Unacceptable Student Conduct

The following categories define unacceptable conduct. Augustana University does not attempt to define every unacceptable action by formal rules and regulations. In situations not covered by specific regulations, students are expected to use common sense and to act in humane, mature and responsible ways both on and off the University campus.

Academic Integrity is vital to the academic classroom at Augustana University because it involves the search for and acquisition of knowledge and understanding. Any willful misrepresentation of the relation between the work being evaluated and the student’s actual state of knowledge is a violation of the Honor Code.

Students found to be in violation of the Honor Code policy may not withdraw from the class in which the violation occurred.

Assault is any conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of a person by acts that are painful, injurious, intimidating, insulting or offensive. This includes any willful attempt or threat to inflict physical or emotional harm, with an apparent ability to commit the act.

Dishonesty including but not limited to cheating, knowingly furnishing false information to university officials, forgery, and misuse of university documents or instruments of identification with intent to defraud.

Disorderly, indecent, or obscene conduct or expression either in or on university-owned or controlled property or at university-sponsored functions.

Disruptive conduct is any action that intentionally obstructs teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, freedom of movement, and other lawful activities on the campus and at university-sponsored events. Augustana University will not permit any individual or group from inside or outside the campus to violate the personal or civil rights of others or to obstruct the normal life and functions of the University through the use of force, violence, or obstructive behavior. The University believes that violence in any form, in any measure, under any circumstances, is an intolerable and an illegitimate means of expression.

Drugs. The University prohibits the use, possession, distribution, or sale of drugs (i.e. hallucinogens, narcotics, stimulants, and depressants) which are illegal except when prescribed by a physician. The possession of drug-related paraphernalia such as bongs and pipes are a violation of South Dakota law and are prohibited. This policy is in accordance with state and federal laws including the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. A violation of this policy is also subject to state and federal laws and will be referred to law enforcement officials.

Medical Amnesty – The University believes that the importance of seeking medical assistance when faced with an alcohol or drug related emergency far outweighs the consequences of a university policy violation. No student seeking medical assistance for themselves or for another will be subject to disciplinary action for the sole violation of an alcohol or other drug violation provided the student acts in good faith and cooperates with university officials.

Failure to comply with directives of university officials (or their designates) or law enforcement officers acting in the performance of their duties.

Harassment. The interference with the personal dignity or liberty of others, including any act of domination over others which may lead to physical injury, intimidation, or humiliation is prohibited. Examples of harassment include but are not limited to physical or emotional abuse such as hazing, stalking, defamation or intimidation. Harassment may be communicated through other persons or through the use of electronic devices such as computers or telephones.

Off-Campus Conduct.  Upon occasion, activities of students result in violation of the law, and in such cases, university officials shall be prepared to apprise students of source(s) of legal counsel and may offer other assistance. Augustana University has a vital interest in the character of its students and considers any off-campus behavior to be a reflection of a student’s character and his/her fitness to be a member of the student body. As such, the University may choose to conduct disciplinary proceedings and impose sanctions in response to grave misconduct which demonstrates flagrant disregard for the campus community. The University’s action shall be independent of civil or criminal proceedings pending in State or Federal Court.

Theft from, damage to, or malicious misuse of university-owned or controlled property or the property of any member or guest of the University community is prohibited. 

Unauthorized entry into or exit from university-owned or controlled facilities by unauthorized persons.

Weapons. Firearms, air guns, sling shots, bows, knives with blades over 6 inches in length, etc. are prohibited on university property and at university-sponsored activities in off-campus settings. A storage locker is provided for the storage of hunting weapons in the Campus Safety Office.