/Institutions/Lac-Courte-Oreilles-Ojibwe-University/json/2025-2026/Student-Handbook-25-26-local.json

/Institutions/Lac-Courte-Oreilles-Ojibwe-University/json/2025-2026/Student-Handbook-25-26.json

Student Code of Conduct

At Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University (LCOOU), we are committed to fostering a respectful, safe, and productive learning environment. The Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behavior expected from all students and provides a framework for addressing any conduct that undermines the university's values or disrupts the academic community. By adhering to these standards, we can maintain a positive and respectful environment for all members of the LCOOU community. Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion.

Expectations and Responsibilities

Respect and Integrity: Students are expected to conduct themselves with honesty, respect, and integrity. Discrimination, harassment, or any form of misconduct will not be tolerated.

• Academic Honesty: Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Students must adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity.
• Campus Behavior: All students are expected to follow university policies and regulations, including those related to drug and alcohol use, property damage, and disruptive behavior.
• Community Engagement: Students should engage in community activities positively and constructively, contributing to a supportive and inclusive campus environment.

Examples of Violations

• Academic Misconduct:
  • Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty.
  • Furnishing false information to any university official, faculty member, or office.
  • Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any university document, record, or instrument of identification.
    
    
• Non-Academic Misconduct
  
  • Disruptive Behavior:
    • Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, or other university activities.
    • Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, hazing, harassment, or any conduct that endangers the health or safety of any person.
  • Theft and Damage:
    
    • Attempted or actual theft of, and/or damage to, university property or the property of others.
  • Substance Abuse:
    
    • Use, possession, or distribution of illegal substances or alcohol on university premises.Unauthorized Access:
  • Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys to university premises.
    
    • Unauthorized entry to or use of university facilities.
  • Violation of Laws and Policies:
    
    • Violation of any university policy, rule, regulation, or federal, state, or local law.
  • Weapons:
    
    • Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, or other dangerous items on campus.
  • Misuse of Technology:
    
    • Unauthorized use of the university's computer systems, mail systems, or telephone systems.
  • Disorderly Conduct:
    
    • Engaging in lewd, indecent, or disorderly conduct on campus or at university-sponsored events.
  • Student Conduct System Abuse:
    
    • Failing to comply with the student conduct system, including ignoring meeting requests or disrupting conduct proceedings.
  • Gambling:
    
    • Gambling for money or other things of value on campus, except as permitted by law.
  • Smoking and Tobacco Use:
    
    • Use of electronic cigarettes, vape pens, other electronic nicotine delivery devices, and any tobacco products, including smoking and chewing tobacco, in areas not designated for such use.
  • False Representation:
    • Falsely claiming to represent the university or any of its organizations.
      
      

Reporting Academic Misconduct

Who Can Report: Any member of the institution community, including students, faculty, and staff, can report suspected violations.
How to Report: Violations should be reported through the incident management system Guardian. Reports should include a clear description of the alleged violation, the individuals involved, and any supporting evidence.

The Academic Misconduct Process

Instructor Reported Academic Misconduct

1. Instructor suspects student of academic misconduct and requests to meet with student.
2. Instructor meets with student to review allegation. The accused student is given an opportunity to respond to the allegation.
3. The instructor decides whether misconduct occurred and decides the consequences, known as sanctions.
4. The student is emailed a summary that outlines what misconduct is suspected and an explanation of the instructor's findings. If the student is found responsible, sanctions will be included.
5. The instructor will submit a report via Guardian to the program director identifying who was involved, what happened, the instructor’s decision, the violation, all documents related to the misconduct, and any sanctions imposed. The program director will then determine if further sanctions apply based on program guidelines and academic record.
6. If the student disagrees with the instructor's or the program director’s findings, they have 5 business days to request an appeal to challenge the decision. If the appeal is not requested, sanctions are imposed. The appeal should include any supporting evidence and is filed via Guardian.

Third Party Reports of Academic Misconduct

1. A report of suspected student academic misconduct is submitted to the Guardian system. An investigator will be assigned to review the allegations.
2. The investigator meets with the student to review the allegations. The accused student is given an opportunity to respond to the allegation. The student will meet with the investigator within 5 business days to complete the interview.
3. The investigator decides whether misconduct occurred and decides the consequences, known as sanctions.
4. The student is emailed a summary that outlines what misconduct is suspected and an explanation of the investigator's findings. If the student is found responsible, sanctions will be included.
5. The investigator will submit a report to the program director identifying who was involved, what happened, the instigator’s decision, the violation, all documents related to the misconduct, and any sanctions imposed. The program director will then determine if further sanctions apply based on program guidelines and academic record.
6. The student will be notified via their student email of the official findings.
7. If the student disagrees with the investigator or the program director’s findings, they have 5 business days to request an appeal to challenge the decision. If the appeal is not requested, sanctions are imposed.

The Academic Misconduct Appeal Process

Appeal Process:

• Filing an Appeal: If the student disagrees with the instructor, investigator, or the program director's decision, they may submit an appeal to the Office of Academic Affairs through Guardian.The appeal should be submitted in writing within 5 business days from the receipt of the decision, detailing the reasons for dissatisfaction with the decision and any additional information or evidence.
• Appeal Timeline: The chief academic officer (CAO) will chair the appeal committee, which has 14 business days to review the appeal and make recommendations.

Appeal Committee Review:

Composition: The appeal committee, chaired by the CAO, will include faculty members and/or administrators not previously involved in the appeal.
o
Review Process: The committee will review all relevant documentation, the instructor's decision, the program director’s decision, and the student’s appeal. They may conduct interviews or request additional information if needed.
o
Recommendations: After reviewing the appeal, the committee will make one of the following recommendations for resolution:
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The committee may dismiss the findings of academic misconduct.
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The committee may impose a disciplinary sanction that differs from the recommendation of the instructor and/or program director.
▪
The committee may uphold the sanction imposed by the instructor and/or program director.
President Review:
In the event the appeals committee's recommendation is suspension or expulsion from the university, the student may appeal to the president to review the decision.
o
The president will review the committee’s recommendations and issue a final decision.
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The president will uphold the decision of the appeals committee hearing unless the president finds:
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Evidence that does not support the findings and recommendations of the appeals committee.
▪
Established procedures were not followed by the appears committee and material prejudice to the student resulted
o
The President’s decision is final and not subject to further appeal.
Record Keeping: The Registrar will maintain a record of the appeal and the decision made.
Reporting Non-Academic Misconduct
Who Can Report: Any member of the institution community, including students, faculty, and staff, can report suspected violations.
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How to Report: Suspected violations should be reported to the Office of Student Affairs through the incident management system Guardian. Reports should include a clear description of the alleged violation, the individuals involved, and any supporting evidence.
Non-Academic Misconduct Process
1.
A report of suspected student non-academic misconduct is submitted to the Guardian system. An investigator will be assigned to review the allegations. The institution may implement interim measures to ensure safety while the investigation is conducted.
2.
The investigator meets with the student to review the allegations. The accused student is given an opportunity to respond to the allegation.
3.
The investigator decides whether misconduct occurred and decides the consequences, known as sanctions.
4.
The student is emailed a summary that outlines what misconduct is suspected and an explanation of the investigator's findings. If the student is found responsible, sanctions will be included.
5.
The investigator will submit a report to the program director identifying who was involved, what happened, the instigator’s decision, the violation, all documents related to the misconduct, and any sanctions imposed. The program director will then determine if further sanctions apply based on program guidelines and academic record.
6.
If the student disagrees with the investigator or the program director’s findings, they have 5 business days to request an appeal to challenge the decision. If the appeal is not requested, sanctions are imposed.
Non-Academic Misconduct Appeal Process
Appeal Process:
Filing an Appeal: If the student disagrees with the investigator, or the program director's decision, they may submit an appeal through Guardian.The appeal should be submitted in writing within 5 business days from the receipt of the decision, detailing the reasons for dissatisfaction with the decision and any additional information or evidence.
Appeal Timeline: The Dean of Students or their representative will chair the appeal committee, which has 14 business days to review the appeal and make recommendations.
Appeal Committee Review:
o
Composition: The appeal committee, chaired by the dean of student affairs, will include faculty members and/or administrators who were not previously involved in the grievance.
o
Review Process: The committee will review all relevant documentation, the investigator's decision, the program director’s decision, and the student’s appeal. They may conduct interviews or request additional information if needed.
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o
Recommendations: After reviewing the appeal, the committee will make one of the following recommendations for resolution:
▪
The committee may dismiss the findings of non-academic misconduct.
▪
The committee may impose a disciplinary sanction that differs from the recommendation of the investigator and/or program director.
▪
The committee may uphold the sanction imposed by the investigator and/or program director.
President Review:
In the event the appeals committee's recommendation is suspension or expulsion from the university, the student may appeal to the president to review the decision.
o
The President will review the committee’s recommendations and issue a final decision.
o
The president will uphold the decision of the appeals committee hearing unless the president finds:
▪
Evidence that does not support the findings and recommendations of the appeals committee.
▪
Established procedures were not followed by the appears committee and material prejudice to the student resulted
o
The President’s decision is final and not subject to further appeal.
Record Keeping: The Registrar will maintain a record of the appeal and the decision made.
Misconduct Sanctions
Academic Misconduct Sanctions
Sanctions for violations of the academic related misconduct may vary based on the nature and severity of the violation and may include:
Instructor Imposed Sanctions:
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Warning: A formal notice that behavior must change.
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Lower grade on assignment
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Failing grade on assignment
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Failing grade in the course
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Educational Requirements: Completion of workshops or assignments related to the violation.
University Imposed Sanctions:
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Program Expulsion: Removal from a specific program.
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Suspension: Temporary removal from the institution or specific campus activities.
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•
Expulsion: Permanent removal from the institution.
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Restitution: Compensation for damages or losses.
Non-Academic Misconduct Sanctions
Disciplinary Sanctions may include one or more of the following:
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A written reprimand
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Denial of specified university privileges
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Payment of restitution
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Imposition of reasonable terms and conditions on continued student status
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Removal from a course in progress
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Enrollment restriction on course or program
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Program expulsion
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Suspension
•
Expulsion
*If a sanction involves a failing grade in the course the sanction cannot be evaded by dropping the course. If the course is dropped, the student will be re-enrolled.