Student Code of Conduct

Policy

Student Code of Conduct- Policy.pdf

The Student Code of Conduct is influenced by Minnesota State University, Mankato’s statement of Core Values.

Minnesota State Mankato is an innovative, student-centered learning community that values:

• Integrity and respect in the way we conduct ourselves;
• Diversity in who we are and what we do;
• Access to our programs and services that create opportunities for all to pursue their dreams;
• Responsibility to those we serve by providing an education that inspires solutions to society’s challenges; and
• Excellence in our academic and non-academic pursuits.

The mission of the University’s conduct process is to hold students accountable for their actions by promoting and enforcing the responsibilities students agree to when they enroll at Minnesota State Mankato. The student conduct process is designed to facilitate education and personal growth, while emphasizing students’ understanding of their impact on, and responsibility to, the University community. The goals include helping students find a renewed sense of integrity and civility and maintaining a safe and supportive environment for everyone’s education and growth.

The University is committed to the following community standards:

• Academic and personal integrity
• Safe environment and personal safety of self and others
• Civility and respect for self and others
• Responsible use of University facilities and property

Students are dual members of the Minnesota State Mankato community and the greater society. Upstanding behavior is expected of all students regardless of location. Violations of these expectations must be addressed to support the welfare of all students.

In addition to the Code of Conduct, students may be expected to uphold other policies based on membership in other groups (Residential Life, student organizations, athletics, student employee, etc.) Students also maintain a responsibility to adhere to all applicable University and Minnesota State system policies, such as Minnesota Board Policy 1B.1 Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education and Board Policy 1B.3 Sexual Misconduct.

Students who engage in alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct policy may also face civil or criminal penalties outside of the University. This policy is not intended to replace federal, state, or local legal processes.

The Student Code of Conduct was established by students, faculty, and staff to clarify behavioral expectations of students.

The following responsibilities promote a sense of community where maturity, personal accountability, and positive regard for the well-being of others frame choices and decision-making:

Student Code of Conduct

1. Integrity: Minnesota State University, Mankato students are expected to exercise informed and responsible action to address ethical challenges and recognize the ethical implications of their interactions. Behaviors that restrict enacting this value include, but are not limited to:
   
   1. Academic Dishonesty: Students are expected to complete academic work truthfully and independently. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, collusion, or scientific misconduct are violations of the Academic Integrity Policy and hinder personal academic development.
   2. Dishonesty and Falsification: Providing false, misleading, or incomplete information to University officials, altering documents, misusing University-issued IDs, or falsely representing the University or its members compromises trust and accountability.
   3. Noncompliance with University Officials: Students are expected to identify themselves accurately and respond to reasonable directions from University officials, law enforcement, or emergency personnel when acting in their professional capacity. 
   4. Unauthorized Entry and Irresponsible Facility Use: Accessing or using University spaces, property, data, or services without authorization—including entering a secured location through alarmed or propped doors—disrupts safety and respect for shared spaces.
   5. Unauthorized Access: Possessing, using, copying/cloning or sharing University keys, ID cards, passwords, or access codes without permission compromises campus safety and violates privacy expectations.
2. Access and Diversity: Minnesota State Mankato students recognize and value diverse perspectives and the interdependence among communities to broaden perspectives, encourage collaboration and promote unity. Behaviors that restrict enacting this value include, but are not limited to:
   1. Harassment:
      
      1. Unfair treatment or harassment based on personal characteristics violates University values and is prohibited by Board Policy 1B.1. Other forms of harassment include, but are not limited to:
         
         1. severe or persistent unwanted verbal, written, electronic communications, or graphic expression toward other students and University employees; and
         2. demanding inordinate amounts of time and attention from faculty or staff.
   2. Hazing: Any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that (1) is committed in the course of initiation into, affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization (e.g., a club, athletic team, fraternity, or sorority); and (2) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization, of physical or psychological injury including, but not limited to:
      
      1. whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
      2. causing, coercing or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
      3. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
      4. causing, coercing or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
      5. any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
      6. any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law;
      7. any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.
   3. Endangering Others: Actions that intentionally or recklessly threatens the physical health, mental health, or safety of any individual, including oneself, are contrary to the supportive environment the University seeks to foster.
   4. Retaliation: Taking adverse action against someone for reporting a concern or participating in a University process discourages accountability and threatens fairness and transparency.
   5. Theft: Taking, using, or possessing property or services without permission diminishes trust and violates community standards.
   6. Threatening Behavior: Verbal or written threats, or non-verbal communications that cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others, or that imply potential damage to property, are serious violations of community expectations. This includes, but is not limited to, threatening behavior using social media, email, and other electronic or cyber mediums.
   7. Sexual Misconduct: All forms of sexual misconduct—including sexual assault, harassment, stalking, and coercion—are prohibited and are defined in Board Policy 1B.3.
3. Responsibility: Minnesota State Mankato students continue to learn, cultivate self-awareness, and personal and civic identity to be ethical and productivedifference-makers in a global society. Behaviors that restrict enacting this value include, but are not limited to:
   
   1. Alcohol Use: Students are expected to comply with University policy and all applicable alcohol laws. Underage consumption, providing alcohol to minors, or violations of the University’s Alcohol and Other Drug Policy impact both individual well-being and community safety.
   2. Other Drugs and Controlled Substances: Unauthorized possession or use of illegal or prescription drugs, or drug paraphernalia, is prohibited. Cannabis use—including for medical reasons—is not permitted on campus or at University-sponsored events under federal law and University policy.
   3. Weapons and Dangerous Items: Bringing unauthorized weapons, explosives, or hazardous materials to campus creates safety risks and is a violation of the University Weapons and Firearms Policy.
   4. Complicity in Misconduct (Shared Violations): Knowingly acting as an accessory or being present while any violation of University policy is occurring, or allowing or assisting others in violating policies.
   5. Interfering with Accountability Processes: Interference with accountability processes includes any action that obstructs, undermines, compromises, or improperly influences institutional procedures for addressing conduct, complaints, or grievances. Such behavior may involve dishonesty, disruption, coercion, retaliation, or failure to comply with established requirements. Actions that deter participation, attempt to influence outcomes, misuse reporting mechanisms, or encourage violations of policy may also constitute interference.
4. Excellence: Minnesota State University, Mankato students are expected to engage in behaviors that enhance the well-being of self, others, and the environment. Behaviors that restrict enacting this value include, but are not limited to:
   
   1. Misuse of Property: Engaging in unauthorized use of, or causing damage to, University property or the property of others interferes with a safe and functional community. Examples include vandalism, graffiti, damaging furniture or equipment, or interfering with facilities and technology systems. Other examples include, but are not limited to:
      1. Other unauthorized activities (e.g., indoor sports, grilling, gambling), and exceptions as defined in Residential Life and other University policies.
   2. Academic Disruption: Behaviors that significantly interrupt or repeatedly interfere with teaching, learning, or other academic activities—such as advising, research, or administration—impact everyone’s opportunity to succeed.
   3. Disruptive Behavior: Students are expected to act responsibly in ways that support a peaceful and respectful campus environment. Disorderly, lewd, or indecent behavior, or encouraging others to engage in such actions, may disrupt community life and violates expectations outlined in the Campus Demonstrations Policy. This includes actions from guests as outlined in Residential Life policies.
   4. Disregard for Environmental Well-being: Students are expected to be respectful of shared spaces, and to maintain clean, healthy, and respectful University living and community spaces. Unreasonably strong odors (e.g., smoke, vapers, perfume, dirty laundry, trash) or significantly persistent odors may be disruptive to others and may restrict others from participating in activities. See the University Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campus Policy for exceptions.
   5. Noncompliance with Policies: Students are expected to know and follow all University and Minnesota State policies, rules, and regulations. Noncompliance can interfere with individual and community success and safety.
   6. Unlawful Conduct: Engaging in conduct that violates local, state, or federal laws—including those related to alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual misconduct, or fire safety—can have serious personal and legal consequences and does not align with community standards.

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Rationale

Minnesota State Mankato encourages scholarship and is committed to the acquisition of knowledge. A student’s first responsibility is to their academic pursuits. The University identifies responsibilities expected of students as members of this learning community to allow individuals to successfully pursue their educational, professional and personal objectives. Established by students, faculty, and staff, the Student Code of Conduct policy clarifies behavioral expectations of students as a condition of membership in the University community. Related policies, such as the Alcohol and Other Drug policy and the Academic Integrity policy further define and uphold community standards of behavior. The Office of Student Conduct collaborates with other departments on campus to promote an equitable, inclusive and welcoming learning environment.

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History of Revisions

• Effective Date of Last Review: August 1, 2026
• Date of Last Review: September 2025
• Revisions Made:
  
  • 2025: Name changed from Statement of Student Responsibilities to Student Code of Conduct
  • 2025: Changed the structure to align with University Core Values, provide clear expectations, and eliminate redundancy. Name changed to align with Minnesota State System Board Policy. Added Student Conduct procedure.
• References:
  
  • Minnesota State Board Policy 1B.1 – Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education
  • Minnesota State Board Policy 1B.3 – Sexual Misconduct
  • Minnesota State Board Policy 3.6 – Student Conduct
  • Minnesota State University, Mankato Academic Honesty Policy
  • Minnesota State University, Mankato Alcohol and Other Drug Policy
  • Minnesota State University, Mankato Campus Demonstrations Policy
  • Minnesota State University, Mankato Weapons and Firearms Policy
  • Stop Campus Hazing Act Public Law 118-173

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Procedure

Student Code of Conduct- Procedure.pdf

The student conduct process promotes and enforces the Student Code of Conduct Policy following a philosophy of educational accountability. Through involvement in the conduct process, students have an opportunity to learn new ways of resolving difficulties and relating to others while strengthening their comprehension of rules and regulations necessary to maintain a safe environment that promotes learning and growth. The following procedures are applicable and specific to matters addressed under the Minnesota State University, Mankato Student Code of Conduct Policy.

1. Initiation of Complaint
   
   1. Any member of the University community may file a complaint by submitting the form available on the University’s referral and reporting landing page or appropriate departmental form.
2. Notification of the Student
   
   1. A student alleged to have violated the Student Code of Conduct will be notified in writing of the alleged violation(s), the nature of the evidence, and the possible sanctions if found responsible for a violation of the policy. The official means of University communication with students is their University email account, MavMAIL. Students are responsible for regularly checking their MavMAIL for important University messages.
3. Informal Conduct Meeting and Decision
   
   1. The alleged student will be offered an opportunity to meet with a conduct officer to resolve the alleged violation at an informal meeting. During the meeting, the conduct officer will review the allegations with the student and allow the student to acknowledge responsibility or dispute the allegations. Within a reasonable time period following the meeting, the student will be provided with a written outcome stating whether a violation of the Student Code of Conduct was established by a preponderance of evidence. The outcome letter will identify applicable sanctions as well as appeal process information. If the alleged student fails to read the letter notifying them of the allegation(s) or fails to appear for the informal conduct meeting, the conduct officer may proceed to review and act upon the allegations. The student will be provided with a written outcome and sanctions, if applicable. A “hold” may also be placed preventing course registration pending resolution of the matter or completion of sanctions.
      Alleged violations of Minnesota State Board Policy 1B.1 Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education and/or 1B.3 Sexual Misconduct policies which include alleged violations of the University’s Student Code of Conduct Policy, shall be investigated and resolved under their respective procedures of the 1B.1 and 1B.3 Policies—not this Procedure.
4. Assignment of Sanctions
   
   1. When a student is found responsible for a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, based on a preponderance of evidence, students may be assigned disciplinary sanctions. Sanctions will be proportional to the violation and based on the student’s past conduct history, if any. The alleged student shall be notified of the date that sanction(s) go into effect.
      A student assigned expulsion or disciplinary suspension of more than nine (9) days may be permitted to remain on campus pending the outcome of a campus level appeal. Under Minnesota State System Board Policy 3.6 Student Conduct, students have a right to a Ch. 14 hearing, which is a contested case hearing under Minn. Stat. Ch. 14 beyond the campus level appeal process. Sanctions and restrictions assigned by the Office of Student Conduct or the Department of Residential Life that are upheld on appeal go into effect regardless of a pending Chapter 14 hearing.
5. Disciplinary Sanctions and Accountability Measures
   When a student is found responsible for a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, based on preponderance of evidence, outcomes can include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following actions:
   
   1. Sanctions impacting student status
      1. University Disciplinary Warning: The issuance of a written warning that indicates the alleged action constitutes inappropriate behavior for a member of the University community.
      2. University Disciplinary Probation: A period of observation during which time the student is expected to demonstrate a willingness and ability to strictly comply with University community standards. A student on disciplinary probation is considered no longer in good conduct standing with the University. A student may potentially be ineligible to apply for certain leadership roles, hold campus positions, or to participate in other opportunities that require good conduct standing. Progressive disciplinary action will result including suspension or expulsion if repeat violations occur.
      3. University Disciplinary Suspension: Temporary separation from the University; students are ineligible to enroll during the suspension period. Students may be suspended at any point in the academic year with suspension retroactive to the first day of the semester in which the incident occurred. Notation of the suspension is placed on the student’s academic transcript.
      4. Deferred suspension: Under certain conditions, a disciplinary suspension may be “deferred.” In these situations, students may need to abide by certain conditions. Disciplinary suspension may be deferred until a specific date (i.e. end of semester), or until any other violation occurs.
      5. University Disciplinary Expulsion: Permanent separation from the University. Notation of the expulsion is placed on the student’s academic transcript.
   2. Restricted access and loss of privileges
      
      1. Reassignment within the residence communities; termination of a Residential Life contract.
      2. Denial of the privileges of participating in University co-curricular activities.
   3. Mandatory educational sanctions
      
      1. Education: Mandatory educational activities such as online assessment, alcohol education workshops and writing assignments that may include program fees.
   4. Additional sanctions
      
      1. Required compliance: Activities such as carrying out a University mandate as a condition for being admitted, continuing enrollment, or graduating from the University.
      2. A degree awarded from the University may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violation of University standards, or for other serious violations committed by a student prior to graduation.
      3. The University may withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the completion of the disciplinary process, including the completion of all assigned sanctions.
      4. An offer of admission to the University may be rescinded for misconduct occurring prior to enrollment.
6. Administrative procedures
   
   1. Registration hold: A “hold” prevents future course registration. A hold may be placed on a student’s registration for a variety of reasons related to the student conduct process, including incompletion of sanctions.
   2. Summary suspension: In certain circumstances, a summary suspension may be imposed prior to student conduct proceedings to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the university community. To the greatest extent possible, the alleged student must be given oral or written notice of the intent to impose summary suspension and must be given an opportunity to present oral or written arguments against the imposition of the suspension. However, the refusal of a student to accept or acknowledge this notice must not prevent the implementation of summary suspension. Notice of the summary suspension must be provided in writing to the student. The student must be provided an opportunity for a conduct meeting within the shortest reasonable time period, not to exceed nine (9) school or business days. During the summary suspension, the student may not enter the campus or participate in any university activities without obtaining prior permission from the conduct administrator.
7. Appeal Process
   1. An appeal opportunity is afforded to students found responsible for an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct. A student who has been assessed a sanction of expulsion or suspension (except summary suspension) for more than nine (9) days may:
      
      1. waive their right to a Formal Conduct Hearing and submit a written appeal by the deadline provided in the outcome letter, or
      2. request a Formal Conduct Hearing prior to the implementation of the sanction(s) as provided in the outcome letter.
   2. A student who has been assigned any other sanction(s) or accountability measure(s), or who would like to appeal the decision of the Formal Conduct Hearing, may submit a written appeal by the deadline provided in the outcome letter. An appeal is not a rehearing of a case. An appeal meeting may be held if there is sufficient reason to believe that one or more of the grounds articulated in the student’s appeal letter may have merit.
      1. The following will be allowed as grounds for appeal:
         1. New relevant information not reasonably available at the time of the hearing.
         2. Evidence of a procedural error in the student disciplinary process that substantially impacted the outcome.
         3. Relevant information that the sanction is excessively severe.
      2. Grounds for appeal do not include failure to read conduct letters; the stress, expense and inconvenience of relocation, contract termination or suspension; the cost of educational sanctions; disruption to studies; separation from friends; lack of familiarity with rules; good character; sanctions levied to others in the same case; nor a personal commitment to behaving better in the future. A student who fails to appear for a conduct meeting may not appeal on the grounds of “new relevant information not reasonably available at the time of the meeting.
      3. Appeal letters will be reviewed promptly, and the appeal officer will determine if an appeal meeting will be scheduled. Possible appeal outcomes include:
         1. Upholding or overturning the decision of the conduct officer.
         2. Modifying the sanction(s).
         3. Referring the case for a new conduct meeting.
      4. For cases involving suspension of more than nine (9) days or expulsion, if a student’s appeal is unsuccessful at the campus level, the student has a right to a contested case hearing under Minn. Stat. Ch. 14.
8. Jurisdiction
   1. The Office of Student Conduct and Residential Life will confer on, investigate, and adjudicate all alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct. On-campus jurisdiction is agreed on by the Office of Student Conduct and Residential Life. Residential Life addresses all violations that occur in the Residential Communities and adjacent property, while the Office of Student Conduct will address all other locations on campus. Off-campus jurisdiction is determined by Minnesota State Board Policy 3.6 Student Conduct and Minnesota State University, Mankato Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy.
      1. Complaints of sexual misconduct, including but not limited to, sexual assault, stalking, dating/intimate partner/relationship violence, non-forcible sex acts, and complaints of discrimination and/or harassment based on membership in a protected class are addressed by the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (EOTIX).
      2. Interpersonal conflicts between acquaintances or members of a student organization (e.g., Fraternities and Sororities, Recognized Student Organizations, and Sports Clubs) are typically referred to mediation or to applicable student organization review processes as an alternative to discipline. Mediation involves voluntary participation in a structured problem-solving process where a neutral third party assists disputing individuals in resolving their differences. Violation of the mediation agreement permits the case to return to the student conduct process if the dispute constitutes a possible violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Mediation often resolves property/financial disagreements, incivility, and conflicts between members of a student organization.
      3. Complaints about hazing are reviewed by Student Conduct with assistance from EOTIX, Athletics, Student Organizations, and Fraternity and Sorority Life. Investigations into hazing allegations will be conducted by Student Conduct under the purview of the Dean of Students.

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History of Revisions

• Effective Date of Last Review: August 1, 2026
• Date of Last Review: September 2025
• Revisions Made:
  
  • 2025: Name changed from Statement of Student Responsibilities to Student Conduct Procedure
  • 2025: Changed the structure to align with University Core Values, provide clear expectations, and eliminate redundancy. Name changed to align with Minnesota State System Board Policy. Added Student Conduct procedure.
• References:
  
  • Minnesota State Board Policy 1B.1 – Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education
  • Minnesota State Board Policy 1B.3 – Sexual Misconduct

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Rationale