STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Students voluntarily enter into membership in the College community, and in so doing, assume obligations of performance and behavior reasonably agreed upon by that community for the purpose of furthering its missions, objectives, processes, and functions. As a requirement necessary for carrying out its mission, the College community has the right to promulgate and enforce appropriate rules, regulations, and policies and to take action when violations occur. Students, along with the entire College community, are provided the opportunity through the College governance to discuss and propose changes in the rules and regulations.

The administration of student discipline is a part of the total educational process that not only protects the academic community but also assists the student in personal development. The function of the discipline process is, to promote the student’s learning by examining how a present pattern of conduct interferes with, and is thereby a detriment to, the educational process.

It is impossible to write a Code of Conduct which takes into account every kind of behavior, Otterbein College reserves the right to discipline, to suspend, or to dismiss any student or to disband any organization who seriously threatens the well-being of individuals or the College. These actions may also result from student conduct that occurs away from the College’s premises.

All judicial and appeals procedures will be followed before action is taken, except in rare cases when the possibility of imminent danger exists. In such rare cases, the College may suspend a student or organizational chapter pending a hearing, before notifying the chairman of the appropriate judicial body.

Should an accused student be academically dismissed or voluntarily withdraw from Otterbein College before disciplinary proceedings have concluded, the matter may proceed to a hearing and/or a disciplinary hold may be placed on the student’s account. The hold will not prevent an accused student from registering, but would start the judicial process.

EACH STUDENT HAS THE OBLIGATION TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH SUCH RULES, REGULATIONS, AND POLICIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES HE/SHE SHALL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR CONDUCT IN THOSE VIOLATIONS, EVEN IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH FAMILIARITY.

In developing responsible student conduct, disciplinary proceedings play a role substantially secondary to example, counseling, guidance, and admonition. At the same time, educational institutions have a duty and the corollary disciplinary powers to protect their educational purpose through the setting of standards of scholarship and conduct for the students who attend them and through the regulation of the use of institutional facilities. The College has an obligation to clarify those standards of behavior, which it considers essential to its educational mission and its community life.

Otterbein College students are encouraged to maintain a high standard of personal integrity and honesty at all times and to show respect for the rights of others. Consensus can probably never be reached on precisely how these standards translate into individual behavior; therefore, the College finds it necessary to establish certain specific codes with which all students must comply.

The Student Code of Conduct has been agreed upon by the Otterbein community in order to clarify the student behavior deemed necessary to maintain an atmosphere promoting personal growth without endangering other individuals or the institution. A judicial system, including the right of appeal, is established to protect the rights of each student and each organization to a fair hearing in the event of an alleged code of conduct violation.

The Otterbein College Student Code of Conduct applies to off-campus conduct when such conduct adversely affects the Otterbein Community or the offense committed is of such a serious nature as to adversely affect the alleged violator’s suitability as a member of the College community.  Otterbein College reserves the right to conduct disciplinary investigations, file charges and impose discipline for off-campus conduct which does any of the following:
A. Constitutes a violation of local, state or federal law. 
B.  Indicates the student may present a danger or threat to the health or safety of the student or others.
C.  Interferes with the educational interests of the College.

The Vice President for Student Affairs, or his/her designee, in his/her sole discretion, will decide on a case by case basis, whether the Student Code of Conduct shall be applied to conduct occurring off campus.  A non-exhaustive list of examples of off-campus behavior that may result in investigation, the filing of charges and the imposition of discipline include the following:

1. Destruction of property
2. A threat of harm to the health or safety of others
3. A crime of violence 
4. Seriously disruptive behavior in the neighboring community, including excessive and/or unreasonable noise, and rude or abusive language.
5. Large parties or activities involving illegal use of alcohol, the accumulation of trash, public urination, etc.
6. Sale and/or distribution of drugs
7. Any situation in which a student has demonstrated the potential for harm to others or property.