What we do

When incidents happen and UW students are involved, we work with students to resolve academic and nonacademic disciplinary matters.

This includes receiving reports of alleged misconduct, ensuring that students receive due process and fair treatment throughout the hearing process, and maintaining student disciplinary records.

What is misconduct?

Whether it’s a feeling that cheating might have taken place, or something more serious, misconduct is typically handled in two ways: Nonacademic or Academic. The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards are the people who help guide faculty, staff, and students through these situations.

Nonacademic Misconduct


This may include things like reporting hate or bias, sexual violence, hazing or other issues that may work against the university’s living and learning environment that is safe and free from violence, harassment, fraud, theft, disruption, and intimidation.

About nonacademic misconduct

Report nonacademic misconduct

Academic Misconduct


This may involve questions of academic integrity which include honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. Some examples of academic misconduct include, plagiarism, cheating, copying homework, and stealing an exam or course materials.

About academic misconduct

Report academic misconduct

The rules we follow

The rules, policies, and procedures involving misconduct are enacted by the UW System Board of Regents, and are otherwise known as Chapter UWS 14, 17, and 18.

Chapter UWS 14

The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System (UWS) Administrative Code, Chapter 14: Student Academic Disciplinary Procedures

Chapter 14 – In other words:

The policies and procedures about plagiarism, cheating, and other academic misconduct. Also, who is involved and what happens after.

Chapter UWS 17

The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System (UWS) Administrative Code, Chapter 17: Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures

Chapter 17 – In other words:

The policies and procedures on drinking, alcohol, harassment, property damage, and other student behavior – both on and off campus. Also, who is involved and what happens after.

Chapter UWS 18

The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System (UWS) Administrative Code, Chapter 18: Conduct on University Lands

Chapter 18 – In other words:

The policies and procedures covering how people should conduct themselves on all University lands controlled by the UW System Board of Regents.

Student rights and responsibilities

Students have the right to live and learn in safe environments.

OSCCS is responsible for upholding all students’ rights.

Students have the obligation to act with integrity, inside and outside of the classroom.

OSCCS has the responsibility to consistently and fairly follow university policies and procedures.

Students are accountable for the consequences of their actions.

OSCCS follows an educational and restorative approach to addressing student misconduct.

Our Staff

Tonya Schmidt

Credentials: Assistant Dean of Students and Director

Position title: she/her

Email: tonya.schmidt@wisc.edu

Ryan Podolak

Credentials: Associate Director

Position title: he/him

Email: Ryan.Podolak@wisc.edu

Erin Lacey

Credentials: Administrative Specialist

Email: conduct@studentaffairs.wisc.edu

Jennifer Van Roy

Credentials: Student Conduct Coordinator

Position title: she/her

Email: jlvanroy@wisc.edu

Aaron Vieth

Credentials: Band Engagement Coordinator

Position title: he/him

Email: avieth@wisc.edu

Erin Rose

Credentials: Graduate Assistant

Position title: she/her

Justice Moore

Credentials: Student Worker

Email: conduct@studentaffairs.wisc.edu

Logan Anderson

Credentials: Criminal Justice Intern

OSCCS also works with staff in University Housing to investigate cases involving students residing on-campus, instructors investigating incidents of academic misconduct, and the students, faculty, and staff of the misconduct committee who hear cases per university policies.