Information for Faculty and Staff
How do I know if a student’s behavior violates MSU's Code of Student Conduct?
The Code of Student Conduct is available online. If you suspect a student conduct violation has occurred, please fill out the Incident Report Form. The Office of the Dean of Students will make the final determination what, if any, violations have occurred. If you would prefer, you may also contact us at (406) 994-2826 or studentconduct@montana.edu before filing a report.
How can I address students who display disruptive behavior in class?
For most instances of disruptive student behavior, we recommend that you schedule a time to meet with the student outside of class to discuss the behavior and then allow him/her an opportunity to correct the behavior. If the behavior persists, it could result in the student being charged by the Office of the Dean of Students with disruptive conduct. Please feel free to consult with the Office of the Dean of Students to determine whether a student's classroom behavior constitutes a violation of the Code of Student Conduct.
How can I provide help to a student whose behavior concerns me, but is not a conduct code violation?
If the student's behavior constitutes an immediate threat of safety for him/herself or others, please immediately call University Police (x2121). For all other behavior, please review the resources on the CARE webiste. You may then want to report a student of concern via the reporting form found on the site. Amber King, Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Welfare is also available at (406) 994-2826 or amber.king4@montana.edu. if you would prefer to consult with them before filling a report.
Curious about the student process for filing an academic grievance?
See our page on filing academic grievances.
What steps should I take when I suspect an academic misconduct violation has occurred?
- Gather any materials that verify your suspicion of academic misconduct.
- Review the incident with a fellow colleague, your department head, college dean and/or Dean of Students member to gain another perspective in the situation and familiarize yourself with the reporting process.
- Contact the student to set up a time to discuss the situation/incident.
- Meet with the student and discuss your perspective on what happened. Give the student an opportunity to share his/her perspective as well. You may want to consider inviting a colleague and/or Dean of Students staff member to join this meeting. It is also acceptable for the student to bring an additional support person with them, should they choose to do so.
- Make a determination of responsibility and notify the student in writing of your determination.
- Report the academic misconduct violation and outcome to the Office of the Dean of Students by completing the online Academic Misconduct Reporting Form.
A student’s first incident of academic misconduct is handled at the instructor’s discretion. The instructor may impose sanctions A through E of section 430.00 of the Code of Student Conduct for students found responsible of academic misconduct. These sanctions range from an oral reprimand to a lower or failing grade in the course.
If after an instructor submits the Academic Misconduct Reporting form and if it is determined that the violation was the student's second incident of academic misconduct, the student will be referred to the student conduct process. The student will have the option to sign an administrative agreement, accepting responsibility for the academic misconduct violation and agreeing to sanctions. If the student does not take responsibility for the incident, he or she will be informed of the appeals process which may ultimately result in a student conduct hearing. A student found responsible for a second incident of academic misconduct may be sanctioned with F through I of section 430.00. These sanctions range from removal of the student from the course through disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion from the University.