Code of Student Conduct

The Code of Student Conduct (the “Code”) is a document that outlines the behavioural expectations for all students and the process for handling violations of the Code when they arise. The Code of Student Conduct applies to instances of non-academic misconduct that can include behaviour that is excessive, frightening, or causes a personal safety concern. The Code is complemented by other policies, including the Policy on Gender-Based and Sexual Violence, and the Non-Discrimination/Harassment Policy.

The Code governs the behavior of all registered students and applies to all conduct that occurs on the premises of the University, as well as conduct that occurs at University-sponsored events either on or off campus. In certain instances, the Code may apply more broadly to any conduct that might reasonably be seen to have an adverse effect on, interfere with, or threaten the proper functioning of the University, its mission, or the rights of its members.

Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Any assault, harassment, intimidation, threats or coercion
• Conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person
• Any form of sexual violence or non-consensual sexual contact
• Any conduct that is, or is reasonably seen to be, humiliating, or demeaning to another person or coercing, enticing or inciting a person to commit an act that is, or is reasonably seen to be, humiliating or demeaning to that person or to others (e.g., hazing) regardless of consent
• Misuse or misappropriation of University property, or the property of other members of the University community
• Forging, altering or misusing any document, record, card or instrument of identification (e.g., Western One Card, Meal Card, etc.)
• Illegal use, possession or distribution of a controlled or restricted substances (e.g., alcohol, marijuana)
• Improper use of dangerous objects and substances (e.g., firearms or other weapons, explosives, volatile or poisonous materials, etc.)
• Aiding or encouraging others to commit an act prohibited under the Code

Complaints should be emailed to the Office of the Dean of Students: conduct@kings.uwo.ca.

The student who is accused of misconduct will be informed in writing of the nature of the complaint, and will be given reasonable opportunity to respond and tell their side of the story. When appropriate, the University encourages informal resolution of minor incidents. If the student is found to have violated the Code, appropriate sanctions will be imposed.

In certain circumstances, the student may appeal a finding of misconduct to the Discipline Appeal Committee.

No, you are not required to retain a lawyer. At all meetings with the Dean of Students or a designate of the Dean of Students the student may be accompanied by a support person of their choosing (friend, family member, colleague, etc.).

The University values the principles of restorative justice, and wherever possible, emphasis is placed on educational sanctions. The goal of educational sanctions is to help a student understand why their behaviour was inappropriate, to appreciate the impact of that behaviour on others and to effect positive change. Educational sanctions can include apologies, service to the University or wider community, and completion of a class or workshop. Disciplinary sanctions may also be imposed. Students may be placed on disciplinary probation, required to pay restitution, trespassed from campus, suspended, or expelled for violations of the Code.

In considering an appropriate sanction, the University’s primary focus is to ensure the safety and security of the University, its members and visitors. The University imposes sanctions that are proportionate to the type of misconduct. Sanctions may range in severity from warnings to expulsion. Instances of misconduct are assessed on a case-by-case basis and take into account the unique circumstances surrounding the incident. Factors that can affect the severity of a sanction are whether or not the student has been involved in previous misconduct incidents, and the student’s willingness to co-operate, admit wrongdoing, and modify their behaviour.

Certain severe sanctions (e.g., suspension, expulsion) will be noted on the student’s academic record. The suspension notation is removed from a student’s transcript when the student graduates or five years after the last registration. The expulsion notation is permanent unless the President grants a petition for its removal; a student can petition the President no sooner than five years after the offence.