Student Conduct

Standards of Engagement

By accepting USF’s offer of admission and when registering for courses, students agree to abide by the policies and procedures of USF and the School of Education. Graduate students are expected to act with professional competence and demeanor at all times, and to meet and uphold the ethical standards of the professional world. The School of Education reserves the right to define professional competence and demeanor and advocates the following community-wide Standards of Engagement:

  1. We commit to act with and practice high standards of professionalism and leadership.
  2. We take action to produce fulfillment of our shared commitment to learning for the sake of producing a world that is sustainable and socially just.
  3. We take responsibility for situations of breakdown, dissatisfaction, and disagreement and view them as opportunities for leadership, and we act to: initiate the missing conversations; have people’s concerns listened to; and produce resolution.
  4. We hold ourselves and other members of the SOE community to standards of interaction that are: respectful and promote dignity; collaborative and cooperative; attentive to, and honoring of, our roles.
  5. We commit to address situations in which there is disconnection from our shared care and commitment as a community.

Professional Conduct

The SOE strives to create an environment that endorses academic achievement and integrity. The School seeks a professional community that is respectful of the rights and welfare of students, faculty, staff, and guests of the School. The School’s faculty and administrative staff are committed to act in accordance with the same professional and ethical standards as students to co-create an environment that does not threaten the physical or mental health or safety of members of the SOE community.

The SOE reserves the right to take necessary action to protect the safety and well being of the School community and to protect its facilities and programs. All students, regardless of where they live, are members of the academic community with the same basic rights and responsibilities. All students are subject to USF and SOE student conduct policies. Violations may be dealt with by the School of Education (referred to as “School” heretofore) whether they occur on or off campus.

Students are expected to observe administrative deadlines listed in the Academic Calendar, including registration, add/drop dates and withdrawal and tuition payment deadlines. Students are responsible for ensuring that all financial aid information is complete and accurate. Failure to abide by any of the above constitutes grounds for probation or dismissal from USF.

In addition, students are expected to abide by all applicable laws including the laws of the State of California, and the United States of America. Students who violate the law may incur penalties prescribed by civil authorities. In such cases when the School’s interests are involved, the authority of the School may be asserted. The Dean and/or other members of USF’s Senior Leadership will determine if the interests of the School are involved and if legal and/or disciplinary action is necessary.

Violation of a School regulation, which is a violation of civil law or criminal law, which affects the School, shall be procedurally handled as a School disciplinary situation regardless of whether there is a prosecution under law.

Disciplinary action at the School will not be subject to challenge on the grounds that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced.

Finally, the implementation of School disciplinary authority does not protect the student from, nor does the School necessarily consider it to be a substitution for civil process or criminal prosecution.

Student organizations (e.g. clubs) formally approved by the School are subject to the same regulations as individual students. Sanctions for organization misconduct may include probation, withdrawal of official recognition or limitations on the use of facilities and privileges afforded by the School, as well as other appropriate sanctions as provided in this code. In general, the School, by its disciplinary authority, attempts to promote:

  • concern with matters that impinge upon academic achievement and standards, and the personal integrity of students;
  • protection of property;
  • interest in the mental and physical health and safety of members of its community;
  • concern for preserving the peace, for ensuring orderly procedures, and for maintaining student morale;
  • responsibility for character development, for maintaining standards of decency  and  good taste, and for providing an appropriate moral climate  on  the  campus; and
  • protection of its good relations with the surrounding larger community.

Student Violations (disciplinary process)

If a student encounters issues while at the SOE, they can seek out the professor (when related to a course) or their academic advisor.  If necessary, the department chair will be brought in for consultation about this issue.  The department chair may choose to consult with the Associate Dean about appropriate disciplinary measures which could include probation, a Leave of Absence or dismissal from the academic program.