Office of Community Standards

Mission Statement

National University endeavors to provide and maintain a safe and healthy environment for students, employees, and visitors.

The Office of Community Standards (OCS) seeks to enhance student learning by creating an educationally purposeful, ethical and caring community, while protecting the larger interests of National University. Through the fair, timely, and consistent administration of the student conduct process, OCS promotes student learning by guiding principles of integrity, community, social justice, respect, and responsibility.

The Office of Community Standards

What is Student Conduct?

The Office of Community Standards (OCS) provides an oversight of the student disciplinary process and is a resource for university employees on student-related matters.

OCS contributes to the holistic development of students by administering the Student Code of Conduct Policy through equitable practices that promote education, foster a sense of accountability, and encourage community responsibility and mutual respect.

OCS goals:

Create and implement programs and services that aim to increase awareness of NU community expectations for behavior.
Cultivate campus and community partnerships that serve to broaden the reach and increase awareness of the OCS, and how it supports the NU community.
Enhance student learning and inter-personal development by intentionally crafting educational sanctions that are timely, consistent, fair, and strive to minimize Student Code of Conduct Policy violations.

Student Learning Outcomes

In an effort to promote integrity and ethical decision making the OCS has identified the following Student Learning Outcomes for student(s) who participate in the student conduct process:

Understand how the Standards for Student Discipline support the university community.
Gain perspective on the impact of their choices and decisions in support of their academic and personal goals and success.
Reflect on their ethical obligations as a student and professional.
Gain perspective and an understanding of how their behavior impacts the community.
Recognize the value of the student conduct process as an educational opportunity.

Student Code of Conduct Policy

Student Code of Conduct Policy can be found in the NU General Catalog: Policies & Procedures.

The Office of Community Standards(OCS) oversees the disciplinary process on student related concerns.

OCS understands the challenges and concerns students may face during their academic journey. OCS is dedicated to supporting students, faculty, and staff in addressing any complaints or potential academic or behavioral issues that may arise while ensuring alignment with our Student Code of Conduct Policy.

Our processes are student-centered and transparent, reflecting our commitment to these values. Our goal is to help NU students learn, grow, and develop as they navigate their education.

We emphasize the importance of a trauma-informed approach, fostering a supportive environment for all students. By upholding our policy, we aim to create a campus culture where everyone feels valued and understood.

Every student at NU is expected to exercise independent thought and expression as he or she strives for academic achievement. Incorporated in the quest for intellectual growth are the expectations of honesty, originality in written and oral expression, a respect for the exchange of ideas, and acknowledgement and recognition of the abilities and contributions of others.

If you have any questions or concerns about the online form or process, contact OCS at osc@nu.edu.

All reports are acted on promptly and every effort is made to preserve the privacy of reports.
Information is shared on a need to know basis balancing privacy with the safety of the NU community.
There is no time limit to file a report. However, when more time passes, it limits our ability to investigate, responds and provide remedies.

Academic Misconduct Referral Form

Behavioral Misconduct Referral Form

Academic Integrity

National University is dedicated to the highest principles and standards of academic integrity. An academic violation by a student can negatively impact a class, program and/or college in ways that are unique to each discipline. Therefore, the University believes that the severity of an academic infraction is best evaluated by the faculty of the institution.

Academic integrity is closely related to professional ethics and requires that students honestly acknowledge their use of the ideas, words, and written work produced by any other individual, institution or source. Intentional or unintentional failure to acknowledge properly the use of another’s intellectual output constitutes a form of academic dishonesty.

Some examples may include, but are not limited to:

Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise
Submitting work previously submitted in another course without the consent of the instructor
Sitting for an examination by surrogate or acting as a surrogate
Representing the words, ideas, or work of another as one’s own in any academic exercise
Conducting any act that defrauds the academic process

For more information, please visit the Student Code of Conduct Policy.

For more information on AI and Academic Integrity, please visit the Faculty-Student Integration Playbook: Faculty: Academic Integrity.

Student Frequently Asked Questions

It’s a set of rules, regulations, and ethical guidelines outlining expected behavior and standards of conduct for students. It covers a wide range of behaviors, including academic dishonesty, disruptive behavior, and disrespectful interactions.

NU General Catalog: Policies & Procedures

A referral is the first step in the student conduct process. It describes an Academic or Behavioral incident that allegedly violates the Student Code of Conduct. Referrals are submitted to OCS for resolution.

The student rights are located in full in the Student Code of Conduct Policy.

The letter will inform you of an alleged Civility violation as per the Student Code of Conduct Policy. This is notice is not a permanent conduct record, it serves as a written warning.

The letter will inform you of an alleged Academic Integrity violation as per the Student Code of Conduct Policy. The notice will include the Grade Appeal Procedures.

The letter will inform you of the alleged policy violation and who the assign investigator is. You’ll have the opportunity to respond to the allegations and explain your side of the story. You should connect with the assigned Investigator to schedule a meeting to discuss the matter as soon as possible.

No, but it is highly recommended so you can share your side of the story. You are not automatically found in violation, the meeting is to discuss the alleged violation with the investigator during your initial meeting.

NU will proceed with the conduct process without your participation.

You can bring a support person. If a support person will be attending, please let the investigator know prior the meeting since we will be discussing matters pertaining to your educational records.

Violations are resolved as per the Student Code of Conduct Policy.

First, consult with your professor and follow the class syllabus.

If the behavior continues, you or the professor are encouraged to report any knowledge of an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct Policy. OCS has two types of referral forms found our website: Academic Misconduct and Behavioral Misconduct.

You may be able to appeal the decision, but you must meet the grounds of the appeal. For more information on the appeal process, please visit the Student Code of Conduct Policy.

Submit the report in writing as soon as possible after the alleged violation at www.nu.edu/reportit.

The Student Code of Conduct Policy may still apply, especially if the incident involves university-sponsored events or activities.

Office of Community Standards (OCS) may contact you for a variety of reasons, including being identified as a witness. Student conduct meetings are typically a discussion between the student and the assigned investigator.

Faculty and Staff FAQ’s

NU General Catalog: Policies & Procedures

A referral is the first step in the student conduct process. It describes an Academic or Behavioral incident that allegedly violates the Student Code of Conduct Policy. Referrals are submitted to OCS for resolution.

Submit the report in writing as soon as possible after the alleged violation at www.nu.edu/reportit.

For Faculty and Staff full FAQ’s and training guide, please visit OCS sharepoint at:

https://natuniv.sharepoint.com/sites/studentconduct/SitePages/Home.aspx?spStartSource=spappbar or https://natuniv.sharepoint.com/sites/Academics/SitePages/Office-of-Student-Conduct.aspx

Resources

The Office of Community Standards (OSC) is engaged in providing guidance to students, faculty, and staff.

For more faculty and staff resources available to you, please visit OCS sharepoint at:

https://natuniv.sharepoint.com/sites/studentconduct/SitePages/Home.as px?spStartSource=spappbar or https://natuniv.sharepoint.com/sites/Academics/SitePages/Office-of-Student-Conduct.aspx