1. Introduction

1.1 Student Affairs

Michigan Technological University is a globally recognized technological university that educates students, advances knowledge, innovates to improve quality of life, and promotes mutual respect and equity for all people of Michigan, the nation, and the global community. The Student Code of Community Conduct supports the University's role in preparing students to create the future. Informed by its mission, vision, and values, Student Affairs provides opportunities for students to put our culture of integrity into action. Innovative student-centered activities, programs, and services promote civic engagement and responsibility and help our students develop strong leadership and team-building capabilities, critical thinking skills, and ethical awareness.

1.2 Our Mission

We prepare students to create the future and we make their success our highest priority.

1.3 Our Vision

Create Possibilities. Inspire Learning. Exceed Expectations.

1.4 Our Goals

• Create Pride and Affinity
• Foster Student Success
• Cultivate a Culture of Philanthropy
• Provide the Michigan Tech Experience

1.5 Our Values

The success of Michigan Tech students is the most important measure of our progress. Given this, we are committed to inspiring:

• An engaged community that actively seeks improvement through acceptance and understanding.
• Students achieve world-class scholarship through academics, research, and continued learning.
• The creation of all conceivable possibilities through innovative use of their skills and knowledge.
• Individuals to hold themselves accountable, and to act with integrity, honesty, and diligence.
• The tenacity required to make ethical choices and to persevere through all obstacles.

1.6 Our Learning Outcomes

Students engaged in programs, initiatives, and experiences offered by Student Affairs will:

• Exemplify qualities of ethically and civically engaged leaders.

• Develop communication skills necessary to adapt and engage effectively in groups.
• Acquire and demonstrate personal responsibility and accountability.
• Obtain and apply intercultural knowledge to thrive in our global society.
• Exhibit a sense of pride and affinity for Michigan Tech.

1.7 Purpose of the Student Code of Community Conduct

Michigan Technological University "prepares students to create the future." In doing so, the University inspires the values of community, scholarship, possibilities, accountability, and tenacity. These values should serve to guide decisions and foster learning. Standards of conduct are set forth in the Student Code of Community Conduct to assist the University community in furthering its mission and values. The Office of Academic and Community Conduct has been given the responsibility for enforcing these standards.

Attendance at the University is both voluntary and a privilege. Upon enrollment, students have the responsibility to uphold the rules and values of the University, and the right to a fair and equitable conduct process. Students, student groups, and/or student organizations are responsible for knowing and complying with the information, policies, and procedures outlined in the Code.

The student conduct process is not intended to punish students; rather, it exists to protect the interests of the community and to guide and educate students whose behavior is not consistent with University policies. The Office of Academic and Community Conduct approaches student conduct as an educational and restorative process.

The purpose of the student conduct process is to determine responsibility, not guilt or innocence. The conduct process is not a criminal or civil trial; it is educational in nature, although non-criminal sanctions can be imposed if a student is responsible for a conduct violation. Sanctions are intended to challenge student's moral and ethical decision-making and to help them bring their behavior into accord with the University's values.

While the University has a primary duty to supervise behavior on its premises, there are many circumstances where the off-campus behavior of students affects the University and warrants action. The University expects students, groups/organizations to conduct themselves in accordance with the law. Engaging in conduct prohibited under local, state, or federal laws as well as conduct prohibited under University regulations is a clear violation of the Code.

The Code may be applied to conduct online, via email, or other electronic media. Students should also be aware that online postings such as blogs, web postings, chats, and social networking sites are in the public sphere and are not private. These postings can subject a student to allegations of conduct violations if evidence of policy violations is posted online. The University does not regularly search for this information but may act if and when such information is brought to the attention of University officials. Most online speeches by students not involving University networks or technology is protected as free expression and not subject to this Code, with two notable exceptions:

1. A true threat, defined as "a threat a reasonable person in the circumstances would interpret as a serious expression of intent to inflict bodily harm upon specific individuals."
2. A speech posted online about the University or its community members that causes or is intended to cause a significant on-campus disruption of the University's educational activities.

The University will take all actions that it deems necessary and appropriate to protect the integrity and best interests of the University and the University community. The Code (which also encompasses behavior that might constitute a violation of the law) provides ample interpretive latitude. If desired, an expedited review and modification process can be created with advance notice and opportunity to comment provided. While some deviation from practices described in the Code may at times be necessary, every effort will be made to ensure that the intent of fairness of the Code is maintained. The Code is a dynamic document, and as such is periodically reviewed, and can be modified. It is the responsibility of every member of the University community to periodically review the Code. Final authority in conduct matters is vested in University administration and the Board of Trustees.

1.8 Modifications and Review of Policy

Michigan Tech reserves the right to modify this policy to consider applicable legal requirements. Michigan Tech will regularly review this policy to determine whether modifications should be made. The effective date of this policy is September 01, 2020.

1.9 Health and Safety

When incidents arise that jeopardize the health and safety of members of our Michigan Tech community, the Office of Academic and Community will continue to view misconduct through an educational lens as opposed to a punitive lens. We anticipate students are going to make mistakes, hopefully very minor in scope. By approaching these mistakes as learning opportunities, our goal is to educate students about the impact their actions have on our community. We further hope students will take the knowledge gained and help educate their peers to not make the same mistakes. By reinforcing the Michigan Tech values, our expectation is that our students will hold themselves accountable for complying with the protocols put in place to protect the health and safety of the University Community. Individuals not adhering to these protocols can be held accountable by reporting concerns online, or to appropriate university officials. Any university community member experiencing interpersonal conflicts related to holding others accountable for compliance can request assistance. In cases of emergency, individuals should dial 911.

1.10 Inclusivity

Ethnic harassment or bullying exacerbates hatred, harms individuals, and is never justified, no matter the circumstances. These behaviors cultivate misunderstanding and fear, and hurt all of us. Michigan Tech does not tolerate discrimination or harassment. As a University, we strive to ensure that all students, faculty, and staff are able to study, work, teach, and learn in an environment that is healthy, safe, and free from bias or discrimination.

Through our own language and conduct, we must demonstrate that health and tolerance are compatible values. Both are central elements of educational excellence. For more information or assistance, contact the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at diversitycenter@mtu.edu or 906-487-2920, or Equal Opportunity Compliance and Title IX at eocompliance@mtu.edu or 906-487-3310. You can also report a concern.

1.11 Students with Disabilities

Michigan Tech is committed to providing qualified students with disabilities reasonable accommodations and support needed to ensure equal access to academic programs and activities. A student requesting any accommodations related to filing a report and/or participating in the student conduct process should contact Disability Services as soon as possible so appropriate arrangements can be made. Disability Services will review documentation provided by the student, and in consultation with the student, determine which accommodations are appropriate to the student's particular needs.

1.12 Good Samaritan Provision: Intent Regarding Medical Emergency

Student welfare is the University's primary concern. The Good Samaritan Provision is intended to encourage students to seek swift medical assistance for themselves and others without fear of penalty. Students are urged to not only to take care of their own well-being but to behave in an equally responsible way with their peers.

There may be times when safety concerns arise from a student's excessive drinking or drug use, and in these situations, students should not hesitate to seek help from the Residence Education and Housing Services staff, Public Safety and Police Services, medical or counseling professionals, and/or off-campus police out of fear of student conduct action. Under this Good Samaritan Policy, neither the student in distress nor the student or organization seeking assistance will ordinarily be subject to student conduct action for the possession, provision, or consumption of drugs or alcohol.

This policy refers to isolated incidents only, and does not excuse or protect those who flagrantly or repeatedly violate the Abuse of Alcohol and Other Drugs by Students and Student Organizations Policy, nor does it preclude disciplinary action arising from violations of other University policies. However, in cases involving additional policy violations, the University will consider the positive impact of reporting an incident as well as the health and safety needs of the involved student(s) when determining the appropriate course of action. This statement of intent applies only to administrative enforcement of the Code and does not provide immunity/amnesty from arrest or criminal prosecution.

1.13 Amnesty

Reporting of violations of the Student Code of Community Conduct is encouraged at Michigan Tech. Thus, it is imperative that individuals share information when participating in a conduct investigation without fear of potential consequences for certain policy violations including, but not limited to, underage consumption of alcohol or the use of illicit drugs. Michigan Tech offers parties and witnesses amnesty from such violations but may include educational opportunities for individuals in lieu of a finding of responsibility or punitive sanctions.

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