Standards of Conduct

Education for individual development is the central focus of the Ottawa University experience. The aims and objectives of Ottawa University permeate this general theme and provide the context for regulations.

First, Ottawa University is a Christian liberal arts and professional studies institution. This definition particularizes the aims and expectations of the members of the University community and underlies the standards and policies of the institution.

Second, there is convincing evidence that a major portion of student social and value development occurs outside the classroom. Regulations are designed to provide maximum opportunity for out-of-class learning and student development.

Third, the Ottawa and Surprise campuses are distinctly residential and their aim is to sustain the kind of community life in which a student’s total educational experience is deepened and enriched. The rights and responsibilities of the individual are considered within the context of the basic standards necessary to maintain a sense of community. In this context, the University has developed clear statements of institutional standards of behavior and expectations for each student. These standards and expectations are consistent with, but distinct from, specific regulations, which are the minimum regulations necessary. These standards are:

To maintain order and to control behavior that impinges upon the freedom and privacy of other persons.
To maintain a way of student life that is physically and psychologically healthy.
To protect the University from behavior that threatens its ability to exercise its responsibility and to achieve its educational mission.
To preserve satisfactory relations with the larger University constituency so that the residential campuses can marshal the necessary resources to devote attention to their primary tasks.

With this in mind, the University assumes that residential students are responsible members of the University community. Students at the residential campuses must act in such a manner as to reflect their consideration and respect for the rights and welfare of other individuals and of the community as a whole.

Students whose behavior, on or off campus, is inconsistent with the Christian or academic traditions and standards of the institution are subject to disciplinary action.

The University reserves the right to impose sanctions up to, and including, expulsion from the institution. Unless otherwise specified, the following actions are prohibited at any time during which the person is a student at the University regardless of whether or not classes are in session, whether on University property or at other places:

All forms of dishonesty including cheating, plagiarism and supplying false information, as well as forgery or use of documents or instruments of identification with intent to mislead or defraud.
Theft of or damage to the property of another person or of the University, as well as receiving, retaining or disposing of the lost or mislaid property of another person or of the University.
Unauthorized entry, use or occupation of University facilities, as well as the unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any University facility.
Physical, verbal or written harassment or abuse of another person, as well as threatening or attempting to inflict personal injury, or creating a substantial risk of such injury to another person, or any violation of the university's policy regarding prohibited discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation.
Misusing or tampering with fire alarms, fire fighting equipment or safety equipment.
The unauthorized selling, purchasing, producing, or possession of any lethal weapons, explosives, fireworks, or devices.
Engaging in illegal gambling.
Possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and/or drug paraphernalia. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior, property damage or personal harassment as a consequence of illicit drug use.
Possession, consumption and being under the influence of or the providing of beverages containing alcohol on property owned or supervised by the University or at University functions. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior, property damage or personal harassment as a consequence of alcohol consumption. Funds collected by members of the University cannot be used to purchase such beverages.
Engaging in such conduct as public nudity, indecent exposure or unlawful cohabitation.
Engaging in or inciting others to engage in conduct, that disturbs the peace of the University, involves a significant disruption of University activity, or impedes reasonable freedom of expression or movement of other members of the University community or its guests.
Failing to comply with the directions of authorized University personnel in the performance of their assigned duties.
Violating other regulations of the University including, but not limited to, those pertaining to residence halls, motor vehicles, and all university facilities.
Hazing that constitutes an invasion of rights, causing bodily harm, physical exhaustion, suffering or personal offense, or that interferes with the regular activities of the University.
Inappropriate behavior off campus, which may bring embarrassment to the University.
Physically intimate sexual activities on or within the grounds and facilities of the campus community or at activities associated with a University-sponsored activity.
Using access codes or other telephone software elements to create harassing, threatening, racial, or lewd messages received by others and/or enable the calling party to have a call inappropriately billed to another party.
Tobacco use in any building on campus.
Solicitation except for student-, faculty- or staff- produced articles (such as paintings, pottery, cakes, jewelry, t-shirts, etc.) or with the consent of the appropriate campus provost or director.

The University also believes all individuals are entitled to be free from sexual harassment in the development of relationships within the University community; thus, it does not condone sexual activity that violates the integrity of another human being.