Student Conduct Code - Section 1. Purpose

The student conduct code at the University of San Francisco exists to support the academic mission of the University and to provide guidelines and expectations for appropriate student behavior. Its purpose is to educate students about the importance of responsibility, accountability and adherence to the core values of the institution. At all times, students are expected to act with integrity, display respect for self and others and be people for and with others working to change the world from here.

The student conduct code and conduct process seek to promote and foster an environment that values inclusivity. The core belief of the code and process is that all persons should be treated with dignity and respect. The university believes that our community standards contribute towards an individual’s development and decision-making.

The ability to CHANGE THE WORLD FROM HERE starts with one's personal commitment to responsible behavior. The Office of Student Conduct, Rights & Responsibilities (OSCRR) fosters an educational and developmental approach to student conduct, focusing on learning through self-reflection and personal accountability for behavior and decisions. Our mission is to help and encourage students to be successful in all facets of their lives.

We recognize that sometimes good people make bad choices. Part of our role is to help educate our students to make better choices to support their educational and personal goals. The conduct process and outcomes are designed for guidance or correction of behavior and to protect the rights of other students within the University community, rather than for punishment.

USF is an institution where growth and development are fostered, excellence pursued, and the highest standards of integrity are expected in all areas of life. OSCRR is committed to providing an environment where individuals exhibit respect for the rights of all persons, feel safe, property is secure, and education of the highest quality is achieved.

The university outlines the standards of appropriate behavior expected of all students through the Mission, Vision and Values statement as well as through the Student Conduct Code and other University policies and procedures. Having voluntarily enrolled at USF, all students have entered into an agreement to be aware of and abide by the rules and regulations set forth in the Student Conduct Code and University mission. Each student is responsible to conform their conduct to the requirements of the Code, applicable federal, state and local laws.

Violations of the Code will be resolved through the University's conduct system, which is designed to reflect and support the educational mission of the institution and to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of all individuals alleged with or victimized by student misconduct. Students who are alleged to have violated the Code will receive email notification and be provided resolution options during an informational meeting as part of our student conduct process. No student will be found in violation of the Code without a finding that it is more likely than not that a violation occurred (a preponderance of the evidence standard). Students found responsible in the conduct process for violations of the Code are subject to outcomes. Outcomes are proportionate to the violation and to the cumulative conduct history of the student. Assigned outcomes provide an opportunity for students to reflect critically on their choices and behavior, to demonstrate learning, and, when appropriate, to make reparation for any harm that was caused. If a student is unable to tailor their behavior to community expectations or has exhibited sufficiently severe misconduct, the conduct process may determine that the student should no longer share in the privilege of participating in this community.

Recognizing the uniqueness of each student, the conduct process is grounded in the Ignatian ideal of cura personalis - promoting the development of the whole person. OSCRR considers the Code as minimal expectations and seeks to foster a commitment to the highest standards of ethical behavior by the consistent and fair manner in which we operate our process. We view our conduct process as a learning experience intended to result in the growth and personal understanding of individual responsibility.