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Section II: Definitions

  1. Code of Student Conduct: (“the Code”):  This document outlines the expectations, rights, and responsibilities of Texas Wesleyan students. It also explains how to report concerns, what to expect during the Student Accountability Process, and the possible outcomes when university policies are violated.
  2. Complainant:  A person who reports a possible violation of the Code of Student Conduct to the Dean of Students or another university official.
  3. Dean of Students Office: A senior Student Affairs staff member responsible for overseeing the entire Student Accountability system. They provide direction, ensure consistency across cases, and may also serve as an investigator by reviewing reports and determining whether a student has violated non-academic conduct policies.
  4. Disciplinary History: Documentation of a student’s previous accountability proceedings and outcomes.
  5. Faculty Member: Any person hired by the University to conduct classroom or teaching activities or who is otherwise considered by the University to be a member of its faculty.
  6. Interim Measure: Temporary steps the University can take to support everyone involved in a report, protect safety and well-being, and ensure a fair process while the case is being reviewed. These may include things like no-contact orders, changes to housing or class schedules, and other actions to help maintain safety and prevent retaliation.
  7. Investigator: A Student Affairs staff member who helps review reports, conduct investigations, and decide whether a student has violated non-academic policies. They work under the guidance of the Dean of Students Office and may include staff from any area within the Division of Student Affairs.
  8. Notice of Alleged Violation: The initial document in the Student Accountability Process that identifies alleged behavior in violation of the Code and schedules a meeting between the student and an investigator to discuss the allegations and Student Accountability Process.
  9. Outcome/Sanction: The educational or disciplinary action a student may receive if they are found responsible for violating the Code of Student Conduct.
  10. Policy:  The official rules and policies of the University, found in resources like the Code of Student Conduct, Title IX Policy, Freedom from Harassment and Discrimination Policy, Hazing Policy, Demonstration Policy, and Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs.
  11. Report: When someone shares information with a university official, staff member, or faculty member about student behavior that may violate the Code of Student Conduct. This can include things like police reports, incident reports, or other written concerns.
  12. Reporting Party: A student, faculty or staff member, or university official who submits a report saying that a student may have violated the Code of Student Accountability. The University itself can also act as the Reporting Party through an official or faculty member. If a student believes they were directly harmed by another student’s behavior, they will have the same rights and role in the process as the Reporting Party—even if someone else submitted the report or the University takes the lead on the case. People outside the University community (like guests or contractors) can report concerns, but they do not have the same rights or status as a Reporting Party under the Code.
  13. Respondent/Responding Student:  A student who is reported to have possibly violated the Code of Student Accountability.
  14. Staff Member: Any person hired by the University (non-faculty) whose primary responsibilities are other than academic teaching.
  15. Student: All students are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the Code, including the procedures and Student Accountability Process set forth herein. The term “student” includes all persons who:
    • a) Are registered for and/or taking one or more courses, either credit or non-credit, full-time or part-time at Texas Wesleyan University;
    • b) Withdraw, transfer, or graduate after an alleged violation of the Code, even if the Student Accountability Process is not complete;
    • c) Have a continuing relationship with the University;
    • d) Are living in University Housing; or
    • e) Have been notified of their acceptance for admission, or after a period of non-attendance, approval for re-enrollment.
  16. Student Accountability Process: These procedures guide the process from the initial report to the final outcome, helping determine whether a student violated university policy and what, if any, consequences are appropriate.
  17. Support Person: Someone a student can choose to support them during the Student Accountability Process. This person can attend meetings, interviews, hearings, or other resolution processes. A support person can be a parent, friend, another student, legal counsel or a university faculty or staff member—as long as they’re not involved in the same case or have a conflict of interest. The Dean of Students Office may deny someone from serving as a support person if there’s a real or perceived bias or conflict.
  18. University: Texas Wesleyan University.
  19. University Community: The Texas Wesleyan community includes students, faculty, staff, and family members, as well as vendors, contractors, and guests who are on campus for university events. Anyone with a legitimate reason to be on campus and take part in our community is considered part of it.
  20. University Official: Any person employed by the University, performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.
  21. University Premises: All land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the University (including adjacent streets and sidewalks). 
  22. University Student Group (“Student Group” or “Student Organization”): For purposes of this Code, a Student Organization is an organization in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at Texas Wesleyan University, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the University. Examples include a club, society, student government group, or association.
Code of Student Conduct
Section I: Philosophy Statement
Section II: Definitions
Section III: Jurisdiction
Section IV: Prohibited Behavior
Section V: Outline of the Student Accountability Process
Section VI. Disciplinary Records
Section VII. Implementation