University Policy #1020
Section 1. Policy
A. Student Conduct Policy
Students at Metropolitan State University deserve the opportunity to pursue an education, and it is the responsibility of the university to provide an environment that promotes learning and protects the safety and well-being of the university community. Therefore, the university establishes this Student Conduct Code. Any action by a student that interferes with the education of any other student or interferes with the operations of the university in carrying out its responsibility to provide an education will be considered a violation of this code.
Students will be offered appropriate due process in the resolution of any allegations of violations of the Student Conduct Code. Students found responsible for violations are given the opportunity to participate in the development of a student conduct outcome process which may include an agreement including both restorative components as well as sanctions. In more serious cases, sanctions may include suspension or expulsion from the university.
During orientation, students shall be informed of the code of conduct and its availability. Annually, and upon amendment, the university will notify students of the availability and location of the Student Conduct Code. A copy of the code will be posted on the university website and at appropriate campus locations.
B. Off-campus Conduct
The university may hold students accountable for violations of behavioral standards committed off-campus when:
- hazing is involved; or
- the violation is committed while participating in a university sanctioned or sponsored activity; or
- the victim of the violation is a member of the college or university community; or
- the violation constitutes a felony under state or federal law; or
- the violation adversely affects the educational, research, or service functions of the university.
C. Appeal
Students found to be responsible for a conduct violation will be provided an avenue of appeal within the university. In addition, in cases involving suspension for (10) days or longer, students will be informed of their right to a contested case hearing under Minnesota Statute 14.D.
D. Procedures
The university will establish the procedures to implement this policy (1020, Student Conduct Code).
Section 2. Authority
This policy is issued pursuant to the Minnesota State Colleges and University System Student Conduct Policy 3.6 and Procedure 3.6.1.
Section 3. Effective Date
This policy shall become effective upon signature by the President, and shall remain in effect until modified or expressly revoked.
Section 4. Responsibility
The Vice President for Student Affairs is responsible for implementation of this policy and procedure. Any questions of interpretation regarding the Student Conduct Code shall be referred to the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Section 5. Review
The Student Conduct Code shall be reviewed every three (3) years under the direction of the Student Conduct Officer.
Occasionally there are changes of staff titles mentioned in this document. The Vice President for Student Affairs may make editorial changes relating to this document, in relation to titles of people, as long as the substance of the document is not affected. After these guidelines are published, the institution reserves the right to change these guidelines without notice to comply with changing local, state or federal legislation, or Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System policies and procedures. Should such a change be necessary, the institution will make reasonable efforts to inform the campus community of those changes. Questions should be directed to the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Section 6. Approval
Issued on this 23rd day of April, 2012.
President, Sue K. Hammersmith, Ph.D.