Student Nonacademic Code of Conduct

Policy Details

Policy Number:
SAAP 15-02
Original Approval Date:
October 1, 2017
Last Revision Date:
November 21, 2024
Initiator:
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs
Responsible Party:
Dean of Students

Contact

Questions regarding the interpretation of this policy should be directed to:

Dean of Students

Purpose

The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System promulgates rules governing student nonacademic conduct and procedures for the administration of misconduct violations. The Board’s rules for nonacademic misconduct are found in Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter UWS 17, commonly referred to as “UWS 17.” The Student Nonacademic Code of Conduct describes UW-Milwaukee’s nonacademic disciplinary procedures as required by or otherwise authorized under UWS 17.

UWS 17, among other laws, regulations, and policies, including UWM’s Code of Conduct (SAAP 07-03), prohibits behavior that substantially affects the ability of any person or group to learn, work, or live in the campus community. This includes subjecting another person or group to abusive, demeaning, harassing, humiliating, intimidating, or violent behavior, and verbal or written communication that threatens violence. Due consideration will be given to the protection of individual First Amendment rights to freedom of speech, expression, and academic freedom.

Policy

Student nonacademic disciplinary procedures at UW-Milwaukee (“UWM”) are based on the premise that the teaching, learning, research and service activities of the university can flourish only in an environment that is safe from violence and free of harassment, fraud, theft, disruption and intimidation (UWS 17.01). UWM strives to create a positive, safe, and healthy environment for all of its students. Students are responsible for understanding University policies and are expected to uphold and abide by the community standards established by the UWM and the Universities of Wisconsin. These expectations begin when a student first enrolls at a Universities of Wisconsin institution and continue throughout their academic career.

Definitions

Complainant means any individual who is reported to have been subjected to sexual misconduct as
defined in UWS 17.151.

Hearing Authorities includes hearing examiners and hearing committees.

Investigating Officer means an individual appointed to conduct investigations of nonacademic misconduct under Chapter 17. The chancellor, through the dean of students, has appointed several staff members under 17.05 to serve as investigating officers to carry out responsibilities under Chapter 17 in investigating and adjudicating student misconduct. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, conducting investigations of nonacademic misconduct, issuing findings, and recommending appropriate sanctions.

Nonacademic Misconduct Hearing Committee is group of individuals trained on the procedures associated with student nonacademic discipline and Title IX. The hearing committee conducts a hearing, determines whether a student is responsible for nonacademic misconduct and imposes any sanctions. At UWM, the committee is comprised of a hearing examiner, who shall serve as committee chairperson, and three or more members appointed from the nonacademic misconduct panel, at least one of whom is a student. Committee quorum shall be two members, the hearing examiner and a student member as specified by UWS 17.07 (2).

Nonacademic Misconduct Hearing Examiners are individuals trained on the procedures associated with student nonacademic discipline and Title IX. The hearing examiner presides over and/or for those matters heard only by a hearing examiner, conducts a hearing, determines whether a student is responsible for nonacademic misconduct, and imposes any sanctions. The chancellor, through the dean of students, appoints several staff to serve as hearing examiners for the nonacademic misconduct process at UWM.

Nonacademic Misconduct Panel is comprised of six (6) representatives selected from each of the following groups through their respective shared governance process: faculty, academic staff, and students. Panel members must complete the Nonacademic Misconduct Hearing Committee training to serve on a nonacademic misconduct hearing committee.

Respondent means any student who is registered for study in an institution for the academic period in which the misconduct occurred, or between academic periods for continuing students, when the misconduct occurred and has been reported to have violated 17.09 or 17.151.

Student means any person who is registered for study in an institution for the academic period in which the misconduct occurred, or between academic periods, for continuing students.

Student Affairs Officer – The chancellor has appointed the dean of students as the student affairs officer responsible for carrying out the student nonacademic misconduct process under UWS 17 at UWM.

Procedures

Complaints are referred to the dean of students, or their designee, who shall act as or refer the complaint to an investigating officer. The investigating officer shall follow the process under UWS 17.11.

For those matters resulting in a hearing, the hearing shall be conducted by the hearing authority under UWS 17.12, and the university’s case shall be presented by the investigating officer or designee.

If the sanction(s) imposed by a hearing authority include suspension or expulsion, a student/respondent and complainant may, in writing and within 14 days of the date of the written decision, appeal that decision based upon the record to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, as the Chancellor’s designee. The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs shall respond to such an appeal within 30 days as specified in UWS 17.13.

Forms & Appendices

Policy History

October 1, 2017
original - SAAP 65.5
October 1, 2018
Eliminated
April 23, 2024
Reinstated
November 21, 2024
Revised