Prohibited Conduct & Processes
Accountability Process
Information on prohibited conduct and the processes carried after a violation.
- Academic Misconduct Processes
- Student Conduct Processes
- Discrimination and Sexual/Gender-Based Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Misconduct
Prohibited Conduct
Below you will find a summary of prohibited conduct at Oregon State University and the appropriate accountability processes:
| Academic Misconduct | Behavioral Misconduct | Discrimination and Sexual/Gender-Based Misconduct | Title IX Sexual Misconduct |
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Student Groups
At OSU learning occurs in a variety of learning environments. Our Student Organizations contribute to a vibrant and inclusive community by engaging peers in activities centered on scholarship, intercultural exchange, and well-being. At OSU a Student Organization includes registered student organizations or student groups affiliated with an academic unit.
In deciding whether a Student Organization is responsible for a violation of the Code of Student Conduct, the Director of SCS, or their designee, will consider whether one or more of the following factors are present:
The violation arises out of an event sponsored, organized, financed, or endorsed by the Student Organization;
The violation occurs on premises owned or controlled by the Student Organization;
The leadership of the Student Organization had knowledge, or should have had knowledge, of the likelihood that a violation would occur and failed to take corrective or preventative action; or
A pattern of individual violations is found to have existed without proper and appropriate group control, remedy, or sanction.
It is important to note that individuals may be held accountable for behaviors in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct whether or not an organization violation is determined to have occurred. In some cases, an individual student and an organization in which they represent, may be held accountable (through separate processes) for the same action.
Appeals
Information on how to submit an appeal, what are the grounds for an appeal, and how to contact the Office of Advocacy.
Submit an Appeal
Submit an appeal using our form.
Overview
The accused student has the right to one appeal per decision (unless otherwise noted) of student conduct findings. The purpose of an appeal is not to serve as a second hearing for the case, but rather a review of information to assess if the process provided met the standards of this Code of Student Conduct.
In conduct hearings that involve sexual misconduct or crimes of violence, the complainant, if one exists, may also appeal the conduct decision. In the case where the complainant is informed of the outcome of the matter and an appeal is submitted by the complainant or by the accused student, the other party will be informed of the appeal and provided an opportunity to submit any relevant information they want considered by the appellate authority.
Appeals Submission
All appeals other than academic appeals must be submitted electronically HERE within five (5) business days of the decision as dated in the notice of decision and must include at least one of the specific grounds listed above. Appeals that are not submitted within five (5) business days, that do not list specific grounds, or that do not fall under one of the listed grounds will not be considered. Academic appeals must be submitted in accordance with the procedures listed within the college or school that issued the outcome.
Appeal Outcomes
A final written determination on the Student’s/Student Organization’s appeal will be issued to the student within a reasonable time. The appellate officer has the authority to:
- Sustain the original decision, including the sanctions imposed.
- Remand (send back) the case to the appropriate hearing body for further consideration.
- Alter the sanction imposed by replacing, or reducing or increasing the severity of, the sanction(s).
- Reverse part or all of the original decision and resolve the case with no additional action.
Appeals of Cases with Multiple Parties
In conduct hearings that involve sexual misconduct or crimes of violence, the complainant, if one exists, may appeal the conduct decision. In the case where the complainant is informed of the outcome of the matter and an appeal is submitted by the complainant or by the accused student, the other party will be informed of the appeal and provided an opportunity to submit any relevant information they want considered by the appellate authority. This information must be submitted within five (5) business days of notification that an appeal has been submitted.
Grounds for Appeal
The request for an appeal must include specific justification on at least one of the grounds listed below:
- An action or omission that occurred that was not in accordance with the procedures outlined in or referenced by this Code of Student Conduct, or was fundamentally unfair, which substantially impacted the outcome;
- New evidence exists that was unavailable at the time of the original hearing that could substantially impact the original finding or sanction (a summary of this new evidence and its potential impact must be included); failure to participate or otherwise present available information in the original hearing does not constitute new evidence; or
- The sanctions imposed are disproportionate given the context of the violation.
Office of Advocacy
The Office of Advocacy focuses on effective conflict resolution skills that enable students to successfully voice their concerns to the appropriate party and seek resolutions. In addition to helping with conflicts, researching and providing general assistance to students, the Office of Advocacy works to support and further the best interests of students throughout the university. We encourage all students to contact this office with any questions or disputes that involve the university. Further, this team works with students to consult on Student Conduct processes and preparation.
Forms
Release of Information Form
Oregon State University’s Office of Student Community Standards has the responsibility to protect students’ information, including information pertaining to conduct files. This information is private and can only be released as permitted by state and federal law as it pertains to student conduct records and upon the written consent of the student.
The Office of Student Community Standards (SCS) is the office of record for all conduct files pertaining to Oregon State University's Code of Student Conduct and University Housing and Dining Services Conduct Policy Guide. With your consent, SCS will provide a summary of your file to the party, office, or agency that you designate in this form. This summary will include the date of the violation, conduct code or policy section violated, and sanction(s) assigned if any.
Account Hold Removal Form
Do you have a hold on your registration? Fill out this form here!
Common reasons for a registration hold:
- Incomplete sanctions
- Incomplete academic integrity course and follow-up meeting
- Failure to attend and/or schedule an administrative conference or other required meeting with a SCS staff member
You can expect to hear back from a staff member within 24 hours of completing this form.
Sanction Submission Form
Have you been sanctioned to complete an essay or to submit documentation that you completed your court assigned sanctions? Here is a link to our sanction submission form where you can upload those documents and the documents will be sent directly to the SCS staff member that you met with.
Disciplinary Records
When a student is found responsible for violating the university’s Code of Student Conduct, a disciplinary record is created by the office of Student Community Standards. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that provides regulations regarding the access, review, amendment, and disclosure of educational records, including student disciplinary records. A student disciplinary record includes all information pertinent to the administrative conference proceedings and may include incident report forms, police logs/reports, correspondence, completed sanction artifacts, and notes.
Student disciplinary records are considered educational records and cannot be provided to outside parties without the student’s written consent, except under those circumstances that are permitted by FERPA.
The university retains student disciplinary records for a minimum of seven (7) years from the date of the notice of decision letter, except in instances where the administrative conference proceedings resulted in a student’s suspension or expulsion from the university. In those cases, the university maintains the disciplinary record for a minimum of 75 years from date of the notice of decision letter.
We have complied a list of frequently asked questions regarding student disciplinary records. If your question is not addressed below, please review provisions 6.3 (Record) of the Code of Student Conduct or contact our office at [email protected]. Release of Disciplinary Record Information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have access to my disciplinary record?
Certainly, if you wish to view your disciplinary record you can make an appointment with an SCS staff member by emailing [email protected].
What is the process for obtaining a copy of my disciplinary record?
Requests for a copy of your disciplinary record must be made through an Oregon State University public records request. Information about making this request can be found HERE.
Can my parents or others have access to my disciplinary record?
Disciplinary record information will not be released to anyone, including parents, unless you specifically authorize the university to do so by completing the university’s Release of Information Form. However, the university may release information without your written permission if the record is requested under a lawful judicial order such as a subpoena, or other circumstances permitted by FERPA.
My attorney is requesting a copy of my disciplinary record. How can they obtain a copy?
Requests for a copy of a disciplinary record must be made through an Oregon State University public records request. Information about making this request can be found HERE.
Will information related to my case or my sanction appear on my transcript?
No, information related to your case or you sanction will not appear on your transcript.
May I add information to my disciplinary record?
You have the right to add information to your conduct record should you choose, and may do so by written request to the SCS office. You can make this request by emailing [email protected].
I am applying to (law school, medical school, a job, …) and the applications is inquiring if I have a conduct record. How should I respond?
SCS staff is available to coach you on how to address disciplinary record questions when completing applications or interviews. We encourage you to acknowledge that you engaged in behavior that violated the university’s Code of Student Conduct, while also recognizing the learning that occurred through self-reflection and your participation in student conduct process. If you would like to consult with conduct staff about responding to these questions, please email [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
FAQs
Information on hearings and sanctions, off campus conduct, when is a student a student and other campus resources and other frequently asked questions.
When is a Student a Student?
Choosing to join the Oregon State University community as a student obligates you to a code of responsible behavior. For the purposes of administering the Code of Student Conduct, a “student” is an admitted person demonstrating acceptance of admission through participation in orientation programs or early start programs; a person who is enrolled or dual enrolled; a person enrolled online; a person between academic terms; a graduate awaiting a degree; a person on an approved educational leave; a person currently serving a suspension, including administrative suspension; a person who is not currently enrolled but can register without re-applying; a person who withdraws while a disciplinary matter, including an investigation, is pending; and, a person who is eligible to receive any of the rights and privileges afforded a person who is enrolled.
I need to report an incident. What should I do?
SCS staff works closely with many other departments and OSU program staff to ensure that all students can live, work and learn in a mutually satisfying and secure environment. The Office of Student Community Standards makes available online forms for reporting incidents involving students.
The forms below are for non-emergency incidents only. If this is an emergency, please call 911 or you can reach the OSU Department of Public Safety by calling (541) 737-3010.
I have a student conduct registration hold. What should I do?
Please complete the Hold Removal Request Form for assistance with your registration hold.
I have been sanctioned to complete a workshop. How can I participate in the workshop?
You will receive an email reminder 48 hours prior to the scheduled workshop. The email will include information on how to participate in the workshop. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
If you need to submit any completed sanction activities, you may submit them via this form.
I need a disciplinary records check. What should I do?
You can email your requests to [email protected] and we will complete these requests within five business days. Please include your name, ID number (birthdate if you do not have the ID number), and where the completed conduct check should be sent. Records checks that are not submitted by a student must be accompanied by a FERPA appropriate release form. Please include the appropriate email address for the recipient of the form.
I have a sanction due. What should I do?
If the sanctions you have been assigned can be completed independently and remotely (i.e., reflection assignments, journals, Academic Integrity Course), our office expects that you complete those sanctions in the timeframe previously determined and submit them as instructed in your decision letter. If you do not believe that you will be able to complete the sanction in the given time frame, please email our office at [email protected] and we will work with you as needed.
Will my parents/family find out about my student conduct case?
Your student conduct history is not shared without your written consent.
How will this impact my chances of getting into graduate school or medical school?
Having a conduct history is not typically a deal breaker for graduate school applications. Most institutions are looking to learn more about how you have made meaning or grown through adversity or challenges. If you have concerns about your future graduate school goals, be sure to talk with a staff member about your plans for more information and guidance.
Why did my friends get a different sanction?
Sanctions are determined individually — even in cases in which multiple students were involved. We consider a student’s prior conduct history, if any, the nature of the incident, and how students’ are able or not able to make meaning of their experience during their administrative conference.
Possible sanctions include anything from an educational opportunity to status sanctions. There are times where we can assign a combination of both, depending on the situation. It all depends on the aforementioned factors.
Emergency Information
Information on who to contact in case of emergency, when in need of support, to report an incident or when in need of medical care.
On-Campus Emergency
For public safety assistance in residence halls, classrooms, and across campus.
541-737-7000
Off-Campus Emergency
For immediate assistance from police, fire department, or ambulance.
911
Bias Incident
The Bias Response Team communicates and meets regularly to respond to bias incidents.
Office of Institutional Diversity | 541-737-1063
Emergency Food or Housing
The BNC provides low-income students experiencing food, housing insecurity, or financial stress with resources and programs.
Basic Needs Center | 541-737-9127 | Champinefu Lodge
Medical Care
Student Health Services provides on- campus medical care to OSU students.
Student Health Services | 541-737-9355 | Health Center, 850 SW 26th Street
Mental Health Support
CAPS provides you with the opportunity to work one-on-one with a counselor, group, or access to other resources.
Counseling & Psychological Services | 541 -737-2131 | Snell Hall 5th Floor
Report a crime
If you decide to make a formal report regarding an incident.
On campus: Oregon State University Police, 541-737-7000 | Off-Campus: Corvallis Police, 541-766-6924
Report Student Misconduct
SCS upholds the expectations of student behavior by responding to reports of student behavior that disrupts the on and off-campus learning-living environment.
Student Community Standards | 541-737-3656 | 340 Student Experience Center
Sexual Violence Support
For confidential support for students who have experienced rape, assault, stalking, or domestic violence.
Center for Advocacy, Prevention & Education (CAPE) | 541-737-2030 | 350 Student Experience Center
Student in Conflict with the University
The Office of Advocacy supports students in conflict within the university, including formal processes.
Office of Advocacy | 541-737-9200 | 228 Student Experience Center
Student in Crisis
Student care works with students who experience unexpected life events such as personal crises, illness or injury, hospitalization, loss of a loved one, and mental health challenges.
Student Care | 541-737-8748 | 206 Student Experience Center
Campus Resources
Academic Success
- Academic Success Center (ASC): The Academic Success Center provides academic coaching and learning services, peer education training, supplemental instruction, and general academic advising through the University Exploratory Studies Program.
- Library Citation Guide: A collection of citation resources for students, providing guidance in a variety of citation formats.
- OWL at Purdue Citation Guide: These OWL resources will help you learn how to use the APA, MLA, and Chicago citation and format styles. This resources contains information on in-text citation and the References/Works Cited pages, as well as sample papers.
- Writing Center: The Writing Center provides free help with any writing task at any stage of the process.
Alcohol and Other Drugs
- Health Promotion Office: The Health Promotion Office provides a number of resources in an effort to educate the community about responsible alcohol and other drug use. Resources include information regarding OSU drinking statistics, one-on-one consultations, and support for students concerned about the use of alcohol or other drugs among their friends.
- Collegiate Recovery Community: The CRC supports students in recovery in having a college experience that is nurturing of their sobriety and their collegiate goals.
- IMPACT Program for Alcohol and Other Substance Use: IMPACT is a program designed for OSU students to engage in a focused and meaningful discussion about alcohol or other substance use.
Campus Support Services
- Career Development Center: The Career Development Center helps students learn about their individual interests, goals and strengths through career counseling, experiential opportunities, and employment.
- Disability Access Services (DAS): Disability Access Services (DAS) provides accommodations, education, consultation and advocacy for qualified students with disabilities at Oregon State University.
- Educational Opportunities Program (EOP): The Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) provides a welcoming environment that supports the full development of the personal and academic potential of students who have traditionally been denied equal access to higher education.
- Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA): EOA is responsible for overseeing compliance with civil rights and affirmative action laws, regulations, and policies. EOA serves as the University's Title IX and Americans with Disabilities Act/Section 504 coordinating office.
- Financial Aid: The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships offers many financial aid choices for undergraduate and graduate students, including grants, loans, and work-study.
- Human Services Resource Center: (HSRC) provides access to resources to students with various levels of financial stress. Everything from social services resources, like SNAP, free health insurance, medical bill appeals, scholarship reinstatements, emergency grants, and much more. Additionally, the HSRC’S Basic Needs Navigator supports student’s academic potential by providing students with resources and one-on-one support for those navigating challenging financial barriers that make it difficult to establish a strong foundation of basic needs.
- Food Pantry : Eligible students are provided with access to enough food to feed themselves for a full week. The HSRC also includes some non-food items, like cleaning supplies and various hygiene products.
- SNAP (Food Stamps): Students may receive up to $194/per month for groceries at various markets.
- Food Assistant Funds: Eligible students can apply to receive food assistance funds in order to purchase food from campus food vendors.
- Textbook Lending Program: This program helps students save money on course materials by allowing students to check out books for the duration of a term!
- Emergency Housing: The HSRC supports students facing a housing crisis by temporarily placing them in a residence hall, while their Basic Needs Navigator works with them to find stability.
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*Not all services listed.
- Office of International Services: International Students can receive support and information regarding employment, scholarships, visas, and cultural services in connection with the Office of International Services.
- Diversity and Cultural Engagement (DCE): Diversity and Cultural Engagement provides support for campus diversity and cultural centers. Diversity & Cultural Engagement is a platform for collaborating to build an inclusive, just community. Enriched by differences, DCE programs and initiatives empower students to develop multiple perspectives and foster self-awareness.
- Survivor Advocacy and Resource Center (SARC): The OSU Survivor Advocacy and Resource Center is a confidential space for all university community members, including students, faculty and staff affected by different forms of violence. SARC offers 24/7 support for all OSU community members affected by sexual harassment, including sexual assault, unwanted sexual experiences, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.
Health and Wellness
- Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence (CARDV): CARDV is a private, non-profit community service organization dedicated to helping survivors of sexual and domestic violence and their children stay safe, and is free and confidential.
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Counseling and Psychological Services provides mental health counseling to students, and consultation, outreach and education to all OSU community members. CAPS does this in order to (1) facilitate student’s academic success, mental health, and personal development and (2) promote a culture of positive mental health at OSU. CAPS is also the home of the Mind Spa.
- Student Health Services (SHS): SHS provides health care (medical and psychiatric), self-care guides, and a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.
- Dixon Recreation Center: Dixon Recreation Center is committed to individual and community fitness and houses two cardio rooms, two weight rooms, two gyms, six racquetball courts, three squash courts, three multipurpose rooms, a 42ft tall climbing wall, 1/10 mile indoor track, 25-yard pool, a dive well, a hot tub, three sand volleyball courts, and the Adventure Leadership Institute.
Safety
- Department of Public Safety (DPS): DPS provides crime prevention and safety tips, campus crime reports, and the OSU Emergency Alert System.
- SafeRide: SafeRide is a service dedicated to providing OSU students a safer ride home or to campus, free from judgment. To call for a ride, dial 541-737-5000. Before calling, please review their policies, boundaries and hours of operation.
Student Advocacy
- ASOSU Legal Services: Legal Services are provided to OSU students through Access the Law, and paid for through the Corvallis campus student incidental fees. The office provides legal advice and representation to OSU students when they have a dispute that does not pertain to the University.
- ASOSU Office of Advocacy: The ASOSU Office of Advocacy is offering a full range of services remotely including supporting students with the following issues, academic misconduct process, Code of Student Conduct, Equal Opportunity and Access cases, Graduate student issues, international student issues, student accounts and financial aid, and Registrar petitions for late drop and withdrawal. Students can schedule directly by clicking this link
- Ombuds Office: The Ombuds assists with individual concerns through service and education, and serves as a change agent to address group conflict and systemic concerns. It is the goal of the Ombuds to foster a culture of healthy, safe and open dialogue, and facilitate cooperative problem resolution.
Translations and Accommodations
SCS is committed to making the student conduct process as accessible as possible for all students. Students unable to participate in person may request arrangements to participate in other ways (including by providing written statements, through telephonic or online means, etc.).
Non-native English speakers may request translation services. Students with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation.
Students who require a disability accommodation, language support, who are off campus or otherwise indisposed, or who may have other factors that could impact their ability to participate in the student conduct process should contact SCS at least 3 days prior to a meeting, conference or hearing at scs@oregonstate.edu to make a request, which will then be reviewed by SCS. SCS’s ability to meet requests may be limited without enough advance notice.
Assistance with the Conduct Process
There are a number of resources available for students who would like more information regarding the conduct process.
Office of Student Community Standards
- The Office of Student Community Standards is happy to speak with students to address any concerns they may have regarding the conduct process or Code of Student Conduct at Oregon State University.
- The Office of Student Community Standards can be reached at 541-737-3656, or at [email protected].
INTO OSU Care & Conduct Coordinator
The INTO OSU Care and Conduct Coordinator can assist INTO students with personal and academic concerns in and out of the classroom. Additionally, the Care and Conduct Coordinator can answer questions or concerns you may have and provide you with additional resources to help you be successful while you are studying at INTO OSU.
For questions about personal or academic concerns, contact the Care and Conduct Coordinator at [email protected].
Office of Advocacy
The ASOSU Office of Advocacy provides free and confidential guidance to students who have a dispute with a member of the University. The Office of Advocacy can assist students facing issues related to academic misconduct, the first-year live-on requirement, and the conduct appeals process, among other topics.
The Office of Advocacy can be reached at 541-737-9200 or [email protected].