Community Principles
The UW-Stout community has developed a set of principles, guidelines and rules with which students are required to comply. These rules exist for the purpose of creating an environment that supports student development and learning, and fosters a community that is safe from violence, and free from harassment, fraud, theft, disruption and intimidation.
Procedures for both non-academic as well as academic misconduct set forth in UW-System policies, Chapter 14 [PDF] (Student Academic Disciplinary Procedures), and Chapter 17 [PDF] (Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures).
Referral Process
Referrals to the student conduct process can be made in a number of different ways. Most are made through university and city police reports or faculty and students complaints. Both are official reports that are used to document alleged violations of university policies or state law and to describe the incident in detail. Additionally, alleged violations may be reported in writing or in person to the Dean of Students Office by any member of the University community.
In instances of academic misconduct, contact from Instructional Staff, Faculty, or the Academic Dean is necessary to initiate the student conduct process.
View Flow Chart for Academic Misconduct Procedures [pdf]
Student Conduct Meeting
Upon receipt of an incident report, the Judicial Affairs Investigation Office reviews it to determine if further investigation is warranted. If an investigation is called for, the student will be notified by letter, or electronic correspondence of the alleged misconduct and asked to set up a meeting.
During the meeting, the incident report will be reviewed and the student will be given the opportunity to share his/her perspective. Additionally, questions will be asked relevant to the incident to determine the facts. An explanation of the policy and the violation will be presented and the student's behavior will be discussed. If a student fails to appear at the meeting, the case will be determined by the information contained in the report.
Sanctions
After the student conduct meeting, the student will be notified in writing of the findings of the investigation. If it is determined that no misconduct occurred, the matter will be considered resolved and no further action will be taken. If the student is found responsible for misconduct, the decision letter will specify sanctions and the required deadlines for completion.
Sanctions are intended to address the inappropriate behavior in a constructive, developmental, and educational manner. Sanctions hold students accountable for behavior which violate university policies. Criteria for assigning sanctions are determined by several factors: the severity of the misconduct, the nature of the incident, and the student's prior conduct record.
Descriptions of possible sanctions
Alcohol Policies
Housing and Residence Life Alcohol Policy
Appeals
Upon receipt of the decision letter, a student will have ten (10) calendar days from the date the letter is received in which to submit an appeal. The student may choose to have the appeal heard by either a Hearing Examiner or a Hearing Committee . The hearing for the appeal will be conducted within 45 days of receipt of the request, and a decision rendered within 10 days of the hearing. The decision becomes final unless it is taken further under UWS Ch 17.07.
Confidentiality
All student disciplinary records are confidential under the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act. Information will not be released to any person(s), including parents, without the written consent of the student, using the FERPA Student Release Form [PDF]. Exceptions to this practice are covered by FERPA amendments, and in those cases would be first discussed with the student.
Other university officials may have access to records on a "need-to-know" basis.
For more information or questions, contact the Dean of Students Office at 715-232-1181 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm or visit our web site: www.uwstout.edu/stusrv/dean.shtml
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about judicial affairs.
Misconduct Information for Attorneys from UW-Madison