Community Standards

The students and staff of Residential Life are a multicultural community of individuals. We are of diverse national, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic origins.

Our community encompasses a broad spectrum of religious and political beliefs, and our sexual orientations may differ. We are unique in that we strive to work and live together. In the process, we learn from one another in an atmosphere of positive contact and mutual respect.

We are committed to behaving and expecting others to behave in ways which demonstrate our beliefs about the respectful treatment of each member of our community. We believe that we are individually and collectively responsible for our behavior and are fully accountable for our actions. We must take initiative and responsibility for our own learning and awareness of the differences which exist in our community and avoid all actions that diminish others. We are committed to these principles which are an integral part of our purpose, values, and daily activities.

Bigotry and hatred will be given no home within our residential community. While each of us has the right to our own personal beliefs, these beliefs in no way give us the right to denigrate another on the basis of his/her age, physical handicap, national origin, sexual orientation, race, gender, or religious affiliation. Our communities will not tolerate verbal or written abuse, threats, intimidation, violence, or other forms of harassment against coworkers or residents. In addition, we cannot accept ignorance, false humor, anger, alcohol, or substance abuse as an excuse, reason, or rationale for such behavior.

Resident Confrontation

Policies for the residential communities were developed to establish an environment in which a large number of residents may live together with maximum freedom while recognizing the rights of fellow residents. All residents accept the responsibility involved with living in a community situation and should make an effort to be aware of how their actions affect their neighbors and roommates.

When a resident violates this basic standard of community living by endangering the safety of other residents or violating any of the policies outlined by the University or this guide, this behavior must be confronted.

When a resident infringes upon the rights of another individual or the community, he/she should first be confronted by the person(s) whose rights have been violated. This statement assumes that the most effective tool to help others learn that their behaviors are violating personal rights and community regulations are the people in the community whose rights are being violated. Ask yourself, "If people are having a problem with my actions, wouldn't I want them to be up front with me so that we can work it out?"

You are expected to be the first person to handle a situation when you or the community's rights are being violated. If, after confronting the inappropriate behavior of another individual, the individual does not attempt to alter his/her behavior, you should visit with your student staff member. Residents wishing to document incidents may obtain an Incident Report form from a student staff member.

As a member of the community you can do a lot to help others learn to live in your community by exercising the Resident Confrontation Policy. You are encouraged to take initiatives to start solving your own problems when they begin, to confront fellow residents initially and to follow-up with further steps in the conflict mediation process when appropriate.

Judicial Hearings

The basic philosophy of university discipline is one of education. The total effort is directed toward prevention and correction, rather than punitive discipline. The community judicial system has proven to be an effective method of establishing an environment in which residents recognize the rights of fellow residents. Such an environment, however, requires the cooperation of all participants in accepting the responsibility of how their actions affect their neighbors.

When an infraction of policy is believed to have occurred, it is reported to a student staff member or Residence Director. The student will be contacted concerning a hearing date by either the judicial board or an administrator, depending upon the type of hearing. In situations, such as those involving pending legal action, confidential counseling issues, or when there is a potential threat to the student and/or community, the student may not be given the choice of having a J-Board hearing, and the proceedings will be an administrative hearing conducted by a Residential Life administrator. During both administrative and J-Board hearings, the charges will be considered along with the student's statement concerning the situation. At the close of both the J-Board and administrative hearings, a decision will be made concerning the student's involvement, and if necessary, corrective measures to be taken.

Some examples of corrective measures that may be implemented include oral or written admonition, cost plus admonition, duty or work assignment, or activity limitation or restriction. In some cases, more stringent measures may be recommended, such as hall or university probation, relocation to another floor or hall, contract termination, or university suspension.

If you receive a request to appear before either a J-Board or administrative hearing, you should be aware that failure to appear will be considered permission for the J-Board or administrator to review and make a decision concerning your case without your input. Therefore, if you elect not to appear for your hearing, notify either the J-Board chairperson or administrator at least 24 hours before the scheduled hearing.

A resident has the right to request an appeal. If the hearing was conducted by a J-Board, the student should contact the Judicial Oversight Committee. If the hearing was conducted by an administrator, that individual should be contacted concerning an appeal.

Common Area Damages

The cost of repairing damages from an unidentified source comes from your room and board payments. For this reason, we encourage you to report vandalism. This is one way you can reduce unnecessary costs and increase service with your available room and board dollars. Residents who damage/vandalize housing facilities should expect disciplinary action. If the community and staff are unable to determine the individual(s) responsible for damages, all residents in that area will be billed for common area damages upon checkout from halls.

Incident Reports

Incidents are regularly reported to the Residence Area Coordinators. Violations of university policies, medical or emergency situations, and instances of property loss or damage can be reported by staff, as well as students, on Incident Report forms. Incident forms will be forwarded to the Residence Director for appropriate action.

Non-Academic University Conduct Violations

For a complete listing of the behaviors for which students are subject to disciplinary actions, please go to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Governing Behavior website at http://www.okstate.edu/ucs/SJA/srr.htm

Code of Conduct

By joining the OSU community, students take on the responsibility to observe and help maintain standards of personal behavior that are a positive contribution to the academic community. As an OSU student, you are expected to:
  • Respect Oklahoma State UniversityÕs commitment to academic integrity and uphold the values of honesty and responsibility that preserve our academic community;
  • Behave in a manner that is temperate, civil, and respectful of others;
  • Behave in a manner that recognizes and respects individual differences, supporting an appreciation for pluralism as well as inclusiveness;
  • Do no harm and help maintain the safety and welfare of the campus community by reporting unusual or dangerous behavior;
  • Recognize that you are a part of the Oklahoma State University and Stillwater communities, and demonstrate civic and social engagement and responsibility;
  • Accept responsibility for your learning, personal behavior, and future success, appropriately challenging others who do not abide by these standards.

The purpose of the Student Code of Conduct is to inform the student body of the standards of behavior expected of students in the OSU community, the processes in place for enforcing the rules, and the University's response to violations. For more information on your rights and responsibilities, visit www.okstate.edu/ucs/SJA/srr.htm.

Student Judicial Affairs
326 Student Union
744-5470
Division of Student Affairs