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Student Disciplinary Regulations

Scope of Regulations
Authority
Student's Obligation and Regulations
Student's Conduct Conference Procedure
Sanctions
Appeal Process

The disciplinary policies of Northeastern State University are carried out in conformity with the Student Disciplinary Regulations adopted by the Regional University System of Oklahoma. In accordance with internal institutional processes, universities may add appropriate student regulations not included in the listing of Regional University System of Oklahoma Student Disciplinary Policies. For a copy of the most up-to-date Student Disciplinary Regulations, please visit the Office of Student Affairs.

The act of registration is considered a pledge on the part of the student to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the administration and faculty. Each student has the responsibility to be fully acquainted with and to comply with the Northeastern State University Student Disciplinary Regulations, More specific rules, policies, information and procedures may be found in various publication pertaining to each particular service or department. When available, links have been provided to the appropriate web sites.

The Regional University System of Oklahoma Student Disciplinary Policies and Regulations for the administrative procedure of hearing and the statements regarding provision for counsel, for due process, and for appeals are on file in the Office of Student Affairs and are available to anyone who wished to read them.

The University reserves the right to place on probation, suspend or expel from the institution any student who willfully violates any rule or regulation of the University or laws of the State of Oklahoma.

Students who are placed on probation for delinquent scholarship or unsatisfactory conduct may not be permitted to represent the University in any intercollegiate activity, musical program or other University sponsored activity.

Every student has the right to all the advantages, prestige and honors accruing to a student of this University. The student retains the rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States; the right of freedom from control by any persons except as may be in accord with published rules of the university, the right to pursue an education and to receive a degree or certificate for the successful completion of its requirements.

SCOPE OF REGULATIONS:
1. When the University Rules Govern. Students who are enrolled in the University are expected to conform to the rules and regulations of the institution.
2. Off campus jurisdiction. Students may be subject to university discipline for actions committed off university property.
Authority. The President of the University has delegated to the Senior Student Affairs Officer or his/her designee the authority to investigate potential violations of university regulations, determine potential student disciplinary regulations violations, notify student of potential violations, conduct hearings, and to administer appropriate disciplinary sanctions.
STUDENT’S OBLIGATION AND REGULATIONS. Each student upon matriculation at the University assumes an obligation to obey all rules and regulations made by properly constituted authorities, to preserve faithfully all property provided by the State for his/her education, and to discharge duties as a student with diligence, fidelity, and honor. Failure to observe the following regulations will subject the student to disciplinary action.
1. Personal Behavior. Each student shall maintain the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and morality and shall obey the University rules and regulations.
2. Classroom behavior. Northeastern State University supports the principle of freedom of expression for both instructors and students. The University respects the right of instructors to teach and students to learn. Maintenance of these rights requires classroom conditions do not impede their exercise. Classroom behavior that interferes with either a) the instructors’ ability to conduct the class or be) the ability of other students to profit from the instructional program will not be tolerated. An individual engaging in disruptive classroom behavior may be subject to disciplinary action.
3. Acts of dishonesty. No student shall commit acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty. Any other act or dishonesty which adversely affects the university or the pursuit of its objectives.
4. Falsifying information. Furnishing false information to any university official, faculty member or office. Forgery, alteration or misuse of any university document, record or instrument of identification. Falsifying or participating in the falsification of any university record.
5. Falsification of records. Any student who knowingly falsifies or is a party to the falsifies of any official university record will be subject to disciplinary action.
6. Change of address. Students must notify the Registrar’s Office of their current address. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
7. Payment of accounts. Students shall make satisfactory arrangements for the settling of University accounts promptly. Failure on the part of a student to make satisfactory arrangements for the settlement of a University account by the due date will result in a late payment penalty; continued failure to settle the account will result in either suspension or the placing of a “hold” on the student’s records. A student may neither re-enroll, receive a diploma, nor obtain a transcript until the student has either/or (1) cleared the account, and (2) paid the assessed service charge to cover the administrative expense involved in placing the “hold” on the record.
8. Hazing. Prohibited acts committed for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization; or as part of any activity of a recognized student organization, student group. Prohibited behavior includes any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or that destroys or removes public or private property; and/or assisting, directing, or in any way causing others to participate in degrading behavior and/or behavior that causes ridicule, humiliation, or embarrassment; and/or engaging in conduct which tends to bring the reputation of the organization, group, or university into disrepute. Previously relied upon “traditions,” (including fraternity/sorority, or any other group or organization activity, practice or tradition) intent of such acts, or coercion by current or former student leaders of such groups, or former students will not suffice as a justifiable reason for participation in such acts. It is not a defense that the person (or group) against whom the hazing was directed consented to, or acquiesced to, the behavior in question. Hazing is also a violation of Oklahoma state law. Please see the section on Hazing outlined in the official Northeastern State University Catalog or online for additional information.
9. Harassment. Conduct (physical, verbal, graphic, written, or electronic) that is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to threaten an individual or limit the ability of an individual to work, study or participate in the activities of the university.
10. Physical abuse. Any attempt to cause injury or inflict pain; or causing injury or inflicting pain. Also causing physical contact with another when the person knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative. It is not a defense that the person (or group) against whom the physical abuse was directed consented to, or acquiesced to, the physical abuse.
11. Theft/Property damage. Attempted or actual theft of and/or damage to property of the University or property of a member of the University community or other personal or public property, on or off campus.
12. Breach of campus safety or security. This includes but is not limited to:
  1. Unauthorized access to university facilities; unauthorized entry to or use of University premises; intentionally damaging door locks; unauthorized possession of university keys or access cards; duplicating university keys or access cards; or propping open of exterior residence hall doors.
  2. Tampering with fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, alarm pull stations or emergency exits.
  3. Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on University preises or at University-sponsored or supervised functions.
13. Freedom of expression. A an institution of higher learning, Northeastern State University recognizes its obligation to provide a forum for the expression of ideas and opinions. Those who choose to listen bear the responsibility of recognizing and honoring the right of free speech.
14. Act of bias. Any offense that is motivated by bias may result in stronger penalties. An offense motivated by bias is any offense wherein the accused intentionally selected the alleged victim because of the alleged victim because of the alleged victim’s race, creed, disability, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, public assistance status, or inclusion in any group/class protected by state or federal law.
15. Disorderly assembly. It is expressly forbidden that any group of students gather in such a manner as to disturb the public peace, do violence to any person or property, or disrupt the function of the University or interfere with its faculty or staff in the performance of their duties. No student shall encourage or in any way participate in the formation or prolonging of such gathering.
16. Disturbing the peace and destruction of property. Whenever any student, organization or group of students disturbs the peace, destroys, molests, defaces or removes State or University property, or does intentional personal injury (including “hazing”), the student, the officers of the organization, if there is such, or other responsible persons may be subject to disciplinary action and assessed damage.
17. Sexual Misconduct.
  1. Sexual assault. Sexual assault is the oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by a sexual organ of another or anal/ vaginal penetrating by any means against the victim’s will or without his/her consent. An individual who is mentally incapacitated, unconscious, or unaware that the sexual assault is occurring is considered unable to give consent. The type of force employed may involve physical force, coercion, intentional impairment of an individual’s ability to appraise the situation through the administering of any substance, or threat of harm to the victim.
  2. Sexual abuse. Attempting or making sexual contact, including but not limited to inappropriate touching or fondling, against the person’s will, or in circumstances where the person is physically, mentally or legally unable to give consent.
  3. For additional information – Sexual Assault Policy and Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Grievance Policies outlined in the Northeastern State University Catalog.
18. Alcoholic Beverages or Illegal Narcotics. The consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages, or illegal narcotics in any form, on campus, in University Housing (to include sorority and fraternity housing), or at any event sponsored by or for a student organization or other University sponsored activity for students, is forbidden.
19. Controlled Substances. The use, possession or distribution of narcotics or other controlled dangerous substances or controlled substances, except as expressly permitted by law, and the inappropriate use or abuse of prescription or over-the-counter medication is forbidden.
20. Firearms. The possession or firing of firearms, fireworks, explosives or weapons including but not limited to bows, crossbows, knives, or guns, by students is prohibited on any university property (to include sorority and fraternity housing), except as they are used in officially approved university programs.
21. Computer Theft or Abuse. Theft or other abuse of computer time including but not limited to the following is forbidden:
  1. Unauthorized entry into a file, to use, read or change the contents, or for any other purpose.
  2. Attempts to circumvent established security procedures or to obtain access privileges to which the user is not entitled.
  3. Unauthorized transfer of a file.
  4. Unauthorized use of another’s identification and password.
  5. Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or university official.
  6. Use of computing facilities to send obscene or abusive messages.
  7. Use of computing facilities to willfully publish, distribute or exhibit any obscene expression.
  8. Use of computing facilities to interfere with normal operation of the university computing system.
22. Civil Law. All students are expected to conform to all local, State and Federal laws.
23. Public Law. All students are expected to comply with all local, state and federal laws.
24. Failure to comply. Failure to comply with directions of University officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties.
STUDENT’S CONDUCT CONFERENCE PROCEDURE. Prior to the commencement of any disciplinary action provided for herein, the Senior Student Affairs Officer or his/hr designee shall notify the accused student of potential violation of student disciplinary regulations. A time shall be set for a Student Conduct Conference, as soon as practical. Details to the Student Conduct Conference Procedure are available in the Dean of Student Affairs office.
SANCTIONS. Student conduct sanctions for violation of University regulations may include one or a combination of the following:
1. Warning. An official warning from the University regarding behavior related to a student conduct code violation.
2. Specified Restrictions. Implementing restrictions directly related to the violation committed.
3. Educational Requirement. A provision to complete a specific educational requirement directly related to the violation committed. The provision will be clearly defined. Such educational requirements may include, but are not limited to, completion of an alcohol education workshop, a diversity awareness workshop, essays, reports, etc.
4. Conduct Review. Conduct review is an official warning that the student’s conduct is in violation of NSU Student Rules, but is not sufficiently serious to warrant expulsion, dismissal, suspension, or conduct probation. Conduct review means that a student is in good standing with the university. However, a student on conduct review shall have their conduct under review for a specified period of time. If there is a finding of responsibility for subsequent violations of the student rules during this period of time, more severe sanctions will be administered.
5. Conduct probation. Conduct probation is an official warning that the student’s conduct is in violation of NSU Student Rules and is sufficiently serious to place the student “not in good standing” with the University. A second violation means that disciplinary action will be based on both charges. The record of conduct probation is kept in the student’s personal folder and the disciplinary hold on his record is removed after a specific period of time determined by the Student Conduct Administrator.
6. Temporary suspension. A Student may be temporarily suspended from the University without a hearing when there is an immediate and present danger of the damage to life and property or disruption of normal university life. Such as administrative decision will be effective immediately.
7. Suspension. A student may be suspended for reasons of conduct for a definite period of time not less than the remainder of the current semester in which he/she is enrolled. The student who has been suspended may apply for readmission at the close of the period for which he/she was suspended. A suspension hold will be placed on the transcript during the period of suspension.
8. Expulsion. When a student is expelled, a record of this action will be made a part of the student’s permanent record in the Office of the Registrar. A student who is expelled with normally not be allowed to re-enter the university.
9. Degree revocation or rescission of credit.
APPEAL PROCESS.
1. Non dismissal from University
  1. A decision reached by the Student Conduct Administrator or a sanction imposed by the Student Conduct Administrator may be appealed by the Accused Student(s) within 24 hours of the decision. Such appeals shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the Dean of Student Affairs Office.
  2. The decision as to review the appeal filed shall be made solely by the Dean of Student Affairs or his/her designee.
  3. One opportunity or an appeal shall be accorded unless the appeal is remanded for further review. The decision of the appeal officer is final.
2. Dismissal from University (suspension, expulsion, and dismissal)
  1. Committee on Student Conduct. A committee consisting of faculty members and students will be created to consider the appeal of cases resulting in suspension or expulsion of students involved in violations of University regulations to be designated as the ““Committee on Student Conduct.”
  2. The faculty members of the committee shall be appointed by the President of the University and shall be faculty members whose primary duties are not concerned with the administration of student conduct and their affairs. The student members on the committee shall be nominated by the Student Senate or similar student governing body.
  3. A student instituting an appeal to the Committee on Student Conduct shall have the right to exclude the student members of the committee upon proper request. One or more students may be included in the membership of the committee, such number to be determined by the President of the University.
  4. Any act by a properly constituted committee, at which a quorum of the committee is present, shall be binding.
  5. To initiate an appeal, a student must make the request. The request and reason for appeal should be made in writing to the Dean of Student Affairs Office within 24 hours after the disciplinary decision is rendered.
  6. If the student appeals a conduct disciplinary decision in cases of suspension, expulsion or degree revocation, the decision will not become effective until after a hearing before the Committee on Student Conduct and such hearing will be held as soon as practical after request is made by the student.

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