Student Code of Conduct

Contents

The Student Code of Conduct is not intended to replace existing procedures related to:

  • Discrimination or sexual harassment
  • Grade appeals
  • Requests for exceptions to academic policies
  • Appeals for tuition and fee reduction
  • Disputes relative to financial aid awards
  • In-state tuition classification

Student Engagement and Wellness personnel or the Conflict Resolution Coordinator can advise and assist students with unusual circumstances, or with problems not addressed in the Student Handbook or University Catalog. Students should also review information available on the Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Services (formerly Judicial Affairs) website.

Student Learning and Development Outcomes: Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Services

The goal in Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Services is to create an environment that will help the student, through his/her experience in the conduct process, grow in the following areas:

Intellectual Growth: The student will gain a better understanding of the consequences and potential consequences of his/her personal actions and will learn the purposes of institutional policies. He/She will employ critical thinking in problem solving.

Clarification of Values: The student will learn the effect of his/her behavior on others and demonstrate ethical development while complying with institutional policy. The student will gain understanding of the institutional values reflected in institutional policies. The student will gain a better understanding of the importance of personal integrity. Through the conduct process, the student will be asked to scrutinize his/her beliefs, ethics and values in relation to the standards of the university community. The student will be able to articulate his/her personal ethics and values, will act in congruence with those ethics and values and make decisions that reflect his/her beliefs.

Article I: Definitions

  1. The term “University” means Metropolitan State University of Denver.
  2. The term “student” includes persons admitted to or enrolled at or taking courses at/or sponsored by the University, and those who may not be currently enrolled but who have a continuing relationship with the University. All students will adhere to the Student Code of Conduct as included in the Student Handbook and Student Rights and Responsibilities of the Catalog.
  3. The term “faculty member” means any person hired by the University to conduct classroom or teaching activities or who is otherwise considered by the University to be a member of its faculty.
  4. The term “University official” includes any person employed by the University performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.
  5. The term “member of the University” includes any person who is a student, faculty member, University official or any other person employed by the University.
  6. The term “University or campus premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the Auraria Higher Education Center, including the adjacent streets and sidewalks, and also includes Extended Campus locations.
  7. The term “organization” means any number of people who have complied with the formal requirements for University recognition. Student organization requirements can be found in the Student Organization Handbook.
  8. The title of “Judicial Officer” is that person designated by the University President to be responsible for the administration of the Student Code of Conduct.
  9. The term “judicial body” means any person or people authorized and identified by the Judicial Officer to determine whether a student has violated the Student Code of Conduct and to recommend imposition of sanctions.
  10. The term “preponderance of evidence” is the standard of proof used in all conduct proceedings under this Student Code of Conduct. A preponderance of evidence standard means that it is more likely than not that a violation occurred.
  11. The term “shall” is used in the imperative sense.
  12. The term “may” is used in the permissive sense.
  13. The term “policy” is defined as the written regulations of the University as found in, but not limited to, the Student Code of Conduct, Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, and Metropolitan State University of Denver Catalogs and Class Schedules.
  14. The term “cheating” includes, but is not limited to:
    • Use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests or examinations.
    • Misrepresenting class attendance.
    • Dependence on the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the faculty member in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments.
    • Acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic materials belonging to a member of the University faculty, staff, or other students.
  15. The term “plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to, the use by paraphrase or direct quotations of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency that may or may not be engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.
  16. The phrase “submitting the same work for different classes” means submitting substantive portions of the same work in more than one class without disclosure to and approval from faculty members involved.
  17. The term “working days” refers to the number of days specified for each step of the procedure and does not include Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, or days when the University is not open for business.
  18. The term “University-sponsored activity” includes but is not limited to: Athletic events, music and theater events, student activities, study abroad programs and student trips funded by the Office of Student Activities.
  19. The term “disciplinary record” refers to the creation of a disciplinary record with the University when a student receives an institution sanction of warning or above in the conduct process (see Sanctions, Article IV: C). A disciplinary record becomes a part of a student’s educational record. Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct Article IV: F: Release of Disciplinary Information for information on the release of a disciplinary record. Disciplinary records typically do not become part of a student’s academic transcript.

Article II: Judicial Authority

  1. Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Services (formerly Judicial Affairs) is appointed by the University to adjudicate any potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
  2. The Judicial Officer shall determine the composition of judicial bodies and determine which judicial body or Judicial Officer shall be authorized to hear each case.
  3. The Judicial Officer shall appoint a chair to the judicial body for each case.
  4. The Judicial Officer may develop policies for the administration of the judicial program and procedural rules for the conduct of hearings that are consistent with provisions of the Student Code of Conduct.
  5. Decisions made by a judicial body and Judicial Officer shall be final, pending the normal appeal process.
  6. The Judicial Officer may extend time limits for good cause demonstrated in writing.
  7. The Judicial Officer may contact the Student Conduct Officers from the Community College of Denver or the University of Colorado Denver and Health Sciences Center on matters that involve students from either or both institutions.

Article III: Proscribed Conduct

A.    Jurisdiction of the University

Metropolitan State University of Denver expects its students to be accountable for their conduct and to represent the University in a positive, responsible manner. The Student Code of Conduct exists to provide parameters for students and their behavior as they represent the University during the entirety of their enrollment. University jurisdiction applies to student conduct that occurs on or off campus including while a student or organization is participating in University-sponsored activities such as study abroad and student travel programs. The University may adjudicate off-campus conduct when the continued presence of the student is likely to interfere with the educational process or the orderly operation of the campus; is likely to endanger the health, safety or welfare of the University community; or the offense committed by the student is of such a serious nature as to adversely affect the student’s suitability as a member of the University community. The Student Code of Conduct shall apply to a student’s conduct even if the student withdraws from school while a disciplinary matter is pending. In relevant cases, the student’s use of electronic media in violating a standard of conduct may be considered in the adjudication process regardless of where the electronic media originated.

B.    Conduct – Rules and Regulations

By a preponderance of evidence, any student found to have committed the following misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in Article IV.

  1. Acts of dishonesty including, but not limited to:
    a.    Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty.
    b.    Submitting the same work for different classes unless disclosed to and approved by the faculty member.
    c.    Furnishing false information to any University or campus official, faculty member, or office.
    d.    Forgery, alteration, or misuse of University document, record, or instrument of identification.
    e.    Tampering with the election of any University recognized student organization.
    f.    Assisting anyone in the commission of any acts stated above.
  2. Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, other University activities, including public service functions on and off campus, or other authorized non-University activities when the act occurs on University premises.
  3. Assault, physical abuse, brawling or any conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.
    a.    Verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, coercion or any unwelcome conduct by an individual(s) that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of education or employment and creates an environment that a reasonable person would find intimidating, hostile, or offensive.
  4. Attempted or actual theft of and/or damage to property of the University, the Auraria Higher Education Center, property of a member of the University community, or other personal or public property.
    a.    Identity theft—use, or attempted use of another person’s identifying information without their knowledge or permission.
  5. Hazing, defined as an act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or that destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization. Hazing can be further defined as any action that produces physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Organizations engaging in such activities may be subject to the withdrawal of University recognition, and thus privileges and services, by the Office of Student Activities. For questions concerning this policy, refer to the Student Organization Handbook or contact the Director of Student Activities.
  6. Failure to comply with directions of University officials or the Auraria Campus Police acting in performance of their duties, and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so.
  7. Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys/access cards to any campus premises or unauthorized entry to, or use of, campus premises.
  8. Violation of University policies, rules, or regulations that are published in hard copy or available electronically on the University website or Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC) website.
  9. Violation of federal, state, or local law.
  10. Use, possession, or distribution of narcotics or other controlled substances, except as expressly permitted by the law.
  11. Use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, except as expressly permitted by the law and University regulation, or public intoxication.
  12. Illegal or unauthorized possession or use of firearms, explosives, other weapons or dangerous chemicals. MSU Denver students will be held to the standards of the Weapons Policy for the Auraria Campus: www.ahec.edu/hr/POLICY28.htm.
    In light of the decision of the Colorado Supreme Court regarding the University of Colorado’s weapons policy, the Board of Directors of the Auraria Higher Education Center will be reviewing its current weapons policies. Pending that review, the Auraria Board’s weapons policies will be interpreted and enforced in conformance with the court’s decision. In short, the Auraria weapons policies will not preclude persons lawfully holding a valid concealed carry permit from possessing a handgun pursuant to Colorado’s Concealed Carry Act.
  13. Participation in campus demonstrations that disrupt the normal operations of the University (or other parts of the campus) or that infringe on the rights of other members of the campus community; leading or inciting others or disrupting scheduled and/or normal activities within any campus building or area; intentional obstruction that unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement on campus, either pedestrian or vehicular.
  14. Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on University premises or at University-sponsored activities.
  15. Abetting or procuring another person to breach the peace on University premises or at functions sponsored by or participated in by the University.
  16. Any activity involving University technology resources that knowingly interferes with someone else’s academic freedom or the institution’s goals or policies.
  17. Abuse of the judicial process/system including, but not limited to:
    a.    Failure to obey the summons of a judicial body or University official.
    b.    Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a judicial body or University official.
    c.    Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a judicial proceeding.
    d.    Initiating a judicial proceeding knowingly without cause.
    e.    Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the judicial system.
    f.    Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a judicial body prior to, and/or during the course of, the judicial proceeding.
    g.    Harassment—verbal or physical—and/or intimidation of a member of a judicial body prior to, during, and/or after a judicial proceeding.
    h.    Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code of Conduct, including violating prohibited conduct as defined in Article III of the Student Conduct Code while on University probation or suspension.
    i.    Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the judicial system.
  18. Intentionally obstructing or delaying a police officer, firefighter, security officer, or University official in performance of his/her duty.
  19. Turning in a false bomb alarm or fire alarm, or misusing fire safety equipment.
  20. Leaving children unattended or unsupervised on campus grounds.
  21. Influencing or attempting to influence the academic process through explicit or implied sexual behavior, bribery, or threats.
  22. Failing to comply with contractual obligations with the University.
  23. Furnishing false information or academic credentials with the intent to deceive or mislead when applying for admission to the University or for any of its programs and services.
  24. Conduct that is disorderly, lewd or indecent; breach of peace; or aiding and abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on campus premises or at functions sponsored by, or participated in by, the University or members of the academic community. Disorderly conduct includes, but is not limited to, any unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to make an audio or video record of any person while on University premises without his/her prior knowledge or without his/her effective consent when such a recording is likely to cause injury or distress. This includes, but is not limited to, surreptitiously taking pictures of another person in a gym locker room or restroom.
  25. Knowingly pursuing malicious, frivolous or fraudulent charges against a faculty, student, or staff member without cause.
  26. Sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, or other nonconsensual sexual misconduct. MSU Denver students will be held to the standards of the Sexual Assault Policy for the Auraria Campus.
  27. Stalking, which is a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. Stalking behaviors include, but are not limited to, non-consensual communication, including face-to-face communication, telephone calls, voice messages, emails, written letters, gifts, or any other communications that are undesired and place another person in fear.
C. Academic Dishonesty or Misconduct Procedures

Academic dishonesty may result in institutional sanctions that  are in addition to any academic ramifications determined by the faculty member. Institutional sanctions do not limit the individual faculty member’s academic freedom and the right to maintain academic integrity in the learning environment. The faculty member may assign a grade or grade notation for an assignment, exercise, test, and/or for the course based on his/her determination that an incident of academic misconduct has occurred.

In all cases of academic misconduct, the faculty member shall make an academic judgment about the student’s grade on that work in that course and shall report such incidents within 20 working days to the student and to the Judicial Officer responsible for the administration of the University conduct system. The Judicial Officer has the discretion to consult with the faculty member and the Office of Academic and Student Affairs to determine whether institutional sanctions should be invoked. The Judicial Officer does NOT have the discretion to change a grade or overturn a finding of academic misconduct. An appeal of a finding of academic misconduct should be referred to the academic chain of command (Instructor, Chair, Dean, Grade Appeal Committee, Provost, etc.)

University conduct policies pertaining to academic dishonesty are part of the Student Code of Conduct. However, the appeal process for a finding of academic misconduct is under the purview of Academic and Student Affairs. When a faculty member reports an act of academic dishonesty to the University Judicial Officer, he/she may ask that institutional sanctions (refer to Section IV. B.) be applied. At his/her discretion, the Judicial Officer may recommend and impose sanctions in any reported case of academic misconduct against a student.

Should institutional sanctions be recommended in cases of academic dishonesty, the Judicial Officer shall check with conduct records to determine whether the student has any record of prior offenses. The student will be invited to meet with the Judicial Officer if institutional sanctions are being considered. Any institutional sanctions would be subject to the conduct appeals process.

D. Violation of Law and Student Code of Conduct

Students or organizations exhibiting unusual and/or unacceptable forms of behavior on campus premises can be requested to leave by Auraria Campus Police. A faculty member may also remove a student from the classroom and shall immediately contact the Judicial Officer to file an incident report. Permanent removal from a class is handled through the conduct process of the University. In addition to or in lieu of that, faculty members may refer students to the Counseling Center. The Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Wellness, Assistant Dean/Student Judicial Officer or designee may administratively withdraw students exhibiting severe behavioral problems. University disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student or organization charged with violation of a law that is also a violation of this Student Code of Conduct. For example, if both violations result from the same factual situation without regard to the pendency of civil litigation in court or criminal arrest and prosecution, proceedings under this Student Code of Conduct may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off-campus.

Article IV: Conduct Processes

Note: Because email is an official method of communication for the University, students may be notified over email of potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct and the outcome of any judicial process.

A.    Standard of Proof

The University views the conduct process as a learning experience that can result in growth and personal understanding of one's responsibilities and privileges within the University community. It is not intended to be a substitute for civil or criminal legal proceedings, and is designed to provide a fair evaluation of whether or not a student has violated University policies. Formal rules of evidence do not apply in the University's conduct process. The University uses a preponderance of evidence standard when determining responsibility for alleged violations of the Code of Conduct. A preponderance of evidence means that what is alleged to have happened is, more likely than not, what actually happened. This shall be the standard of proof used in all conduct proceedings under this Code.

B. Charges and Hearings
  1. Any person may file a complaint against any student or organization for misconduct. Complaints shall be prepared in writing in the form of an incident report and directed to the Judicial Officer responsible for the administration of the University conduct system. Any charge shall be submitted within twenty working days after learning that the misconduct has occurred. The Judicial Officer may extend time limits for good cause demonstrated in writing.
  2. The Judicial Officer may notify the student or organization of the complaint. Once the student is notified of the complaint, he/she has the opportunity to schedule a meeting with the Judicial Officer to discuss the situation. If the student fails to make contact with the Judicial Officer within the time frame specified in the notification, the Judicial Officer may make a decision in the student's absence.
  3. The Judicial Officer may conduct an investigation to determine if the report is substantial enough to go forward and/or if it can be disposed of administratively by mutual consent of the parties involved on a basis acceptable to the Judicial Officer. Such disposition shall be final and there shall be no subsequent proceedings. If the complaint cannot be disposed of by mutual consent, the Judicial Officer may charge the student or organization and continue with the administrative meeting or refer the matter to a judicial body for a formal hearing.
  4. In the event of a formal judicial hearing, the Judicial Officer shall present to the respondent (accused student) or organization in writing a statement of the allegations, the charges they would support and the potential consequences in the event that the judicial body finds the allegations to be true. A time shall be set for a hearing, generally not less than five nor more than twenty working days after the student or organization has been notified. Maximum time limits for scheduling of hearings may be extended at the discretion of the Judicial Officer.
  5. According to the following guidelines, a judicial body shall conduct hearings:
    • Hearings shall be conducted in private.
    • Admission of any person to the hearing shall be at the discretion of the judicial body and/or the Chair of the hearing board.
    • In hearings involving more than one respondent, the chairperson of the judicial body, at his/her discretion may permit the hearings concerning each student to be conducted separately.
    • The complainant and the respondent have the right to be assisted by any advisor they choose, at their own expense. The advisor may be an attorney with notification of this information to the Judicial Officer. However, the complainant and/or the respondent is responsible for presenting his/her own case and, therefore, advisors are not permitted to participate in any hearing before a judicial body unless the University legal counsel specifically advises otherwise. The respondent and/or the complainant will notify the Judicial Officer at least 5 business days before the hearing of the name, address and telephone number of the advisor. In certain cases, University Legal Counsel may be present.
    • The complainant, the respondent and the judicial body shall have the privilege of presenting witnesses, subject to right of cross examination by the judicial body.
    • Pertinent records, exhibits and written statements may be accepted as evidence for consideration by a judicial body at the discretion of the chairperson.
    • All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the chairperson of the judicial body.
    • After the hearing, the judicial body shall determine whether the student has violated the Student Code of Conduct. The board's deliberations are closed and are not part of the student's educational record.
    • The judicial body's determination shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the respondent or organization violated the Student Code of Conduct.
    • University legal counsel shall serve as legal advisor to the Judicial Officer and/or judicial body.
  6. There shall be a single verbatim record—such as a tape recording—of all hearings before a judicial body. The record shall be the property of the University.
  7. Except in the case of a student charged with failing to obey the summons of a judicial body or University official, no student may be found to have violated the Student Code of Conduct solely because the student failed to appear before a judicial body. In all cases, the evidence in support of the charges shall be presented and considered.
C.    Sanctions
  1. The following sanctions may be imposed upon any student found to have violated the Student Code of Conduct:
    a.     Warning: A notice in writing to the student that the student is violating or has violated the Student Code of Conduct.
    b.     Probation: A written reprimand for violation of specified regulations. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the student is found to be violating any institutional regulation(s) and/or the Student Code of Conduct during the probationary period.
    c.     Loss of Privileges: Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time.
    d.     Fines: Previously established and published fines may be imposed.
    e.     Restitution: Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.
    f.     Discretionary Sanctions: Work assignments, service to the University, or other related discretionary assignments that have the prior approval of the Judicial Officer.
    g.     University Suspension: Separation of the student from the University for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for re-enrollment may be specified. A temporary ban from the Auraria Campus may be put into effect as a part of the conditions of suspension.
    h.     University Expulsion: Permanent separation of the student from the University. This may include a permanent ban from the Auraria Campus enforceable by the Auraria Police.
  2. More than one of the sanctions listed above may be imposed for any single violation.
  3. Disciplinary sanctions shall not be made part of the student’s permanent academic record, but shall become part of the student’s confidential record. Upon graduation, the student’s confidential record may be expunged of disciplinary actions—other than University suspension or expulsion. The student must make the request in writing to the Student Judicial Officer.
  4. The following sanctions may be imposed upon groups or organizations:
    • Those sanctions listed above in Section C1, a through h.
    • Deactivation: Loss of all privileges, including official University recognition or suspension, for a specified period of time.
  5. In cases heard by the judicial board, the Judicial Officer shall consider the recommendation of the judicial board in determining and imposing sanctions. The Judicial Officer is not limited to sanctions recommended by the judicial board. Following the hearing, the Judicial Officer shall advise the accused in writing—within 10 working days—of its determination and the sanctions(s) imposed, if any.
D.    Permanent F

A professor may issue a grade of permanent grade F as a result of academic dishonesty that results in a failing grade in the class or is so flagrant as to warrant it. The permanent F is a grade not a sanction for purposes of this Student Code of Conduct. When a permanent F is given by a faculty member, a report is required to be filed with Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Services, which will determine whether a sanction is to be imposed for the incident. Students who wish to appeal a permanent grade of F must do so by following the Grade Appeal Policy outlined in the Student Handbook.

E.    Interim Suspension

In certain circumstances, the Associate Vice President of Student Engagement and Wellness or designee may impose a University suspension prior to the hearing before a judicial body.

  1. Interim suspension may be imposed only:
    • To ensure the safety and well-being of members of the campus community or preservation of campus property.
    • To ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being.
    • If the student poses a definite threat of disruption of, or interference with, the normal operation of the University.
  2. During the interim suspension, students shall be denied access to the campus, including classes and/or all other University activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible, as the Associate Vice President of Student Engagement and Wellness or designee may determine to be appropriate.
F.    Appeals
  1. A decision reached by the judicial body or a sanction imposed by the Judicial Officer may be appealed by accused students or complainants within five working days of the decision. Such appeals shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the President’s designee for hearing appeals. If a student chooses to appeal, he/she must complete a Conduct Appeal Form, which must be submitted with the appeal. Please refer to the Student Engagement and Wellness website for the form. The student will be informed of the outcome in writing when the appeal process has been completed, generally within 15 business days.
  2. Except as required to explain the basis of new evidence, an appeal shall be limited to review of the verbatim record of the initial hearing and supporting documents for one or more of the following purposes:
    • To determine whether the original hearing was conducted fairly in light of the charges and evidence presented and in conformity with prescribed procedures, giving the complaining party a reasonable opportunity to prepare and to present a rebuttal of those allegations.
    • To determine whether the decision reached regarding the accused student or organization was based on a preponderance of evidence; that is, whether the facts in the case were sufficient to establish that a violation of the Student Code of Conduct occurred more likely than not.
    • To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed were appropriate for the violation of the Student Code of Conduct that the student or organization was found to have committed.
    • To consider new evidence sufficient to alter a decision or other relevant facts not brought out in the original hearing because the person or organization appealing did not know such evidence and/or facts at the time of the original hearing.
  3. If an appeal is upheld, the matter shall be remanded to a judicial body and/or the Judicial Officer for reopening of the hearing to allow reconsideration of the original determination and/or sanction(s).
    In cases involving appeals by students or organizations accused of violating the Student Code of Conduct, review of the sanction(s) by the Appeal Officer may not result in more severe sanction(s) for the accused student or organization. Instead, following an appeal the Judicial Officer may, upon review of the case, reduce, but not increase, the sanction(s) imposed by the judicial body.
G.    Release of Disciplinary Information

Disciplinary records are considered educational records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). As a result, these records are kept confidential in accordance with this law. Access to any student’s disciplinary file shall be governed by provisions of FERPA and the Campus Security Act (or “Clery Act”) as amended. A written waiver signed by the student is required for release of disciplinary records to third parties not otherwise mandated by relevant law.

H.    Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Services Policy on Record Retention and Review

With the exception of cases in which the University has federally mandated reporting requirements and cases involving probation, suspension, or expulsion, records will be kept until the student has graduated from or permanently withdrawn from the University. In cases involving probation, suspension, or in which the University has federally mandated reporting requirements, the University will keep the records for seven years after the charged student graduates or permanently withdraws from the University. If a student does not return after his/her suspension period, the seven-year period will start at the end of the suspension period. In cases involving expulsion, the University will keep the records indefinitely. Every student may review, upon written request, all non-confidential contents of his/her conduct file, to the extent permitted by law.

I.    Plagiarism Software

The University has access to plagiarism software that assists faculty in determining whether plagiarism has occurred. The specific version of the software will be indicated in the class syllabus. The software itself does not determine whether plagiarism has occurred. Instructors must exercise their independent professional judgment in, and assume responsibility for, determining whether a text has been plagiarized.

Article V: Interpretation and Revision

A.    Any question of interpretation regarding the Student Code of Conduct shall be referred to the Associate Vice President of Student Engagement and Wellness, the Assistant Dean/Student Judicial Officer, or designee for final determination.

B.    The Student Code of Conduct shall be reviewed periodically (and as needed) under the direction of the Associate Vice President of Student Engagement and Wellness or designee joined by Provost or designee, Faculty Senate President or designee, and the Student Government Assembly President or designee.

Falsified Transcripts and Diplomas

Altering, modifying, tampering with, or in any way falsifying an official MSU Denver transcript or diploma is a crime. The University has implemented multiple measures to detect such conduct. To protect the integrity and value of a MSU Denver degree, the Attorney General will vigorously prosecute through the criminal justice system those who commit these crimes. In addition, students found responsible for falsifying an official MSU Denver transcript or diploma will face a University judicial hearing, and appropriate sanctions may be imposed, including suspension, dismissal, and loss of credit, which could affect the student’s permanent record.