COLUMBUS -- The Ohio State University Board of Trustees on March 2 approved a revised Code of Student Conduct that more clearly defines procedures for handling allegations of academic misconduct as well as nonacademic violations, and extends the university’s jurisdiction to select off-campus offenses. The code will go into effect on March 26, the first day of spring quarter.

The revisions, the first since 1994, raise the standard of evidence required for a student to be found in violation of the code from “a preponderance of the evidence” to “clear and convincing evidence” in cases of nonacademic misconduct.

The former code applied to on-campus conduct of students and to off-campus conduct relating to registered student organizations or to any educational activity or field experience associated with course requirements or university-sponsored programs.

The new code extends the university’s jurisdiction to a broader range of off-campus activities, including:

• those that cause substantial destruction of property belonging to the university or members of the university community, or that cause serious harm to the health or safety of members of the university community, or
• those in which a police report has been filed, a summons or indictment has been issued, or an arrest has occurred for a crime of violence.

Language has been clarified throughout the document, and guidelines for sanctions that may be imposed by the university are more specifically defined. In addition, the number of students participating on the university judicial panel adjudicating nonacademic cases has been increased.

“I believe the revised code provides all members of the university community, especially students, with a fair, consistent and educationally purposeful process for resolving allegations of student misconduct,” said William H. Hall, interim vice president for student affairs. “I also believe that the language permitting enhanced – but limited – off-campus jurisdiction is very reasonable in its reach, and does much to help protect our community members, especially students, from harm.”

University Senate approved the code on Feb. 10. The Senate resolution for approval was co-sponsored by the Council on Student Affairs and the Steering and Rules committees. The revised code has received the support of Undergraduate Student Government, the Council of Graduate Students and the Inter-Professional Council.

The new code is available on the Student Affairs Web site, http://www.osu.edu/units/stuaff/index.php

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