibility to recognize the ways in which their actions reflect upon and affect the university and every member of the university community. All students have the responsibility to respect and protect the rights of every other member of the university community. All students are personally responsible for their actions, choices and decisions.

There are several areas if the Student Conduct Code including, but not limited to offenses related to academic misconduct, offenses relating to sexual misconduct, offenses related to persons, offenses related to property, offense related to health, welfare, or safety, and alcohol and drugs.

For more information, view the Student Conduct Code. 

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