Student Code of Conduct
Student Code of Conduct
The Woodbury University community is committed to fostering a campus environment conducive to academic inquiry, a productive campus life, and thoughtful study and discourse. The Office of Student Conduct is committed to an educational and developmental process that balances the interests of individual students with the interests of the University community.
A community exists on the basis of shared values and principles. At Woodbury University, student members of that community are expected to uphold and abide by certain standards that form the basis of the Student Code of Conduct. These standards are embodied within a set of core values that include integrity, social justice, respect, community, and responsibility.
Each member of the University community bears responsibility for their own conduct and assumes reasonable responsibility for the behavior of others. When members of the community fail to exemplify these five values by engaging in violation of the rules below, campus conduct proceedings are used to assert and uphold the Student Code of Conduct.
The student conduct process at the University is not intended to punish students; it exists to protect the interests of the community as a whole and to challenge those whose behavior is not in accordance with University policies. Sanctions are intended to challenge students’ moral and ethical decision making and to help them bring their behavior into accord with community expectations. When a student is unable to conform their behavior to community expectations, the student conduct process may determine that the student should no longer share in the privilege of participating in this community.
Students should be aware of the ways the student conduct process is different from criminal and civil court proceedings. Procedures and rights in student conduct procedures are conducted with fairness to all, but do not include the same protections of due process afforded by the courts. Due process, as defined within these procedures, assures written notice and a hearing before an objective decisionmaker. No student will be found in violation of University policy without information showing that it is more likely than not that a policy violation has occurred, and any sanctions will be proportionate to the severity of the violation and to the cumulative conduct history of the student.
The Student Code of Conduct is outlined in its entirety in the Student Handbook, which can be found under the Student tab of the Woodbury website.
Student Academic Honesty
Because the integrity of the academic enterprise of any institution of higher education requires honesty in scholarship and research, academic integrity is mandatory at Woodbury University and will be enforced. Academic integrity is important for two reasons: first, independent and original scholarship ensures that students and scholars derive the most from the educational experience and the pursuit of knowledge. Second, academic dishonesty violates the most fundamental values of a community of scholars and depreciates the achievements of the entire University community. Accordingly, Woodbury University views academic dishonesty as one of the most serious offenses that a member of our community can commit. Adherence to the Code of Academic Integrity reflects the commitment of our community to the ideals of learning, research, and scholarship. The Academic Honesty Policy is outlined in its entirety in the Academic Policies, Regulations, and Standards section of this handbook and in the Student Handbook.
Academic Grievance Policy
The grievance policy will be used to resolve grievances against decisions or actions of University faculty members, staff, and agents affiliated with the University that create a hostile environment for teaching and learning. For detailed policies and procedures, please refer to Academic Policies, Regulations, and Standards section of this handbook.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Woodbury University is committed to providing an environment that is free of any form of discrimination or harassment based upon an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law, so that all members of 2022-2023 Course Catalog 297 the community are treated at all times with Campus Facilities dignity and respect. It is the University’s policy, therefore, to prohibit all forms of such discrimination or harassment among University faculty, students, staff, and administration.
Sexual Misconduct Policy (Title IX)
Woodbury University is committed to providing a non-discriminatory and harassment-free educational, living, and working environment for all members of our community, including students, faculty, staff, and guests. All members of the campus community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. This policy prohibits all forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, intimate partner violence, and sexual exploitation. Misconduct of this nature is contrary to Woodbury’s institutional values and prohibited by state and federal law.
Woodbury University encourages the prompt reporting of any incident of sexual misconduct. Upon receipt of a report, the University will take prompt and effective action to end the misconduct, remedy the effects, and prevent its reoccurrence. This policy has been developed to reaffirm these principles, define community expectations, provide recourse for those individuals whose rights have been violated, and provide fair and equitable procedures for determining if and when this policy has been violated.
If you believe you have experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct at Woodbury University, contact Woodbury’s Title IX Coordinator:
Natalie Avalos
Vice President, Administrative Services
Hensel Hall 818.252.5107
natalie.avalos@woodbury.edu
The University’s Sexual Misconduct/Title IX policy can be found in its entirety in the Student Handbook