Code of Conduct

As a learning community, the Honor Code – a commitment to living with honesty, integrity, responsibility, and respect – helps guide standards for behavior on the basis of shared values and principles. Maintaining a vibrant learning environment that supports all members of our community requires students to make ethical decisions while taking personal and social responsibility for their actions. Each member of the university community bears responsibility for their conduct, reasonably holding others responsible for their actions, and refraining from actions that impair the university’s purpose or its reputation. When a student’s behavior is not consistent with our community standards, the university will respond and hold a student accountable for violations of the Code of Conduct.

The honor system and procedures to address alleged violations of the Code of Conduct exist to protect the interests of the community, challenge those whose behavior is not aligned with community standards as reflected in university policies and hold them accountable for those actions. Outcomes are intended to challenge students’ moral and ethical decision-making and help them bring their behavior into accord with our community expectations. When unable to live according to community expectations, the student conduct process may determine that students should no longer share in the privilege of participating in this community.

Scope of the Honor System

Undergraduate and graduate students at Elon University are provided the Student Handbook (which includes the honor system and the related Code of Conduct) annually in the form of a link on the university website. Printed copies of the Student Handbook are available upon request from the Office of The Dean of Students. Graduate programs may have additional policies and procedures outlined in each graduate program handbook. Students are responsible for reading and abiding by all provisions of the honor system in their most current version as published online, which may be updated periodically. Additionally, all students are required to abide by the laws of local, state and national governments. To learn more about Town of Elon ordinances, please visit: https://www.elon.edu/u/student-conduct/town-of-elon-ordinances/

Elon’s Honor Code and Code of Conduct apply to both individual student and organizational behavior:

• Occurring from the time of admission until the actual awarding of a degree (applying to behavior that occurs before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during periods between terms of course enrollment);
• In the classroom and at all locations and events on Elon University owned or leased property;
• In locations and at events not occurring on campus, including those involving non-campus individuals and organizations;
• In locations abroad, including involvement with all individuals and organizations; and
• Via email, via text, online or through any other electronic medium.

Be aware that online postings such as blogs, web postings, chats, social networking sites, and social media/applications are in the public sphere and are not private. These postings can result in allegations of conduct violations if evidence of inappropriate behavior is posted electronically. The university does not regularly search for this information but may take action if and when such information is brought to our attention.

The Code of Conduct applies to guests of community members and hosts may be held accountable for the misconduct of their guests. A guest is defined as anyone who is present at the invitation of a student or anyone who is received or accompanied by a student on university owned or leased property. Students are responsible for educating their guest(s) regarding university policies and are accountable for the behavior and actions of their guest(s). The code may also be applied to special admission or high school dual enrollment students.

The university retains conduct jurisdiction for any misconduct that occurs while someone is a student. If charged with a violation, a student may not be permitted to register for classes, withdraw from the university, re-enroll (if withdrawn or on an approved leave of absence), graduate or participate in commencement exercises until there is a final resolution on the case. All applicable outcomes must be satisfied prior to any continued involvement with the university including the conferring of a degree.

There is no time limit on reporting violations of the Code of Conduct; however, the longer someone waits to report an offense, the more difficult it becomes for university officials to obtain information and witness statements and to make determinations regarding alleged violations. Because proceedings for possible violations are to be conducted expeditiously, prompt reporting (within two weeks of the incident) is encouraged. Reports received six months or more after an incident will not likely be considered for adjudication except in the case of gender-based, relationship violence or sexual misconduct. (See the Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy for further information.) Students will not be penalized or discriminated against in any way for reporting incidents, but any student who knowingly files a false or malicious complaint may be charged with Fraud/Lying or Retaliation.

Though reports of violations of the Code of Conduct may be submitted anonymously, doing so may limit the university’s ability to investigate and respond to a complaint if the report cannot be validated. Those who are aware of misconduct are encouraged to report it as quickly as possible via the online reporting form found at http://www.elon.edu/incident-report or to Campus Safety and Police at (336) 278-5555. Students wishing to file a complaint that involves sexual harassment, interpersonal violence, sexual misconduct, and sex and/or gender-based discrimination should consult the Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Students facing an alleged violation of the Code of Conduct may submit a request to withdraw from Elon University. (See – Interim Administrative Actions and Withdrawal for more information on withdrawals.)