Conduct
Community Standards
As in every community, University Housing has specific rules and regulations, as well as general guidelines of good citizenship and responsible behavior. The policies are developed to help students understand the expectations of the University community in order to obtain the maximum benefits from their educational experience.
Housing’s conduct system is the process used to hold students accountable when a student's behavior infringes upon the rights of others, is illegal, or violates residence hall or university policies. It is the mechanism used to support the rights of individuals and balance them with the community environment.
The goals of the Conduct System are to:
- facilitate an environment conducive to living and learning;
- enable students to learn from each other about how their behavior affects others;
- protect the rights of all students
- hold students accountable for their actions
By virtue of enrollment, all students enter into an agreement with the University that they will abide by the institution’s rules and regulations and will observe the standards expected of students. Through the Housing Contract, a student further agrees to abide by on-campus living policies.
For specific policy information on University Housing polices is available at Housing Policies. Laws governing Conduct on University Lands, (Chapter 17 & 18 UW-System Disciplinary Guidelines) can be found on the University Police website.
Based on students’ dual citizenship in the campus community and the city community, disciplinary processes may run simultaneously with sanctions occurring as part of both the city and University process.
Student Rights
Students’ rights include:
- prior knowledge of the policies that may have been violated
- a prompt hearing with a University official or Peer Review Board and notification of the hearing’s results
- information about the appeals process
A student also has responsibilities that include:
- attending a hearing with a University official or the Peer Review Board
- being courteous and respectful during the process
- providing accurate and appropriate information regarding the incident
- completing the assigned sanction if found responsible
- complying with University policies and procedures
Levels of the University Housing Conduct System
The level at which you enter the conduct process will be determined by the severity of your infraction.
Level One
Hearing Conducted by your Hall Director with possible sanctions:
| Warning | Educational Sanction | Restitution |
| Housing Probation | University Service | Education Opportunities |
| Mandatory Storage | Loss of Privileges |
Level Two
Hearing Conducted by your Hall Director with possible sanctions:
| All Sanctions from Level One | |
| Reassignment to Another Room | Parental Notification |
| Extended Probation | Counseling Referral |
Level Three
Hearing Conducted by the Peer Review Board with possible sanctions:
| All Sanctions from Level One and Level Two | |
| Housing Reassignment | Outside Counseling Assessment |
| Contract Termination with Financial Penalty | Banning from Residence Halls |
Level Four
Hearing Conducted by a University Hearing Officer with possible sanctions:
| All Sanctions from Level One and Level Two | |
| University Probation | Expulsion from all UW Schools |
| Suspension from all UW Schools | Banning from University Property |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did I get contacted to set up a hearing?
An incident occurred where you may be involved. A report was filed and forwarded to the Hall Director. The Hall Director is responsible for deciding what policy(ies) may have been violated and who will hear the policy violation. From the time a report is filed, the Hall Director will typically contact you within 3 working days (Monday-Friday are considered working days). After this contact is made, you can expect to have a conduct hearing with the Hall Director within 5 working days. For cases involving the Peer Review Board, the board will be convened typically within 1-2 weeks. Residents may be referred to the campus conduct system based on the circumstance of the incident.
What happens when I meet with my Hall Director?
The Hall Director explains the conduct process. They will ask you to share your perspective of the incident and share information from the incident report and/or other documentation. Based upon your input and all of the information, the Hall Director will decide to what extent you are responsible for the policy violation(s). If you are found to be responsible for violating a policy, the Hall Director will issue a sanction.
What happens if I do not schedule or attend a hearing?
Should you take no action to schedule or attend a meeting, a decision will be made without the benefit of your input and based on available information in the report.
What is the purpose of a sanction?
A sanction is a consequence that typically includes an assignment or duty to complete. Sanctions are intended to be educational allowing a student to reflect on past behaviors, consider future options and deter additional violations. Typically a sanction during the hearing. Some situations require time to consider all of the information and then issue an appropriate sanction. Previous policy violations are considered when determining an appropriate sanction.
What if I don’t complete a sanction?
Failing to complete a sanction is considered another violation. If you fail to complete a sanction in a timely or satisfactory manner, you will face further disciplinary action. Timeliness and satisfactory completion of the sanction will be explained.
What’s a Peer Review Board?
The Peer Review Board hears conduct cases referred by Hall Directors, and appeals from the Hall Director level. The hearing offers you the opportunity to respond to the alleged violation. The Peer Review Board is comprised of students and a Hall Director advisor. The Peer Review Board will determine to what extent you are responsible for the policy violation(s).
Who will find out about this?
Housing staff members value confidentiality and avoid discussing your case outside of this process. Federal law requires that a student must sign a release in order for a University official to discuss specific incidents and consequences with the student’s family members or future employers. Parents/Guardians can be notified when a student is found responsible for a second underage drinking violation or any illegal drug possession violation.
How long will this be on my transcript?
University Housing conduct related records and information are not part of an academic transcript.
Can I appeal a decision?
Yes. An appeal is a review of the disciplinary action and not a rehearing of the same evidence from the incident. In order to appeal you must have one of more of the following reason(s):
- severity of the sanction
- introduction of new evidence not presented at the hearing
- lack of procedural due process (your student rights were not honored)
An appeal must be made in writing, using the University Housing Appeal form within five working days of the decision. The appeal will go to the next level in the conduct process. Obtain the appeal form at the appeals form.
Still have questions?
Please contact your Resident Advisor (RA) or Hall Director.
Last Modified on 10-Oct-2007