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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; Provided further pursuant to Title IX, certain tax-exempt nonprofessional, social fraternities and sororities may be permitted to restrict membership based on sex; and

12. Not to be charged more than once for one incident by the Office of Student Conduct.

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 Student Conduct 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. Nothing herein shall be interpreted as abridging one’s right to be free from self-incrimination.

Students are responsible for meeting the University’s minimal standards of appropriate conduct and may be subject to Student Conduct proceedings for engaging in prohibited conduct. The following prohibited conduct is inclusive, but not exhaustive: 

Prohibited Conduct

  1. Any violation of the Academic Integrity Code. Complaints alleging prohibited academic misconduct must be directed to the Office of Academic Integrity (Norman programs) or Academic Affairs (Health Sciences Center programs).
  2. Any violation of other college, graduate, professional, ethical, or other applicable academic codes or licensure board.
  1. Any violation of the University’s Alcohol Policy (Norman Campus).
  2. Possessing, using, providing, manufacturing, distributing, or selling alcoholic beverages in violation of law or University policy.
  3. Use or possession of alcoholic beverage(s) by an individual under the age of 21.
  4. Driving while under the influence of alcohol.
  5. Intoxication to the point of endangering oneself or another person’s health or safety, regardless of age.
  6. Possessing or presenting false identification to a University official or local, state, federal law enforcement.
  7. Providing alcohol to individual(s) under the age of 21.
  1. Attempting to commit, knowingly permitting, or being an accessory by knowingly aiding, conspiring, or assisting others with any act prohibited by this Code. 
  1. Disorderly conduct: Unreasonable and material behavior that is disruptive, lewd, or a breach of peace, including inciting others to do so.
  2. Disruption or obstruction of a University activity: Unreasonable and material disruption or obstruction of a University activitiy such as teaching, research, recreation, meetings, public events, programs, services, administrative functions, and conduct proceedings.
  3. Harassment: Behavior that is severe, pervasive, or persistent to a degree that a reasonable person would not tolerate and effectively denies or interferes with equal access to University education, employment, benefits or privileges. This includes verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, stalking, and coercion. In addition, harassment may be conducted by a variety of mediums including physical, vocal, written, or electronic.
  4. Physical assault: Any physical force, causing, or that could reasonably cause, bodily harm upon any person including assault, fighting, brawling, or restraining someone against their will.
  5. Threatening behavior: A serious expression of intent to commit an act of unlawful violence against a particular individual, identifiable group, or damage to property. The threatening violence, including intimidation, causes reasonable fear of injury to the health or safety of any person, group, or property. 
  1. Possessing, using, providing, manufacturing, distributing, or selling drugs or drug paraphernalia in violation of law or University policy. This includes a prohibition of any marijuana use or possession, including medical or recreational marijuana, on University premises or while participating in University sponsored activities.
  2. Driving while under the influence of drugs.
  3. Misuse of legal substances such as using general products as intoxicants or “means to get high” and inhaling or ingesting a substance other than in connection with its intended purpose.
  4. Possessing, using, providing, distributing, or selling prescription drugs by persons other than the person to whom the drug is prescribed or use not in accordance with the prescription.
  1. Failure to comply or complete a University sanction in a satisfactory manner: Failure to adhere to sanctions, safety and interim measures, or engaging in other prohibited conduct while on disciplinary probation or suspension.
  2. Failure to comply with a University official: Disobeying instructions or directions by a University official who is acting in good faith of their duties including failing to identify oneself, respond to University correspondence, or attend University scheduled meetings.
  3. Failure to maintain records: Failure to keep the University notified of contact information, including phone numbers, emergency contacts, and email.
  1. Acts of dishonesty.
  2. Bribery or acceptance of bribes.
  3. Forging or altering another person’s signature.
  4. Forging, altering, tampering, falsifying, or misusing a University record or document, submitting false information, omitting requested information from a University record or document, or possessing any of these records or documents.
  5. Knowingly initiating a false report to the University.
  6. Manufacturing, possessing, or presenting false identification to a University official or local, state, or federal law enforcement or using the identity of another person.
  1. Engaging in activity that recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health, safety, or welfare of an individual for the purpose of initiation, participation, admission, holding office in, or maintaining membership or affiliation, regardless of the individual’s consent or lack of consent, including state and federal law, but not limited to:
  2. Physical harm such as paddling, whipping, branding, electric shocking, placing harmful substances on the body, sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme conditions, calisthenics, forced consumption of food, liquor, drug, or other substances.
  3. Degrading behavior that causes ridicule, humiliation, embarrassment, or adversely affects the dignity of an individual.
  4. Interfering with an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services or activities of the University, employment, or religious observances.
  5. Activity resulting in the destruction, misuse, or removal of another’s property.
  6. Activity that causes an individual to engage in behavior that may violate the Code, University policy, or local, state, or federal law.
  1. Failure to adhere to any University Information Technology policies or standards, including unauthorized use, access, or entry of an information technology resource owned or managed by the University such as computer systems, networks, databases, software, accounts, data, or facilities. Using University information technology resources for illegal or prohibited activities.
  2. University property: Intentional or reckless destruction, defacement, or damage to University equipment, property, furniture, facilities, and buildings or using in a manner inconsistent with its intended use.
  3. Property of another: Intentional or reckless destruction, defacement, or damage to another’s property, or using that property in a manner inconsistent with its intended use.
  1. Taking any adverse action against a person because of participation or nonparticipation in a report, investigation, claim, or grievance process.
  1. Activities that jeopardize University-related property, building security and safety.
  2. Arson: Attempting to ignite or the action of igniting University or personal property on fire by intent, reckless behavior, or failure to exercise reasonable care that results or could result in personal injury, property damage, or damages to premises.
  3. Endangerment of others: Unlawfully endangering the health, safety, or privacy of oneself, others, or animals.
  4. Explosive materials: Unauthorized possession or use fireworks, dangerous chemicals, and explosive materials, ignition, or detonation of anything which could cause damage to persons or property, or disruption by fire, smoke, explosion, noxious odors, stain, or corrosion.
  5. False reporting or misuse of emergency response: Falsely reporting an incident or emergency of any type including setting off a false fire alarm. 
  6. Flammable materials: Unauthorized possession or use of candles, torches, incense or incense burners, other open flame apparatus, extension cords, gasoline, propane tanks, or lighter fluid on University premises.
  7. Interfering with, obstructing, or disrupting emergency responses: Failing to evacuate during an emergency or drill, impairing an orderly evacuation, resisting arrest, blocking, or barring an exit; failing to abide by the directions of police, fire, emergency medical personnel, or University officials. 
  8. Interfering with, obstructing, or disrupting the free flow of pedestrians or other traffic.
  9. Manipulating safety equipment: Tampering with, impairing, disabling, relocating, or misusing fire or safety protection systems such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, cameras, doors, signs, or alarms.
  10. Traffic and parking: Any violation of University traffic and parking regulations, tampering with, removal, or theft of wheel locks, barricades, traffic cones, or traffic control signs or devices.

Under the authority of the Office of Institutional Equity and the Division of Student Affairs, complaints alleging Prohibited Sexual Misconduct must be directed to the Title IX Coordinator.

  1. Any violation of the Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination, and Harassment Policy.
  1. Using, depriving, removing, or possessing the property or services without entitlement or authorization through engagement of theft or attempted theft.
  1. Unauthorized entering, exiting, occupying, or using of any University owned or managed facilities, property, or property belonging to another.
  2. Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys or access cards, lock combinations, codes, or passwords to any University owned or controlled premises or other public or private property.
  3. Damaging or tampering with doors, locks, or lock boxes; propping open of exterior residence hall or other campus building doors.
  4. Misuse of access privileges to University premises.
  1. Law Violations: Violation of local, state, or federal law.
  2. University Policy Violations: Violations of rules, regulations, and policies.
  1. Actual or constructive use, possession, or control of any weapon and munitions of all types, defined as any object used or designed to inflict or attempt to inflict harm or injury or fear of harm or injury including instruments designed to look like any weapon.
  2. Any violation of the OU Board of Regents’ Policy: Firearms Policy 3.1.12.

Organization Strikes

OrganizationExpiration date
Delta Gamma                    Strike 18/3/2025
Kappa Sigma                     Strike 211/23/2025
Chi Omega Sorority          Strike 13/20/2026
Pi Kappa Alpha                  Strike 13/30/2026
Delta Tau Delta                  Strike 16/16/2026
Phi Delta Theta                  Strike 15/17/2026
Delta Upsilon Fraternity   Strike 13/20/2026
Kappa Alpha Order           Strike 14/17/2026
Phi Delta Alpha                 Strike 212/1/2026
Lambda Delta Psi              Strike 13/12/2027
Tau Kappa Omega            Strike 22/16/2027
alpha Kappa Delta Phi     Strike 13/13/2027