Student Conduct Code - Administrative Authority and Jurisdiction
 

8.030. Administrative Authority.  The authority to administer and implement the Student Conduct Code is vested in the President of the University. Unless the President of the University elects to be directly involved in the administration of the Student Conduct Code, the authority for such administration is delegated to the Dean of Student Affairs, who will implement the policy. The Dean of Student Affairs will develop policies for the administration of the student conduct program and procedural rules for the conduct of hearings that are consistent with state and federal laws and with the provisions of the Student Conduct Code.

8.040. Jurisdiction.

8.040.1. Jurisdiction over Student Conduct. Students at Truman State University are provided access to the Student Conduct Code on the Office of Citizenship and Community Standards website http://conduct.truman.edu or may request a printed copy from the office.  Students are charged with the responsibility of having read, and agreeing to abide by, the provisions of the Student Conduct Code and the authority of the student conduct process. Because the Student Conduct Code is based on shared values, it sets a range of expectations for the Truman State University student no matter where or when their conduct may take place.  Therefore, the Student Conduct Code will apply to behaviors that take place on the campus, at Truman State University-sponsored events, and may also apply off-campus, when the administration determines that the off-campus conduct affects a substantial Truman State University interest.  The University extends its jurisdiction to misconduct occurring online on university networks and sponsored sites.  The University also responds to complaints of misconduct online (such as posts to www.facebook.com), even if the misconduct occurs off campus, when it falls under the “substantial university interest” standard. A substantial Truman State University interest is defined to include:

a.      Any action that constitutes a criminal offense as defined by Missouri law. This includes repeat violations of any local, state or federal law committed in the municipality where Truman State University is located.

b.   Any situation where it appears that the student may present a danger or threat to the health or safety of him/herself or others.

c.   Any situation that significantly impinges upon the rights, property or achievements of self or others or significantly breaches the peace and/or causes social disorder.

d.  Any situation that is detrimental to the educational interests of Truman State University.

The Student Conduct Code may be applied to conduct that takes place during the time a person is enrolled as a student, including during intra-semester breaks and between semesters.  Further, the Student Conduct Code applies to guests of community members, whose hosts may be held accountable for the misconduct of their guests.  Visitors to and guests of Truman State University are also protected by the Student Conduct Code, and may initiate grievances for violations of the Student Conduct Code committed by members of the Truman State University community against them.  Those who are aware of misconduct are encouraged to report it as quickly as possible to the Office of Citizenship and Community Standards.

8.040.2. Student Organization Jurisdiction.  A student organization, its officers, and advisor(s) acknowledge on an annual basis through completion and signing of the Student Organization Recognition Agreement that they have read, reviewed, and agreed that the organization and its members will abide by the Student Conduct Code and the rules for student organization conduct.  Student organization officers are responsible for actively addressing member behavior that violates the Student Conduct Code, both individually and behavior that is considered an organizational violation.  The “reasonable person” standard will be utilized by the Conduct Officer in determining if the behavior by the organization, its officers, members, and/or guests is the responsibility of the student organization.  A violation exists when a reasonable person would conclude that it is more likely than not that the act in question did occur and is the responsibility of the student organization. A student organization is subject to the jurisdiction of the University Conduct System if it allegedly violated a provision of the Student Conduct Code:

1.   Which occurs on University premises; or

2.   Which occurs at any location during activities or events arranged or sponsored by the University or by a student, student organization(s), or by an officer or a student acting on behalf of, or at the request of an organization(s); or

3.   Which occurs at any location if such conduct presents a danger or threat to the health or safety of members, guests, or others; or

4.   Which occurs at any location if such conduct is so grievous that it could seriously and adversely affect the reputation of the University, its community, and/or the pursuit of the University's objectives, or

5.   If the organization(s) chooses to protect one or more individual offenders who are members, alumni or guests of the organization(s) or guests at the organization(s)’ activity; or

6.   The offense, by its nature or after a review of facts and circumstances, is deemed an organizational violation since the organization, its officers, and/or leadership failed to exercise reasonable supervision of its member(s) or guest(s); or

7.   When, after hearing a complaint, the conduct officer or conduct hearing board deems that the offense, by its nature, was an organizational violation and not the actions of an individual member.