SECTION 8: Student Discipline Bylaw

Students are expected to conduct themselves responsibly with due regard for the rights of others and to maintain a high level of personal and academic integrity. Students who transgress these standards, whether expressed in policy or implied in generally accepted codes of conduct, can expect disciplinary action. Penalties arising from disciplinary actions may include fines, withholding of student privileges, suspension or expulsion from programs, or some other action specific to the situation. Penalties may also affect student eligibility to continue in their programs or to graduate.

The following are some of the policies and regulations relating to student discipline and behaviour.

1.0 Reason for Bylaw

The Student Discipline Bylaw and related Procedures provide guidance to those individuals charged with administering disciplinary action (“Disciplinary Authority”) while, at the same time, outlining the prohibited conduct and the right of appeal.

2.0 Rule/Principle

2.1 As members of the University Community, students have an obligation to act with academic integrity and in a fair and reasonable manner towards their peers, faculty, staff, administration and the physical property of the University. Academic integrity and personal conduct, both on-campus and off-campus in university-sanctioned activities, are critical elements in achieving these obligations.

2.2 Students will be subject to disciplinary action under this bylaw, for the following matters regardless of whether such behaviour is covered by other University governing documents; (bylaws, policies, procedures and regulations).

2.2.1 Academic dishonestly including, but not limited to:

(a)   academic/scientific  fraud;

(b) cheating on exams or tests;

(c) contravention of academic regulations;

(d) re-submitting own previous course work as new work;

(e) examination personation;

(f) inappropriate collaboration; and

(g) plagiarism (i.e., passing off the thoughts, writings and work of another person as one’s own).

2.2.2 Inappropriate behaviour including, but not limited to:

(a) abuse of computer privileges;

(b) alcohol and substance abuse;

(c) breach of residence hall regulations;

(d) disorderly, violent or threatening behaviour;

(e) false or misleading information made for any purpose including information in connection with:

i) application for admission;

ii) application for awards;

iii) medical certificates;

iv) letters of permission;

v) transfer of credits; and

vi) transcript/student records matters;

(f) harassment and unlawful discrimination;

(g) indecent exposure;

(h) theft;

(i) unprofessional conduct; and

(j) vandalism.

2.3 The specific jurisdiction for each of the Disciplinary Authorities is set out in “Table 1: Jurisdiction of Disciplinary Authorities” (“Table 1”). For the purposes of this document and the related Procedures document, references to Faculty/School will include University 1 and Dean/Director will include the Director of University 1.

2.4 The specific disciplinary actions available for each Disciplinary Authority are set out in “Table 2: Disciplinary Actions Available to Disciplinary Authorities” (“Table 2”).

2.5 Disciplinary Authorities having the closest connection with the particular alleged disciplinary matter are encouraged whenever possible and appropriate to resolve student disciplinary matters informally in the first instance.

2.6 Students who make complaints or appeals which are found by the Disciplinary Authority to be frivolous or made for an improper purpose, may be subject to disciplinary action.

2.7 If the disciplinary matter relates to a criminal offence, the Disciplinary Authority shall provide relevant information to Campus Security Services for potential follow-up by the appropriate policing authority.

2.8 Students have a right to appeal disciplinary actions made by a Disciplinary Authority excluding the decisions of the University Discipline Committee (“UDC”) which are final decisions.

2.9 Students are advised that the Disciplinary Authority to whom an appeal has been made may impose a more severe disciplinary action than previously recommended by a lower disciplinary body should the hearing panel, after reviewing the disciplinary evidence presented by all parties, consider the original disciplinary action insufficient.

2.10 Student are afforded the right to representation when dealing with disciplinary matters in the first instance and with respect to appeals; and both are subject to the limitations set out in the related Procedures.

2.11 No disciplinary action shall be implemented until the time for appeal has elapsed or until the Student has waived in writing the right to appeal, whichever occurs first. The only exceptions to this rule shall be:

(a) where the disciplinary action would be entered on the academic records of the Student, the Registrar shall be notified by the Disciplinary Authority implementing such disciplinary action, and shall not issue any academic transcripts until the appeal has been disposed of;

(b) where the disciplinary action relating to academic dishonestly or academic fraud may result in a change to the Student’s transcript, the Registrar shall be notified by the Disciplinary Authority implementing such disciplinary action, and shall not issue any transcripts until the appeal has been disposed of:

(c) where changes in the Student’s courses and/or program are directly related to the matter under disciplinary consideration, such changes shall not be permitted; and

(d) where the disciplinary action if not implemented, the safety of members of the University Community would be compromised.

Students may request information from their faculty or school offices, the Office of Student Advocacy, or the Office of the University Secretary.

The bylaw is available online at: umanitoba.ca/admin/governance/governing_documents/students/868.html