Student Conduct Process & University Rules of Conduct

The student conduct process is an extension of the educational mission of the University. The process is intended to educate students about appropriate behavior and the potential consequences of one’s actions and choices. It promotes learning, personal responsibility, self-discipline, respect for others and self, and the support of the educational values of the community.

The Vice President for DEI & Student Affairs has designated the Dean of Students to serve as the primary staff member responsible for ensuring the conduct process is administered in a fair and equitable manner. “Vice President” in this section should be read as “Vice President or designee.” The Dean of Students has designated conduct officers to resolve reports of student misconduct through the process outlined in the Administrative Conduct Reviews section of the Student Handbook. Proposed changes, feedback or concerns should be directed to the Dean of Students.

The Butler University student conduct process consists of administrative conduct reviews both informal and formal for students and/or student organizations. Appeals of administrative decisions can be heard by the Appeals Board. At all levels, these proceedings are not to be construed as legalistic judicial trials, but care shall be taken to provide a fundamentally fair process for the review of a student’s conduct. Alleged violations of University rules and regulations may be brought to the attention of the Dean of Students by any member of the University community and from external constituencies.

University Rules of Conduct

Scope

  1. Upon being admitted, a student assumes an obligation to conduct oneself in a manner compatible with the University’s functions as an educational institution. The word “student” includes all persons admitted or taking courses at Butler University, both full-time and part-time, pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies and those who attend post-secondary institutions other than Butler University and reside in Butler University residence halls. Students who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the University are considered “students.”
  2. Rules, policies, and guidelines should be read broadly and are not designed to define misconduct in exhaustive terms.
  3. The Rules of Conduct shall apply to conduct that occurs on University premises, at University sponsored activities, and to off-campus conduct that adversely affects the University community and/or the pursuit of its objectives.
  4. Students are also responsible for the behavior of their guests on campus. Because the actions of guests also affect members of the Butler community, students assume responsibility for those they host.
  5. The conduct of a person who is a student and an employee may be reviewed under this process, the employee conduct code, or both, and may be subject to sanctions in both capacities.
  6. Like all other citizens, students are subject to federal, state, and municipal law. In general, offenses committed on campus will normally result in student conduct action by the University. In some instances, however, government authorities may also be called and/or charges may be filed through the appropriate court.
  7. A student may be found responsible for a violation of the Rules of Conduct if they attempt, facilitate, or engage in the prohibited conduct.

Misconduct for which students may be subject to sanctions falls into the following categories:

  1. Violation of the University’s published policies, regulations, or rules including, but not limited to, those governing hazing, academic integrity, parking violations, campus solicitation, harassment, sexual misconduct, student organizations, or University computing policies.
  2. Disruption of teaching, research, administrative, or student conduct procedures or other University activities, including its public functions, or other authorized activities on or off University premises.
  3. Involvement in behavior that could or does result in physical injury, destruction of University property or that of a third party, or obstruction of the normal functioning of the University property.
  4. Attempted or actual theft, unauthorized use or possession of University property or the property of others, unauthorized access to University electronic networks and information systems or providing unauthorized access to others, fraud, possession or use of fake identification, dishonesty, or knowingly furnishing false information to the University.
  5. Violation of the Residence Life Community Standards or of building-specific expectations.
  6. Physical, mental, or verbal abuse of any person or any conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any such person.
  7. Unauthorized entry, occupancy, or use of University facilities.
  8. Conduct that is disorderly, reckless, intimidating, lewd, indecent, or obscene.
  9. Unauthorized use, possession, manufacturing, sale or distribution of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, or any controlled substance except as expressly permitted by law.
  10. Unauthorized use or possession of explosives, firearms, firecrackers, fireworks, paintball guns, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on University owned or controlled property, or use of any such item, even if legally possessed, in a manner that harms, threatens, or causes fear to others.
  11. The use of any form of tobacco, nicotine or vaping/smoking device, in violation of the Butler University Smoke/Vape/Nicotine Free Policy.
  12. Failure to comply with directions of University officials acting in the performance of their duties.
  13. Use, possession, manufacturing or distribution of alcoholic beverages except as expressly permitted by law and/or Butler University regulations, or public intoxication.
  14. Violation of any federal, state, or municipal law.