Conduct and Behavior Policies

South University Student Code of Conduct Policy

These regulations have been adopted to ensure the safety and well-being of the student body and the orderly operation of the University. Any student suspected of a violation of these regulations will be accorded due process as outlined herein. Policy and procedural updates will go into effect at the beginning of the subsequent quarter.

This is a general code of conduct. Students should refer to their specific program’s student handbook for additional information regarding requirements and expectations.

The South University Code of Conduct also applies to online activities outside the online classroom that occur on South University websites. The list below is not exhaustive, and South University may also take disciplinary action for other behaviors not specifically mentioned here. This policy applies to campuses, the online environment, and any South University affiliated facilities and any other South University Sanctioned events

Section 1: Health and Safety

1.1 Drug and Alcohol Use
South University is committed to maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free environment. The following actions are strictly prohibited:
- The use, possession, sale, distribution, or transportation of alcoholic beverages or illegal/controlled substances on university property, during academic experiences, or at university-sponsored events.
- Possession or use of drug paraphernalia, intoxicants, or prescription medications without a valid prescription in any university-affiliated setting.
- Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal/controlled substances while on campus, at clinical or field sites, or during any university-sponsored activity.

1.2 Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking, vaping, and the use of e-cigarettes are prohibited in all university buildings, classrooms, clinical and field experience sites, and any area not specifically designated as a smoking area.

1.3 Fire and Safety Regulations
Students must comply with all fire and safety regulations. Prohibited behaviors include:
- Setting fires or tampering with fire safety/firefighting equipment.
- Failing to evacuate during fire drills.
- Making false fire alarms or bomb threats.

1.4 Weapons
Possession or use of firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, sharp-edged weapons, dangerous chemicals, or any other weapons is strictly prohibited on university property, at university-sponsored events, or at affiliated clinical/community sites, regardless of local or state laws. Firearms are prohibited in vehicles parked on university property unless otherwise required by law.

Firearms, including concealed weapons, are not permitted on South University premises or at university events, except for sworn law enforcement officers performing official duties or licensed armored car service employees under contract with the university.

Please also see the university’s Firearms Policy within this section.

Section 2: Personal Conduct

2.1 Abuse, Assault, and Threats
Verbal abuse, assault, battery, or any other form of physical abuse of a student, University employee, community partner, or clinical partner is prohibited. Students are prohibited from verbally or physically threatening any student, university guest, university employee, community partner, or clinical partner with physical or mental harm, damage to property, or other dangerous or intimidating behaviors by any means of communication, including the use of social media or any other online platform used for communication.

2.2 Harassment
Harassment of any kind—including verbal, written, or digital—based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any status protected by local, state or federal law is prohibited. This includes conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating environment and applies to all members of the university community.

Please also see the university’s No Harassment Policy

2.3 Hazing
Hazing in any form is prohibited. This includes any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student as a condition of membership in a student organization. Consent is not a defense.

Please also see the university’s Anti-Hazing Policy within this section.

2.4 Non-Discrimination
South University prohibits discrimination or harassment based on any protected characteristic. Reasonable accommodations are provided for qualified individuals with disabilities. Retaliation for reporting discrimination is also prohibited.

Please also see the university’s Non-Discrimination Policy

2.5 Retaliation
Retaliation against individuals who file good faith complaints or participate in investigations is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal. Retaliatory behaviors could include intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination.

2.6 Sexual Misconduct and Relationship Violence
All forms of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and relationship violence are prohibited.

Please also see the university’s Sexual Misconduct & Relationship Violence Policy.

2.7 Solicitation
Any activity designed to advertise, promote, or sell any product or commercial service or encourage support for, or membership in, any group, association or organization not affiliated with South University. Individuals and organizations may not solicit on any campus, University facility, or sponsored function. Soliciting students for credit card sign-ups, subscriptions, services, products, donations, or participation in unauthorized activities is strictly prohibited. This includes any form of solicitation conducted in person, online, or through electronic communication without prior approval from the institution.

Section 3: Property and Facilities

3.1 Parking Regulations
Students must park only in designated student areas. Parking in restricted zones, including faculty, staff, or accessible spaces without proper permits, is prohibited. Parking permits must be displayed as required by campus.

3.2 Theft
No student shall take, attempt to take, or keep in his possession items of University property, or items belonging to students, staff, student groups, community or clinical partners, or visitors of the campus.

3.3 Entry into Facilities
Students are prohibited from entering or utilizing school facilities unauthorized.

3.4 Vandalism
Damage or defacement of property belonging to the university or university-affiliated site is prohibited. This includes property belonging to students or employees of the university or affiliated sites.

Section 4: Community Standards

4.1 Compliance with Officials
Students must comply with directions from university officials, and identify themselves upon request. This includes directions from faculty, staff, or security/law enforcement officials acting on behalf of the university.

4.2 Disorderly Conduct
Disruptive behavior that interferes with normal university operations, including teaching, administration, or events, is prohibited on university property or at any school-sponsored functions. This includes inciting others to behave in a disorderly way.

4.3 Dress Code
Clothing should not display offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate wording or imagery and should align with general public decency standards to ensure all members of the community are comfortable. Clothing should be appropriate for the setting, particularly in labs, clinical settings or environments where safety is a concern.

- General dress code violations will follow the University Code of Conduct enforcement procedures.

- Where applicable, students should follow their academic program’s requirements regarding dress codes.

- Violations related to academic program required dress codes will follow the enforcement procedures for the program.

4.4 Food and Drink
Students are expected to maintain cleanliness by disposing of food waste properly and reporting spills. Respect for shared spaces is encouraged. Students should adhere to the guidelines set for each environment, including laboratory spaces and affiliated sites.

Students or employees that have specific health considerations should consult the Dean of Student Affairs for information.

4.5 Incivility
Students are expected to behave professionally and respectfully. Intimidating, disrespectful, or unprofessional conduct is not tolerated.

4.6 Noise Control
Noise-making devices, such as radios, cellular phones, or alarm watches must be silenced in university buildings to maintain a conducive learning environment.

4.7 Offensive Conduct
Lewd, indecent, or offensive behavior—including inappropriate language, gestures, attire, or digital content—is prohibited on campus, online, and at affiliated sites. This includes behavior displayed on social media platforms that include the image or likeness of South University logos or other identifying information.

4.8 Visitors
Students are responsible for the conduct of their guests while on South University property. Disruptive visitors may be asked to leave. Children are not permitted on campus without prior approval and must be supervised. Approval must be obtained ahead of time by the Camus Director and Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations.

Section 5: Institutional Integrity

5.1 Falsification of Records
Submitting forged or altered documents or misusing university records is prohibited.

5.2 Obstruction of Disciplinary Process
Interfering with the university’s disciplinary process is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Failure to respond to the request of a disciplinary body or school official.
- Providing false, distorted, or misrepresentative information to a disciplinary body or school official.
- Disrupting or interfering with the proceedings of a disciplinary meeting or hearing.
- Influencing or attempting to influence another person to obstruct a disciplinary process.
- Influencing or attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a disciplinary body in the course of a disciplinary proceeding, including verbal, written, or physical harassment or intimidation.
- Failing to comply with sanction(s) imposed by the disciplinary process.

5.3 Student Identification
Student ID cards must not be transferred, sold, or used by anyone other than the original holder.

5.4 Unauthorized Publications
All student publications, including print and digital content, must be approved in advance and comply with university guidelines.

5.5 Unauthorized Use of Facilities and Resources
University facilities, property and resources are for enrolled students and university personnel only. Non-enrolled individuals must obtain approval for access.

5.6 Unauthorized Use of University Identity
Students are prohibited from using or displaying the university’s logo, name, or any other identifiable university likeness in a manner that suggests they are representing or acting on behalf of the university without express permission. Using university resources for unauthorized or inappropriate activities on social media or other public platforms, especially if they reflect poorly on the institution. Includes creating unauthorized online groups representing as South University- use of official logos in a way that is misrepresentative with express and written approval from the Dean of Student Affairs.

Section 6: Legal and Technological Conduct

6.1 Legal Violations
Violation of federal, state or local laws and school rules and regulations on school property or at school sanctioned or school sponsored functions are prohibited. Law Violations of local, state, or federal law are subject to University action. Withdrawal or dismissal may be mandated when the conduct suggests that the student presents a danger to the University or community.

6.2 Technology Use
Misuse of university technology resources is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to:
- Unauthorized access or file transfer for any purpose including reading, changing, or distributing the contents.
- Abuse of email including the sending of obscene or abusive messages to other individuals.
-Theft or abuse of computer, server, email, internet resources or printers.
- Downloading copyrighted materials illegally.
- Sharing login credentials, including usernames, passwords, or other credentials with any individual, including, but not limited to, fellow students, faculty, staff, and third parties.
- Introducing harmful software including viruses, malware, ransomware, or other harmful software into the university’s systems or networks.
- Engaging in cybercrime or activities related to phishing, identity theft, or other fraudulent activities or uses of computing resources.
- Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another individual, including another student, faculty member, school official, community or clinical partner or to interfere with the normal operation of the school’s computing system.

Disciplinary Procedures

Procedures Regarding General Code of Conduct Violations

Alleged violations of the Code of Conduct or other student misconduct shall be referred by any student, faculty or staff member to the Student Affairs office, in writing or verbally, within a reasonable period of time after the complaint is received. The Dean of Student Affairs or their delegate will notify the student of the complaint and the alleged violation of the student conduct policy.

This notification must be in written form to the student. The student will meet with the Dean of Student Affairs or their delegate to discuss the complaint and alleged violation. After an investigation is completed, the Dean of Student Affairs or their delegate will render and communicate the decision to the student.
If a good faith effort has been made to contact the student to discuss the alleged violation and the student fails to appear for the meeting, the Dean of Students or their delegate may make a determination of violations of South University policies on the basis of the information available, and impose sanctions for such violations. This decision shall be communicated to the student in writing via email
The Dean of Student Affairs or their delegate’s determination shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the student violated a rule, regulation or policy of South University.

Sanctions

If a student is found in violation of the Code of Conduct, South University may impose sanctions. The type of sanction imposed may vary depending upon the seriousness of the violation(s) and South University reserves the right to immediately impose the most severe sanction if circumstances merit.

Although not exhaustive, the following list represents the types of sanctions that may be imposed upon any student or student organization found to have violated the student conduct policy:

Warning: A notice in writing that a student has failed to meet some aspect of the school’s standards and expectations.
Administrative Reprimand: A notice from an administrative official recognizing the behavior which may or may not be recorded in the student’s permanent record.
Probation: Probation is used for repeated violations or a specific violation of a serious nature as a first course of action. The Dean of Student Affairs or their delegate defines the terms of probation.
Educational Sanctions: The student will be required to complete an educational service, work assignment, service to the university, attend counseling, or have restricted privileges.
Suspension: Separation of the student from the school for a pre-determined period of time. The student may be able to return to school once specified conditions for readmission are met. The student may not attend classes, use school facilities, participate in or attend college activities, or be employed by the school during their suspension.
Expulsion: The student will be expelled from South University immediately. The student will not be permitted to continue his or her studies at the college and may not return to the college or to or activities at any time or for any reason.
Restitution: Compensation for loss, injury, or damage to property leased, owned or controlled by the university. This may take the form of appropriate services and/or monetary or material replacement.

Procedures Regarding Student Dismissals

When the Administration proposes to dismiss/expel a student from South University, the following procedures should apply unless the student elects to forego them.

The charges against the student shall be presented to the student in written form, including the time, place and nature of the alleged offense(s). A time shall be set for a hearing not less than two and no more than fifteen calendar days after the student has been notified of the charges and their proposed dismissal from school. Maximum time limits for scheduling of hearings may be extended at the discretion of the Dean of Student Affairs or their delegate.
The student shall be removed from class/campus until the hearing and outcome has been determined. Hearings shall be conducted by the Dean of Student Affairs or their delegate (herein referred to as the “Hearing Officer”) according to the following guidelines:
Hearings are typically conducted in private.
Admission of any person to the hearing shall be at the discretion of the Dean of Student Affairs or their delegate. The student may not be accompanied by an attorney.
In hearings involving more than one student, the Hearing Officer, in his or her discretion, may permit the hearing concerning each student to be conducted separately. The complainant (Administrator) and the respondent (Student) may present witnesses at the hearing. Those witnesses may be questioned by the Hearing Officer
Pertinent records, exhibits and written statements may be accepted as evidence for consideration by the Hearing Officer at their discretion
All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the Hearing Officer
After the hearing, the Hearing Officer shall determine whether the student has violated the rules, regulations or policies that the student is charged with violating. The Hearing Officer will issue a written determination. If the Hearing Officer determines that a violation has occurred, the Hearing Officer’s determination will also address whether dismissal from South University is an appropriate sanction for the offense(s)
The Hearing Officer’s determination shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the student violated a rule, regulation or policy of South University
The Hearing Officer shall provide the student with a copy of the determination, including information regarding the student’s right of appeal to the University Conduct Committee.

Student’s Right to Appeal

In all cases, if the student is not satisfied with the decision of the process, he/she may appeal the judgment. If no request for appeal is received within five working days of the notification, the decision is final. Pending the outcome of the appeal, the student must abide by the original decision of the process including not being on university property if suspended or expelled. International students subject to any level of sanctions must meet with the International Student advisor to ensure student visa status requirements are met.

The appeal process includes the following:

The request must be made in writing to the Dean of Student Affairs within five working days of notification of the notification and must include the student’s reasons for the appeal. The request must include specific reasons why the student feels the disciplinary process, the finding, and/or the sanction should be reviewed by a committee.
If no request for appeal is made, the decision is final. Requests for a hearing will result in the University Conduct Committee being contacted to arrange a hearing not less than two or more than fifteen calendar days after notice of the original decision has been given to the student. The maximum time limit for scheduling a hearing may be extended at the discretion of the Dean of Student Affairs if the decision is rendered during a university break between terms when most faculty and students are off campus.
The University Conduct Committee Membership and responsibilities:
1. The Dean of Student Affairs or their delegate will coordinate and provide logistical support to the hearing. The student making the appeal and the person bringing the charges will be provided an opportunity to address the committee in person separately.
2. This committee will be comprised of staff and faculty members not involved in making the initial disciplinary decision.
3. Committee members are chosen at the sole discretion of South University and will be comprised of a Department Chair or coordinator, at least one faculty member, and one student and a staff member
4. South University reserves the right to exclude a student member from the Conduct Committee when circumstances merit.
The University Conduct Committee will hold a hearing on the appeal and make a recommendation regarding disposition of the appeal
The student may be accompanied by one person (family member, friend, etc.) as an observer. The student may not be accompanied by an attorney. The committee may prohibit from attending or remove any person who disrupts the proceedings of the committee.
The committee shall determine all matters relating to the conduct of the hearing including, for example, relevancy of evidence, duration of the hearing or any part thereof, procedures, the weight to be given any evidence.
The committee will report back to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success or their delegate with its recommendation following its review of the appeal.
1. The Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success or their delegate will render a written decision on the appeal within thirty calendar days from receipt of the appeal and communicate this promptly to the student.
2. The decision of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success shall be final.
3. International students subject to any level of sanctions must meet with the International Student Advisor/Dean of Student Affairs to ensure student visa status requirements are met.

Interim Suspension or Immediate Expulsion

South University may immediately remove, suspend, or expel a student from school without applying or exhausting these procedures when, in South University’s sole judgment, the student poses a threat of harm to himself, to others, or to property of South University or a member of South University. After the expulsion or during the interim suspension, students shall be denied access to the school including classes, labs, library, clinical assignments, and school sponsored housing and rotations and/or all other school activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible.

Violations of Law

If a student is charged with a violation of federal, state or local laws or regulations occurring away from the school, disciplinary action may be instituted and sanctions imposed against the student when the school has a reasonable belief that the health, safety or welfare of South University community is threatened. Disciplinary procedures may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a law that is also a violation of the student conduct policy. Proceedings under this policy may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off campus. South University will cooperate fully with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of criminal laws on school property.

Search of Student’s Property

South University reserves the right to search the contents of students’ personal property or belongings when there is reasonable suspicion on the part of South University faculty or staff that a serious risk to the health, safety and welfare of students, and/or the University community exists. This includes but is not limited to vehicles brought onto property leased, owned or controlled by the school, backpacks, portfolios and clothing.

Anti-Hazing Policy

Hazing involving South University students or student groups is strictly prohibited. Hazing is defined as any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any club or organization operating under the sanction of an institution of higher education.

For purposes of this definition, any activity as described in this definition that the initiation or admission into or affiliation with a club or organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be “forced” activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding. This policy is applicable to all students and members of a student club or organization at South University. Every student and member of a student club or organization is responsible for complying with this policy.

Individuals and/or student clubs that force, require, and/or endorse violations will be held directly responsible through the University’s student conduct process and if appropriate, through local authorities, which may pursue criminal action. Students who wish to make a complaint under this policy should contact the Dean of Student Affairs at the location the student attends. The negligence or consent of a student or any assumption of risk by the student is not a defense to an action brought pursuant to this policy. Student club activities or programs must not interfere with the rights and activities of others and should always reflect the best interests of the members of the organization it represents and the college community as a whole. In all cases of alleged violations of this policy, faculty and staff advisors and the national/international headquarters, if applicable, of any organization will be notified.

Firearms Policy

It is the responsibility of all employees, students, alumni and all others to adhere to the provisions set forth in this policy and to report any known violations of this policy to Human Resources or a member of management.

It is the responsibility of management and Human Resources to enforce compliance with this policy and to take corrective action when necessary.

Conditions/Guidelines:

This Policy applies to anyone on South University premises, unless otherwise prohibited by law.
Firearms, including concealed weapons, are not permitted on South University premises and/or at South University events, except that sworn members of a law enforcement agency acting in performance of their duties and/or employees of a licensed armored car service providing contracted services to South University or to South University’s vendors and contractors (where approved by South University) may carry weapons.
Firearms are not permitted in any vehicle while the vehicle is parked on South University property, whether said property is owned or leased by South University or provided to South University for its use, except where otherwise required by law.
Any employee or student who becomes aware of a violation of this policy should immediately notify Human Resources, Dean of Academic Affairs and Retention, Dean of Student Affairs, or a member of management or a member of school staff.

Violation of this policy is considered a serious offense that endangers the safety of anyone on South University premises. Any person violating this policy may be required to leave South University premises. Employees violating this policy are subject to discipline, up to and including termination. Students violating this policy are subject to suspension or dismissal from school.

Food and Drink

South University strives to create a welcoming environment and provide a clean and well-maintained campus for the benefit of its students, faculty and staff.

What you can do to help create an environment to be proud of:

Dispose of your food trash in the trash cans outside or in the student lounge.
Report spills to custodial staff or administrative personnel as soon as possible.
Encourage fellow students and employees to take pride in their environment.

Students or employees that have specific health considerations should consult the Dean of Student Affairs for information.

Non-Discrimination Policy

South University does not discriminate or harass on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion, veteran’s status, genetic marker, or any other characteristic protected by state, local or federal law, in our programs and activities. South University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. South University will not retaliate against persons bringing foreword allegations of harassment or discrimination. The campus Dean of Student Affairs has been designated to handle inquiries and coordinate the campus’ compliance efforts regarding the Non-Discrimination policy. The contact information for each location can be found in the South University Academic Catalog, Appendix: Contact Information for all Policy Related Questions and Concerns section.

No Harassment Policy

South University is committed to providing workplaces and learning environments that are free from harassment on the basis of any protected classification including, but not limited to race, sex, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, genetic marker or on any other basis protected by law. Such conduct is unprofessional, unproductive, illegal, and generally considered bad for business.

Consequently, all conduct of this nature is expressly prohibited, regardless of whether it violates any law. (Please note that sexual harassment is more thoroughly addressed in the Sexual Misconduct & Relationship Violence Policy.)