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 here 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.

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. 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. The possession, consumption, and distribution of hard liquor/alcohol is prohibited.
7. 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.
8. No individual person should present with overtoxication that endangers wellbeing and health.
9. 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)
10. Common-source alcohol containers (e.g., gallon cooler, kegs, boxed wine, etc.) are not permitted.
11. Production of alcohol and/or distribution to individuals under the age of twenty-one (21) will not be permitted.
12. No individual under the age of 21 should have or utilize a fake ID.

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

1. Bicycle riding, skateboarding or roller-blading and hoverboards, inside any building at any time.
2. Bicycles blocking entryways, doors, stairwell banisters, or handicap ramps.  These bikes will be picked up by Security. Parked bicycles should be locked at all times.
3. Please note the Abandoned Bike Policy: www.iwu.edu/bikes/policy.html
4. The use of hoverboards 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 other utilities conduits.
5. Unauthorized access to rooftops; closed sections of buildings including decorative/architectural balconies and landings; closed building sites; or other restricted areas.

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. 

Section F: Disturbance of the Peace

1. Noise or action creating a nuisance in any academic, residential, campus building.

Section G: Illicit Drugs

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

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 (e.g. bowls, bongs, grinders etc.) Any items fashioned for the purpose of facilitating drug use will also be considered a violation of this policy.
3. Hookahs are not allowed on campus.

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 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 or explosives on University property is expressly forbidden.

1. Definition of these items includes, but is not limited to: Firecrackers or sparklers, gunpowder, incendiary devices, and unstable or hazardous chemicals, except for those stored and used in appropriate laboratory facilities.
2. No flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline or kerosene may be stored in University housing.

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.

Section L: Fundraising

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

Section M: Gambling

1. The State of Illinois and the City of Bloomington statutes prohibit gambling.

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

1. Hazing, as it relates to a condition of membership or belonging, is defined as any action taken or situation created whether on or off campus premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, intimidation, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.
   
   1. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following:
      • Forced use of alcohol/illicit drugs
      • Any physical abuse expected of or inflicted upon another, including paddling, tattooing, or branding in any form
      • Requiring or compelling the consumption of liquid, food, drinks, or other substances
      • 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
      • Creation of excessive fatigue, sleep deprivation, or interference with scholastic activities, including late night work sessions, meetings, or sleepovers
      • Physical and psychological shocks; including lineups, berating, verbal abuse, threats, and name calling;
      • Wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste
      • Engaging in public stunts and forced high risk behaviors
      • Morally degrading or humiliating games or activities
      • Any other inappropriate activities which are not consistent with the institutional mission and governing policies.
      • Requiring, encouraging, or expecting individuals to participate in activities that are illegal or unlawful or are not consistent with the group’s mission or values or the policies of the University, including the Student Code of Conduct.

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.

Responsibility

An organization's entire membership/team, president, captain or other elected or appointed officials are responsible for attending and learning about the hazing policy. It is the expectation of all members of teams and organizations to enforce and address behaviors/actions related to hazing. All members of the IWU Community are expected to comply with the policy and hold others accountable to it.

Investigations of alleged incidents involving student organizations, fraternities and sororities, athletic teams and other members of the campus community will be the responsibility of the All University Judiciary Committee.

Guidelines for Initiation

It is the expectation of the University that any organization which has a formal initiation process for new members will follow all local and (inter)national guidelines that apply to initiation. The Office of Student Involvement (OSI) maintains information on (inter)national guidelines for initiation. The OSI also tracks membership totals and attrition for fraternities and sororities, thus all Greek Chapters are required to provide the Director/Assistant Director of Student Involvement with membership lists and initiation dates prior to the formal initiation ceremony. The staff will also collect a detailed new member education plan prior to the beginning of any new member process.

It is the University's expectation that initiation practices are in place to instill a sense of pride and community within the organization. Initiation and ritualistic ceremonies should not violate members' personal or moral convictions as a condition of initiation, nor should it interfere with students' academic obligations.

Reporting

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 Associate Dean of Students will initiate a formal investigation and grievance procedure once the action is reported.

If you would like to report anonymously, please click here. 

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

1. Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any University premises or unauthorized entry even through an unlocked door or use of University premises is prohibited.

Section S: Misuse of Identification Cards

Violations shall consist of, but are not limited to:

1. Improper use of identification card, including knowingly altering or mutilating a student identification card
2. Using the identification card of another
3. Allowing one's own card to be used by another in an improper manner.

Section T: Noxious Odor

1. 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 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.

Section U: Personal Injury

Violations shall consist of but are not limited to:

1. Conduct causing personal injury to self or others.
2. Fighting.
3. Verbal threat to cause personal injury to self or others.
4. 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 oral expression or physical gesture or action.
   2. Notes, letters, U.S. mail, campus mail, or other forms of written communication.
   3. Telephone calls or phone messages including obscene, threatening or mischievous calls.
   4. E-mail or other computer-based methods of communication.
   5. Threats against persons or property.
   6. 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 terrorizes the person, and which serves no legitimate purpose.
   7. Conduct causing personal injury to self or others.

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

Violations shall consist of but are not limited to:

1. Abuse or misuse of safety equipment such as exit and exterior lights, security cameras, blue light alarms and telephones, stair rails, fire alarms, extinguishers and fire exits.
2. Failure to observe all other safety regulations applying to specific living units (including those governing use of electrical appliances and cooking).
3. Improper use of telephones (i.e. inappropriate use/vandalism of emergency telephones, or tampering with telephones).
4. Possession, use or distribution of weapons including but not limited to firearms, pellet or BB guns, air rifles, pistols, paintball guns, explosive devices and sparklers (including fireworks), slingshots, and knives.
5. Refusal to vacate rooms or buildings after building alarm sounds (for tornado or fire warning) or at the direction of a university official.
6. Tampering with any elevator, wiring, plumbing, or university alarm systems.
7. Theft, damage, and/or misuse of fire fighting or fire prevention equipment (i.e. improper activation of alarm system).
8. Throwing or dropping any object or material from a University building window, balcony, stairwell or roof.
9. Unauthorized burning, careless or malicious use of fire.
10. Because of the significant risk of fire, hoverboards are not allowed in any campus buildings, including residential facilities.

Section X: Selling, Soliciting and Canvassing

1. Safety and privacy for students in their residences guide the parameters for any door-to-door activity on campus.
2. Door-to-door solicitation, sales, surveys, and canvassing are not permitted in residential areas within living units.
3. 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.
4. 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 (“University” or “IWU”) is committed to creating, fostering, and maintaining an environment that is free  from discrimination based on sex, gender, and all forms of Sex-Based Harassment (defined fully in Appendix A along with all other capitalized terms).  Sex-Based Harassment includes quid pro quo harassment, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking. Full policy can be found here (Sex-Based Harassment 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. 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.

1. Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, vaporizers and related products, is therefore not allowed in the residence halls.
2. Similarly, the use of chewing tobacco, snuff and similar products is not allowed in classrooms, 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 another student's ID, meal plan or credit/debit card.
2. Damage to University property or University-affiliated property or personal property.
3. Failure to return borrowed items from Ames Library or other University office.  Damage, loss or failure to return University-owned bicycles.
4. Unauthorized possession or disposition of University, University-affiliated, or personal property of others.
5. Vandalism

Section BB: Traffic and Parking Violations

Students must register their vehicles and display their permit at all times. Registration and permits are provided free of charge. Students must park in designated student parking lots only.

Campus Safety will issue tickets for all violations occurring on University property including:

1. Failure to register vehicle or display decal.
2. Parking on campus walks, grass, or in drives.
3. Parking in a restricted area.
4. Improper parking.
5. Overtime parking (15-minute limit in the lot by Holmes Hall and 30 minute limit in the three posted spots by the IT Service Center).
6. No parking zone.
7. Parking in a fire lane.
8. Unauthorized driving on sidewalks or the Quad.

Violation Fines:

1. Failure to Register Vehicle or Display Decal is $20. The first violation for this offense will be waived if the vehicle is registered within 48 hours.
2. Driving on sidewalks is $200; driving on Quad is $275.
3. All other violations are $20 fines.

Appeals:

All appeals must be made to the Campus Safety within 48 hours of the issuance of a ticket. Vehicles are subject to towing if they are:

1. Obstructing traffic
2. Parking in a fire lane
3. In an unsafe condition
4. Stored without the permission of Campus Safety

Revocation of Parking Privileges:

Repeat offenders are subject to revocation of their parking privileges as determined by the Security Department.

Section CC: Unauthorized Audio or Video Record

1. 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, or restroom.

Section DD: Weapons

Except as expressly provided herein, the possession, storage, or use of any firearm, weapon, or destructive device on University property or within any University facility by any person, except a law enforcement officer, without the prior written permission of the University's Director of Campus Safety or their designee is strictly prohibited.

By way of example and without limiting the foregoing, all public spaces, including student residences; academic, athletic, and social facilities; athletic fields; and vehicles owned, leased or controlled by the University are weapons-free areas.

Prohibited weapons include but are not limited to:

1. Firearm, Handgun, Firearm ammunition, BB gun, pellet, plastic or 3-D gun, paintball gun, tear gas gun, stun, taser, or other dangerous or deadly device of similar type;
2. Knife with a blade of at least 3 inches in length (except an ordinary eating utensil), dagger, dirk, switchblade knife, stiletto, ax, hatchet, or other deadly or dangerous weapon or instrument of similar type;
3. Bludgeon, blackjack, slingshot, sandbag, sand club, metal knuckles, billy club, throwing star, nunchaku, or other dangerous or deadly weapon of similar type;
4. Bomb, bombshell, grenade, firework, bottle, or other container containing an explosive, toxic, or noxious substance, unless under academic/classroom supervision, (other than an object containing a nonlethal noxious liquid, gas, or substance designed solely for personal defense possessed by a person 18 years of age or older);
5. Souvenir weapon or other weapon that has been rendered permanently inoperative; and any weapons outlined in the Illinois Compiled Statutes on Armed Violence (720 ILCA 5/33A-1, et seq.)