MSU Code of Student Conduct vs. Criminal & Civil Court Proceedings

Students should be aware that the student conduct process is quite different from criminal and civil court proceedings. Procedures and rights in the student conduct process are conducted with fairness, but do not include the same protections of due process afforded by the courts in criminal cases. Due process, as defined within these procedures, assures written notice and the opportunity to be heard before a conduct officer and/or a hearing before an impartial board or hearing officer. No student will be found in violation of the MSU Code of Student Conduct without determination that it is more likely than not that a policy violation occurred. Any sanctions will be proportionate to the severity of the violation and to the cumulative conduct history of the student.

MSU Student Conduct Program 

Students are essential members of the MSU community and are expected to uphold and abide by certain standards of conduct that form the basis of the Student Conduct Code. The student conduct program at MSU is an educational and developmental process that balances the interests of individual students with the interests of the academic community. It is not intended to punish students; rather, it exists to challenge those whose behavior is not in accordance with our policies and to protect the interests of the community. Sanctions are intended to improve the students’ moral and ethical decision-making and to help them learn more about what is expected as members of our community. In cases where students fail to live by the conduct standards or pose a threat to the continuing safety of the academic community, the conduct process may determine that the student should no longer share in the privilege of being a member of this community.

For more information on our conduct program, visit Know Your Code.

Student Rights

  1. All students have the right to a safe living and learning environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of every member of the community.
  2. Students have the right to assemble, petition for redress, and peacefully protest.
  3. Students have the right to free inquiry, to engage in an exchange of ideas, and to express opinions on campus.
  4. Students have the right to privacy of their education records.
  5. Students have the right to a fair, prompt, and clearly-defined process for addressing allegations of academic and conduct violations.
  6. Students have the right to participate in institutional governance, including fees and policies, through the Associated Students of Montana State University (ASMSU).
  7. Students have the right to expect faculty and staff to perform their duties in accordance with University policies and expectations.
  8. Students have the right to pursue a curriculum in their approved program of study that enables timely graduation.
  9. Students have the right to report policy violations to the University administration.
  10. Students have the right to express ideas and share concerns with the University administration and ASMSU, which must be heard and considered.

The student bill of rights can be viewed here. 

Student Responsibilities

  1. Be prompt and regular in attending classes;
  2. Be well prepared for classes;
  3. Submit required assignments in a timely manner;
  4. Take exams when scheduled, unless rescheduled under section 200.20, or per an approved accommodation through the Office of Disability Services;
  5. Not be disruptive or act in a way that detracts from the learning experience;
  6. Make and keep appointments when necessary to meet with the instructor or other University personnel;
  7. Meet any additional course and behavioral standards as defined by the instructor and listed in the course syllabus;
  8. Respond to communications from instructors and University personnel in a timely way;
  9. Be responsible for the honest completion and representation of their work, the appropriate citation of sources, and the respect and recognition of others' academic endeavors; and
  10. University email is the University’s primary means of communication with students. Students are responsible for all communications delivered to their designated University email address.

For additional information regarding your rights and responsibilities as a student, see Student Conduct Code.

 Visit ASMSU's website for student legal services.