Student Code of Conduct

The Student Code of Conduct serves as a platform for organizations to convey their mission and values to students. It should not be reduced to a mere set of rules to enforce accountability but, instead, be recognized as a chance for student growth and education. By working closely with students, Student Code of Conduct Officers have a unique opportunity to connect with them, learn about their experiences and perspectives, and assist in their personal development. A well-crafted policy enables officers to enforce discipline and facilitates active participation in student development.

Working to improve your Student Code of Conduct offers the opportunity to increase retention, care and student development.

Opportunity

  • Student Development

    To become successful members of society, it is crucial that students learn to abide by the rules that govern their community. Through intentional student development practices, the Student Code of Conduct process offers an opportunity to foster students' character.

    

    Embedded within the Student Code of Conduct Process are key practices that should be intertwined, such as active learning, understanding of values and ethical standards, high expectations, and creating supportive and inclusive communities. Students should not be passive participants in the process; instead, they should actively engage in it. Developing coherent values and ethical standards is paramount, as it allows students to comprehend the connection between their values and actions. Additionally, students should be informed of high expectations, as this encourages them to strive for excellence. They should understand that they will be held accountable for their actions, but also that they are capable of meeting those high expectations. In building supportive and inclusive communities, students should recognize that they play a vital role in this process. By understanding that they belong in such communities, they can take steps to contribute to their development. Through intentional student development practices, the Student Code of Conduct Process provides a platform for students to become successful members of society.

  • EPIC

    The E.P.I.C. Journey Process is a comprehensive approach to helping students adhere to the Student Code of Conduct at the University of Texas. E.P.I.C. stands for Engagement, Personal Development, Interpersonal Relationships, and Community Membership, which are four key areas that contribute to a student's academic success. The core belief is that students who thrive academically are less likely to violate the Code of Conduct, while those who do may be struggling in one or more of these areas. As such, Student Code of Conduct Officers should conduct thorough investigations that include identifying and addressing the root causes of a student's struggles, rather than simply meting out punishment.

    

    To achieve this goal, the E.P.I.C. model employs a Motivational Interviewing approach to encourage students to reflect on which area(s) of the model they are struggling with. By understanding these struggles, Student Code of Conduct Officers can design sanctions that are tailored to the student's unique needs, and help them overcome their challenges to achieve academic success. By focusing on development rather than discipline, the E.P.I.C. Journey Process seeks to create an environment in which all students can thrive and succeed.

EPIC

  • The concept of engagement delves into the student's interaction with their academic environment, attempting to grasp their level of confidence and capability. It aims to answer critical questions like their faith in their potential to excel as a student, their efficiency in accomplishing academic tasks, and the extent to which they believe in their academic proficiency.

  • Personal Development aims to delve into the individuality of a student, including their goals for the future and any circumstances in their personal life that may influence their academic performance. This entails gaining insight into who the student is and understanding how their personal development is progressing. Moreover, Personal Development delves into any situations in their personal life that could potentially impact their overall performance in the academic setting.

  • he focus of Interpersonal Relationship lies in comprehending a student's social interaction. It delves into whether they view themselves as part of a social group and if they possess any connections. Moreover, it evaluates whether they have a sense of belonging. It also assesses their aptitude in handling differences and managing conflicts.

  • The objective of Community Membership is to gauge the extent to which a student perceives themselves as a part of the community. This entails assessing their sense of belonging in the academic environment and whether they identify as a student or as a member of the larger community. It also aims to explore the ways in which the student is connected and how they demonstrate their sense of belonging.