Higher education plays a vital role in educating future leaders by providing students with educational opportunities in and out of the classroom. The more time and energy students invest in educationally purposeful activities, the more they gain from their education. Learning is as much a social activity as a solitary endeavor.

To ensure NDSU students have an opportunity to gain the most from their education, they are encouraged to participate as committed citizens of the community by acting in a civil and responsible manner, accepting responsibility for actions and serving as a positive role model for others. Citizenship includes knowing and following local, state and federal laws and the University's Code of Student Behavior. Every NDSU student has the responsibility to observe and help maintain a code of personal behavior that contributes to the educational effectiveness of the university.

The Code of Student Behavior identifies core values important to an educationally purposeful environment. These values are Respect for the NDSU Community and Respect for the Protection and Rights of Others. Our goal with this code is educational and developmental as we work with students.

Respect for the NDSU Community

It is important to conduct yourself in a manner that does not negatively affect the educational mission of the university or the welfare of yourself or others including promoting an environment conducive to learning and nurturing a sense of shared and mutual community responsibility. Community also involves awareness of how personal decisions affect others.

Respect for the Protection and Rights of Others

This value communicates the importance the university places on respect for the protection and rights of others. Behaviors that inhibit the educational process are of concern, whether they occur on or off university premises. A community respecting the protection and rights of others is necessary to provide a positive and enriching educational environment.

Participation in Conflict Resolution Process

The university's relationship is with students. Our goal is to work with students in an educational and developmental manner, and to assist them to reflect on and grow from their personal experiences. For this reason, other persons may not participate in the conflict resolution process; however, a person may be present as an advisor for the student.

General Complaint Procedures

The Vice President for Student Affairs Office has established a procedure for students to file complaints regarding student concerns or other issues, and provide for orderly collection of information, address students' complaints in a timely manner by appropriate university personnel, and help students learn effective conflict resolution skills. Complaints regarding student behaviors covered in this code will be resolved according to procedures described in this document. Complaints regarding non-students or student organization constitutional/procedural issues may be resolved by other means, including, but not limited to, student court, organizational standards boards, mediation and honor commissions.

A form is available in the Vice President for Student Affairs Office, Old Main 100, the Dean of Student Life Office, Memorial Union 250 or online at www.ndsu.edu/vpsa/forms/ProblemForms.xls to assist students in stating the problem and desired resolution. Students also may arrange a meeting with the associate director of student rights and responsibilities, Memorial Union 250, any time during the process for advice and direction in resolving the problem.