FAQs for Students
What is the student conduct process? The student conduct process supports the educational mission of UK by educating the campus community about student rights and responsibilities and supporting a community where student success can occur. Students enrolled at the University of Kentucky are expected to conduct themselves according to federal, state, and local laws and promote an educational environment that supports the University’s mission and values. When incidents of potential misconduct occur, students are afforded a fair, educational, and consistent student conduct process for resolving alleged violations of the Code. The student conduct process is designed to be a learning experience that facilitates responsible conduct and positive citizenship among both the University and greater community.
How can I file a report? Any member of the University community can make an allegation of a Code violation towards a student. For non-academic misconduct, the reporting link can be found on our website or you can contact our office for further details. For academic misconduct, the primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with the faculty. Please contact the department chair of the respective college or the Office of Academic Ombud Services.
The incident occurred off-campus. Does the University student conduct process still apply? Yes. The proceedings outlined in the Code apply to behavior that occurs on or off University premises, at University activities, or to any behavior that adversely affects the reputation and welfare of the University. Students are expected to abide by the Code and all other University policies from the time they are admitted into the University until they graduate, regardless of whether they are participating in classes, as long as they are enrolled at the University. Student organizations are expected to abide by the Code and all other University policies in order to remain registered student organizations.
My student organization is involved in misconduct. Do I still refer the behavior to Office of Student Conduct? Yes. Both individual students and student organizations have expectations and responsibilities under the Code.
I am the President of my organization and I received a letter regarding a student conduct investigation. What should I do next? Understanding that you as organization president may not be the best person to answer all the questions being asked during an investigation, we put together a helpful list of things you should try to accomplish to provide a comprehensive report to the Office of Student Conduct in the business days allotted. Visit our Student Organizations page for additional information.
What is the purpose of a student conduct meeting? The student conduct process is meant to be an educational opportunity to resolve an allegation of a Code violation. Student conduct meetings provide a fair opportunity for all sides to be heard and arrive at an outcome that serves the needs of the student, the University, and the community.
What is the difference between an informal meeting and formal hearing? Informal resolutions offer students the opportunity to discuss the allegation informally with a conduct officer. The student and conduct officer reach a collaborative agreement regarding the most appropriate outcome of the allegation. Formal hearings afford students an opportunity to formally resolve the allegation with a hearing panel. The hearing panel reviews facts and information to determine if the student violated University policies and, if so, what restorative actions will be assigned.
Do I need to hire a lawyer? You have the right to obtain legal counsel, however, the student conduct is not a criminal process. Your lawyer may not speak on behalf of you or represent you in any way. If you would like a lawyer to attend your student conduct meeting with you, he/she must adhere to the expectations set for advisors during the student conduct process.
What will the outcome be if I am found responsible? Restorative action plans are designed to respond to a student's misconduct in a developmentally appropriate way. Restorative actions are meant to change behavior, be consistent and fair, and provide student learning opportunities. Restorative actions also provide the institution's response to violations of University policy that either undermine the integrity of the University community or the health, safety, or well-being of University community members. Students should be aware that some violations, depending on the severity of the circumstance, may result in suspension or dismissal from the University. A list of restorative actions appears in the Code of Student Conduct.
Will my parents or guardians find out? In most circumstances, no. However, if you are under 21 and found responsible for violating an alcohol- or drug-related policy, FERPA allows Student Conduct to notify a parent or guardian. This notification occurs via letter after your incident is resolved. If parents or guardians would like to speak with Student Conduct about a student conduct record, the student can complete a release of information form with our office.
Who can access student conduct records? While individual student conduct records are maintained by the Office of Student Conduct and are protected by FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974), student conduct records of student organizations are not protected by FERPA. However, our office strives to maintain the privacy of student organizations and we will not share information about student organizations without the awareness of the student organizations. If a student would like us to speak with someone about his/her student conduct record, he/she should complete a release of information form with out office.