Standards of Student Conduct

Undergraduate Bulletin
Document Number 2.12

[1] Introduction

Students of the University of Central Arkansas are expected to obey the laws of the land, the state of Arkansas, the regulations of the university, and conform to the accepted customs of civilized society in their conduct.

[2] Purpose/Goals

The UCA student judicial or conduct system has three primary purposes or goals: to change or redirect student behavior, protect the university environment, and protect the rights of students involved in the disciplinary process.

More specifically, the university endeavors to change student behavior that is considered unacceptable in the university community. To meet this goal, the university makes extensive use of student judicial boards and educational sanctions so that students are judged and provided feedback by their peers and provided with alternatives to inappropriate behavior.

The university strives to protect the university environment against acts of violence, destruction, and vandalism and to provide a quality living and learning environment, one that is safe, secure, and conducive to academic pursuits. Therefore, it may be necessary on occasion to remove students from the university community when the behavior is severe.

Finally, the university seeks to protect the rights of students involved in the disciplinary process by providing specific due process procedures, including appeals, to ensure fair and just hearings.

[3] Delineation of Responsibilities

The authority to establish and enforce regulations of the university is vested in the Board of Trustees. The responsibility to initiate, implement, and supervise the disciplinary process for students is delegated to the President who in turn has designated the Vice President for Student Services as the person to conduct the non-academic disciplinary proceedings of the university. The Vice President for Student Services and the student services staff shall be responsible to the President of the university for disposal of all cases.

[4] Interpretation of Standards of Student Conduct

The University’s Standards of Student Conduct are set forth in writing in order to give students general notice of non-academic prohibited conduct. The standards should be read broadly and are not designed to define non-academic misconduct in exhaustive terms.

[5] Inherent Authority

The university reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action for on- or off-campus behaviors, to protect the safety and well-being of the campus community. Such action may include but is not limited to the immediate removal of a student from the campus premises. The authority for such decisions rests with the Vice President for Student Services, or designee.

Specific university regulations related to student conduct can be found in the UCA Student Handbook and Daily Planner, distributed to students at the beginning of the academic year. The Office of Dean of Students, located in the Student Health Center, Room 210, can be contacted regarding specific questions. For more information call 450-3416.