[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 and redirect student behavior that is considered unacceptable in the university community. The university makes extensive use of educational sanctions (i.e., alcohol/drug education programs, community service, counseling referrals, etc.) along with punishment type sanctions (probation, relocation or removal from housing, etc.) to assist in changing student behaviors.
The university strives to protect the university environment against acts of violence, destruction, and vandalism; and provide a quality living and learning environment that is safe, secure, and conducive to academic pursuits. Therefore, it is 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 promote fair and just decisions.
[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 Affairs as the person to conduct the non-academic disciplinary proceedings of the university. The Vice President for Student Affairs and the student affairs 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 Affairs, or designee.
Specific university regulations related to student conduct can be found in the UCA Student Handbook. The UCA Student Handbook is published on the web at uca.edu/student/student-handbook/. The Office of Dean of Students, located in the Student Health Center, Room 308, can be contacted regarding specific questions. For more information call 450-3133.