Student Code of Conduct

 

This code is consistent with, and supplementary to, the Millersville University Student Code of Conduct. In addition to providing a sound educational environment for academic inquiry, Millersville University is concerned with developing socially responsible citizens, ensuring the welfare and freedom of all members of the University community, and protecting individual rights. To that end, the University seeks to promote a teaching and learning environment free from material and substantial classroom disruptions. Faculty members and teaching staff have the authority to effectively manage their classroom environments. This code is intended to promote respectful interactions with your fellow students and the instructor, and to enhance learning in a diverse environment, not to discourage appropriate classroom expression, discussion, or disagreement. By attending class meetings (regardless of venue), you implicitly consent to this code.

 

  1. Instructional Expectations, Rules, and Decorum
    Instructional Expectations and Rules are meant to foster respect, courteousness, social responsibility, and an efficient environment for learning and scholarly pursuit. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

1.           Commit yourself to learning. Remember that learning is more dependent on what you do than what the professor does. (Only the curious will learn and only the resolute overcome the obstacles to learning.)

2.           Expect to be directed toward answers, not given them. This course consists of problem-solving, and is concerned more with processes (means) than answers (ends). Pursue solutions through patient application. (If I have ever made any valuable discoveries, it has been owing more to patient attention, than to any other talent. Isaac Newton)

3.           Exhibit honesty and integrity in your academic endeavors. Submit your own work: presenting answers obtained from another source (person or non-person, e.g., another student or the Internet) is cheating and corrupts the essential process by which knowledge is advanced. Any violations will be dealt with strictly and swiftly, and will result in a formal charge filed with the Associate Provost for Academic Programs and Service. Course failure or a recommendation for temporary or permanent suspension from the academic major or University will be pursued.

4.           Respect deadlines, especially examination times. Exceptions will only be made for documented, serious circumstances. Acceptable documentation sources include physicians, clergymen, University administrators or faculty, law enforcement officials, and funeral directors. Documentation from employers will generally not be admissible, as business may be emphasized over education.

5.           Respect your fellow student and the instructor. We all share a common goal. To this end,

a)          Avoid disruptive talking, conversing, or any harassing or disconcerting speech that negatively impacts the learning environment.

b)          Refrain from using cell phones.

c)           Refrain from using portable music players.

d)          Allow your fellow students to ask and answer questions without interruption.

e)          Refrain from entering or leaving the classroom in a disruptive fashion.

f)            Avoid engaging in or displaying profane and obscene language, images, or conduct.


  1. Prohibited Behavior
    Disruptive Behavior, some of which is outlined in Section A5 above, is prohibited. "Disruptive behavior" means conduct that materially and substantially interferes with or obstructs the teaching or learning process in the context of a classroom or educational setting. Disruptive behavior includes conduct that distracts or intimidates others in a manner that interferes with instructional activities, fails to adhere to an instructor's classroom rules or instructions, or interferes with the normal operations of the University.

  2. Disciplinary Procedures for Significant Disruptions
    A student can be involuntarily removed for more than one class period or involuntarily withdrawn from a class or from the University for disruptive behavior. The following procedures will be utilized.


Step 1. The instructor of record for the course will provide one (1) warning to the student(s), communicating with the student(s) as soon as possible after the first incident of disruptive behavior to identify the behavior, review this policy, and instruct the student(s) on the behavior that is required in the future.

Step 2. If the disruptive behavior reoccurs, the instructor will ask the student(s) to leave the classroom. If the student(s) refuse to leave after being requested to do so, the instructor may summon the University Police.


Step 3. If the disruptive behavior is serious or continues, the instructor will document the disruptive behavior in writing and file a student Code of Conduct complaint with the Judicial Affairs Coordinator. This may result in dismissal from the class or expulsion from the University.