Michigan Tech's Student Code of Community Conduct has been updated as of August 1st, 2024. Currently, our website does not reflect all updates. Please refer to the code for the most up-to-date information, or contact the Office of Academic and Community Conduct at 906-487-2192 or studentconduct@mtu.edu.
Purpose of Standards of Conduct
The purpose of publishing the standards of conduct is to give students, student groups, and/or student organizations general notice of prohibited conduct. The University considers the behaviors described in the following subsections as inappropriate for the University community. These behaviors are in opposition to the core values set forth in this document. These expectations and rules apply to all students, student groups, and/or student organizations. The University’s rules are not written with the specificity of a criminal statute. Students, student groups, and/or student organizations are responsible for choices they make about their actions and accepting the consequences of those choices. Attempts to commit acts prohibited by these rules may be sanctioned to the same extent as completed violations. Repeated or aggravated acts of prohibited conduct may result in progressively more severe sanctions. The following activities are prohibited:
3.1 Academic Misconduct
See also Senate Policy 109.1—Academic Integrity Policy
3.1.01 Plagiarism
Copying another's work or ideas and calling them one's own or not giving proper credit or citation. This includes, but is not limited to, reading or hearing another's work or ideas and using them as one's own; quoting, paraphrasing, or condensing another's work without giving proper credit; and purchasing or receiving another's work and using, handling, or submitting it as one's own work.
3.1.02 Cheating
Unauthorized use of any study aids, equipment, or another's work during an academic exercise. This includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized use of notes, study aids, electronic or other equipment during an examination; unauthorized copying or looking at another individual's examination; taking or passing information to another individual during an examination; taking an examination for another individual; allowing another individual to take one's examination; and stealing examinations. Cheating also includes unauthorized collaboration. All graded academic exercises are expected to be performed on an individual basis unless otherwise stated by the instructor. An academic exercise may not be submitted by a student for course credit in more than one course without the permission of all instructors [i.e. self-plagiarism].
3.1.03 Contract Cheating
The outsourcing of student work to third parties (Lancaster and Clarke, 2016, p.39). Third parties may include but are not limited to family and friends; academic custom writing sites; legitimate learning sites (e.g., file sharing, discussion, and micro-tutoring sites); legitimate non-learning sites (e.g., freelancing sites and online audio sites); paid exam takers; and pre-written essay banks (Ellis, Zucker, and Randall, 2018, p.2). Most online help sites have honor codes and/or copyright policies. Students should ask their professors whether or not they (students) are authorized to use online help sites. Students should only upload content to these websites that they have made or are otherwise authorized to post.
3.1.04 Fabrication
Intentional and/or unauthorized invention or alteration of any information or citation during an academic exercise. This includes but is not limited to changing or adding an answer on an examination and resubmitting it to change the grade; inventing or modifying data for a laboratory exercise or report.
3.1.05 Facilitating Academic Misconduct
Allowing or helping another individual to plagiarize, cheat, or fabricate information.
3.2 Alcohol Misuse
University Policy 7.01 addresses the abuse of alcohol and other drugs by students and student organizations. Also see Section 1.12— Good Samaritan Provision for Health and Safety. Alcohol misuse includes, but is not limited to:
3.2.01 Possession and/or Use of Alcohol
Alcohol misuse includes possession and/or use of alcohol except as expressly permitted by law or University policy 7.01. Alcoholic beverages may not be used by or possessed by any person under the legal drinking age (i.e., 21 years of age in Michigan).
3.2.02 Manufacture, Sale, and/or Distribution of Alcohol
Alcohol misuse includes manufacture, sale, and/or distribution except as expressly permitted by law or University Policy 7.01. Alcoholic beverages may not be distributed to any person under the legal drinking age (i.e., 21 years of age in Michigan).
3.2.03 Intoxication
Alcohol misuse includes intoxication to the point of endangering one’s own health or safety; causing a disruption to the University community; and/or having a negative impact on other members of the surrounding community, regardless of age.
3.2.04 Causing Involuntary Intoxication
Alcohol misuse includes causing involuntary intoxication by any act which causes a person to consume alcohol without their effective consent.
3.2.05 Violation of the Code while Intoxicated
Alcohol misuse includes violating the code while intoxicated, regardless of age.
3.3 Animals
Bringing an unauthorized animal into a University building or to a University sponsored event, with the exception of working service animals. “Service animal” is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. “Disability” means a medically diagnosable physical or mental condition or impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, and/or learning.
3.4 Bullying
Intentional, repeated, and/or severe aggressive electronic, written, verbal, or physical acts which physically or emotionally intimidate, harm, or control another individual in a way that substantially interferes with or limits a reasonable person's ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or employment.
3.5 Bystanding
Complicity with or failure of any student to appropriately address known or obvious violations of the Code. Complicity with or failure of any organized group/groups to appropriately address known or obvious violations of the Code or laws by its members.
3.6 Chalking
Any member or members of the Michigan Technological University community found chalking in a way that is inconsistent with the requirements set forth by the University Policy 5.07— Chalking.
3.7 Community Order
Engaging in conduct prohibited under local, state, or federal laws and/or under University regulations. If a person has been asked by an authorized University official to leave the University premises, a University event, or a restricted area and refuses to do so, the person is trespassing and may be lawfully removed to maintain community order.
3.8 Dangerous Materials
Unauthorized use, possession, distribution, sale, storage, explosion, or detonation of chemicals, explosives, fireworks, or other hazardous materials on University premises or at University sponsored activities.
3.9 Discrimination
Unequal or unfair treatment of a person in University program and/or activity on the basis of that person’s race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, disabled veteran status, veteran status, or disability. Discrimination can occur when persons are excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, any University program or activity because of their protected status.
3.10 Disruptive Behavior
Causing a substantial disturbance, disruption, or interference, including without limitation substantially disturbing, disrupting, or interfering with the use or enjoyment of University premises or the surrounding community, research and teaching, University administration, conduct hearings, grievance procedures, or fire, police, and emergency services.
3.11 Drugs
University Policy 7.01 addresses the abuse of alcohol and other drugs by students and student organizations. Also, see Section 1.12— the Good Samaritan Provision for Health and Safety. Marijuana, including medical marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products in any form, including without limitation tinctures, edibles, and topicals, are prohibited on university premises in all circumstances. Drug misuse includes, but is not limited to:
3.11.01 Possession and/or Use
Drug misuse includes possession and/or use of any Federally Illegal Drug, or any possession or use of any prescription drug or other controlled substance except under the direction of a licensed physician.
3.11.02 Manufacture, Sale, and/or Distribution
Drug misuse includes the manufacture, sale, and/or distribution of any Federally Illegal Drug, including cannabis in any form, and is prohibited.
3.11.03 Being Under the Influence
Drug misuse includes being under the influence of any Federally Illegal Drug, prescription or non-prescription drug, or other controlled substance to the point of endangering one’s own health or safety, regardless of age.
3.11.04 Causing Involuntary Drug Use
Drug misuse includes causing involuntary drug use where any act which causes a person to ingest any Federally Illegal Drug, prescription drug, or other controlled substance without their consent.
3.11.05 Violation of the Code while Under the Influence
Drug misuse includes violation of the code while under the influence of any Federally Illegal Drug, prescription drug, or other controlled substance in violation of this policy, regardless of age.
3.12 Doxxing
Intentionally or without consent, sharing, publishing, or disseminating personal information such as phone numbers, email addresses, and/or other private details without consent with the intent to embarrass, shame, extort, intimate or harm others.
3.13 Emergency Alarms, Drills, and Equipment
Misusing, tampering with, or unauthorized disabling or impairing of any emergency alarm system or other safety equipment in any campus building or on University property; and/or failing to leave any University building during any emergency alarm or emergency evacuation procedure.
3.14 Endangerment
Any act that directly or indirectly creates a substantial risk to anyone’s medical or mental health or safety (including one’s own health or safety) regardless of intent.
3.15 Failure to Comply with Conduct Decisions
Intentionally or recklessly violating the terms of any conduct sanction and/or educational condition(s) imposed in accordance with this Code.
3.16 Failure to Comply with Official Request
Failing to comply with legitimate official requests, including without limitation requests made by University administrative staff, faculty, student employees, and/or law enforcement agencies.
3.17 False Reporting
Knowingly initiating or causing to be initiated any false report of a Code violation or violation of law; or any false warning or false threat of fire, explosion, or other emergency.
3.18 Financial Obligations
Failure to promptly meet financial responsibilities to the University, including, but not limited to knowingly passing a worthless check or money order in payment to the University, or to an employee acting in an official University capacity.
3.19 Furnishings and Fixtures
Any unauthorized moving of University equipment or furnishings from room to room; or from rooms, lounges, lobbies or buildings; placing furniture in the hallway; and/or removing window screens.
3.20 Harassment (General)
Unwelcome conduct of a verbal, written, online, or physical nature that could reasonably be understood as being sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive enough to create an environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or offensive or that substantially interferes with an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from a University program, activity, and/or employment. Harassment does not include constitutionally protected activity or conduct that serves a legitimate purpose.
3.21 Harassment (Protected Class)
Unwelcome conduct that is based on race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, disability, or veteran status, and where enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment, or the conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive enough to create an environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or offensive or that substantially interferes with an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from a University program, activity, and/or employment. Harassment does not include constitutionally protected activity or conduct that serves a legitimate purpose.
3.22 Hazing
Violating University policy against hazing.
3.23 Host Liability
Hosts are responsible for their guests’ behavior on University property.
3.24 Information Technology Resources
Violating University Policy 1.06— Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources.
3.25 Littering
Disposing refuse of any kind on University premises, except in receptacles provided for that purpose; and/or placing any flier in or on any vehicle parked on University property without University authorization.
3.26 Manipulation and/or Dissemination of Digital Media
Manipulating and/or dissemination of digital media including but not limited to photos, audio, video, copyrighted material, etc. that may intentionally or unintentionally cause harm to another. Manipulation refers to the alteration, creation, distortion, or enhancement of content using artificial intelligence software or other digital tools.
3.27 Misrepresentation
Furnishing false information to any University official, faculty member, or office. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any University document, record, or instrument of identification.
3.28 Misuse of Services
Unauthorized use, or providing such use to another, of official identification, or of the University’s properties, services, programs, facilities, supplies, name, logo, insignia, documents, keys, or permits.
3.29 Motorized Vehicles
Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, including but not limited to cars, ATVs, snow vehicles, or similar motorized devices, while on University property, except in designated locations.
3.30 No Contact Directive Violation
Failing to comply with an official no contact directive put in place by the Office of Academic and Community Conduct or Title IX Coordinator.
3.31 Physical Misconduct
Intentionally or recklessly causing physical harm to any person, or any intentional action resulting in non-accidental physical contact with a person without their consent.
3.32 Postings and Table Tents
Placing of, or intentionally destroying advertisements, posters, signs, table tents etc. on designated bulletin boards, tables, or in other locations, without proper authorization or in accordance with University policy.
3.33 Property Damage or Destruction
Intentionally or recklessly destroying or damaging University property or the property of a member of the University community.
3.34 Public Exposure
Deliberately and publicly exposing one’s intimate body parts, public urination, defecation, and/or public sex acts.
3.35 Retaliation
Engaging in any adverse action, directly or indirectly, including through someone else, that is intended to coerce, harass, intimidate, threaten, harm, or improperly influence any person because they:
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- make, or intend to make, a report, complaint, grievance, or allegation of prohibited conduct under any University policy or rule, or under any law; or
- participate in or cooperate with any University proceedings such as, but not limited to, a conduct or grievance proceeding; or
- appear as a witness.
3.36 Sexual Misconduct
3.36.01 Sexual Harassment
Conduct on the basis of sex that is unwelcomed and determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the recipient’s education program or activity.
3.36.02 Sexual Assault
An offense classified as a forcible or nonforcible sex offense under the uniform crime reporting system of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including Rape, Fondling, Incest, and Statutory Rape as defined in this Policy.
3.36.02.i Rape
The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.
3.36.02.ii Fondling
The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental incapacity.
3.36.02.iii Incest
Sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
3.36.02.iv Statutory Rape
Sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
3.36.03 Dating Violence
Violence committed by a person—
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- who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and
- where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:
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- The length of the relationship,
- The type of relationship,
- The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
Dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse.
3.36.04 Domestic Violence
A felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by:
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- a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim,
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- a person with whom the victim shares a child in common,
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- a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner,
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- a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of Michigan, or
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- any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of Michigan.
3.36.05 Stalking
Engaging in a Course of Conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to—
- fear for their safety or the safety of others; or
- suffer substantial emotional distress.
3.36.06 Non-Consensual Sexual Contact
Any intentional or reckless sexual touching, however slight, with any object or body part, by a person upon another person, without consent and/or by force. Sexual contact is any intentional or reckless contact with the breasts, buttock, groin, mouth, or genitals or another person, or intentional or reckless touching of another person with any of these body parts, making another person touch you or themselves with or on any of these body parts, or any other intentional or reckless bodily contact in a sexual manner.
3.36.07 Sexual Exploitation
Taking non-consensual, unjust, or abusive advantage of another person in a sexual or intimate context for the respondent’s own advantage or benefit OR to benefit/advantage anyone other than the individual being exploited. This may include but is not limited to the use of technology such as electronics and/or artificial intelligence to alter, create, distort, disseminate, or enhance images of private sexual activity or private body parts.
3.37 Smoking/Tobacco Use
Smoking, smoke-free tobacco, and/or vapor use are prohibited on all Michigan Tech-owned or leased properties. There is an on-going blanket exception allowing for the use of tobacco (Nicotiana rustica) in spiritual and religious ceremonies. To ensure that ceremonies held indoors do not inadvertently activate fire alarms or sprinkler systems, event organizers must coordinate with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
3.38 Solicitation of Commercial Enterprises
Unauthorized selling of any goods or services on University premises. Solicitations or commercial enterprises (including cyber-marketing and telemarketing) in University housing are strictly prohibited.
3.39 Stolen Property
Theft of property or services; or knowingly possessing, selling, or distributing stolen property.
3.40 Threats
Intentionally or recklessly threatening physical harm to any person; or intentionally or recklessly causing reasonable apprehension of such harm; or communicating to any person (including communicating by any communication device, anonymously or otherwise), with intent to threaten another person for no legitimate purpose.
3.41 Violating Residence Education and Housing Services Policies
The Campus Housing Policies, including the Living Guide, Terms and Conditions for Residence Halls, as well as the Apartment Contract Terms and Conditions can be found at mtu.edu/housing/applications-policies/contracts/.
3.42 Violating University Policies
Violating Board of Trustee Policies and/or General University Policies.
3.43 Weapons
Violating University policy 12.7 on weapons registration. In addition to the University Policy 12.7, “replica or facsimile firearms” are prohibited on campus and University premises without the express consent of the Director of Public Safety and Police Services or designee.
3.44 Wheeled Devices
Skateboards, roller blades, bicycles, and similar wheeled devices may not be used inside University buildings, residence halls, or on tennis courts. Additionally, skateboards and other wheeled items may not be ridden on railings, curbs, benches, or any such fixtures that may be damaged by these activities. Individuals may be liable for damage to University property caused by these activities. Wheeled devices that contain rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion polymer batteries, are not permitted inside University buildings.