Addressing Student Behavior

The Code of Student Conduct provides parameters for when student behavior both on and off campus (including at University events) can be addressed. While it is our hope that students act with integrity, civility, and responsibility on- and off- campus, the Code may not always apply to their behavior. Here are some suggestions for influencing and addressing student behavior.

Influencing Student Behavior:

• If you are a neighbor of a student, develop a relationship so they have a sense of how their actions might impact you. For example, if a student knows that you work early on Saturday mornings that might impact when they host a party. If you have young children, that may influence what kinds of things students hang in their windows.
• Talk with students about what is expected of them. Be clear about what will happen if they don't meet your expectations
• Discuss appropriate noise levels and exchange phone numbers. Consider communicating with students on their terms - use facebook, email, or text messaging.
• Help students see the benefits of belonging to a community. Seeing how neighbors can help each other out or have fun together can help them feel connected to their community, not just the University.

Addressing Student Behavior:

• If a student does not meet your expectations, consider having a conversation. He/she may not know what is expected or that there was an impact to you.
• If the situation warrants an immediate response or action, call the police or appropriate authority. The Code of Student Conduct and Center for Student Conduct are not the best resource for you when it comes to "in the moment" responses.
• Consider what you would do if you didn't know this was a student. If you would call the police - you should do so. Police reports related to University students are shared with the Center for Student Conduct. Students may have consequences both as citizens (with the police/courts) and with the University (as students).
• Police are trained in evaluating and documenting situations. They can often provide objective details that assist conduct staff in following up with students about the incident.
• You may report information to our office using our incident report form. Please be aware that while we evaluate all information that comes to our office, not everything is actionable under the Code of Student Conduct. If we do follow up with a student, we are limited with what we can share with you about that due to FERPA and University policies about student privacy.