Code of Conduct

The standards articulated in the Student Code of Conduct construct and maintain a community that is safe, support an educational focus, and provides for just and equitable interactions among all students. Its administration is an intentional process with the goal of fostering students' intellectual, social, ethical and personal development. Code violations are broadly divided into three areas: violations of responsibilities to self, to others, and to our Illinois Wesleyan community. While an Illinois Wesleyan student (including students on a leave of absence), these standards apply to you on and off campus and in virtual spaces. Students are expected to be cognizant and observant of all University policies, local ordinances, and state laws. 

Although our philosophy on the impact of violations fits into three categories, violations of responsibilities to self, others, and the IWU community, we understand these categories are often blended as violations can impact multiple facets of our community.

Please also review Residence Hall Policies for further information about expectations within our community living. 

Section A: Abuse of the University Judicial Process

Violations include, but are not limited to:

1. Failure to respond to the summons of a judicial body or university official.
2. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a judicial body.
3. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a judicial proceeding.
4. Institution of a judicial proceeding knowingly without cause.
5. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a judicial body prior to, during,  and/or after a judicial proceeding.
6. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a member of a judicial body prior to, during, and/or after a judicial proceeding.
7. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed by a judicial body.
8. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the judicial system.

 

Section B: Alcohol

Click to view Illinois Wesleyan University’s Philosophy Statement on Alcohol .

Each member of the Illinois Wesleyan University makes a personal decision whether or not to drink alcohol. The choice to drink carries with it the obligation to drink responsibly. Consuming alcoholic beverages in violation of the law and/or campus policy is considered irresponsible use. People under the influence of alcohol will be held responsible for their actions. Any use of a fraudulent id for the purchase of alcohol will be subject to disciplinary actions outlined in Section S (See below).   Students living on campus must follow these policies as well as the residence hall policies regarding alcohol consumption and possession. 

1. Persons under the age of twenty-one (21) may not possess or consume alcoholic beverages and may not host alcohol consumption in their residential spaces.
2. Persons under the age of eighteen (18) may not attend a registered social event where alcohol is being served.
3. No alcohol may be provided to a person under twenty-one (21) years of age.
4. No individual will coerce a person(s) to drink alcohol or use other drugs.
5. The possession, consumption, and distribution of hard liquor/alcohol is prohibited. Beer, wine, and hard seltzers (15% or below ABV) are the only alcoholic beverages permitted on campus. Please see the Social Event Planning website to learn about approved functions.
6. Engaging in activities, whether alcohol is present or not, that promote irresponsible or high-risk drinking (e.g., drinking games, use of funnels, chugging contests, or any means where alcohol is consumed as part of a competition) is prohibited.
7. No individual person should present with overtoxication that endangers wellbeing and health.
8. No open container, carrier, or cup of alcoholic beverage may be carried outside a student’s assigned residential room or an approved social space. (e.g. University-sponsored, registered/approve social events for student organizations, special events)
9. Common-source alcohol containers (e.g., gallon cooler, kegs, boxed wine, etc.) are not permitted.
10. Production of alcohol and/or distribution will not be permitted.
11. All student organizations shall be in accordance with state and local laws and college rules and regulations governing the consumption of alcohol. In particular, minors may not possess alcohol, and no student shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to others.

 

Section C: Bicycles, Skateboards, Roller-blades, and Hoverboards

1. Bicycle riding, skateboarding or roller-blading and hoverboards, is prohibited inside any building at any time.
2. Bicycles may not block entryways, doors, stairwell banisters, or handicap ramps. These bikes may be picked up by Campus Safety. Parked bicycles should be locked at all times.
3. Please note the Abandoned Bike Policy. The University shall not be responsible for lost or stolen bikes. 
4. The use of hoverboards and electric bikes on campus is prohibited.

Section D: Careless Conduct

Careless conduct which creates an unnecessary risk of physical harm including, but not limited to:

1. Riding on the top of an elevator.
2. Unauthorized use of fire escapes
3. Climbing or rappelling from walls or physical structures.
4. Unauthorized entry into campus steam tunnels, air handling ducts, plumbing, electrical, or utility conduits.
5. Unauthorized access to rooftops; closed sections of buildings including decorative/architectural balconies and landings; closed building sites; construction sites, or other restricted areas.
6. Unauthorized access to a residence hall floor or room without the expressed permission of the residents assigned to that specific floor or space.    

Section E: Discrimination, Harassment, and Discriminatory Harassment

Harassment as defined by this policy, includes any action, language or visual representation, that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, persistent or clearly offensive that it has the effect of unreasonably interfering with that person’s work or academic performance, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working, educational, or living environment. Notification of any such conduct will result in an educational and reflective conversation to be held in order to gain a mutual understanding of the situation's intent and impact in order to discuss the next steps.

Discrimination, as defined by this policy, is any action, verbal, written, or physical, which is pervasive, persistent and objective differential treatment of an individual or group of people based on their race, color, national origin, gender, age, sex, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, and any other protected identity. Illinois Wesleyan University adheres to all federal, state, and local civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in employment and education. The University does not discriminate in its admissions practices, in its employment practices, or in its educational programs or activities. 

Discriminatory harassment, as defined by this policy, includes any action, verbal, written, or physical which refers to or which communicates bias based on any characteristic protected by law including race, color, gender, age, sex, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, and any other protected identity. It must be such that it is objectively severe, pervasive, persistent or clearly offensive that it has the effect of unreasonably interfering with that individual’s work or academic performance, or that creates a hostile working, educational or living environment. Sexual harassment and gender based harassment are prohibited at the university and are covered under the Illinois Wesleyan University Sexual Misconduct Policy, as are other forms of Sexual Misconduct defined therein. 

Stalking behavior in which an individual willfully, maliciously and repeatedly engages in a knowing course of conduct directed at a specific person which reasonably and seriously alarms, torments, or interferes with the ability to perform and move about freely.

Section F: Disturbance of the Peace

1. Noise, action, conduct, or expression anywhere on IWU property that results in, or is intended to result in, disruption, interference, or nuisance to university activities or operations, student life and residential environment, approved student or university activities, or the educational environment.      

Section G: Illicit Drugs & Paraphernalia

Possession, manufacturing, use or distribution of any drug in violation of law. (e.g. chemical stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, cannabis, narcotics, LSD, cocaine, methaqualone, rohypnol, GHB, etc.)

The following are prohibited:

1. Illegal possession or use of prescription medications including the selling of prescribed medication and or giving away of prescribed medication
2. Possession of any items that are designed for the use of drugs (Examples include but are not limited to, hookahs, water pipes, bowls, bongs, grinders etc.) Any items fashioned for the purpose of facilitating drug use will also be considered a violation of this policy.
3. Illegal possession or use of cannabis or any narcotics on campus, including purchase, sale or distribution is prohibited.

Section H: Failure to Respond to or Comply with a University Official

1. Failure to respond to or comply with a reasonable request by an authorized University official.
2. Failure to present a university identification card when requested by an authorized University official. 

*Among those officials who may request a student's identification are staff members from the following areas: building desk reception workers, bookstore, dining hall, faculty members, library staff, residence hall staff members, Campus Safety and any staff member within the Division of Student Affairs.

Section I: Financial Obligations

Students not meeting financial obligations to the University are in violation of conduct code.  Students in violation have the right to appeal.  Appeals should be sent to the office from which the billing originated.

1. Appeals of University charges related to tuition and fees or financial aid, must be made in writing to the Business Office.
2. Appeals of assessments, fees and bills originating from within the Division of Student Affairs, with the exception of traffic/parking violations, must be made in writing within 90 days of issuance.
3. Traffic/parking appeals must be made to Campus Safety within 2 working days of issuance.

Section J: Fireworks, Explosives and Hazardous Materials

Possession, manufacture, or use of fireworks, explosives, or hazardous materials on University property is forbidden except when expressly authorized in writing by the Department of Facilities and Department of Campus Safety.

1. Violations shall consist of, but are not limited to:
2. Firecrackers, sparklers, fireworks, tannerite, gunpowder or synthetic propellants, incendiary devices.
3. Any unstable, hazardous, flammable, or poisonous chemicals or materials, except when stored, used, and managed in appropriate laboratory facilities.
4. Flammable or combustible liquid fuels such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel, propane, or liquid natural gas may not be stored in University facilities, except as authorized by the Department of Facilities and Department of Campus Safety.
5. Any other material, substance, or physical item the storage, use, or possession of which on campus entails risk of explosion, fire, poisoning, dangerous health impacts, or property damage.      

Section K: Freedom of Expression or Movement

Violations shall consist of but are not limited to:

1. Preventing a speaker or those listening to them from voicing or hearing their ideas.
2. Using physical means or other forms of intimidation to impede the legitimate entrance or exit of anyone into or from any university facility.
3. Physical restraint or intimidation of those wishing to talk with authorized recruiters.

Please view our link for peaceful rally/demonstration guidelines.

Section L: Fundraising

Authorized fundraising efforts by clubs and organizations are permissible and must adhere to campus fundraising policies. See fundraising policies.

Section M: Gambling

Under state law and City of Bloomington Municipal Code, gambling includes any game of chance or skill played for money or anything else of value.  Unlicensed gambling of any kind, including sports betting and pools, are strictly prohibited in residence halls and on university property.

Violations shall consist of but are not limited to:

1. Betting on a game of chance or skill for money or anything of value on university property
2. Underage gambling under 21 years of age 
3. Gambling on any collegiate athletic competition or any professional athletic competition in a sport.

Section N: Graffiti

1. Graffiti which defaces public or personal property or which defames an individual or group is prohibited. In addition to University restrictions, some graffiti, because of its offensive nature, may qualify under Illinois law as a hate crime.

Section O: Hazing

Illinois Wesleyan University prohibits hazing. Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate, and can happen on or off campus premises. 

Violations of the University Hazing Policy are considered serious offenses. Groups or individuals found responsible for hazing may result in sanctions of suspension or expulsion of the individual or organization from the university.

 

Violations for Hazing at Illinois Wesleyan University: 

There is a wide range of behaviors that fit the definition of hazing, and can take many forms. For this reason, it can often go unrecognized and unreported. Violations may occur with such activities that include but are not limited to the following:

1. Forced use of or consumption of alcohol/illicit drugs, as well as liquid, food, drinks, or other substances
2. Any physical/psychological abuse expected of or inflicted upon another, including paddling, tattooing, branding, lineups, berating, verbal abuse, threats, name calling, or any morally degrading/humiliating games or activities
3. Servitude or placing another in a position of servitude, including requiring, encouraging, or expecting a new member to do the tasks of, or to do tasks for, an experienced member, or to address members with honorary or formal titles
4. Creation of excessive fatigue, sleep deprivation, or interference with scholastic activities, including late night work sessions, meetings, or sleepovers
5. Any other inappropriate activities which are not consistent with the institutional mission and governing policies.

For guidance on initiation practices, please view our Guidelines for Initiation Document. 

For specific information on Hazing, please view our Registered Student Organization Handbook. 

Campus community members are expected to report a practice or action believed to be hazing to the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students immediately. The Dean of Students Office will initiate a formal investigation and grievance procedure once the action is reported.

If you would like to report anonymously.

Section P: Honesty

Violations shall consist of, but are not limited to:

1. Intentional falsification of data for use in University operations.
2. Forgery of documents or signatures for use in University operations.
3. Failure to give truthful and complete testimony at a disciplinary hearing conducted by the All-University Judicial Committee or the Vice President and Dean of Students.
4. Lying, misrepresenting and/or withholding information or facts to a University official.
5. Plagiarism (Provost Office)
6. Cheating (Provost Office)

Every student has the responsibility to become informed about what constitutes plagiarism and cheating. See statement on plagiarism.

Section Q: Misuse of Information Technology (IT)

Inappropriate use of University computing systems or networks is prohibited. Please observe specific IT guidelines and policies.

Section R: Keys

All keys and/or identification cards that are issued to students in connection to their housing, registration status, student organization participation, or university employment must remain in the student’s possession at all times.  All keys are the property of the university and must be returned at the end of the student’s assignment. Any student who violates acceptable key usage will be subject to disciplinary action and may be at risk of losing university housing and/or their university employment or student organization role.  

Violations include:

1. Key duplication for the purpose of replacement or distribution 
2. Surrendering possession to any other person within or outside of the student body
3. Exchanging keys, identification cards, and/or assigned spaces with other students within the IWU community 
4. Gaining entry into a space without an authorized key or identification card, including resident hall rooms, suites or buildings
5. Utilizing any student organization or university employment key or identification card for an unauthorized use not in alignment with current position.
6. Installation of unapproved locking mechanisms on residence hall doors, closets and windows

 

If a student loses their assigned key(s), they will be charged for a recore for all keys associated with that space. Also, if a student exchanges keys and/or spaces with another student without communicating with ORL, both students will be subject to fines.

 

Section S: Misuse of Identification Cards

Violations shall consist of, but are not limited to:

1. Improper use of IWU identification card or legal ID card, including the intentional alteration of IWU or government-issued identification cards.
2. Using an altered identification card, or the identification card of another for any fraudulent, illegal, or improper purpose. 
3. Producing, selling, or providing IWU or government-issued IDs or keycards that have been independently fabricated or altered, and/or using altered or fabricated identification for fraudulent or deceptive purposes, to include unauthorized access to any University facility or service.      
4. Knowingly permitting one's IWU card to be used by another in an improper manner.

Section T: Noxious Odor

A noxious odor is any aroma of such intensity that it becomes apparent to others. Any odor can become noxious or offensive when it is too strong. Some examples are cannabis, cigarette, cigar or pipe smoke, incense, perfume, air freshening spray, wax warmers or large amounts of dirty laundry. When a noxious odor can be localized to a particular room, the resident(s) and/or guests of that room may be in violation of residence hall policy.

If Illegal possession and/or usage of drugs or alcohol is found as a result of a noxious odor complaint within a residence hall, items including paraphernalia will be confiscated by university staff. 

If the noxious odor is recurring and a disruption to the floor or building community, violators will be subject to disciplinary action, and may be at risk of losing their campus housing.

Violations Include:

1. Noxious odor associated with assigned living space that is disrupting the floor or building community.

Section U: Personal Injury

Violations shall consist of but are not limited to:

Any physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Direct verbal, written, or electronic abuse or threat against persons or property.
2. Fighting or physical assault. 

Section V: Posting and Chalking

1. In the spirit of the mission of Illinois Wesleyan, members of the community including student organizations are free to examine and discuss all questions of interest to them and express opinions publicly and privately. To promote this atmosphere of expression members of the community are obligated to take responsibility for that expression and to respect the expression of others. Please observe specific guidelines .
2. IWU prohibits posting of any materials on either side of student bedroom or common room windows or that in any way hinders exit or view through the windows.

Section W: Safety Regulations

Any intentional damage, theft, disruption, tampering, alteration, or interference with any IWU security or life safety equipment, or any behaviors that can reasonably be expected to pose safety risk to self or others on IWU property. 

Violations shall consist of but are not limited to:

1. Security and life safety equipment include but are not limited to:
2. Exit signage and illumination
3. Security cameras, security sensors, or physical security and loss prevention devices
4. Physical and electronic locks and keycard systems
5. Security panels, fire alarm panels, phone lines, data lines, wireless access points, phone and data jacks
6. Window limiters or window safety devices
7. Blue light telephones (emergency phones)
8. Stair rails, wheelchair ramps, braille signage, multilingual signage, Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accessibility equipment or related construction
9. Fire sprinkler systems and sprinkler heads, fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, fire exit doors, fire exit alarms, and emergency exit discharges 
10. Intentionally false calls or false reporting to Campus Safety or any other Campus Security Authority (CSA) or first responder agency. Includes intentional triggering of fire alarms when no danger is present, and intentional dissemination of fabricated information or reports reasonably likely to incite panic on campus or among the IWU community.  
11. Failure to observe safety regulations applying to specific living units, including those governing use of electrical appliances, cooking, fire hazards, or hazardous material, as determined by the Office of Residential Life and Department of Campus Safety. 
12. Inappropriate usage, vandalism, or tampering with blue box phones or other emergency telephones or emergency call systems.
13. Any form of tampering, unauthorized arming/disarming, or unauthorized operation of security or fire alarm systems.    
14. Unauthorized possession, use, or distribution of weapons as described in Section DD.
15. Refusal to vacate rooms or buildings after building alarm and/or evacuation orders are issued, and/or refusal to vacate when directed by an IWU official or public first responder. Examples include tornado warning and active fire alarms.
16. Unauthorized entry into access-controlled residences, utility areas/mechanical rooms, laboratories, offices, or other restricted or access controlled areas of campus.
17. Tampering with any elevator, wiring, plumbing, electrical system, HVAC, steam, data and IT infrastructure, roof access doors, or other building or infrastructure components. 
18. Throwing or dropping any object or material from any window, balcony, stairwell, roof, or other elevated location or structure. 
19. Unauthorized fires or burning on IWU property, and any use of fire or combustion that is negligent, reckless, malicious, or contrary to public safety or environmental regulations. 
20. Due to fire risk, hoverboards are not allowed in any campus buildings, including residential facilities.

Section X: Selling, Soliciting and Canvassing

1. Door-to-door solicitation, sales, surveys, and canvassing are not permitted in residential areas within living units.
2. Door-to-door campaigning, proselytizing, soliciting for money or signatures, distribution of flyers or leaflets or the placement of these items on doors or cars is similarly not allowed.
3. Tabling in residential common areas of these buildings for individuals or groups may be arranged through Residential Life or the Office of Student Involvement. Equal time and opportunity will be given to canvassers representing other candidates, political/social ideas or referendum positions, upon request. Additionally, requests for tables in non-residential buildings and areas on campus can be requested through Events Reservations. 

Section Y: Sex-based Harassment

Illinois Wesleyan University is committed to creating, fostering, and maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination based on sex, gender, and all forms of Sexual Misconduct(as defined in the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy).  Sexual Misconduct includes quid pro quo harassment, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking. View the full Sexual Misconduct Policy. 

Section Z: Smoking

Illinois Wesleyan University is committed to creating a safe, healthy and productive environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors. Because environmental tobacco smoke is one of the most widespread and harmful indoor air pollutants, IWU shall be completely smoke-free indoors. As a courtesy all smoking outside must be 15 feet from doorways. This smoke-free policy shall apply to all IWU facilities and vehicles, owned or leased, regardless of location. IWU owned houses/apartments used as private rentals are exempt from this policy.

Violations shall consist of but are not limited to:

1. Smoking and vaping, including the use of electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, and related products in the residence halls or indoor areas of any buildings on campus. 
2. Chewing tobacco, snuff and similar products is not allowed in classrooms, in non-residential buildings, or on the grounds of the campus.

Section AA: Theft or Destruction of Property

Violations shall consist of, but are not limited to:

1. Theft of University property or University-affiliated property or personal property including unauthorized use of credit/debit cards.
2. Damage, loss, or failure to return University property or University-affiliated property or personal property.
3. Unauthorized possession or disposition of University, University-affiliated, or personal property of others.
4. Vandalism to any university owned or personal property. (May result in fines)

Section BB: Traffic and Parking Violations

Students must register any vehicle they intend to park on University property, and must display a valid IWU parking decal on their windshield at all times. Registration and permits are provided free of charge. Students must park in designated student lots.

Revocation of Parking Privileges: Egregious or serial violators may be subject to ticketing, towing, vehicle immobilization, or revocation of parking privileges as determined by the Campus Safety Department.

Campus Safety may issue citations for parking violations occurring on University property, including:

1. Parking without a valid IWU decal displayed.
2. Unauthorized driving or parking on pedestrian walkways, lawns/grass, the Quad, athletic fields, or other locations that do not permit vehicle traffic. 
3. Parking in any space marked as restricted or fire lane, or parking any vehicle to block access to a building, or block the discharge of a building emergency exit.    
4. Parking in a marked handicapped accessible space without appropriate handicapped placard and/or plate.
5. Parking in locations that block other vehicle/s from properly entering or leaving a parking lot, or which block utility vehicles, first responder vehicles, or authorized work crews from access.     
6. Overtime parking (15-minute limit in the Holmes Hall visitor spaces, and 30 minute limit in the three visitor spots by the IT Service Center).

To see an outline of violation fines and procedure on appeals, visit the Parking Rules & Regulations Webpage. 

Section CC: Unauthorized Audio, Visual, or Video Record

Any unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to make an audio or video recording of any person while on University premises without their prior knowledge or effective consent when such a recording is likely to cause injury or distress. This includes, but is not limited to, surreptitiously taking pictures of another person in a gym, locker room, restroom or other space with reasonable expectation of privacy.

 

Section DD: Weapons 

Effective on all IWU property, the possession, storage, or use of any firearm, weapon, or destructive device on University property or within any University facility, is strictly prohibited except by law enforcement officer, or with prior written permission of the Director of Campus Safety or their designee.

Restricted weapons include but are not limited to:

1. Any firearm and/or firearm ammunition, completed firearm receivers, BB guns, pellet guns, gel blasters (orbezz guns), 3-D printed or digitally fabricated guns, paintball guns, flare or signal guns, tear gas guns, electrical stun gun or TASERs, or other potentially dangerous or deadly projectile weapons. 
2. Knives with blades in excess of 3 inches (except an ordinary eating or cooking utensil). Includes daggers, dirks, switchblades, stilettos, axes and hatchets, machetes, or other blades larger than 3 inches. 
3. Bludgeons, batons or collapsible batons, blackjacks, sandbags or sand clubs, metal or brass knuckles, nunchucks, weighted gloves, or other blunt weapons. Slingshots, bows, crossbows, throwing stars, throwing knives, blowguns, airguns, compressed air projectile devices, or other dangerous or deadly projectile weapons. 
4. Bombs, shells, grenades, fireworks, molotov cocktails or incendiary devices, or other devices utilizing an explosive, incendiary, toxic, or noxious substance, pressure or mechanical processes, or other mechanisms to produce dangerous explosions, reactions, or releases of energy, except for educational or operational purposes with authorization from the Department of Facilities and oversight by the Department of Campus Safety.   
5. Personal defense sprays containing no more than 1.5 ounces of oleoresin capsicum (OC Spray), may be possessed on campus property for non-malicious purposes by a person 18 years of age or older. Any OC device containing more than 1.5 ounces of spray, or any device containing an active ingredient other than oleoresin capsicum, is prohibited on IWU property without written authorization from the Department of Campus Safety. Any pepper/OC gun, or other device which expels hard projectiles containing OC, are strictly prohibited except with written permission from the Department of Campus Safety.   
6. Souvenir weapons, realistic prop or replica weapons, and lifelike decommissioned/inoperative weapons, cannot be possessed or displayed on IWU property without written authorization of Campus Safety.