SPS Rules and Regulations of Student Conduct

All SPS students, as members of the Northwestern community, are expected to conduct themselves maturely and exemplify behavior consistent with Northwestern community standards. As a Northwestern student, you are expected to not only excel in the classroom but also to engage in socially responsible behavior and to model exceptional conduct, character, and citizenship on campus, online, and beyond. All members of the Northwestern community are expected to treat one another with respect and consideration. All SPS students are expected to be respectful of SPS and university staff time and resources.

SPS students are subject to University-enacted policies and standards, found on the Northwestern University website. These policies include, but are not limited to: the Student Handbook, the University Hearing and Appeals System (UHAS) procedures, and the websites of the Office of Community Standards and Office of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance (OCR) . Any violation of these policies or assisting or encouraging others in the violation of these policies may lead to student conduct action, including discipline. The list below highlights some types of misconduct, but is not exhaustive. For questions about these policies, please contact SPS Student Services.

Prohibited and restricted conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Physical or verbal abuse of any person
• Disruption of teaching or administration
• Endangering self or others, including but not limited to the physical, psychological/emotional well-being of any person, including unwanted physical contact
• Disorderly conduct that significantly interferes with the functioning of the University or a University class, program, or activity
• Interfering with the learning of others in-person and/or online
• The use of University resources or systems to interfere with the work of another student, a faculty member, or a University staff member, or that otherwise interferes with the normal operation of University systems or processes
• Acts of fraud, misrepresentation, or dishonesty, including misuse of University documents or knowingly furnishing false information to the University
• Unauthorized entry or unauthorized use of University facilities, services, equipment, account numbers, or files, including using a NetID or account assigned to another user or providing another user with access to your NetID or account
• Unauthorized taking of, or damage to, University property
• Misconduct with weapons of any description, including brandishing any such item in a manner that harms, threatens, causes to fear, or otherwise endangers others
• Discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct, which are filed directly with the Northwestern University Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance
• Failure to comply with the request or instruction of a university official or emergency personnel acting in an official capacity
• Intimidation, including in‑person or electronic behaviors that reasonably cause another person to fear harm to themselves, their property, or their reputation, such as threats, doxing, or persistent targeted harassment, as described in the Student Code of Conduct.

Some behaviors or conduct may be covered by more than one University policy or by multiple definitions in the Student Code of Conduct and SPS Conduct Policies. The University will consider all relevant conduct definitions and University policies when addressing behaviors or conduct.

Scope of the Code of Conduct
The scope of the Northwestern Student Handbook and SPS Conduct Policies applies everywhere – on and off campus, and online, including in connection with University‑sponsored programs, activities, or property.

The Northwestern Student Handbook and SPS Conduct Policies apply from the date a student receives notification of admission to Northwestern until the date a student is awarded a degree from Northwestern or completion of a course or program (even if the conduct is not discovered until after completion of program or course of study). SPS reserves the right to review and resolve reports of alleged misconduct occurring during, but not limited to, these time frames:

• During any part of the academic year
• Before classes begin or after classes end
• During the time pursuing credit away from the campus
• During periods between terms of actual enrollment
• While on leave from the University

Conduct that occurs during any of the above time periods and is not discovered until after a degree is awarded remains subject to adjudication and sanction, which may include degree revocation, as described in the Northwestern Student Handbook.

Who these SPS Student Conduct Policies Apply To
The Student Code of Conduct applies to all students, groups of students, and student organizations affiliated with SPS or the University as a whole. Student hosts are additionally responsible for any policy violations of their guests on-campus.

In addition to individual responsibility, groups of students and recognized student organizations may be held responsible for the actions and behaviors of their members and guests, consistent with the “Groups and Recognized Student Organizations” and “Collective and Individual Responsibility” provisions of the Student Code of Conduct. SPS students who knowingly affiliate with or provide assistance to unrecognized student groups or organizations may also be subject to conduct action under the University’s Misconduct Related to Unrecognized Student Organizations or Groups policy.

Student Categories (for Conduct Process Purposes)
For purposes of conduct process routing and resolution, SPS students generally fall into the categories below. The student’s primary academic program of enrollment governs, and where conduct occurs in connection with a specific program or instructional setting, SPS may apply the conduct processes most directly related to that context.

1. Credit-bearing credential programs (degree or certificate) (undergraduate or graduate).
2. Students-at-Large (non-degree, credit-bearing course enrollment): SPS students taking individual credit-bearing courses but not admitted to a certificate or degree program.
3. Non-credit Professional Development Programs (PDP) (processes adapted in the PDP handbook).
4. Program-specific adaptations (e.g., Northwestern Prison Education Program (NPEP)).

How Conduct Matters Are Routed
Reports of alleged misconduct involving SPS students may be addressed through:

1. Referral to a University office with responsibility for the applicable policy and procedures (for example, the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance or the Office of Community Standards), and/or
2. SPS school-based resolution as described below, depending on the nature of the allegation and the student’s program of enrollment.

Student Conduct Processes

Relationship to UHAS and other University resolution processes
The University Hearing and Appeals System (UHAS) is the University’s conduct process administered by the Office of Community Standards (OCS). Some non-academic matters involving SPS students may be resolved through UHAS when a matter is referred to OCS. Other matters may be resolved by SPS through school-based processes adopted by SPS. When SPS resolves a matter through a school-based process, the matter is not also resolved through UHAS. Nothing in this SPS section should be read as incorporating UHAS procedures into SPS school-based resolutions or as creating any contractual or procedural beyond those required by applicable law.

Alleged Violations (Triage/Referral)
Alleged violations of non-academic University policy or professional standards by SPS students will be reviewed by the SPS Associate Dean of Student Services and/or designee to determine if a case will move forward. Options include:

• Close the case due to insufficient information;
• School resolution by the Associate Dean of Student Services, and/or designee;
• Refer case to the Office of Community Standards for resolution; or
• Refer case to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance or other appropriate University office.

All cases that involve alleged violations of the University’s policies on Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct or Policy on Title IX Sexual Harassment are referred to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (NU‑OCR) and are resolved through the applicable NU‑OCR policies and procedures, as described in the Student Handbook and the NU-OCR website.

SPS students in undergraduate and graduate credit‑bearing credential programs whose alleged non‑academic misconduct may result in separation from the University (for example, suspension, expulsion, or degree revocation) may be referred to the Office of Community Standards (OCS) for resolution under the University Hearing and Appeals System (UHAS). Cases that do not have the potential to result in separation from the University may be resolved by the SPS Associate Dean of Student Services and/or designee through school‑based processes.

Additionally, interim actions may be considered while a matter is pending. For matters referred to and proceeding under OCS, UHAS or OCR processes, interim actions will be determined and administered in accordance with those processes.

For matters resolved through SPS school-based processes, interim actions will be determined and administered by SPS, which may differ from UHAS or OCR procedures. Interim actions in SPS‑adjudicated matters are administrative measures determined by SPS in its discretion, based on the circumstances of the case and institutional needs. SPS may implement, modify, or remove such measures at any time. These measures are not governed by UHAS or OCR procedures, and nothing in this section incorporates or guarantees the availability of interim measures, processes, or procedures described in the Northwestern Student Handbook or UHAS Appendix for matters resolved by SPS.

Students-at-Large
SPS students taking individual credit-bearing courses but not admitted to a certificate or degree program (“students-at-large”), are expected to comply with all applicable Northwestern University policies. Failure to follow University policies shall be considered a breach of terms and conditions for enrollment, and SPS may, at its discretion, remove a student from the applicable individual course enrollment(s) or implement other appropriate sanctions.

When SPS addresses a students-at-large matter through school-based resolution (rather than referral to another University office), SPS will provide notice of the concern and an opportunity for the student to respond, consistent with the SPS Student Conduct Procedures below, as adapted for students-at-large.

Program-Level Requirements
Students in the following programs are subject to procedures tailored to their academic program and relationship to the university:

• Non-credit Professional Development Programs (PDP). Students in the SPS PDP programs should refer to the PDP handbook for the adapted processes specific to their type of program.
• Northwestern Prison Education Program (NPEP). NPEP students should refer to the NPEP Student Conduct Rules and Processes, where conduct processes are adapted to the parameters dictated by offering education in coordination with a correctional facility.

In the event a student qualifies under more than one SPS student category (for example, a student-at-large who is also enrolled in a credit-bearing program, including the Northwestern Prison Education Program), the conduct policies and procedures applicable to the student’s primary academic program of enrollment will govern. Where conduct occurs in connection with a specific program or instructional setting, SPS may apply the conduct processes most directly related to that context.

SPS Student Conduct Procedures
These SPS conduct procedures apply to all SPS students whose conduct allegations are not referred to an external University office, such as the Office of Community Standards or the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance. While these procedures apply to all conduct allegations resolved by SPS, some procedures differ for SPS students in non-credit-bearing programs and those taking individual courses as a student-at-large, as noted herein. SPS may adapt the format, timing, and decision-maker(s) for non-credit program students and students-at-large consistent with their program relationship to the University and the nature of the allegation.

Notification
When the Associate Dean of Student Services or designee determines that a code of conduct violation allegation will move forward within the School of Professional Studies, the student involved is notified in writing. Official notifications are typically sent to the student’s Northwestern University email address and/or other contact information on file with the University. Students are responsible for monitoring their University email. The notification will typically include a brief description of the alleged misconduct, including the time, date, and place the incident allegedly occurred, a list of any University policies allegedly violated, and the next steps. Students may be asked for a written response to the allegations and may be asked to discuss the case. The list of policies allegedly violated may be modified based on additional information revealed during the case review.

Resolution Format
Cases being considered within the School of Professional Studies will provide the respondent with the allegation to review and provide an opportunity to give one’s own account of the situation. Outcomes will be communicated in a reasonable timeframe in writing. The Outcome Notification letter will be added to the student's academic record. All students have the right to request an Administrative Appeal of finding(s) and/or sanction(s). SPS may also use informal resolution or alternative resolution options, such as educational meetings, formal advisory letters, or mediated agreements, as described in UHAS Student Handbook Appendix.

Standard of Evidence
Northwestern University Office of Community Standards, Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, and SPS use the preponderance of the evidence standard in reviews and hearings. This means that the reviewer, conduct administrator(s), or panel must determine more likely than not what occurred.

It is the responsibility of every member of the academic community to be familiar with these procedures and to bear in mind relevant policies governing activities not directly addressed herein, such as internships, specific undergraduate programs, and University research.

Participation
The University expects students to participate promptly and fully in all aspects of the student conduct process. If a student elects not to participate in any part of the process, the case may proceed and be resolved without the student’s participation. Students may be held accountable for any outcomes issued, even if they fail to participate.

Request for Review of an SPS School-Based Resolution
UHAS matters. If a matter is referred to and resolved by OCS under UHAS, any request for review/appeal is governed by UHAS and the Student Handbook Appendix (including the distinct review/appeal processes that apply depending on whether the case is a non-separation level matter resolved through an Administrative Hearing or a separation-level matter).

SPS school-based matters. If SPS resolves a matter through SPS school-based processes (i.e., not through OCS/UHAS), the student may request an SPS review as described below. This SPS review is not a UHAS “Administrative Appeal,” “Administrative Review,” or “Appeal,” and SPS school-based resolutions are not governed by UHAS procedures.

A student found responsible through an SPS school-based resolution may submit a written request for SPS review within the timeframe stated in the outcome letter. The SPS reviewer(s) will be designated by SPS and may affirm the decision, modify the decision, or request additional review as appropriate.

If a matter is handled by OCS under UHAS, UHAS controls the review/appeal process. If a matter is handled and resolved by SPS through SPS school-based processes, SPS controls the SPS review process described above.

These SPS procedures are school-based processes and may differ from UHAS processes used by OCS. SPS retains discretion to adapt school-based procedures to the circumstances, consistent with applicable law. The SPS catalog is not a contract and does not create express or implied procedural rights beyond those required by applicable law.

Student Classroom Conduct
All course participants are expected to behave in a manner conducive to a successful and enjoyable learning experience. Sometimes, relatively harmless things can disrupt the classroom dynamic; for example, some students unintentionally dominate class discussions. Students must think about their role in class as individual students but also as an integral part of a group experience. Some disruptions are of a more serious nature and cannot be tolerated.

Serious or persistent classroom or online disruptions, including threatening, harassing, or discriminatory behavior, may result in removal from the learning environment for that session, additional academic action within the course, and/or referral to the Office of Community Standards for review under the Student Code of Conduct.

These policies extend to student interaction with administrative staff. Students should review the Rules and Regulations of Student Conduct. Students with questions about these policies should contact SPS Student Services.

Academic Integrity and Ethics
Students are responsible for knowledge of the information provided by the University Academic Integrity Policy. SPS adheres to the University’s Academic Conduct Policies in the Student Handbook, including the Basic Standards of Academic Integrity and the Eight Cardinal Rules of Academic Integrity. SPS students are responsible for knowing and following these policies in all academic work.

Academic integrity is fundamental to every facet of the scholarly process and is expected of every student in the School of Professional Studies in all academic undertakings. Integrity involves firm adherence to academic honesty and to ethical conduct consistent with values based on standards that respect the intellectual efforts of both oneself and others.

Ensuring integrity in academic work is a joint enterprise involving both faculty and students. Among the most important goals of undergraduate education are maintaining an environment of academic integrity and instilling in students a lifelong commitment to the academic honesty that is fundamental to good scholarship. These goals are best achieved as a result of effective dialogue between students and faculty mentors regarding academic integrity and sensitivity to the nuances of ethical conduct in scholarly work. SPS strongly encourages students to visit the University’s Writing Place, which provides a wealth of information about the proper use of resources. This University published a helpful primer, Academic Integrity: A Basic Guide.

Standards of academic honesty are violated whenever a student engages in any action that jeopardizes the integrity of scholarly work. Such actions include cheating in the classroom or on examinations; the intentional and deliberate misuse of data in order to draw conclusions that may not be warranted by the evidence; fabrication of data; omission or concealment of conflicting data for the purpose of misleading other scholars; submitting identical or nearly identical work for two different courses; use of another's words, ideas, or creative productions without citation in either the text or in footnotes; paraphrasing or summarizing another's material in such a way as to misrepresent the author's intentions; and use of privileged material or unpublished work without permission. Academic dishonesty is a serious matter for undergraduate students committed to intellectual pursuits, and it will be adjudicated in accordance with procedures approved by the School of Professional Studies.

It is also a violation of academic integrity to aid or abet another person’s academic dishonesty, including providing material or other assistance with the knowledge that it may be used to cheat, or posting or selling class materials (such as exams, homework, solutions, or original course content) to websites or platforms that distribute such materials, as described in the Student Handbook.

It is the responsibility of every member of the academic community to be familiar with these procedures and to bear in mind relevant policies governing activities not directly addressed herein, such as internships, specific undergraduate programs, and University research. Students are responsible for knowledge of the information provided by the Undergraduate Academic Conduct Committee by which SPS undergraduate students are governed.

Discrimination and Harassment
Northwestern University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, reproductive health decision making, height, weight, or any other classification protected by law in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates. Harassment, whether verbal, physical, or visual, that is based on any of these characteristics, is a form of discrimination. Further prohibited by law is discrimination against any employee and/or job applicant who chooses to inquire about, discuss, or disclose their own compensation or the compensation of another employee or applicant.

Northwestern University complies with federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination based on the protected categories listed above, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX requires educational institutions, such as Northwestern, to prohibit discrimination based on sex (including sexual harassment) in the University’s educational programs and activities, including in matters of employment and admissions. In addition, Northwestern provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants, students, and employees with disabilities and to individuals who are pregnant.

Any alleged violations of this policy or questions with respect to nondiscrimination or reasonable accommodations should be directed to:
Northwestern’s Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance
1800 Sherman Avenue, Suite 4-500
Evanston, Illinois 60208
847-467-6165
OCR@northwestern.edu

Questions specific to sex discrimination (including sexual misconduct and sexual harassment) should be directed to:
Northwestern’s Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance
1800 Sherman Avenue, Suite 4-500
Evanston, Illinois 60208
847-467-6165
TitleIXCoordinator@northwestern.edu

A person may also file a complaint with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights regarding an alleged violation of Title IX by visiting www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html or calling 800-421-3481. Inquiries about the application of Title IX to Northwestern may be referred to Northwestern’s Title IX Coordinator, the United States Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, or both.

Sexual Harassment
Northwestern University is committed to the maintenance of an environment free of discrimination and all forms of coercion that impede the academic freedom or diminish the dignity of any member of the University community. The University emphasizes this policy specifically as it pertains to the prevention of sexual harassment and to the obligations of all students, faculty, administrators, and staff in this regard.

It is the policy of Northwestern University that no member of the Northwestern community of any gender identity — students, faculty, administrators, or staff — may sexually harass any other member of the community.

For more information on discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment policies and to get help and advice, please visit the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance or contact:

Northwestern's Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance
1800 Sherman Avenue, Suite 4-500
Evanston, Illinois 60208-1117
847-467-6165
OCR@northwestern.edu

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), all students have certain rights with regard to their educational records. A copy of Northwestern’s student records policy is available at the above link. FERPA grants students the rights to inspect and review their educational records at Northwestern University; request an amendment of their records to ensure the records are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of privacy or other rights; consent to release or to restrict disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in their educational records, except under certain limited circumstances when, by law, consent is not required; and file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Northwestern University to comply with FERPA requirements.

Student Recording Policy
Unauthorized student recording of classroom, Northwestern-related events (e.g., Student Leadership Council events), or other academic activities (including advising sessions or office hours) is prohibited. Unauthorized recording is unethical and may also be a violation of University policy and state law. Students requesting the use of assistive technology as an accommodation should contact AccessibleNU. Unauthorized use of any recordings – including distributing or posting them – is also prohibited. Under the University’s Copyright Policy, faculty own the copyright to instructional materials – including those resources created specifically for the purposes of instruction, such as syllabi, lectures and lecture notes, and presentations. Students cannot copy, reproduce, display, or distribute these materials. Students who engage in unauthorized recording, unauthorized use of a recording, or unauthorized distribution of instructional materials will be referred to the appropriate University office for follow-up. For more information, please see the University’s general policy regarding student recordings: https://www.northwestern.edu/provost/policies-procedures/classwork-curricular-policies/recording-class.html