Student Responsibilities

These rules (referred to as the Code of Conduct) have been formulated to encourage responsible behavior, an environment conducive to learning and personal well-being. These rules and regulations, though not exhaustive, set forth standards of behavior, which protect your rights as well as outline your responsibilities to the University Community. By attending Southwest Minnesota State University, you automatically place yourself under the jurisdiction of the Code of Conduct. Therefore, it is important for you to become familiar with the rules and regulations affecting you.

If you violate this Code, general law, of university or system regulations, you shall, after due process, be subject to university sanctions, which may include probation, suspension, eviction, and expulsion. Violations of other than University regulations are also subject to sanctions external to the University. Notwithstanding any provision herein, the University may suspend, expel, or evict any student whose presence poses a threat to persons or property.

Board Policy on Student Conduct

The Chancellor shall establish procedures to implement this policy. The student conduct codes and procedures of colleges and universities shall comply with Minnesota State Board Policies 3.6 and 3.6.1.

Definitions. For purposes of Policy 3.6 and Procedure 3.6.1 the following definitions apply:

From Minnesota State Board Policy 3.6:

Part 2. Off-campus Conduct. The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities may hold students accountable for a violation of the behavioral proscriptions contained in their Student Codes of Conduct committed off campus when:

• Hazing is involved; or
• The violation is committed while participating in a college or 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 college or university.

From Minnesota State Board Policy 3.6.1:

Subpart A. Expulsion. Permanent denial of the privilege of enrollment at that college or university.

Subpart B. Hazing. An act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a person, subjects a person to public humiliation or ridicule, or which destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student group, organization, or athletic team.

Subpart C. Preponderance of evidence. A standard of responsibility that it is more likely than not that the code has been violated.

Subpart D. Student. The term “student” includes all persons who:

1. Are enrolled in one or more courses, either credit or non-credit, through a college or university.
2. Withdraw, transfer or graduate, after an alleged violation of the student conduct code.
3. Are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the college or university.
4. Have been notified of their acceptance for admission or have initiated the process of application for admission or financial aid.
5. Are living in a college or university residence hall although not enrolled in the institution.

Subpart E. Summary suspension. A suspension imposed without a formal hearing to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the college or university community.

Subpart F. Suspension: Denial of the privilege of enrollment for a specified period of time after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for re-enrollment may be specified.