Doing the right thing matters here
At Penn State, we believe in creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive community—together. The Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response supports that commitment by guiding students through community expectations, helping you learn from challenges, and offering pathways to resolution and personal growth.
Call for Help
If you or anyone else is in immediate danger, call University Police at 814-863-1111 or call 911.
Know the Code
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.
Know the Process
When a potential conduct violation is reported, the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response follows a structured process to review the concern, communicate with the student involved, and determine the appropriate resolution. This may include educational conversations, adaptable resolution pathways, or formal conduct procedures.
Get help when you have the time
The Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response holds drop-in service hours for students who have questions about the conduct process, services offered, and how to get connected with resources.
- Complete a Drop-In Request Form to find available times and give a case manager basic information to help you get started
Frequently Asked Questions
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The primary rules are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, but you’re also expected to follow other applicable policies, like those in your syllabli or housing contract.
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You can file a report through a variety of channels, depending on what best suits the situation. Reporting forms are monitored during business hours so if it’s an emergency call University Police at 814-863-1111 or call 911.
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The Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response treats conduct records as educational under FERPA so they aren’t fully public. They disclose information only to those as required by law or determined as need to know.
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Disclosing past conduct does not automatically prevent admission. Most cases pass through the Enrollment Conduct Review.
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You can request your conduct records as needed by completing an online form.
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If there’s a hold, contact your case manager first. If you don’t know who that is, reach out to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response with your name, Penn State ID number, and an image of the hold.
- Email studentaccountability@psu.edu to connect with staff
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Yes. Penn State may apply the Code to off‑campus actions when those actions affect the campus community, academic work, or violate local, state and/or federal law.
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We use a preponderance of evidence standard — meaning it’s more likely than not that a violation occurred. It’s not the same as “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is used in courts.
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Not always—but in certain situations (like underage alcohol use or threats to health/safety), the University may notify parents or guardians. You’ll be informed if that’s the case.
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Action plans are tailored based on several factors—nature of the incident, past conduct, your input, and the goal of growth and learning. That’s why two people may receive different outcomes.