Policies and Procedures
Student Code of Conduct
The Student Code of Conduct ensures your rights as a student are protected and outlines the university’s expectations for your behavior as a Penn State student. Review the Code online now.
Written Resolution Procedures
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Discriminatory Misconduct (effective August 15, 2023)
Adaptable Resolution
Adaptable Resolution may be an option to resolve alleged violations of the Code in lieu of a formal student conduct resolution. Some Adaptable Resolutions may include a finding of a Code violation, while others may not. Adaptable Resolutions are not appropriate for every allegation of misconduct and are offered on a case-by-case basis. Find more information about Adaptable Resolutions online.
Academic Misconduct
Academic Misconduct allegations are resolved in accordance with Academic Policy, including but not limited to G-9. After that process is complete, violations are reviewed by the Office of Student Accountability & Conflict Response to determine whether further University response is appropriate. Find more information about that review process and possible interventions and/or administrative sanctions.
Other Policies and Protocols
Appeals
You can initiate a student conduct appeal online. Students are asked to thoroughly read the applicable procedures (above) and review the form before appeal submission. Be sure to gather relevant materials and draft responses to the form’s questions. Preparing this material in advance is important because you cannot save the form “in progress” and come back to it later. Submitting an incomplete form will delay the appeals process and may ultimately result in the denial of an appeal. Please note that appeals for Title IX cases should be submitted directly to the Title IX Coordinator.
Responsible Action Protocols
The safety of our students is of paramount importance, and it is critical that the university create an environment that is conducive to reporting sexual misconduct and seeking emergency assistance for hazing-related injuries and other serious medical issues. While the university does not condone underage drinking, illegal drug use, or other violations of university policy or the law, the university understands that students may hesitate to get help for themselves and others when they are worried about the potential consequences, including student conduct action. Consequently, the university has established responsible action protocols for those who choose to prioritize safety.
University Housing Terms & Conditions
Residents of on-campus housing are subject to the terms & conditions of their contract or lease. To find the Terms & Conditions for your campus, go to eLiving and select your campus under the "Information" dropdown menu.
Students may also be held accountable to other published University policies, including but not limited to:
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AD24 Identification Cards for Students, Faculty/Staff, Affiliates, and Retirees
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AD67 Disclosure of Wrongful Conduct and Protection from Retaliation
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AD85 Title IX Sexual Harassment
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AD91 Discrimination and Harassment and Related Inappropriate Conduct
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AD98 Anti-Hazing Policy
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SY12 Weapons and Fireworks Regulations, Fireworks, and Paintball Devices
Conduct Holds and Notations for Pending Matters
The University may place a hold (“conduct hold”) on a student’s account if the student is the Respondent in a pending student conduct matter. In limited circumstances, a registration-only hold may also be placed for a Witness or other participant who has failed to attend a required meeting. Placing a conduct hold does not assume any determination of, or create any expectation of, a violation of the Code.
Such a hold may restrict the student from class registration, obtaining an official transcript, or receiving a degree from the University until the hold has been removed. If a conduct hold is put in place pending the outcome of the student conduct proceeding, the Respondent will be notified of the hold and be provided an opportunity to contest the hold or request that it be made less restrictive.
The University may also place a notation on a Respondent’s transcript pending the outcome of a case. The notation on the transcript shall read: “Student Conduct Matter Pending.” If the Respondent is not found in violation at the conclusion of a process, the notation related to a pending matter will be removed.