Revised 05/23/05
community is a place where the free exchange of ideas and concepts can take place among faculty, staff and students in an atmosphere that allows for debate and disagreement on contemporary issues.
In order to protect our community, certain standards of behavior are expected of all members of the University community, including students. In general, the University of Kentucky expects students to: maintain standards of personal integrity that are in harmony with the educational goals of the institution; observe national, state and local laws, as well as University regulations; and respect the rights, privileges, and property of other people.
The University disciplinary process is a learning experience that can result in personal growth as well as an understanding of the responsibilities that accompany participation in an academic community. By formulating a general code of conduct and regulations, the University reaffirms for students the rights, protections, guarantees and responsibilities that are outlined in Article I of this Code.
Interpretation of Regulations
4.   The purpose of publishing disciplinary regulations is to give students general notice of behavior that is expected and behavior that is prohibited by the University. This Code is not written with the specificity of a criminal statute and is not intended to be interpreted with the specificity of a criminal statute.
Inherent Authority
5.   The disciplinary regulations outlined in this Code apply to behavior that occurs on University property, as defined in Article II, Section 10a., and may also apply to off-campus behavior that is prejudicial to the character and welfare of the University, as follows :
a.  any activity sponsored, conducted or authorized by the University or a registered organization (see Article II, Section 32);
b.  conduct that poses a possible serious threat to the safety, security or well-being of any member of the University community;
c.  conduct that involves academic work or the forgery, alteration, or misuse of any University document, record, key, electronic device or identification;
d.  conduct that is considered disorderly and/or causes substantial destruction to property belonging to the University or members of the University community.
Disciplinary Action while Criminal Charges Are Pending
6.   Students may be simultaneously accountable to both civil authorities and to the University for acts that constitute violations of law and of this Code. Disciplinary action at the University shall normally proceed during ongoing criminal proceedings and shall not be subject to challenge on the ground that criminal charges involving the same incident are pending or have been resolved in any manner.
Standards of Classroom Behavior
7.   The primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with the faculty. Students who engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may be directed by the faculty member to leave the class for the remainder of the class period. Longer suspensions, or dismissal from a class due to disruptive behavior, must be preceded by a disciplinary hearing as set forth in Article II, Section 24 of this Code.
Prohibited Conduct
8.  Punishable disciplinary offenses include, but are not limited to, the following: