Student Code of Conduct
Understanding U of I鈥檚 Student Code of Conduct
The Student Code of Conduct (鈥渢he Code鈥) outlines the behavioral expectations and responsibilities of 魅影直播 students. As a Vandal, you are part of the university and a valued member of the local community. The Code promotes safety, accountability and personal growth through education and fair policies.
Our commitment
Our student conduct team is dedicated to:
- Educating students on how their decisions impact themselves and the community through reflection, guidance and accountability.
- Ensuring a fair and consistent student conduct process based on university policies and best practices.
- Collaborating with university and community partners to provide resources, support and opportunities for students, faculty and staff.
- Providing a space where students can ask questions, address concerns and navigate the conduct process.
魅影直播鈥檚 student conduct process works to balance the safety and security of members of 魅影直播 through personal accountability, reflection and growth. You will have an opportunity to reflect on your choices, understand how your actions have an impact on those around you and grow from the experience.
Academic dishonesty
Academic honesty is a core value at 魅影直播 and is a key part of the Student Code of Conduct. While the Code sets university-wide standards, individual instructors may establish additional academic integrity expectations for their courses. These guidelines, outlined in course syllabi or other materials, can vary based on subject matter and teaching style 鈥 so be sure to review them carefully.
If a student is found responsible for academic dishonesty, the instructor may assign an academic penalty, which is separate from any disciplinary action taken by the Dean of Students Office under the Student Code of Conduct.
Academic dishonesty FAQs
What is academic dishonesty?
Acts of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to the following:
- Cheating. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, the following actions as they relate to academic work:
- Using, purchasing, providing or possessing unauthorized materials, sources or assistance without authorization from the instructor.
- Copying from another鈥檚 academic work either for the student鈥檚 own use or for the use of others.
- Sharing academic work without prior permission from instructor.
- Acquiring, without written or verbal permission, tests or other academic material belonging to the instructor or another member of university faculty or staff.
- Completing academic work for someone else or having someone else complete academic work on your behalf.
- Representing another student in a class for attendance or participation purposes or asking another person for representation for attendance or participation purposes.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, research or academic content and the unauthorized alteration or invention of any information or citation.
- Forging, altering, reproducing, removing, destroying or misusing any University document, record or instrument of identification.
- Plagiarism. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Using, by paraphrase or direct quotation, the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment.
- The unauthorized alteration or invention of a citation.
- Buying or selling academic work for the purpose of submitting it for course completion.
- Submitting academic work, or any part of academic work, completed for one course as work for another course without the express prior approval of both instructors.
- Prohibited behavior. Engaging in any behavior related to course completion prohibited by the instructor or otherwise including but not limited to unauthorized collaboration and reliance on prohibited technological assistance/artificial intelligence tools.
- Misrepresenting facts for academic advantage. Examples include but are not limited to providing false academic achievements and false medical documentation for academic extensions.
- Violation of university policy regarding intellectual property and research. All data acquired through participation in university research programs is the property of the university and must be provided to the principal investigator. In addition, collaboration with the Office of Research and Economic Development for the assignment of rights, title and interest in patentable inventions resulting from the research is also required. See FSH 2300: Student Code of Conduct.
How can I avoid academic dishonesty?
- Cite your resources. If it isn鈥檛 your idea, give the person who came up with it credit for their work.
- Be cautious where you sit. Cover your answers, and distance yourself from others to reduce temptation to cheat.
- Don鈥檛 share your assignments. If a classmate has a question, offer to help them.
- Don鈥檛 post assignments on websites that offer them to other students.
- Don鈥檛 use websites that offer pre-prepared papers for your own assignments.
- Learn each instructor鈥檚 expectations. Read the syllabus and ask questions.
- Submit only your own work on assignments.
- Clarify team project parameters. Learn what you are able to submit as your own.
- Comply with honor statements that might be required in your classes.
- Be mindful of using artificial intelligence as each instructor may have different limits or expectations of use. Read your course syllabus carefully!
- Protect and do not share your computer files so others cannot copy your work.
What are U of I's expectations?
魅影直播 has specific expectations described in the Student Code of Conduct. Instructors may more specifically define standards for their courses with information in a course syllabus or other documents. Learn the expectations of each instructor, as learning environments vary both in content and teaching style.
Instructors may issue an academic outcome separate from any outcome that the DOS may impose if under the Code there is a finding of responsibility for academic dishonesty/misconduct.
Are there online resources I can use to help me avoid academic dishonesty?
Alcohol and Drug Policy
The Dean of Students Office addresses potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct or the Residence Hall Handbook related to alcohol and drug use. Our goal is to support students while upholding university policies as well as local, state and federal laws.
As a student, it is important to understand:
- If you are under 21, consuming alcohol is illegal in the United States.
- If you are over 21, there are still situations when and where alcohol consumption could be illegal and a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
- While 魅影直播 acknowledges that alcohol use is a personal decision, the Student Code of Conduct outlines the university鈥檚 stance on alcohol use and the possible outcomes for students found in violation.
Alcohol and other drug support services
U of I offers services designed to support students struggling with alcohol or other drug use.
Conduct violation process
When a possible violation of the Student Code of Conduct is reported, students have the opportunity to reflect on their choices and take steps to repair any harm caused.
How the conduct process works
The Dean of Students Office (DOS) investigate potential violations. Reports may come from:
- Law enforcement, such as the Moscow Police Department
- University departments, including Housing, Student Involvement, and Fraternity and Sorority Life
- Individual reports, submitted through the VandalCARE system
When a complaint is received, the Dean of Students Office may:
- Open an investigation
- Refer the case to another university office for review and follow-up
- Explore other resolution options
What to expect
If an investigation is opened, you will receive an official letter via your Vandal email address outlining the concern and scheduling a meeting with a conduct hearing officer. The meeting may be in person or over Zoom.
During the meeting, the hearing officer will explain the process and listen to your perspective. You can share relevant information, name witnesses and ask questions. The conversation is informal 鈥 just be open and honest.
Resolution options
You have two ways to resolve the case:
- Informal resolution:
- The hearing officer reviews the allegations and listens to your perspective.
- If found responsible, you will receive educational outcomes via email.
- This decision is final and cannot be appealed.
- Formal investigation:
- An investigator gathers evidence and meets with witnesses.
- A report is prepared for review.
- A decision is made by an administrator or the Student Conduct Board.
- You have the right to appeal the decision.
After the meeting
You will receive a decision letter via email. If found responsible, you will be assigned educational outcomes, such as reflection exercises, community service or other measures to help you grow from the experience.
Repeated violations may result in more serious consequences, including suspension or expulsion.
Amnesty policy
The health and safety of the Vandal Family is our top priority. We understand that students may hesitate to seek help due to fear of university consequences. The Amnesty Policy removes barriers, ensuring you can seek emergency medical attention for yourself or others without facing a Student Code of Conduct violation for alcohol or drug use.
This policy applies to:
- Students who seek medical attention for themselves
- Students for whom medical attention is sought
- Bystanders under the influence who call for help
While the Amnesty Policy protects you from conduct violations, it does not exempt you from follow-up conversations with the university. Our goal is to support you, discuss what happened and provide recommendations for your well-being.
Conduct resources for parents and family members
If your student is involved in an incident requiring a meeting with a hearing officer, you may wonder how to best support them. The conduct process at U of I is designed to be educational, helping students develop self-advocacy, professionalism and accountability. While your student may seek your support, they may also choose to navigate this process independently. It鈥檚 also important to understand your student has privacy rights under FERPA (Family Education Rights & Privacy Act). University employees may be limited on what they will share without explicit approval from your student.
By supporting your student鈥檚 independence and responsibility, you are helping them develop important life skills for their future.
Common questions
My student was accused of violating the Student Code of Conduct. What happens next?
Your student likely received a notification letter detailing the allegation and inviting them to participate in the conduct process. Due to FERPA regulations, the university cannot share case details without your student鈥檚 explicit consent. This process is student-centered, encouraging them to take responsibility for their decisions.
What is the conduct violation process like for my student?
A hearing officer will meet with your student in a fair and supportive environment, where they can share their perspective. The officer will investigate the incident and determine responsibility based on a preponderance of the evidence (i.e., whether it is more likely than not that a violation occurred).
How can I support my student?
Encourage your student to advocate for themselves rather than stepping in to resolve the issue for them. This experience is a valuable opportunity for growth and accountability.
Should I hire an attorney for my student?
The conduct process differs from the criminal justice system. While students can bring an advisor, advocate or friend to their meeting, these individuals cannot speak on their behalf. Hiring an attorney is not necessary in most cases but that decision rests with your student as to whom they would like as their advisor.