The University of Lynchburg expects that every member of the campus community share in its historic commitment to academic honesty, personal integrity, and behavioral maturity. As an educational institution, the University is concerned with both the formal, in-class education of its students and their growth into mature individuals who conduct themselves as responsible citizens.
The uniqueness of the academic community requires particular sensitivity to both the individual rights of students and the rights of the University community. Rules and regulations are imperative as a basis for the orderly conduct of University activities and for maintaining an environment conducive to study, recreation, and personal growth. Regulations are intended to create sound living and learning conditions for all members of the campus community.
The University’s standards of student conduct address three major areas of integrity. The Honor Code includes both academic integrity and personal integrity. The Student Conduct Code addresses respect for the rights of both the University and the people within the community. These standards of conduct are intended to encourage honesty in academic achievement as well as personal growth and development. The University is committed to an academic environment consistent with these standards, promulgating the following desired values and attitudes:
- Personal integrity rooted in respect for truth and love of learning;
- The capacity to make discriminating judgments among competing opinions;
- The courage to express one’s convictions and to recognize the rights of others to hold and express differing views;
- Self-esteem rooted in the quest for achievement of one’s potential;
- A sense of discipline and pride in one’s work and respect for the achievements of others;
- A commitment to academic freedom as a safeguard essential to the purpose of the University and to the welfare of those who work within it;
- A sense of duty to self, family, and the larger community;
- Respect for the rights of all persons;
- A sense of and commitment to justice, rectitude, and fair play;
- Civility, including congenial relations between men and women;
- Understanding, sympathy, concern, and compassion for others;
- An understanding of and appreciation for other cultures and traditions;
- The courage to oppose the use of substances that impair one’s judgment or one’s health; and
- Respect for one’s property and the property of others, including public property.
In accepting admission to the University of Lynchburg, a student agrees to learn and abide by all University policies and procedures. Upon participation in an activity to begin one’s first academic session or semester at the University of Lynchburg (e.g., check-in, Hornet Days, orientation, or class attendance), an admitted applicant is considered a student. From this point of matriculation through the conferring of a degree (or withdrawal from the University), any report of alleged misconduct may be addressed as a violation of the University’s Honor and Student Conduct Codes, even if the student was temporarily not taking class at the time of the incident (e.g., during leaves of absence or holiday and summer breaks). The Honor and Student Conduct Codes apply to students’ behavior on campus, within the City of Lynchburg, in the surrounding counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell, and anywhere when participating in a University program/event or acting in the capacity of a University of Lynchburg student.
In addition to controlling their own behavior, students are expected to do their utmost to help maintain a high level of conduct among fellow students. University policies are set forth in writing to give students general notice of prohibited conduct; they are not designed to define misconduct in exhaustive terms and should be read broadly.
When a violation of University policy is believed to have occurred, the alleged infraction is reviewed by appropriate University officials or members of the Student Judicial Board. If a student is found responsible for violating the Honor and Student Conduct Codes, outcomes are issued to facilitate the positive growth and development of the student and to maintain effective learning and residential environments on campus. Attempts to commit acts prohibited by the Honor and Student Conduct Codes may be addressed through the same disciplinary procedures and result in the same outcomes as completed acts.
The University of Lynchburg’s Honor and Student Conduct Codes and Regulations, including disciplinary procedures, are not criminal or civil proceedings, but rather, internal administrative processes for review and address of violations of institutional policies. Criminal or civil rules of evidence are not applicable to University proceedings.
Respect for Laws
The Honor and Student Conduct Codes are based on the expectation that students will respect and obey all regulations of the University, the City of Lynchburg, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the federal government. As adults, students are obligated to obey all laws and to bear ultimate responsibility for their actions. Violations of laws committed off campus may be interpreted as having impact on or posing a threat to the University community; consequently, such violations can result in on-campus disciplinary action.
University disciplinary action may proceed during the pendency of any criminal/civil adjudication involving the same incident and is not subject to delay or challenge on the ground that criminal/civil charges are unresolved, reduced, or dismissed.
If regulations or laws are considered to be unfair or improper, it is expected that students will use appropriate, established, and lawful procedures to effect change.
Respect for Self and Others
Students are expected to conduct themselves in ways that exemplify respect for all people to personal values without unduly imposing them on others. In interpersonal relationships, students are expected to respect the rights of others, particularly their right to refuse to participate in any activity. At no time should students harass, assault, or violate the privacy of other persons.
Furthermore, students are encouraged to take responsibility to serve as leaders in promoting compassion for others and in challenging prejudice against all individuals and groups whether due to race, gender, age, marital status, religion, nationality, socioeconomic status, political persuasion, sexual orientation, disability, medical disease, veteran status, or other differences.
Last updated 8/4/2022.
