---

Code of Student Conduct

I. Preamble

II. Rights and Responsibilities

III. Definitions

IV. Standards of Conduct

V. Judicial Structure and Procedures

VI. Conflict Mediation

In some instances, interpersonal conflicts may arise where mediation may prove to be an alternative to disciplinary action. The purpose of the mediation process is to promote reconciliation or bring together parties who have a conflict for the purpose of resolving that conflict and effecting an agreement. This process also affords the opportunity for discussion of varying points of view and encourages individuals to come forward to seek means for informal conflict resolution and the prevention of inappropriate behavior. Any written agreement resulting from the conflict mediation process can be enforced through the disciplinary system of the University. Parties to the agreement are responsible for upholding the terms of that agreement.

The following applies to the conflict mediation process:

1. The mediation process is not intended to replace the judicial system. Rather, it affords an alternative for the resolution of interpersonal student or student organization conflicts.
2. Students or student organizations may bring to mediation any conflict that materially and negatively impacts their own status or that of other members of the University community. Any member of the University community may, likewise, refer students for mediation.
3. Conflict mediators include members of the Student Life Division. Students or student organizations should contact the Coordinator of Residence Life for Student Conduct for an up-to-date listing of mediators.
4. If mediation is to be implemented, all parties in conflict must agree to the process as an option to resolving their dispute. Mediation, when chosen as a means to settle conflict, must precede the judicial process. The judicial process, however, remains an option should mediation prove unsuccessful.
5. If a settlement is reached which is agreeable to all parties in conflict, the terms will be drafted by the mediator. The document will be signed by all parties, witnessed by the mediator and kept on file in the Student Life office for as long as the students are enrolled as students. Each party receives a copy of the agreement or the student organization continues to be recognized.
6. Details of the process are kept confidential except for a brief report from the mediator to any referring party and the appropriate administrator(s) that an agreement has been signed by the parties. The mediator will also report to the above parties if an impasse is reached and no agreement is forthcoming. This permits further exploration of other options for resolution of the conflict. If, however, a threat to the health, safety or security of any member of the University community becomes a concern to the mediator, he or she will inform the parties that appropriate authorities must be notified.
7. Once an agreement has been finalized and signed, the option of bringing a charge through the judicial process is open to either party who becomes convinced that a term of the agreement has been breached by a participant in that agreement. In order to proceed, however, individuals must be continuing students. A mediator must affirm that the violation has occurred and will then share the terms of the agreement with the appropriate conduct officer or judicial board. Another option for the resolution of a breach of a mediated agreement is to resubmit the conflict for a second mediation intervention. One party may request this, but all parties must agree. The revision or the redrafting of the agreement may be handled by the original mediator or may be referred to another mediator.

VII. Academic Honesty

VIII. Student Organizations