Code of Conduct
Student Conduct Code
Students of the University of Montevallo are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the University’s functions as an institution of higher education. As a community of learners and scholars, all are expected to maintain conduct which assures orderly pursuit of educational objectives, positive regard for the rights of others, and a safe environment. To these ends, the Student Conduct Code details behaviors for which students are subject to disciplinary sanctions. In addition, students are expected to comply with all university policies and applicable Federal, State, and local laws.
Inappropriate conduct for which a Montevallo student may be disciplined includes, but is not limited to:
1. Dishonesty, such as lying, stealing, cheating and/or plagiarism;
2. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures or other University activities, including its public service functions, or of any other authorized activity on University premises or at University-sponsored activities off campus;
3. Falsification, alteration, fabrication or misuse of University forms, documents, records, or identification;
4. Interference with or failure to comply with directives of University officials acting in the performance of their duties;
5. Failure to follow established campus regulations and policies including those governing residence in University-owned or controlled property, the registration and operation of student organizations, the use of University facilities, or the time, place and manner of public gatherings and expression;
6. Physical and/or psychological abuse, unlawful harassment (including sexual harassment), or threatening the health and/or safety of any member of the University of Montevallo community or campus visitor including harassment and abuse occurring through the use of various forms of technology and social media commonly referred to as cyber bullying;
7. Hazing for the purpose of pledging, initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for maintaining membership in a group, organization, or team. Hazing is any intentional, knowing or reckless act, whether on or off campus, which endangers the mental or physical health and safety of any person, regardless of consent or which violates public law or University policy.
8. Intentionally and significantly interfering with the freedom of expression of others at University events or on University-controlled property;
9. Disorderly, drunken, lewd or indecent conduct;
10. Unlawful use, possession, distribution, manufacture of alcoholic beverages, illicit drugs, controlled substances on University property or in conjunction with University activity;
11. Possession and/or use of firearms, ammunition, Bowie knives, instruments of like kind, bows and arrows, and other potentially dangerous weapons, including firecrackers or other explosive devices in all University buildings, facilities and properties except as expressly permitted as a part of authorized University activities;
12. Damage to or theft of property belonging to the University, a member of the University community or a campus visitor;
13. Unauthorized entry into, use or occupation of, University facilities;
14. Contemptuous, disorderly behavior, or perjury at any disciplinary hearing and/or knowingly violating the terms of an official disciplinary sanction;
15. Other conduct adversely affecting the student’s suitability as a member of the academic community.
16. Abuse, misuse, or theft of electronically transmitted information including, but not limited to, a) unauthorized entry into, alteration of, or transfer of a file; b) unauthorized use of, access to, or control of computing resources; c) attempted or actual use of another individual’s account, identification or password; d) attempted or actual unauthorized copying, transfer, modification, or destruction of University-owned software, programs, records, or data; e) attempted or actual interference with the normal operation of the University’s computing system; and f) violation of university policy or public law related to technology and usage of data.
Students who violate the Student Conduct Code are subject to disciplinary action and may be heard by the Justice Council. Sanctions range from verbal warning to expulsion from the university. Information regarding Justice Council procedures and composition are found in the student handbook, the Fledgling. When behaviors and circumstances indicate that the student’s continued presence on campus creates a danger of serious physical or mental harm to the student or others of the University community, an involuntary administrative withdrawal may be implemented. The administration reserves the right to impose an interim suspension pending a hearing to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the University community or preservation of University property; to ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being; or if the student poses a threat of disruption of or interference with the normal operations of the University.
Approved by the University of Montevallo Board of Trustees : August 5, 2011