Non-Academic Misconduct:
“Character, conscience, citizenship, tolerance, civility, and individual and social responsibility…should be part of the standard equipment of our graduates, not options.”
- “Returning to Our Roots: The Student Experience,” Report from the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, 1997
The University of Wisconsin expects good citizenship and responsible behavior from students. When these expectations are not met, the non-academic misconduct process may be used to redirect students into more acceptable patterns of behavior. This process encourages students to take responsibility for their choices and actions, allowing the University and student jointly to determine an appropriate disciplinary response.
Many, if not most, misconduct cases result in the sanction of a formal reprimand and some sort of educational condition. However, there are an increasing number of incidents (or repeat violations) warranting a more severe level of sanction, including disciplinary probation (which is noted on official transcripts) and even suspension/expulsion. Students need to be aware that the choices they make can compromise their education and future.
Students and their parents/guardians need to know some types of behaviors may be deemed incompatible with membership in the University community and therefore may result in suspension or expulsion from the UW-system. The list below, while not exhaustive, gives some general types and examples of serious misconduct violations that may result in separation from the UW-System:
- Victimizing others (assault, stalking, and harassment).
- Compromising their own or others' health or safety (assault, arson, severe or repeated alcohol policy violations, selling or using drugs, possession of a weapon).
- Poor citizenship (theft, vandalism, giving false information, failing to abide by restrictions placed in an earlier disciplinary action)
As of Sep 1, 2009, revised UWS Chapter 17-Nonacademic Misconduct and Chapter 18-Conduct on University Lands are in effect.
UW-Madison Misconduct Investigation Process Flowchart (2011) [PDF]