Purpose of Student Conduct
Roger Williams University is a community dedicated to learning. Students live and work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect that is conducive to both personal and academic growth. Students are given considerable responsibility, and at times, intervention and education is necessary to increase the student’s awareness of the effect of their actions on others in the community. Our goal is to assist students to grow and learn from their mistakes and empower them to solve problems, communicate effectively, and contribute positively to the University and global community.
The purpose of the Student Code of Conduct and Conduct Review Process is to support a safe, healthy and inclusive campus community that is conducive to learning where students act with honesty, integrity, civility and respect for themselves and others. Any behavior that interferes with these goals, whether on or off campus, may constitute a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
Definitions and Jurisdiction
The Student Code of Conduct applies to undergraduate, graduate, law (when applicable), and continuing/professional studies students of Roger Williams University.
For purposes of the Student Code of Conduct and Conduct Review Process only, the term “student” includes all persons taking courses at Roger Williams University and its affiliated schools, either full-time or part-time, pursuing undergraduate, graduate, law, or continuing/professional studies and while pursuing credit away from the campus (e.g., study abroad, internships), or during a leave of absence. Students who are not currently enrolled in classes, but who have a continuing relationship with the university or who have been notified of their acceptance for admission are considered “students” for purposes of the Student Code of Conduct, as are persons who are living in University residence halls, although not enrolled in the University. Students are held to these expectations from the time of admission through the awarding of a degree which includes before classes begin and during the periods of breaks and between semesters.
Additionally, during the Conduct Review Process, the person making the complaint will be referred to as the "reporting" student and the person responding to the complaint will be referred to as the "responding" student.
The Student Code of Conduct applies to behavior that occurs on any University premise, at University sponsored activities on or off campus, and to off-campus conduct that adversely affects the University. All students are responsible for knowing and abiding by the Student Code of Conduct, and the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution has the authority to proceed with the Conduct Review Process at any time after a student has been accepted to the University, even after a student leaves, withdraws and/or graduates. The University reserves the right to investigate and resolve any report or incident in which a student is alleged to violate any of the principles or policies published by the University or local, state, or federal laws or regulations, regardless of the location where the incident occurs. Students are also expected to follow the policies and procedures of institutions that they may visit, including during international travel.
University and residence hall guests are expected to follow all University policies. Student hosts are accountable for the conduct of their guests and may be subject to disciplinary action as the responsible party for violations of University policy incurred by their guests. This applies to individuals, groups, and student organizations.
The University’s Conduct Review Process does not serve as an extension of or replacement for the local, state or federal civil or criminal court system. In addition, the outcome of civil or criminal proceedings concerning a violation will not control or be binding on the outcome of the Conduct Review Process for the same violation. All students should be aware that it is the policy of the University to cooperate with local, state and federal law enforcement authorities in the investigation of crime. The University will not provide a sanctuary against criminal prosecution.
Administratively revised August 2023
For a full list of Roger Williams University's policies go to the Policies & Guidelines page.