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Student Conduct
Philosophy of Student Conduct
At Kansas State University students have a direct and primary role in the establishment and enforcement of campus and living group policies and regulations. The basic philosophy of discipline is one of education and enforcement of community standards. Since that is the ultimate purpose, we focus on the growth and development of the student. Most efforts are directed at preventing problems, or at least correcting them, rather than concentrating on punishment. The responsibility for proper conduct is put upon the student, not the university, with the assumption that most students do not try to intentionally cause violations, and will generally respect the rights and property of others.
The following principles govern the disciplinary process. Every effort is made to bring about outcomes that are positive for all parties involved; students will be members of all Student Governing Association judicial bodies; formal hearing processes are fundamentally fair and respect the rights of the individuals involved; confidentiality will be respected; records of proceedings will be released only on written authorization of the student(s) involved unless otherwise authorized by law or court order. The procedures are outlined in the SGA Judicial Code, included in the by-laws to the SGA Constitution.
Descriptions of the judicial structure and process, as well as university policies, are free and are available in the Office of Student Activities and Services in the K-State Student Union and on their web page.
Prohibited conduct
Important information regarding the judicial process and student rights are available in the Office of Student Activities and Services in the K-State Student Union.
The following described behaviors constitute misconduct in which disciplinary sanctions will be imposed:
- Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to the following:
- Furnishing false information to any university official, faculty/staff member, or office.
- Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any university document, record, or instrument of identification.
- Tampering with the election of any organization or student governing body.
- Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceeding, other university activities, including its public-service functions on or off campus, or other authorized non-university activities.
- Conduct that threatens or endangers the mental or physical health or safety of any person, including, but not limited to physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, and coercion.
- Attempted or actual theft of or damage to property.
- Hazing, which is defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization. Consent by the person hazed shall be no defense to the hazing.
- Telephone harassment, which shall include:
- Making calls containing lewd or obscene remarks.
- Making calls intended to harass whether or not conversation ensues.
- Making the telephone ring repeatedly with intent to harass.
- Making repeated calls in which conversation ensues solely to harass.
- Failure to comply with directions of university faculty, staff, or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so.
- Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys, or other devices that provide access to any university premises or service.
- Unauthorized presence in or use of university premises, facilities, or property.
- Violation of university policies, rules, or regulations.
- Violation of federal, state, or local law.
- Unauthorized distribution, use, or possession of a controlled substance (as described in Chapter 65, Article 41 of Kansas Statutes Annotated on university premises) on university premises or at university-sponsored activities.
- Unlawful use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages or violation of the university’s alcoholic and cereal malt beverage policy.
- Illegal or unauthorized possession or use of firearms, explosives, weapons, or dangerous chemicals on university premises or at a university-sponsored activity.
- Intentionally initiating or causing to be initiated any false report, warning, or threat of fire, explosion, or other emergency on university premises or at a university-sponsored activity.
- Participation in a campus demonstration which unreasonably disrupts the normal operations of the university and infringes on the rights of other members of the university community; inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any campus building or area; intentional obstruction which unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular, on campus.
- Intentionally interfering with the freedom of expression of others on university premises or at a university-sponsored activity.
- Conduct that is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; breach of peace; or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on university premises or at university-sponsored activities.
- Any violation of the stated K-State information technology usage policies.
- Abuse of the SGA Judicial Program, including, but not limited to:
- Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information.
- Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a judicial proceeding.
- Knowingly initiating a complaint without cause.
- Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the judicial system.
- Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a judicial board prior to, or during the course of, the judicial proceeding.
- Verbal, written, phone, or physical harassment, and/or intimidation of a member of a judicial board.
- Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under this code.
- Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the judicial system.
- Misconduct may also include any violation of any rules in the leases and contracts entered into by a student to obtain accommodations with the Department of Housing and Dining Services.
- Any illegal or unauthorized taking, selling, or distribution of class notes.
Honor and Integrity System
Steven Starrett, Director
K-State Honor & Integrity System
215 Fairchild Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-2595
E-mail: honor@k-state.edu
The honor and integrity system uses the Faculty Senate approved definition of academic dishonesty found in the Faculty Handbook and at the honor and integrity system web page.
Students’ rights are enumerated under Article XII of the Student Governing Association constitution.
The Honor Council constitution can be reviewed in the student handbook section of the campus phone book. The investigation and adjudication procedures can be reviewed on the web page.
Kansas State University’s honor and integrity system is based on personal integrity, which is presumed to be sufficient assurance that, in academic matters, each student’s work is performed honestly and without unauthorized assistance. Students, by registering at K-State, acknowledge the jurisdiction of the honor system.
The policies and procedures of the graduate and undergraduate honor and integrity system apply to all full-time and part-time students enrolled in courses on-campus, off-campus, and via distance learning.
A prominent part of the honor and integrity system is the honor pledge, which applies to all assignments, examinations, or other course work undertaken by students. The honor pledge is implied, whether or not it is stated: “On my honor, as a student, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work.”
Honor Council
The honor and integrity system trusts students to perform their academic work honestly and with integrity. The honor and integrity system is based on trust and administered jointly by students and faculty members of the Honor Council. Having students equally share in the process increases the visibility of Honor Council procedures and promotes a community of trust.
The Honor Council is comprised of students and faculty who are appointed each spring for two-year terms. Students are nominated by the student body president or the associate provost for diversity; faculty are nominated by their respective dean or the dean of student life. All nominations are subject to the approval of the provost. Members of the honor council adjudicate the honor system by serving as case investigators, advisors, and hearing panelists.
Reporting Academic Dishonesty
All members of the academic community, both students and faculty, are urged to report acts of academic dishonesty. To discuss or report an alleged violation, contact the director of the honor and integrity system.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism, taking someone else’s intellectual work and presenting it as your own, covers unpublished and published sources. Borrowing another’s semester paper, handing in a paper purchased from an individual or agency, or submitting papers from a living group, club, or organization files are all punishable as plagiarism. The current definition for plagairism is located in Section II of Appendix F in the university handbook.
The standard for attribution and acknowledgement of literary indebtedness is set by each discipline. Students should consult with their department or with recognized handbooks in their field if in doubt.
The guidelines apply to faculty and research assistants in their possible use of students’ and colleagues’ research and ideas, as well as to students’ use of source materials and authorities, and student use of other students’ ideas and work.
Other Forms of Academic Cheating
Other forms of academic dishonesty subject to penalties include, but are not limited to, consultation of books, library materials, or notes during a test; use of crib sheets or hidden notes during an examination or looking at another student’s test; having a confederate supply of questions or answers from an examination to be given or in progress; having another person stand in on an exam or other graded activity; deliberate falsification of lab results; submission of falsified data; procurement or alteration, without permission, of examinations or other academic exercises; collaborating on projects where collaboration is forbidden; and other forms of academic dishonesty and fraud.
University Policies
Students, faculty, staff and administrators are members of a community dedicated to the growth and development of individuals.
Enrollment at K-State entails responsibilities as well as privileges. Acceptance of and adherence to University policies are necessary for the protection of the rights of others and the protection and health of the community.
Complete copies of these policies, some of which are excerpted below, are available in the Office of Student Activities and Services in the K-State Student Union and the Office of Student Life in 102 Holton Hall, unless otherwise indicated. The most current versions of these policies are available on the website.
Advertising, Sales, and Solicitation
Facilities of Kansas State University are not available for unrestricted use by non-university groups. University property may not be used for commercial purposes except when sponsored by a university-affiliated organization or department. The regulations governing fund-raising and the posting and distribution of literature are available in the Procedures and Policies Manual.
Alcohol and Cereal Malt Beverage Policy
The legal drinking age in Kansas for alcoholic beverages is 21. The Kansas Board of Regents policy permits the service and consumption of alcoholic beverages under authorized and appropriately controlled conditions and regulations. Included in the K-State policy is information on alcohol and cereal malt beverage service and consumption in residence halls, at athletic events, and for student organizations.
Drug-free Workplace Policy
In 1988 Congress passed the Drug-Free Workplace Act. This act applies to all institutions holding and applying for federal grants and contracts. K-State adopted the policy that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances is prohibited in its workplace. For more information go to the website.
Facilities Usage
K-State facilities are available for use by authorized groups for activities that complement the teaching, research, and service programs of the university. Policies and procedures for use of K-State facilities (other than the K-State Student Union) are available in the Division of Facilities in 109 Dykstra Hall or on their web page.
Policies and procedures for use of the K-State Student Union are available in the Union Reservations Office on the second floor or in the Source Handbook for Registered Organizations.
Gender
The university seeks to create an environment in which all students, faculty, and staff interact solely on the basis of individual strengths and characteristics without having those interactions shaped by generalizations, stereotypes, or valuations based on gender. Copies of applicable policies are available in the K-State Women’s Center in 206 Holton Hall and Office of Institutional Equity in 103 Edwards Hall.
HIV/AIDS University Guidelines
Under the direction of the Kansas Board of Regents, the university has developed guidelines to assist students, faculty, and staff in the event that a situation involving Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) should occur. Current copies of the guidelines are available upon request from the Department of Health Promotion, Lafene Health Center.
Political Activity Guidelines
All members of the university community are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to educate themselves regarding the candidates and issues relating to national, state, and local elections. University guidelines related to political activities on campus are available in the Procedures and Policies Manual. In addition, a comprehensive collection of political activities laws, regulations and policies is available on the webpage.
Harassment
K-State prohibits harassment based a person or persons based on race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, ancestry, disability, genetic information, military status, or veteran status in the work and on-campus housing environment that: (1) has the purpose or effect of: (a) creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment or non-campus housing environment for the person(s); or (b) unreasonably interfering with the work, or on-campus housing, of the person (s); and (2) is sufficiently severe or pervasive that it alters the terms, conditions, or privileges of a person’s employment or use of on-campus housing.
In the academic environment, “harassment” is conduct toward a person or persons based on race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, ancestry, disability, genetic information, military status, or veteran status that: (1) has the purpose and effect of: (a) creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment for the person(s); or (b) unreasonably interfering with the academic performance or participation in any university-sponsored activity of the person; or (c) threatening the academic opportunities of the person; and (2) is sufficiently severe or pervasive that it alters the terms, conditions, or privileges of the person’s academic opportunities or participation in university-sponsored activities.
Harassment under these definitions should be reported to the university administrator responsible for the department or unit or to the Office of Institutional Equity. Copies of the policy are also available from the Office of Institutional Equity in 103 Edwards Hall.
Religious Activities
Nonsectarian prayers, invocations, benedictions, or silent meditations are permitted at university functions to enhance mutual respect and awareness.
Sexual Harassment
“Sexual harassment” is a type of harassment that involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, disparagement of members of one sex, or other conduct of a sexual nature when: (1) (a) submission to or rejection of such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, education, on-campus housing, or participation in a university-sponsored activity or program; or (b) submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for or as a factor in decisions affecting that individual’s employment, education, on-campus housing, or participation in a university-sponsored activity or program; or (c) such conduct meets either “harassment” definition above; and (2) the conduct is sufficiently severe or pervasive that it alters the terms, conditions, or privileges of the person’s employment, use of on-campus housing, academic opportunities, or participation in university-sponsored activities or programs.
Sexual harassment should be reported to the university administrator responsible for the department or unit or to the Office of Institutional Equity. Students with complaints of sexual harassment by other students should contact the Office of Student Life, the Office of Institutional Equity, or the K-State Women’s Center. Copies of the policy prohibiting sexual harassment are available from the Office of Student Activities and Services, departmental offices, the K-State Women’s Center, Office of Student Life, or the Office of Institutional Equity.
Sexual Violence
No form of sexual violence will be tolerated or condoned at Kansas State University. This policy prohibits not only those acts commonly understood to constitute “sexual assault,” but all attempts to coerce sexual activity as well. Although the university cannot assure protection from sexual violence, it can state expectations of conduct and impose sanctions on any university student who fails to meet those expectations. Copies of the policy prohibiting sexual violence are available in the K-State Women’s Center in 206 Holton Hall, Office of Student Life or the Office of Institutional Equity, 103 Edwards Hall.
Undergraduate Student Grievance Policies
The following procedures will be employed to deal with grade appeals and academic grievances other than matters of academic dishonesty brought by students against faculty members or faculty members against students. These procedures will serve three functions: (1) to safeguard the rights and academic freedom of both students and faculty, (2) to assure due process, and (3) to provide for consistency in handling undergraduate academic grievances throughout the university. For more information contact the Office of Student Life.
Grievances Against Faculty or Administrators
Unethical actions by faculty or administrators should be reported as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. The grievance must be made within six months of the alleged unethical action(s). Students should begin by contacting the office of their dean. The dean, or a representative of the dean, will describe the procedure to be followed and will aid the student in procedural matters. Further, the dean or representative will appoint a faculty member as an advocate for the student if the situation seems to warrant an advocate or if the student requests an advocate. If a faculty advocate is appointed, the student will participate in the selection of, and must agree to the appointment of, the person selected. The advocate need not be in the same college as the student. For more information contact the Office of Student Life.
Grievances Involving Student Academic Dishonesty
The procedures for handling charges of cheating or other academic dishonesty are given in the policy on academic dishonesty. See the Honor System for details.
Grievances Involving Change of Grade (but not academic dishonesty)
- All efforts will be made by the student and instructor involved in any grievance to settle all disputes that may arise. Grade appeals must be initiated within six months following the issue date of the grade in question.
- If a grade change grievance is not resolved by the student and instructor, the student may appeal in writing to the department head concerned, who will act as a mediator in the dispute. This appeal should be made within two weeks of the date of the decision of the instructor. At this time, the student may petition the dean of his or her college for an ombudsperson. The duties of the ombudsperson are to arrange meetings of all concerned parties and report actions taken at each level to the appropriate persons or groups. The role of the ombudsperson is to expedite the process and to ensure a fair hearing.
- If the grievance has not been settled to the student’s satisfaction at the department level, written appeal may be made to the dean of the college in which the course is taken. This appeal should be made within two weeks of the date of receipt of the decision by the department head.
- If the student does not feel that an adequate solution has been reached in any academic dispute, she/he may appeal in writing to the Undergraduate Grievance Board, which will arbitrate the dispute. This appeal should be made within two weeks of the date of receipt of the appeal by the dean. Appeals received during the summer will be heard the following fall semester. Appeals should be addressed to the Undergraduate Grievance Board.
- The two week time limits given in the sections above are intended to move the grievance process along at a reasonable rate. The limits may be modified for reasonable reasons such as illness, scheduled academic holidays, or mutual consent of both parties. For more information contact the Office of Student Life.
Graduate Student Grievance Procedures
If a graduate student feels he or she has been unjustly treated in some aspect of academic work and has been unable to secure a remedy through consultation with the professor(s) involved, with the supervisory committee, and thereafter with the head of the department or chair of the program, it is the student’s prerogative to take the matter to the Dean of the Graduate School. If the Dean is unable to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution with the persons concerned, at the student’s request the dean will initiate the grievance procedures adopted by the Graduate Council and described in the Graduate Handbook.
Prayer at University Functions
Nonsectarian prayers, invocations, benedictions, or silent meditations are permitted at university functions to enhance mutual respect and awareness.
Community Principles
Principles of Community
Kansas State University is a land-grant, public research university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and service to the people of Kansas, the nation, and the world. Our collective mission is best accomplished when every member of the university community acknowledges and practices the following principles:
We affirm the inherent dignity and value of every person and strive to maintain an atmosphere of justice based on respect for each other.
We affirm the value of human diversity for community.
We affirm the right of each person to freely express thoughts and opinions in a spirit of civility and decency. We believe that diversity of views enriches our learning environment and we promote open expression within a climate of courtesy, sensitivity, and mutual respect.
We affirm the value of honesty and integrity. We will operate with honesty in all professional endeavors and expect the same from our colleagues.
We acknowledge that we are a part of multiple communities, and we have an obligation to be engaged in a positive way with our civic partners.
We recognize our individual obligations to the university community and to the principles that sustain it. We will each strive to contribute to a positive spirit that affirms learning and growth for all members of the community.
Campaign for Nonviolence
www.k-state.edu/nonviolence
This campaign works to apply the principles of active nonviolence to problems associated with discrimination, harassment, violence, and other abuses of power.
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