The Student Code of Conduct of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University Policy

Title

The Student Code of Conduct of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

I. Introduction

Purpose

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ("University") is committed to fostering a community where intellectual honesty and personal integrity are highly valued; individuals are trusted, respected, and fairly treated; and there is consistent accountability for conduct that affects the safety and welfare of the University and its members. The activities of students, inside and outside the classroom, impact the educational process and learning environment. Academic as well as non-academic conduct are, therefore, areas of appropriate concern and regulation by the University. This Student Code of Conduct ("Code" or "Code of Conduct") embraces the ideals of academic honesty, personal integrity, and responsible citizenship that are essential to the University community.

Disciplinary Authority

The Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina delegates full authority for the regulation of student conduct and discipline to the Chancellor of the University.1 The Chancellor may further delegate this authority to University administrators or other officials. The Code of Conduct and accompanying Student Conduct Procedures ("Procedures") are adopted pursuant to this authority. Responsibility for the implementation of these policies is delegated through the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs to the Office of Student Conduct ("Student Conduct").

Scope and Jurisdiction

The Code of Conduct establishes the standards and regulations for academic and non-academic conduct by Students and Student Organizations. These terms may be used interchangeably so that Student or Student Organization may also be understood to refer to the other unless an express exception is made. All Students and representatives of Student Organizations are responsible for knowing and complying with this Code.

The Code of Conduct applies to the behavior of Students from when they apply to the University until the awarding of a degree or other termination of enrollment. The University retains jurisdiction over Students who take a leave of absence, withdraw, or have graduated for any violation of the Code that occurred prior to the leave, withdrawal, or graduation. A Student's application for admission and enrollment in the University presupposes a commitment to the principles set forth in the Code. It further represents a Student's consent to be bound by the terms of the Code throughout their enrollment, including the period between academic terms.

All conduct by Students or Student Organizations on University Premises or the property of groups recognized or affiliated with the University in violation of this Code of Conduct may be the basis for disciplinary action. The University may consider off-campus behavior when that behavior is detrimental to University interests, the University's educational mission, and/or members of the University community. Determinations of whether University interests are implicated by off-campus conduct and should result in disciplinary action are reserved to the discretion of Student Conduct.

II. Policy Statement

All Students are responsible for conducting themselves in a way that respects the rights, dignity, worth, and freedom of each community member. Violations of University policies or federal, state, or local law may result in a violation of this Code of Conduct.

Lack of knowledge or unfamiliarity with University policy or intoxication or impairment from alcohol, drugs, or other substances are not excuses or defenses to a violation of this Code. Unless specifically noted in the policy definition, intent is not a required element of a charge of misconduct under the Code.

A. General Expectations and Responsibilities

To foster a community where academic honesty and personal integrity are highly valued, Students are expected to:

  1. Treat all members of the University community with respect and fairness;
  2. Conduct themselves in a manner that promotes the safety and well-being of the entire University community;
  3. Consult with faculty and other resources to clarify academic requirements, to learn the techniques of proper attribution of sources, and to identify allowable materials to be used for any academic work;
  4. Sign a pledge on all academic work certifying that no unauthorized assistance has been given or received in the completion of the work;
  5. Comply with faculty instructions designed to reduce the possibility of academic misconduct, such as removing unauthorized materials and protecting one's own work from unauthorized use by others; and
  6. Report any instance in which reasonable grounds exist to believe that a Student has violated this Code of Conduct.

In furtherance of these expectations, it is the responsibility of every Student and Student Organization to:

  1. Know and comply with the Code of Conduct;
  2. Conduct all academic work within the letter and spirit of the Code of Conduct; and
  3. Refrain from conduct that unreasonably disrupts any normal function of the University or its personnel or jeopardizes the safety and welfare of members of the University community.

The prohibited behavior set out in Sections II.B. and II.C. of this Code of Conduct, not these general expectations and responsibilities, will be the basis for determining chargeable offenses under this Code.

B. Academic Misconduct

It is the responsibility of every Student to support the principles of academic integrity and to refrain from all forms of academic misconduct in the submission of academic work, whether graded or otherwise. Potential violations, include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Plagiarism: Intentionally or recklessly representing another's words, thoughts, or ideas as one's own without citation or attribution.
  2. Misrepresentation: Providing false, fabricated, misrepresented, or deliberately misleading data, citations, or other information in connection with an academic assignment.
  3. Unauthorized Assistance/Unauthorized Collaboration: Providing or receiving unauthorized assistance from another person in connection with academic work of any type.
  4. Cheating: Any unauthorized conduct that actually or potentially compromises the integrity of the academic grading process, including, but not limited to, the following:
    1. Using unauthorized materials or methods in completing any academic work (e.g., using notes, books, crib sheets, electronic devices, or other materials when prohibited);
    2. Copying from another person's examination or other academic assignment or allowing someone to copy from their examination or assignment;
    3. Representing someone else's work as one's own;
    4. Violating the requirements governing the administration of examinations or other academic assignments (e.g., taking extra time beyond what is permitted);
    5. Compromising the security of examinations or other academic assignments (e.g., disclosing or distributing specific information about a recently given test or assignment to a Student who has not yet completed the test or assignment);
    6. Submitting an assignment that is the same or substantially similar to one's own previously submitted work(s) without explicit authorization of the Instructor; or
    7. Completing any academic work or requirement on behalf of another Student without authorization (e.g., misrepresenting oneself to take an exam on behalf of another or signing a class attendance sheet for a Student who is not present).
  5. Other Academic Misconduct
    1. Removing, concealing, destroying, or otherwise making unavailable otherwise publicly available materials (e.g., books, equipment, supplies) for the purpose of keeping others from accessing the materials in connection with academic work or research;
    2. Intentionally damaging or destroying the academic work or research of another;
    3. Influencing an academic evaluation or grade by improper means, including, but not limited to, intimidation, coercion, or deceit; or
    4. Engaging in conduct that compromises the integrity of the academic evaluation or grading process.
  6. Deliberately Providing False Information to University personnel in connection with their efforts to evaluate or grade academic work or to prevent, investigate, or enforce University requirements regarding academic misconduct.
  7. Forging, Falsifying, Altering, or Misusing Documents, records, transcripts, or previously completed academic work to request or obtain a grade change, academic credit, approved absence, accommodation, or other undue academic advantage.
  8. Violating Other University Policies designed to prevent academic misconduct and assure that academic work conforms to requirements relating to academic integrity.
  9. Attempting to engage in any act of academic misconduct prohibited by this Code.
  10. Assisting or Aiding Another to engage in any act of academic misconduct prohibited by this Code.

C. Non-academic Misconduct2

It is the responsibility of every Student and Student Organization to refrain from conduct that impairs the right of all members of the University community to learn and thrive in a safe environment. No Student or Student Organization shall engage in conduct that negatively affects or creates a substantial risk of negatively affecting University interests, including, but not limited to, the following:

  1. Inflicting Physical Harm:
    1. Inflicting physical injury or harm on another; or
    2. Engaging in conduct that unreasonably endangers another by creating a substantial risk of physical injury or harm.
  2. Threatening Conduct
    1. Engaging in conduct that intentionally or recklessly places another in fear of, or at risk of, physical injury or harm;
    2. Communicating a threat, by whatever means, to another person and/or engaging in conduct that creates a reasonable apprehension of physical or emotional harm;
    3. Communicating a threat that disrupts any normal operation, function, or activity of the University or any of its organizations, personnel, or guests; or
    4. Violating a restraining order or order of no contact imposed by any government or campus authority;
  3. Bullying/Cyberbullying: Engaging in repeated and/or aggressive behavior that has the effect of or is intended to intimidate, harm, coerce, or control another person physically, mentally, or emotionally or is sufficiently severe and/or pervasive to significantly alter another individual's academic pursuits, employment, or participation in University activities.
  4. Dangerous or Disorderly Conduct:
    1. Engaging in recklessly dangerous, disorderly, or obscene conduct affecting the safety and welfare of members of the University community, University property, or other University interests;
    2. Engaging in conduct that disrupts the academic environment including, but not limited to, classes, lectures, and laboratories;
    3. Engaging in conduct that disrupts, delays, interrupts, or forces the cancellation of any University-sponsored or other authorized activity, including classes or other educational activities, lectures, meetings, ceremonies, athletic contests, or scheduled events;
    4. Engaging in conduct that disrupts any normal University operation, function, or activity or precludes University personnel from performing their duties; or
    5. Engaging in conduct that improperly restrains freedom of movement, speech, assembly, or access to University Premises in connection with any individual's performance of legitimate activities or duties within the University (including, but not limited to, occupying offices or buildings without authorization, obstructing pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or blocking access to facilities).
  5. Hazing: Engaging in conduct or activities that cause or permit an individual, with or without consent, to be subject to a risk of physical injury, mental distress, humiliation, abuse, and/or other personal indignities of a highly offensive nature, in connection with recruitment, initiation, continued membership, or participation in a society, fraternity or sorority, club, athletic team, or other Student Organization, whether or not recognized by the University.
  6. Possessing a Weapon, Dangerous Substance, or Explosive Device: Possessing, carrying, using, discharging, brandishing, or displaying any Weapon, dangerous substance, or explosive device, whether openly or concealed, on University Premises, except as may be authorized by law or University policy. Prohibited weapons or devices include those identified in N.C. General Statute § 14-269.2 - Weapons on Campus or Other Educational Property.
  7. Operating a Motor Vehicle:
    1. While impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other substances; and/or
    2. Driving in a reckless manner that creates a significant threat to members of the University community.
  8. Drug Violations: 
    1. Manufacturing, selling, delivering, or possessing with the intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a controlled substance as defined by state or federal law or applicable policies of the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees or UNC Board of Governors;
    2. Possessing or using a controlled substance as defined by state or federal law or applicable policies of the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees or UNC Board of Governors;
    3. Unlawfully obtaining over-the-counter or prescription medication (e.g., presenting a false prescription) or illegally distributing over-the-counter or prescription medication to another; or
    4. Possessing drug-related paraphernalia (including, but not limited to, pipes, scales, grinders, bowls, bongs, etc.).
  9. Creating a Safety Hazard:
    1. Misusing, removing, tampering with, or otherwise making less effective, any safety equipment (including, but not limited to, fire extinguishers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, emergency defibrillators, and emergency call boxes) intended for use in protecting the safety of members of the University community, on University Premises, on the premises of a Student Organization, or in connection with University-Sponsored Activities;
    2. Starting a fire (except as may be authorized) on University Premises or on the premises of a Student Organization;
    3. Throwing or launching any object or substance in any manner that unreasonably endangers another or has the potential to damage or deface property; or
    4. Engaging in conduct that could or does place the health or safety of another at serious risk of injury or harm.
  10. Damaging, Stealing, or Misusing Property:
    1. Destroying, damaging, vandalizing, or defacing property belonging to the University or another person or entity;
    2. Stealing or misusing property belonging to the University or another person or entity;
    3. Violating University policies regarding the use or management of resources, including, but not limited to, computers, electronic resources, library materials, equipment, or supplies;
    4. Possessing, duplicating, or using keys, key cards, or other forms of access to University Premises without authorization; or
    5. Accessing, using, changing, or disclosing private or confidential information, in whatever form maintained, belonging to the University or another person or entity without authorization.
  11. Trespassing:
    1. Accessing without permission or authorization any living space, residence hall, office, classroom, clinic, laboratory, or other facility on University Premises or the premises of another person or entity; or
    2. Accessing without permission or authorization electronic records owned or managed by the University, an affiliated organization, or another member of the University community.
  12. Misrepresentation:
    1. Misrepresenting oneself as another or otherwise adversely interfering with another's academic standing or credits, privacy, or personal information;
    2. Using the name of the University or the names of organizations or members of the University community without authorization;
    3. Misrepresenting one's academic standing, degree status, academic performance, or accomplishments to members of the University community or others to gain employment, financial or other award, admission, or any other undue advantage;
    4. Forging, falsifying, or misusing documents, records, transcripts, data, computers, scholarship or financial aid materials, or other resources created, maintained, or used by the University or any of its personnel;
    5. Producing, possessing, or using any form of identification that is not one's own or is altered or fake; or
    6. Deliberately furnishing false or misleading information to University personnel or other officials acting in the exercise of their official duties or in connection with University-Sponsored Activities.
  13. Failure to Comply
    1. Failing to identify oneself and/or failing to provide University-issued identification to a University official in the exercise of their official duties;
    2. Failing to comply with the directions of University employees, including University Police, in the exercise of their official duties; or
    3. Violating the terms of any disciplinary sanction or interim measure imposed by the University.
  14. Disruption or Disregard of the Student Disciplinary Process
    1. Discouraging an individual's participation in a student disciplinary process, including discouraging submission of a report of an alleged violation;
    2. Influencing the impartiality of any Hearing Officer, Conduct Board member, or Appellate Officer;
    3. Harassing or intimidating any Hearing Officer, Conduct Board member, or Appellate Officer prior to, during, and/or after a student conduct proceeding;
    4. Abusing the student disciplinary process by submitting a knowingly false report of misconduct or influencing another person to abuse the student conduct process;
    5. Engaging in retaliatory conduct (including threats, harassment, intimidation, or coercion) against a person because they filed a report alleging a violation of this Code or other University policy and/or participated in an investigation or hearing involving an alleged violation;
    6. Lying to a University employee or Student Conduct official in connection with the investigation and hearing of any alleged student conduct violation; or
    7. Refusing to appear before University officials or disciplinary bodies when directed to do so under applicable University policies.
  15. Violating Other University Policies: Violating officially adopted University policies and standards applicable to Students and/or Student Organizations, including but not limited to, the following3:
    1. Alcohol Policy of UNC-Chapel Hill
    2. Illegal Drugs Policy
    3. Facilities Use Policy
    4. Facilities Use Standard
    5. Policy on Demonstrative Events
    6. Policy on Freedom of Speech and Expression
    7. Class Attendance Policy (University-Approved Absences)
    8. Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy
  16. Violation of Local, State, or Federal Law: Committing an act that violates local, state, or federal law that is not otherwise a violation of this Code but which adversely affects a member of the University community or other University interests. 
  17. Attempting to engage in any act of non-academic misconduct prohibited by this Code.
  18. Assisting or Aiding Another to engage in any act of non-academic misconduct prohibited by this Code.

D. Group Offenses

Student Organizations are subject to the same standards as individual members of the University community. Any offense within section II of this Code committed by a Student Organization shall be the basis for disciplinary action as a group offense. Disciplinary action against a Student Organization may be pursued in addition to or in lieu of disciplinary action against individual members of the Student Organization.

E. Free Expression and Disciplinary Action

The University embraces and strives to uphold the freedoms of expression and speech guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the North Carolina Constitution. The University has the right, under appropriate circumstances, to regulate the time, place, and manner of exercising these and other constitutionally protected rights. These restrictions will be viewpoint- and content-neutral.

The Code of Conduct does not restrict the ability of Students or Student Organizations to exercise their rights to free expression or regulate the lawful content of that expression. Any disciplinary action pursuant to this Code shall be based on an allegation of specific prohibited or unlawful conduct without regard to any viewpoint associated with the conduct.

F. Relationship to Other Campus Policies

The Student Conduct Procedures establish the process for disciplinary action for prohibited behavior covered by the Code of Conduct, the Alcohol Policy, and other conduct-related University policies. Neither the Code nor the Disciplinary Procedures preclude other disciplinary or administrative action as may be assigned to particular University administrative units (including, but not limited to, Carolina Housing, Equal Opportunity and Compliance, UNC Research, and Transportation and Parking) through their respective policies.

Before initiating or completing disciplinary action, the University may separately impose interim measures as necessary to address emergency situations involving potential danger to the University community or other extraordinary circumstances as set forth in appropriate University policies.4

Where conduct prohibited by this Code involves a Student acting in the capacity of University instructor or employee, such conduct may be addressed under applicable employment policies in addition to or in lieu of action under this Code as determined by appropriate University officials in their sole discretion.

G. Violations of Law and Disciplinary Action

The University has a special interest in assuring that students refrain from academic and non-academic misconduct, respect the safety and welfare of members of the University community, and protect its institutional integrity and resources. The standards for student conduct set forth in this Code are adopted in furtherance of this interest and serve to supplement, rather than substitute for, the enforcement of the civil and criminal law applicable at large. Therefore, it is not double jeopardy for the University to sanction conduct that is also sanctioned under local, state, or federal law.

In instances where action is either pending or completed against a Student in a state or federal court and when the University's interests are affected, Student Conduct shall, in its sole discretion, determine whether campus disciplinary action should be taken independently of the criminal justice system. The University may proceed under this Code and accompanying Procedures prior to, during, or after any criminal arrest or prosecution. The outcome in a civil or criminal court (e.g., dismissal, deferred prosecution, plea bargain, acquittal, finding of liability, or conviction) will not be binding on the student disciplinary process but may be evidence considered during the student disciplinary process.

H. Responsibility for Implementation and Enforcement

Student Conduct shall be responsible for the implementation and enforcement of this Code, assisted by Students, staff, and faculty as set forth in the Procedures. Any member of the University community or the public may report alleged violations of this Code to Student Conduct. To secure the due process rights guaranteed to all Students, members of the University community are expected to report alleged misconduct under this Code to Student Conduct rather than taking unilateral punitive action.

I. Policy Interpretation, Review, and Amendment

The Code of Conduct and Student Conduct Procedures are established to provide notice to Students and Student Organizations of expectations, prohibited behaviors, and the processes by which alleged violations will be determined. The Code and Procedures should be read broadly with terms given their plain meaning, except where a term has been expressly defined. Any question or dispute regarding the interpretation or application of the Code and Procedures will be referred to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or their designee for final determination. In the event of any conflict between the Code of Conduct or the Student Conduct Procedures and any state or federal law, the legal authority will be controlling, and any applicable legal requirement will be deemed in effect.

The Code and Procedures shall be reviewed regularly and at least every three years by Student Conduct in consultation with other campus units as appropriate. The Code and Procedures may be amended or changed with the approval of the Chancellor at any time. Changes will be communicated to members of the University community through various publications. The most current version of the Code and Procedures can be accessed at the University's Student Conduct website.

In consultation with the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Chair of the Faculty, and presidents of the undergraduate and graduate/professional student governments, the Director of Student Conduct shall convene a Student Discipline Advisory Committee comprised of no more than twelve (12) Students, staff, and faculty. The Student Discipline Advisory Committee will meet regularly to advise Student Conduct and Student Affairs regarding matters of student discipline, develop campus education and outreach initiatives, and make recommendations for amendments to this Code of Conduct and the Student Conduct Procedures.

Exceptions 

None.

III. Definitions

The terms defined in this Code of Conduct have the same meaning when used in the Student Disciplinary Procedures and are incorporated therein by reference.

Complainant: A person who alleges that a Student or Student Organization violated the Student Code of Conduct or University Alcohol Policy or submits a report regarding the same.

Code or Code of Conduct: The Student Code of Conduct of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Disciplinary Record: A record containing documents related to University disciplinary matters that may include, but is not limited to, the outcome and any sanction(s) resulting from any disciplinary action taken by the University against a Student or Student Organization.

Instructor: A faculty member, teaching assistant or fellow, lab assistant, or other University official with responsibility for an academic course through instruction, grading, or administration. Where an Instructor has departed the University, retired, or is otherwise unavailable for an extended period, the Instructor role may be assumed by another Instructor from the course or a dean, department chair, or other appropriate academic official.

Reckless or Recklessly: Engaging in conduct marked by a lack of appropriate caution, indifference to consequences, or that a reasonable person would know creates a substantial risk of harm or other negative consequence.

Respondent: A Student or Student Organization alleged to have engaged in prohibited behavior pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct or University Alcohol Policy.

Student: The term "Student" means any of the following5:

  1. a person who has applied for admission and been accepted into any academic program of study at the University;
  2. a person enrolled in or attending classes at or through the University, either at the University's main campus or at any remote location, including a person enrolled in online or distance education programs or a person participating in Study Abroad programs; or
  3. a person participating in any pre-matriculation orientation programs.

Student Conduct: The Office of Student Conduct, a department within Student Affairs, and any of its professional staff.

Student Organization: Any recognized group affiliated with or supported by the University or a University administrative unit (e.g., societies, clubs, student organizations including fraternities and sororities, athletic teams, or similarly organized groups in or recognized by the University.) A Student Organization also includes any group of students, whether officially recognized, affiliated with the University through University Premises or University-sponsored programs.

University: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and all of its undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools and colleges, and administrative units.

University Premises: Buildings, property, or grounds owned, leased, operated, controlled, or supervised by the University.

University-Sponsored Event or University-Sponsored Activity: Any event or activity on- or off-campus which is initiated, aided, funded, authorized, or supervised by the University or any authorized University official(s) (e.g., affiliated Student, Student Organization or group, staff, faculty, department, athletic events, entertainment venues, development/fundraising function).

Weapon: Objects, devices, or substances such as firearms, pellet or BB guns, paintball guns, tasers or stun guns, knives or other sharp-edged instruments (except those that may be used for personal hygiene, food preparation, or legitimate educational purposes (e.g., scalpels)), chemical agents such as tear gas, explosive agents, or any other object prohibited by N.C. Gen. Statute 14-269.2.

IV. End Notes

  1. The Code of the University of North Carolina, Section 502D(3), provides: "Subject to any policies or regulations of the Board of Governors or of the board of trustees, it is the duty of the Chancellor to exercise full authority in the regulation of student affairs and student conduct and discipline. In the discharge of this duty, delegation of such authority may be made by the Chancellor to faculty committees and to administrative or other officers of the institution, or to agencies of student government, in such manner and to such extent as may by the Chancellor be deemed necessary and expedient."
  2. To the extent that the alleged conduct in this section would constitute a violation of the University's Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct Including Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment, Sexual Violence, Interpersonal Violence and Stalking, that policy shall take precedence over this Code.
  3. Alleged violations of University policies other than this Code by Students and Student Organizations will be determined following the processes outlined in the Student Conduct Procedures unless an alternate process is specified in the policy from which the alleged violation arises.
  4. Applicable policies may include the University's Emergency Evaluation and Action Policy and UNC System Policy Manual 1300.7[R]
  5. A Student who has not yet matriculated remains subject to applicable admissions policies in addition to or in lieu of this Code.

Related Requirements

External Regulations

University Policies, Standards, and Procedures

This Code of Conduct governs the conduct covered by its terms and does not preclude other University conduct policies to which a Student or Student Organization may be subject, including, but not limited, to:

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Name: Jonathan Sauls, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Office: Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Telephone: 919-966-4045

Email: jsauls@email.unc.edu

Other Contacts

Name: Jenni Spangenberg, Director of Student Conduct

Office: Student Conduct

Telephone: 919-962-0805

Email: jspan@unc.edu

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