By enrolling as a scholar at Nebraska, students have chosen to:
- Uphold the standards of civilized behavior.
- Promote a campus environment that supports its educational, research, and outreach missions.
- Protect the members of the community and its resources from disruption or harm.
- Exemplify ethical standards and civic virtues through having appropriate individual and group behavior.
Student Conduct & Community Standards support the university community by administering the UNL Student Code of Conduct and providing education to students, faculty and staff related to responsible conduct, academic integrity and community standards.
The Student Code of Conduct defines the procedures for resolving student violations. The Code is grounded in the principles set forth by the by the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska (ASUN) Student Government and the Faculty Senate; and has been agreed upon by the Board of Regents. The Code is intended to create standards consistent with the values of the highest order to which students hold themselves and their peers.
Common Topics
We want you to have a positive student experience throughout your time at the university. You are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct as it applies to all University of Nebraska-Lincoln students. The following is a quick reference guide to portions of the Code that frequently impact students.
Acts of Academic Dishonesty
Academic integrity is of the utmost importance at Nebraska. Be sure you understand expectations of you and your academic work. A complete list of academic dishonesty violations is available in the Student Code of Conduct.
Learn MoreAlcohol
Misuse of alcoholic beverages and providing alcoholic beverages to underage students at off-campus parties and events are violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
Exception for Seeking Emergency Help: Never fear to take responsible action. The Student Code of Conduct is set aside to protect students who call for help in most situations where a student looks to be in need of medical attention due to alcohol poisoning, drug overdose, or is at risk for self-harm or harm to others.
Learn MoreHazing
Hazing is a dangerous and criminal behavior, not a rite of passage. Hazing is a Class II misdemeanor in Nebraska. In addition to criminal charges through the state, individuals and organizations can be held responsible by the university through the Student Code of Conduct.
Learn MoreSexual Misconduct
Review the policies to become informed and get involved to help create a safe environment for all students. Counseling resources are available from the Center for Advocacy, Response and Education (CARE) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
Learn MoreOff-Campus Jurisdiction
The Student Code of Conduct applies to all University of Nebraska-Lincoln students and extends to wherever students are, including both on and off campus.
The Student Code of Conduct applies to all University of Nebraska-Lincoln students and extends to wherever students are, including both on and off campus.
Learn MoreOn-Campus Housing
Students are expected to be mature and responsible and will be held accountable for their behavior and the choices they make. Students should review the University Housing Rules & Expectations.
Learn MoreKeep in mind, this is only a summary of some of the violations, behaviors and processes from the Student Code of Conduct. Additionally, students can face violations for federal, State and local laws. This includes, but is not limited to, the use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of drugs (illicit, controlled, prescription, etc.) except as expressly permitted by law; fake IDs; disorderly house; driving under the influence (DUI); indecent exposure; and public urination.
- View laws in the State of Nebraska.
- View procedures for what happens when a student is charged by federal, state or local authorities with a violation of the law.
Student Legal Services (SLS) is a free resource to all students. They three lawyers who work for the ASUN student government and offer free legal advice to students.
The code also provides help in case you feel you have not been treated respectfully or fairly by any member of the university. We suggest that you review the entire code to become an informed Husker.
Frequently Asked Questions
For students who received an email from the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards
I received an email from Student Conduct & Community Standards and it sounds serious, what do I do?
The communication should be taken seriously. Student Conduct & Community Standards received a report regarding an incident in which you may be involved. The conduct officer will review your class schedule and arrange an informal meeting. The informal meeting does not mean that you have admitted to any wrongdoing or that you are a bad student. It simply allows you and the conduct officer to discuss the matter. Student Conduct & Community Standards serves as a campus resource to investigate violations of the Student Code of Conduct and to help students think through situationsWhat if I have a scheduling conflict with the meeting time
Conduct officers review class schedules when scheduling informal meetings. However, they are not able to view your other time commitments. When you receive an informal meeting request from a conduct officer, you have two days to call Student Conduct & Community Standards to reschedule. If there is a scheduling conflict, call Student Conduct & Community Standards at (402) 472-2021 as soon as possible to reschedule. If you fail to show up for/reschedule an informal meeting, the conduct officer may proceed with making a decision in the case in your absence.The meeting is set... now what?
When you meet with the conduct officer, you will have an opportunity to discuss the details of the incident that occurred from your perspective. The conduct officer will meet with you and spend some time getting to know you as a person and student. The conduct officer may want to know your goals and your purpose for being at the university. They may ask about your wellbeing, as well as your involvement both on- and off-campus before discussing the incident.After you have shared your perspective, the conduct officer will make a decision based on a preponderance of evidence—is it more likely than not that you are responsible for a violation? If you are found responsible, the conduct officer will send an administrative resolution via email (your huskers.unl.edu account) which you will be asked to complete electronically and return within five University Days. If you do not respond to the written request for an administrative resolution within five (5) University Days, and unless the university’s proposed response is suspension or expulsion, the proposed administrative resolution will be deemed accepted by you.
What is the administrative resolution?
This document lists the Student Code of Conduct violations that you have been found responsible for, along with the steps needed to fulfill any sanctions (requirements) in order to close your case. You can accept the resolution and agree to the sanction(s) set forth by the conduct officer, or you can choose to not accept the resolution. When choosing to not accept the administrative resolution, the case is referred to the University Conduct Board.What if I do not accept the administrative resolution?
There are many reasons why you may decide to decline the resolution set forth by the conduct officer:- The sanctions do not fit the violations.
- The conduct officer failed to follow correct procedures.
- The information presented to and received by the conduct officer was not sufficient to support his or her decision.
It is within your right to choose not to accept your administrative resolution if any of the above-mentioned reasons occurred.
If you have declined the administrative resolution, the case may be heard before a University Conduct Board or Subordinate Board. Refer to Section IV, G. for a description of the role the University Conduct Board when the administrative resolution has not been accepted.
Is the outcome of my meeting pre-determined?
No. The conduct officer wants to hear your perspective. Upon hearing your viewpoint, they will make a decision on whether or not you are responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct.Are sanctions pre-determined?
The sanctions imposed for violations depend upon the student’s prior disciplinary history and the nature of the violation. Sanctions are determined on a case by case basis while attempting to be consistent. The potential sanctions that may be imposed are outlined in Section III of the Student Code of Conduct.What rights do I have during the meeting with the conduct officer?
You have the right to:- Not say anything at all. (You are not obligated to participate in the process; however, a binding decision will be made in your absence.)
- Meet with the conduct officer to share your perspective.
- Submit documents and other relevant information.
- Bring an adviser (attorney, parent, advocate, or other support person) to the meeting with the hearing officer.
For a full list of rights please refer to the Student Code of Conduct Section IV, C.
What situations may result in a university suspension?
- If the student is a danger to the safety of the campus community or university property.
- Repeated violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
- Other situations as determined by the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards or the University Conduct Board.
If I am found responsible for violating University policy, what will appear on my transcripts?
Nothing. University of Nebraska-Lincoln transcripts only track academic progress. Student disciplinary records are maintained separately, and are governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). In the event you have been dismissed from the University, your transcript will reflect that you have been dismissed from the institution.What is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.Will the process be over once I meet with the conduct officer?
That depends. There are several directions that your case may follow.a. The conduct officer may conclude the investigation with the following outcomes:
- You are responsible for violating University Policy(ies) and sanction(s) are imposed. [You must complete the sanction(s) before the case is closed.]
- You are not responsible for violating University Policy(ies)and no sanctions are imposed.
b. The conduct officer may postpone their decision until additional information is gathered and you may have a second meeting. The process is not over until a final decision is issued from the conduct officer. If you choose to not accept the administrative resolution, your case will be forwarded to the University Conduct Board.
c. If there is not enough information for the conduct officer to make a decision, they may not conclude the investigation until more information is given.