Philosophy and Purpose
The purpose of the Code is to uphold academic and community standards; encourage personal accountability and responsible decision making; promote student learning; and reduce and prevent behavior that undermines student success and community safety.
The University is committed to providing a fair, impartial, and efficient process facilitated through compassionate conversations in which students are heard, respected, and treated with dignity. All students are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner that helps enhance an environment of learning in which the rights, dignity, value, and freedom of each member of the academic community are respected.
The University works to create and sustain an environment where freedom of speech and expression are supported and honored. The University has the discretion to regulate the time, place, and manner of exercising these and other Constitutionally protected rights. In administering this Code, the University will exercise care to preserve the freedom of speech and expression for all in the campus community.
As with the scales of justice, the University’s work in the area of student conduct is about balance. The University must balance students’ free speech rights with the desire to protect the Campus community from discriminatory words and actions. The University acknowledges that higher education student conduct and disciplinary systems have, historically, contributed to systemic racism. Therefore, the University must balance its commitment to preserving student rights, encouraging responsible growth and development of its students, protecting the rights of those targeted by student actions, and holding students accountable for their actions.
Prohibited Conduct, Procedures, and Sanctions
Chapter 5 of the Code includes a list of behaviors that are prohibited by the Code, including, but not limited to, acts of harm (injury, harassment, relationship violence, etc.), weapons violations, disruption of University activities, drug violations, fire safety, misrepresentation, false identification, theft, vandalism, alcohol violations, sexual misconduct, trespassing, disorderly conduct, hazing, and retaliation. For a full explanation of all conduct prohibited under the Code, consult Chapter 5 of the Code.
Important Note: Any alleged conduct occurring on or after August 14, 2020 that meets the definition of one or more of the Title IX Violations is not considered Sexual and Interpersonal Misconduct under University Policy 406, Code of Student Responsibility. Alleged Title IX Violations occurring on or after August 14, 2020, are processed according to University Policy 504, Title IX Grievance Policy.
Chapter 6 of the Code provides the process for case referrals and adjudication methods.
Chapter 7 of the Code provides Conduct Procedures applicable for Formal Charge(s) adjudicated by a Hearing Panel or Administrative Hearing Officer under the Code.
Chapter 8 of the Code provides additional Conduct Procedures applicable to alleged Sexual and Interpersonal Misconduct.
Chapter 10 of the Code details possible sanctions imposed on Students or Student Organizations found responsible for violating the Code.
Chapter 11 of the Code provides information on appeals.
A full explanation of prohibited conduct, and a description of procedures used in cases where violations are alleged, including appeals processes, are found in the complete text of The Code of Student Responsibility, as it may be modified from time to time. Students are advised to contact the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity or visit legal.uncc.edu/policies/up-406 to ensure they consult the most recent edition.
