Student Conduct Code
And Sanctions

The Student Conduct Code articulates violations that are most common and readily identifiable. Conduct violating university community standards that is not specifically mentioned still may be subject to disciplinary action.

General principles of academic honesty include and incorporate the concept of respect for the intellectual property of others, the expectation that individual work will be submitted unless otherwise allowed by an instructor, and the obligations both to protect one’s own academic work from misuse by others as well as to avoid using another’s work as one’s own. All students are expected to understand and abide by these principles.

11.11 Plagiarism
A. The submission of material authored by another person but represented as the student’s own work, whether that material is paraphrased or copied in verbatim or near-verbatim form.
B. The submission of material subjected to editorial revision by another person that results in substantive changes in content or major alteration of writing style.
C. Improper acknowledgement of sources in essays or papers.

11.12
A. Acquisition of term papers or other assignments from any source and the subsequent presentation of those materials as the student’s own work, or providing term papers or assignments that another student submits as his/her own work.
B. Distribution or use of notes or recordings based on university classes or lectures without the express permission of the instructor for purposes other than individual or group study. This includes, but is not limited to, providing materials for distribution by services publishing class notes. This restriction on unauthorized use applies to all information distributed or in any way displayed for use in relationship to the class, whether obtained in class, via email, on the Internet or via any other media.

11.13
A. Any use of external assistance during an examination shall be considered academically dishonest unless expressly permitted by the instructor. The following are considered unacceptable examination behaviors: communicating with fellow students during an exam, copying material from another student’s exam, allowing another student to copy from an exam, possession or use of unauthorized notes, calculator, or other materials during exams and/or any behavior that defeats the intent of an exam or other classwork.
B. Submission of altered work after grading shall be considered academically dishonest, including but not limited to changing answers after an exam or assignment has been returned or submitting another’s exam as one’s own to gain credit.

11.14
A. Obtaining for oneself or providing for another person a solution to homework, a project or other assignments, or a copy of an exam or exam key without the knowledge and expressed consent of the instructor.
B. Unauthorized collaboration on a project, homework or other assignment. Collaboration between students will be considered unauthorized unless expressly part of the assignment in question or expressly permitted by the instructor.

11.15 Attempting to benefit from the work of another or attempting to hinder the work of another student.

11.16 Using an essay, term paper or project in more than one course without permission of the instructors of the courses.

11.17 Falsification, alteration or misrepresentation of official or unofficial records or documents including but not limited to academic transcripts, academic documentation, letters of recommendation, and admissions applications or related documents.

11.18 Taking a course, portion of a course or exam for another student or allowing another individual to take a course, a portion of a course or exam in one’s stead.

11.19
A. Using university computer and word processing systems to gain access, alter and/or use unauthorized information.
B. Misuse of university computer systems or access to those systems as articulated by the university’s Computer Use Policy.

11.20 Fabrication: Submitting material for lab assignments, class projects or other assignments which is wholly or partially falsified, invented or otherwise does not represent work accomplished or undertaken by the student.

11.21 Any act which gains or is intended to gain an unfair academic advantage may be considered an act of academic dishonesty.

11.31 Dishonesty, such as furnishing false information to any university official, faculty member or office. This includes, but is not limited to, furnishing false information in academic petitions or requests, financial aid documents, student employment documents, financial statements or other documents or intentionally evading legitimate financial obligations to the university.

11.32 Conducting oneself in a manner that endangers the health or safety of oneself, other members or visitors within the university community or at university sponsored or related events.

11.33 Unauthorized entry, presence in or use of university premises, facilities or property.

11.34
A. Forgery, unauthorized alteration or unauthorized use of any university document, records, keys or instruments of identification, or of documents or records related to functions of the university.
B. Unauthorized presentation of oneself as a representative of the university for the purpose of gaining or attempting to gain privilege, convenience, goods or services.
C. Possession, manufacture or distribution of false or altered instruments of identification within the university community.

11.35 Theft (or attempted theft) of property or of services within the university community; possession of stolen property regardless of origin; misappropriation of university resources.

11.36
A. Causing physical harm to any person in the university community or at university-sponsored activities.
B. Causing reasonable apprehension of harm to any person in the university community or at university-sponsored activities.

11.37 Destroying, damaging or defacing the property of others, whether in the university community or at university-sponsored activities or assignments.

11.38 Behavior which disrupts or interferes with normal university or university-sponsored activities, including, but not limited to, study, teaching, research, officially invited speakers, university administration, public safety, or fire, police or emergency services or other authorized activity. (Also see University Policy on Free Expression and Dissent. )

11.39 Failure to comply with directions of university officials acting in the performance of their duties while in the university community or at university-sponsored activities, or resisting or obstructing such university officials in the performance of their duties, including failure to carry and/or provide upon request appropriate USC student identification.

11.40 Unauthorized use, possession or dissemination of alcohol in the university community or at university-sponsored activities. (Also see University Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs. )

11.41 Use, possession or dissemination of illegal drugs or drug-related paraphernalia in the university community or at university-sponsored activities. (Also see University Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs. )

11.42 Behavior which disrupts or interferes with the freedom of expression of others in the university community or at university-sponsored activities. (Also see University Policy on Free Expression and Dissent. )

11.43 Participation in or promotion of a disturbance of the peace or unlawful assembly in the university community or at university-sponsored activities as well as violating published USC guidelines regarding amplification equipment and noise.
(Also see University Policy on Free Expression and Dissent. )

11.44
A. Engaging in disorderly conduct or lewd, indecent or obscene behavior in the university community or at university-sponsored activities.
B. Encouraging or permitting others to engage in misconduct prohibited within the university community. Failing to confront and prevent the misconduct, notify an appropriate university official of the misconduct, or remove oneself from the situation (if appropriate).

11.45 Initiating or causing to be initiated any false report, warning or threat, such as that of fire, explosion or other emergency in the university community or at university-sponsored activities.

11.46
A. Misusing or damaging fire safety equipment or other emergency equipment in the university community or at university-sponsored activities.
B. Failure to evacuate during a fire alarm, whether the alarm is activated falsely, as a drill, or in a genuine emergency.

11.47
A. Unauthorized use or possession of firearms or replicas, ammunition, explosives, knives or other weapons in the university community or at university-sponsored events.
B. Unauthorized use or possession of fireworks in the university community or at university-sponsored events.

11.48 Violating rules and regulations pertaining to the operation of bicycles, mopeds and/or vehicles, roller skates, rollerblades, scooters and skateboards in the university community property. (Also see Bicycle Policy ,Scooter and Motorcycle Policy ;Roller Skate, Rollerblades, Scooters, Skateboards and Other Coasting Devices Policy .)

11.49 Knowingly violating the terms of any disciplinary sanction imposed in accordance with the Student Conduct Code. This includes further violations during a period of disciplinary probation.

11.50
A. Violating regulations or policies governing residence in university owned or administered property (e.g., rules outlined in the USC Housing Contract and Residential Life policies).
B. Violating standards or policies established for social Greek letter organizations, including but not limited to the Greek Recognition Standards.
C. Violating any policies, rules or regulations of the university including but not limited to administrative rules of campus offices.
D. Violating the University Policy Concerning Group Responsibility for Student Organizations (including social Greek letter organizations). This policy can be found here or from the Office for Residential and Greek Life and in the Office of Campus Activities.

11.51 Comments which are individually directed and which are harassing, intimidating or threatening and/or interfere with work or learning. (Also see Sexual Harassment Policy .)

11.52 Any act chargeable as a violation of local, state or federal law may be cited as a violation of the University Student Conduct Code, whether or not charges are brought by civil authorities, when such act(s) occur on university premises, or at university sponsored activities or events, or when such conduct adversely affects the university community and/or the pursuit of its objectives.

11.53 Participation in rape or any other kind of sexual assault by an individual student or in concert with others. For the purposes of this section, students should understand that:
A. Forced intercourse, or other sexual contact which is not consensual is defined as rape or sexual assault whether the assailant is a stranger or an acquaintance of the complainant;
B. Intoxication of the accused does not diminish his/her responsibility for a sexual assault;
C. In situations where the complainant is incapable of giving consent, which includes but is not limited to when the complainant is prevented from resisting due to consumption of alcohol or drugs, the accused is responsible for misconduct if the accused sexually assaults the complainant. (See Sexual Assault Policy. )

11.54 Engaging in behavior prohibited by the University Policy Against Hazing .

11.55 Any act that intimidates or threatens a student, staff or faculty member because of his/her intending to file, filing and/or proceeding with a police, USC Department of Public Safety or Student Conduct incident report or review.

Note: Culpability is not diminished for acts in violation of this code that are committed under the influence of any illegal drugs or controlled substances such as alcohol.

11.80 Sanctions
Sanctions for violations of the university Student Conduct Code are assessed appropriately for the cited violation. Sanctions will be considered in light of students’ entire conduct records at the university and will be designed to hold students accountable for their actions and the resulting or potential consequences of such actions, to promote the educational well-being of students and to protect the educational environment of the university and the safety of its community. All academic integrity violations will result in an academic consequence. Failure to comply with the terms of any imposed sanctions may be considered an additional violation.

When a student’s enrollment is cancelled as a result of disciplinary action resulting in marks of “W” on the student’s academic transcript, the university’s policy is not to refund tuition or fees for the cancelled courses.

One or more of the following sanctions may be imposed for violations of university regulations.

11.81 Expulsion from the University: Permanent termination of student status. Permanent notation will appear on the student’s transcript. The student will be excluded from all classes, seminars and programs; will not be allowed to participate in any university-sponsored activity; may not receive a USC degree; and is barred from university premises. If the expulsion becomes effective during a semester for which the student currently is enrolled, the student’s enrollment will be cancelled by the university resulting in marks of “W” for the enrolled courses on the student’s academic transcript.

11.82 Suspension from the University: Termination of student status for a specified but limited period of time. A permanent notation will be made on the student’s transcript indicating the period of suspension and the date of removal of suspension. During the period of suspension, the student will be excluded from all classes, seminars and programs; will not be allowed to participate in any university-sponsored activity; and is barred from university premises. A restriction will be placed prohibiting the student from performing any registration transactions during the period of suspension. The restriction will not be removed, and the student will not be allowed to perform registration transactions, until the stated period of suspension has expired. During the period of suspension, the student may not complete academic work elsewhere that may be counted toward the completion of a USC degree. Violation of the conditions of suspension, university policies or regulations during the period of suspension may be cause for further disciplinary action, usually in the form of expulsion from the university. Normally after the suspension, the student will be on disciplinary probation for a specified period of time. If the suspension becomes effective during a semester for which the student currently is enrolled, the student’s enrollment will be cancelled by the university resulting in marks of “W” for the enrolled courses on the student’s academic transcript.

11.83 Interim Suspension/Action: The Vice President for Student Affairs or designee may initiate interim suspension or action against a student or organization pending disciplinary proceedings whenever there is evidence that the student or organization poses a substantial threat to the safety or well-being of members of the university community, to property within the university community or when a student or organization poses a continuing threat of disruption or interference to normal university life or functions. A student or organization subject to interim suspension or action will be given prompt written notice of the charges and the opportunity for a review within 15 days of the notice, unless a later date shall be mutually agreed upon by the accused student or organization and the Office of Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards.
A. Interim Suspension: Exclusion from all classes, seminars and programs; prohibition of participation in university-sponsored activities and exclusion from university premises.
B. Interim Action: Includes, but is not limited to, exclusion from university housing or a specified portion thereof, or from other specified activities or areas of the campus as set forth in the written notice of Interim Action.

11.84 Revocation of Admission: The student loses admitted status to the university. The student may not continue enrollment or enroll for future semesters and may not receive a USC degree. Normally, revocation of admission precludes the student from the opportunity to apply to or be admitted to any program at the university in the future. A permanent notation will be made on the student’s transcript indicating that admission was revoked and the date of the action. If the revocation of admission becomes effective during a semester for which the student currently is enrolled, the student’s enrollment will be cancelled by the university resulting in marks of “W” for the enrolled courses on the student’s academic transcript.

11.85 Revocation of Degree: The student loses the right to claim the degree as earned. Posting of the degree will be removed from the student’s transcript, and a permanent notation will be made on the transcript indicating the revocation, the degree involved and the date of the action.

11.86 Dismissal from an Academic Unit: Permanent termination of the student’s right to enroll or participate in the classes, seminars and/or programs of a specific academic unit, school or department.
A. Undergraduate Students: Dismissal from a specific undergraduate academic unit shall not prevent undergraduate students from enrolling in other university academic units. Normally after dismissal from an academic unit, the student will be on disciplinary probation for a specified period of time.
B. Graduate Students: Students who have been dismissed from a specific graduate academic unit may not enroll in other graduate programs unless they have gained formal admission to such programs.

11.87 Removal from an individual course or section of a course: Removal precludes the student from participation in and attendance of the course or section, or any of its sessions. In multiple section courses, the student will not necessarily be allowed to transfer to another section.

11.88 Grade Sanctions: Any disciplinary grade reduction including, but not limited to, grades of F or no-credit for a course, a reduced grade for a course, grades of F or zero credit for assignments, or reduced credit for assignments.

11.89 Disciplinary Probation: Indicates that the student has engaged in unacceptable behavior and may be required to report to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards and meet specific conditions related to the violation during the probationary period. Additionally, the student is given written notice that any further violations of university policies may result in more severe sanctions such as eviction from university housing, suspension, dismissal from an academic unit or expulsion from the university.

11.90 Disciplinary Warning: Written reprimand for violations of specified university policies or regulations, including notice to the student that continued or repeated violations may be cause for further disciplinary action, normally in the form of disciplinary probation, suspension or expulsion.

11.91 Restitution: Reimbursement for damage to university property or for misappropriation of university property or services may be imposed in combination with other disciplinary action where appropriate. The student may be required to make reimbursement to the university for property damages incurred as a result of a violation of this code. Such reimbursement may take the form of monetary payment or appropriate service to repair or otherwise compensate for damages. Restitution may be assigned for minor damage to the property of individuals or groups within the university community, but adjudication of student discipline usually will defer determination of significant restitution to other appropriate processes.

11.92 Restriction or loss of computing privileges: Consequences for violation of the University Computing Policies or violations involving use of university computing services may include:
A. Restrictions placed on the use of university computing resources that may include prohibition of access to particular facilities or resources (e.g., Resnet), or limits placed on the use of university computing resources (e.g., restriction to use for specified academic work only).
B. Loss of privilege of using university computing resources for any purpose, including academic work. Loss of privilege may be temporary or permanent.

11.93 Organizational Sanctions: All residential and non-residential organizations, clubs and similar organized groups are responsible for compliance with university rules and regulations. Upon a determination that the group has encouraged violations or did not take reasonable steps as a group to prevent violations of university rules and regulations, the group may be subjected to permanent or temporary removal of recognition/registration, social probation, denial of the use of university facilities or other appropriate sanctions (see University Policy Concerning Group Responsibility for Student Organizations ).

11.94 Other Sanctions: Other sanctions may be imposed instead of or in addition to those specified in the above list. Examples include but are not limited to: university housing reassignment or removal, restrictions upon or denial of driving privileges on campus, prohibition of student leadership opportunities, counseling, community service work, research projects, seminars, classes or other educational experiences deemed appropriate. Certain sanctions also may be assigned as 'deferred' under appropriate circumstances (e.g., deferred removal from housing, deferred suspension from the university, deferred loss of organizational recognition).