All-University Regulations

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

Neither this nor any other university policy is violated by actions that amount to expression protected by the state or federal constitutions or by related principles of academic freedom. 

Student Code of Conduct 

https://www.k-state.edu/sga/judicial/student-code-of-conduct.html 

The following described conduct is prohibited by this Code and subject to sanctions by the University: 

1. Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to the following:
   1. Providing and/or supplying false information to any University official, faculty/staff member, or office.
   2. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any University document, record, or instrument of identification.
   3. Tampering with the election of any organization or student governing body.
2. Conduct that substantially disrupts or interferes with teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or other University-sponsored activities.
3. Conduct directed towards another person(s) that is intended to and does substantially disrupt or interfere with another’s educational or employment opportunity, peaceful enjoyment of residence, or physical security.
4. Attempted or actual theft of property.
5. Intentional damage to property or vandalism.
6. 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.
7. Telephone or Internet harassment, which shall include: (KSA 21-6206)
   1. Making calls containing or making or transmitting any comment, request, suggestion, proposal, image or text which is lewd or obscene remarks.
   2. Making or transmitting calls, whether or not conversation ensues, or any comment, request, suggestion, proposal, image or text with intent to substantially interfere with another person’s educational or employment opportunity, peaceful enjoyment of residence, or physical security. Transmission of comments, requests, suggestions, proposal, images, or texts may include any transmission utilizing electronic means, including but not limited to sending text, picture, video, or audio messages over social media websites, social media applications, instant messenger or chat services, message boards or any other electronic format.
8. 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.
9. Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys, or other devices that provide access to any University property or services.
10. Unauthorized presence in or use of University premises, facilities, or property.
11. Use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages in an unlawful manner or otherwise in violation of a university policy.
12. Use, possession, distribution of a controlled substance in an unlawful manner or otherwise in violation of a university policy.
13. Possession or use of in violation of the University’s Weapons Policy.
14. Intentionally initiating or causing to be initiated, any false report, warning or threat of fire, explosion or other emergency.
15. Participation in a campus demonstration which unreasonably disrupts the normal operations of the University included but not limited to the following examples:
    1. infringing on the rights of;
    2. inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal;
    3. intentional obstruction which unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular;
    4. inciting another person to breach the peace.
16. Intentionally engaging in conduct that prevents another person from exercising freedom of expression protected by law.
17. Conduct that is disorderly, lewd, or obscene; breach of peace; or inciting another person to breach the peace.
18. Any violation of “KSU Information Technology Usage Policies.”
19. Abuse of the SGA Judicial Program, including but not limited to:
    1. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information.
    2. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a judicial proceeding.
    3. Knowingly initiating a complaint without cause.
    4. Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the judicial system.
    5. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a judicial board prior to, or during the course of, the judicial proceeding.
    6. Verbal, written, phone, or physical harassment, and/or intimidation of a member of a judicial board.
    7. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the judicial program.
20. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under this Code.
21. Any illegal or unauthorized taking, selling, or distribution of class notes.
22. Violation of University policies, rules, or regulations.
23. Violation of federal, state or local law that causes a substantial disruption to university operations.

Honor and Integrity System

Camilla Roberts, Director
K-State Honor and Integrity System
1800 Claflin Road, Suite 001
Manhattan, KS 66502 (see map)
785-532-2595
E-mail: honor@k-state.edu
 

The Honor and Integrity System operates with the belief that college students are still developing in integrity–the ability to make wise choices in dilemmas. Students who are reported and found in violation are given educational sanctions in hopes of helping those students become better citizens in their professions.

• 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 who register 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 students enrolled in courses on campus, off-campus, or via distance learning.

A vital component to the Honor and Integrity System is the inclusion of the Honor Pledge which applies to ALL assignments, examinations, or other course work undertaken by undergraduate and graduate students.

Honor Council

The honor and integrity system trusts students to perform their academic work honestly and with integrity. It 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 members of the Honor Council can be found here.

Reporting Academic Dishonesty

Plagiarism

Plagiarism covers unpublished and published sources, taking someone else’s intellectual work and presenting it as your own. 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 file are all punishable as plagiarism. The current definition of plagiarism is in the University Handbook, Appendix F.

Each discipline sets the standard for attribution and acknowledgment of literary indebtedness. If in doubt, students should consult with their department or with recognized handbooks in their field.

The guidelines apply to faculty and research assistants who may use students’ and colleagues’ research and ideas, as well as students who use source materials and authorities and students who use other students’ ideas and work.

Other Forms of Academic Cheating

Other forms of academic dishonesty subject to penalties may be found here.

University Policies

Students, faculty, staff, and administrators are community members dedicated to individual growth and development.

Enrollment at K-State entails responsibilities as well as privileges. Acceptance of and adherence to University policies are necessary to protect the rights of others and the health of the community.

The most current versions of these policies are available on the website.

Advertising, Sales, and Solicitation

KFacilities of Kansas State University are primarily for University purposes of instruction, research, and public service; they are not available for unrestricted use by non-university groups. The regulation of commercial activity and the posting and distribution of advertising materials on campus are necessary so that they do not interfere with the academic mission of the University and that income gained from activities held on campus benefits the University. The regulations governing fund-raising and the posting and distributing of literature are available in the PPM, Chapter 8580.

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. The K-State policy includes information on alcohol and cereal malt beverage service and consumption in residence halls, at athletic events, and for student organizations. Additional information is available in the PPM, Chapter 3053. 

Drug-free Workplace Policy

In 1988, Congress passed the Drug-Free Workplace Act, which 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. Additional Information is housed under the Clery Compliance reporting located here.

Facilities Usage

K-State facilities are available for authorized groups to use for activities that complement the university’s teaching, research, and service programs. Policies and procedures for using K-State facilities (other than the K-State Student Union) are available in the PPM, Chapter 7840.

Policies and procedures for use of the K-State Student Union are available on the website here or in the PPM, Chapter 8540: Student Organization Recognition Policy.

Gender

The university seeks to create an environment where all students, faculty, and staff interact solely based on individual strengths and characteristics without having those interactions shaped by generalizations, stereotypes, or valuations based on gender. Copies of applicable policies are located in the University Handbook, Appendix J: Policy on Gender and Policy on Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Violence, the Office of Institutional Equity, and additional resources and support are available in the Center for Advocacy, Response, and Education (CARE).

HIV/AIDS University Guidelines

Under the direction of the Kansas Board of Regents, the university has developed guidelines to assist students, staff, and faculty members in situations involving acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or the causative agent, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).  Current guidelines are available upon request from the Lafene Health Center.

Political Activity Guidelines

The students, faculty, and administration at Kansas State University encourage all members of the University community to take advantage of any and all opportunities to educate themselves regarding the candidates and issues relating to national, state, and local elections. Guidelines are available in PPM, Chapter 8560. In addition, a comprehensive collection of political activities, laws, regulations, and policies is available on the webpage.

Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Harassment

Kansas State University is committed to maintaining academic, housing, and work environments free of discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment. Discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, ancestry, disability, genetic information, military status, or veteran status is prohibited. Retaliation against a person for reporting or objecting to discrimination or harassment or for participating in an investigation or other proceeding violates this Policy, whether or not discrimination or harassment occurred. This Policy is not intended for, and will not be used to, infringe on academic freedom or to censor or punish students, faculty, employees, or staff who exercise their legitimate First Amendment rights.

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 can be found in PPM, Chapter 3010, and the University Handbook, Appendix J.  

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. Support and resources are available in the Center for Advocacy, Response, and Education (CARE), the Office of Student Support and Accountability, or the Office of Institutional Equity.

Intellectual Property

PPM:7095.100

1. Student Academic Creations

   Under Kansas State University and Kansas Board of Regents policies, copyrightable materials created by students in fulfillment of academic or course requirements are considered the property of the student, except when the student collaborates with faculty or staff to create works as part of research or development activities. The University retains a license (permission) to mark, modify, handle, and retain the work as required for instructional or record-keeping purposes. The University cannot use the work in other ways without the consent of the student.

2. Student Employees

   Kansas State University retains an ownership interest in creations, inventions, and discoveries developed by students within the scope of their duties as employees of the University. Full details may be found in the Intellectual Property Policy of the Kansas Board of Regents and the Intellectual Property Policy of Kansas State University. The Kansas State University Intellectual Property Policy may be found online at https://www.k-state.edu/policies/ppm/7000/7095.html in the KSU Policies and Procedures Manual. The Kansas Board of Regents policy may be found at http://www.kansasregents.org/policies_procedures.html.

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. In that case, it is the student’s prerogative to take the matter to the Dean of the Graduate School. If the Dean cannot arrive at a mutually acceptable solution with the persons concerned, at the student’s request. In that case, the Dean will initiate the grievance procedures adopted by the Graduate Council, as described in Appendix A of the Graduate Handbook. 

Undergraduate Student Grievance Procedures

Undergraduate Student Grievance procedures are located in the University Handbook, Appendix V.

Community Principles

Principles of Community

https://www.k-state.edu/about/values/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. We believe 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 and inclusion for community. We stand united against all forms of discrimination.

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. For more information, please see the University’s Statement on Free Speech and Expression and the University’s Statement on Academic Freedom.

We affirm the value of honesty and integrity, and will act accordingly in all professional endeavors and expect the same from our colleagues.

We acknowledge that we are a part of multiple communities, and we have a responsibility to be engaged in a positive way with our civic partners.

We recognize our individual responsibilities 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.