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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Students reading in a hammock

Rights and Responsibilities


Student Rights

Students of the University of Oklahoma are guaranteed certain rights by the constitutions of the United States and the State of Oklahoma and the University of Oklahoma Student Government Association. In recognition of those rights and in keeping with the values underlying them, the University of Oklahoma respects the following student rights:

  1. To pursue an education as long as the University’s applicable academic standards, policies, regulations and applicable laws are followed;
  2. To certain procedural due process, including notice and an opportunity to be heard;
  3. To a prompt, fair, and impartial process during University investigations and proceedings, from an initial investigation to the final result;
  4. In cases involving sexual misconduct, the complainant/reporting party and the respondent have the right to have the investigation and proceedings conducted by officials with annual training on issues related to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking, and on how to conduct an investigation and hearing process that protects the safety of victims and promotes accountability;
  5. To request appropriate action from the administration for any violation of a right guaranteed by this Code;
  6. To establish or disseminate publications free from any censorship or other official action controlling editorial policy or content, in accordance with applicable regulations and University policy;
  7. To invite and hear any speaker of choice on any subject, in accordance with applicable regulations and University policy;
  8. To use campus facilities, in accordance with applicable regulations and University policy; 
  9. To peaceably assemble, to demonstrate, inform, or protest, in accordance with applicable regulations and University policy;
  10. To be secure in his/her possessions, against invasion of privacy, and unreasonable search and seizure;
  11. To form, join and participate in any student organization or group without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs or status as a veteran. Provided, in accordance with Oklahoma state law, a religious student association may choose to limit its membership or leadership based on the sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, or practices of the group; and
  12. Not to be charged more than once for once incident by the Office of Student Conduct.

According to the Interim Student Rights and Responsibilities Code, 2020-2021

Student Responsibilities

Students of the University of Oklahoma are responsible for complying with all local, state, and federal laws. As members of the University community, students are also responsible for familiarizing themselves with University policies and regulations when applicable.

In addition, students involved in disciplinary proceedings initiated under this Code, whether as parties, witnesses, or panelists, have a duty to cooperate and discuss the incident with appropriate University officials, adhere to stated deadlines, attend scheduled meetings, provide documentation as requested and participate in all University proceedings. Failure to fulfill these responsibilities may result in a decision being made without the benefit of the student’s participation, or may result in a student being charged with failing to comply with the direction of a University official.

Students are responsible for meeting the University’s minimal standards of appropriate conduct and may be disciplined for engaging in prohibited conduct as outlined in the Code.

According to the Interim Student Rights and Responsibilities Code, 2020-2021

Prohibited Conduct
  1. Abusive conduct: Unwelcome conduct that is sufficiently severe and pervasive that it alters the conditions of education or employment and creates an environment that a reasonable person would find intimidating, harassing, or humiliating. The frequency of the conduct, its severity, and whether it is threatening or humiliating are factors that will be considered in determining whether conduct is abusive. Abusive conduct includes verbal abuse, physical abuse, or holding a person against his or her will. Simple teasing, offhanded comments and isolated incidents (unless extremely serious) will not amount to abusive conduct.
  2. Alcohol violations: Possessing, using, providing, manufacturing, distributing, or selling alcoholic beverages on or off campus in violation of law or University policies.
  3. Arson: The willful setting fire to or burning of a structure or its contents or the property of another.
  4. Dishonesty: Manufacturing, possessing, providing, making, or using false information or omitting relevant information to University officials or on University applications, forging, altering or misusing a University record or document, initiating a false report, and knowingly using or possessing forged, altered or false documents or records.
  5. Disruption or obstruction of a University activity: Interference with, obstruction or disruption of University activities such as teaching, research, recreation, meetings, public events and disciplinary proceedings.
  6. Drug violations: Possessing, using, providing, manufacturing, distributing, or selling drugs or drug paraphernalia in violation of law or University policies. This includes the use or possession of prescription drugs other than by the person prescribed or for a purpose other than what was prescribed.
  7. Ethical or professional code violations, violation of licensure board rules and regulations, state and federal laws, and/or other applicable regulatory or privileges issues: as defined by the student’s College or professional association or licensure board, as may be applicable to the student(s), or applicable laws or regulations.
  8. Failing to abide by or complete a University sanction in a satisfactory manner: Failure to adhere to sanctions or engaging in other prohibited conduct while on disciplinary probation or suspension.
  9. Failure to comply with the direction of a University official who is performing his or her duties: This responsibility includes complying with faculty/staff requirements and directions of study abroad programs, including off-limits designations and other restrictions or instructions.
  10. Failure to keep records up to date: Failing to keep Admissions and Records notified of current school and/or permanent directory information, including email information.
  11. Hazing: Any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health, safety, or welfare of an individual for the purpose of initiation, participation, admission into or affiliation with any organization at the University, as defined by Oklahoma or federal law.
  12. Interfering with, obstructing or disrupting police or fire responses: Tampering with, impairing, disabling, or misusing fire protection systems such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, or alarms; failing to evacuate during a fire alarm; resisting arrest; failing to abide by the directions of police or fire personnel.
  13. Mental harassment: Intentional conduct that is so extreme and outrageous that a reasonable person would not tolerate it.
  14. Misuse of computing facilities: Misusing computer labs and equipment as well as technology resources including the Internet, University networks, computer software, data files belonging to others, email addresses and accounts belonging to others, University databases and violating University Information Technology computing policies.
  15. Misuse or defacement of University property: Damage to or misuse of equipment, property, furniture, facilities and buildings belonging to the University.
  16. Misuse or defacement of property belonging to another.
  17. Retaliation: Taking any adverse action against a person because of, or in retaliation for, the person’s reporting of a crime or violation of University policy, or in assisting in such a claim.
  18. Sexual Misconduct: Refer to Section III Prohibited Sexual Misconduct
  19. Stalking (not gender based): Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person's safety or the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress.
  20. Theft: Possessing property that is known or should have been known to be stolen, taking property without the consent of the owner, even with intent to return the property, or obtaining property by false pretenses.
  21. Unauthorized entry or exit or attempted entry or exit: Entering or exiting or attempting to do the same without authority or consent with respect to University facilities, property belonging to another, and fraternity and sorority houses.
  22. Violation of local, state, federal law or University regulation or policy.
  23. Weapons violations, possession of weapons, firearms, explosives, fireworks, ammunition or incendiary devices on campus: Actual or constructive possession or control of any weapon, including but not limited to air pistols, air rifles, lock blades, fixed blades, knives with a blade longer than four inches, blackjacks, metal knuckles, chemical substances, bombs, or any other device found to be a violation of this Code by Student Conduct. Instruments designed to look like any of the above are included in this prohibition.

According to the Interim Student Rights and Responsibilities Code, 2020-2021

Organization Strikes
OrganizationExpiration date
Delta Gamma             Strike 18/3/2025
Phi Delta Alpha          Strike 111/1/2025
Tau Kappa Omega     Strike 111/1/2025
Kappa Sigma              Strike 211/23/2025
Beta Theta Pi              Strike 112/16/2025

Downloads

Office of Student Conduct
Walker Center, Room 209W
Norman, OK 73019
(405) 325-1540
Updated 2/9/2023 by Office of Student Conduct: studentconduct@ou.edu