When a student is found responsible for a university policy violation, sanctions may be required.
Sanctions can range based on the violation and may foster an opportunity for the student to reflect on their decisions and identify future behaviors that are consistent with university and community expectations.
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Academic misconduct
Reporting academic misconduct
Nonacademic misconduct
Reporting nonacademic misconduct
Requesting misconduct records
Academic sanctions
When a student is found responsible for academic misconduct the sanctions are divided into three groups. These sanctions are detailed in the UW System Administrative Code: Student Academic Disciplinary Procedure (UWS Chapter 14).
Group A
The instructor believes that it is more likely than not the misconduct occurred (a preponderance of evidence). Sanctions are determined by the instructor, but they should check with their department to see if there are departmental guidelines. The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards is also available to consult.
Potential outcomes:
- Oral reprimand
- Written reprimand (presented only to student)
- Repeat work
Determined by: Instructor
Reported to: Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards for record keeping
Group B
The instructor believes that it is more likely than not the misconduct occurred (a preponderance of evidence). Sanctions are determined by the instructor, but they should check with their department to see if there are departmental guidelines. The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards is also available to consult.
Potential outcomes:
- Lower grade on work
- Failing grade on work
- Lower grade in course
- Failing grade in course
- Removal from course
- Written reprimand
Determined by: Instructor
Reported to: Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
Group C
If the sanction imposed is disciplinary probation, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards only needs to base its finding on a preponderance of the credible evidence. Suspension or expulsion may only be imposed if the proof of such misconduct is clear and convincing. These sanctions are considered for egregious acts of misconduct, second offenses for undergraduate students, and first offenses for graduate/professional school students.
Potential outcome:
- Disciplinary probation
- Suspension
- Expulsion
Determined by: Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
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Will dropping a course make the sanction go away?
No. If the sanction involves a failing grade in the course the sanction cannot be evaded by dropping the course. If the course is dropped, the student will be re-enrolled by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
Nonacademic sanctions
Nonacademic misconduct can occur inside and outside the classroom, including classroom behavior that disrupts other student’s abilities to learn or disrupts research or teaching activities. The student conduct process is educational in nature.
When a student is found responsible for a university policy violation, sanctions may be required to foster an opportunity for the student to reflect on their decisions and identify future behaviors that are consistent with university and community expectations. The misconduct process assists students in developing skills and applying information in future decisions to reduce the likelihood of negative consequences and promote socially responsible behavior.
- These sanctions are detailed in the UW System Administrative Code: Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedure (UWS Chapter 17)
- The university’s responsibility to address nonacademic misconduct is separate from and independent of any civil or criminal action resulting from a student’s conduct.
Educational sanctions
Educational outcomes of the misconduct process, may include, but are not limited to:
- Alcohol Education Programs such as BASICS and Choices about Alcohol
- Marijuana Education Programs
- Decision Making Programs
- Reflection Activities
- Residence Hall specific activities
Student status sanctions
As provided in UWS Chapter 17, the University may utilize the following additional sanctions:
- Written Reprimand
- Disciplinary Probation
- Suspension
- Expulsion
Other sanctions
As provided in UWS Chapter 17, the University may utilize the following additional sanctions:
- Denial of specified university privileges
- Payment of restitution
- Service sanctions
- Imposition of reasonable terms and conditions on continued student status
- Removal from a course in progress
- Enrollment restrictions on a course or program
Report an incident
Nonacademic misconduct
This could include sexual or domestic violence, hazing, stalking, a missing student, or another concern.
Bias or hate incident
Including slurs, degrading language, epithets, graffiti, symbols, assault, microagressions, and harassment.
Student of concern
Any student displaying behaviors that may interfere with their ability to be successful or disrupts the learning of others.
Organizational misconduct
The Policy on the Conduct and Discipline of Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) establishes the standards and procedures for RSOs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
It outlines a code of conduct for RSOs as well as procedures for reporting information for alleged violations by student organizations and for the imposition of disciplinary sanctions should a student organization be found responsible for the alleged actions.
Parent or family notification
Consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents or legal guardians may be notified that their student was found responsible for disciplinary violation(s) of applicable law or policies governing the use or possession of alcohol or controlled substance(s) with respect to any such use or possession if the student is under the age of 21 at the time of disclosure to the parents, and/or whenever the university, in its discretion, determines such notification is necessary for the purpose of the health or safety interests, and/or as otherwise permitted by applicable law.
It is strongly recommended that students inform their parents or guardians of all incidents of conduct violations.
Appeals and Restorative process
Appeals to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
When enrollment restrictions, suspension, or expulsion is prescribed, an appeal may be made to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
Appeals to the Board of Regents
Final institutional decisions in misconduct cases may be appealed to the Board of Regents
The Restorative Process
In certain situations, restorative processes may be utilized to give the impacted parties greater voice in the resolution.
Policies
Contact
Student Conduct and Community Standards Contacts
How can we help?
Email us at:
conduct@studentaffairs.wisc.edu
Phone:
608-263-5701
Fax:
608-265-4656
Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
724 W. Johnson Street
Madison, WI 53715
Office Hours
Monday-Friday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
After Hours Contacts
Crisis response:
Call Mental Health Services
608-265-5600 (option 9)
Emergencies:
Dial 911 for immediate help from the
UW Police Department
UWPD Non-emergency line: 608-264-2677