A message from Dean Lori Berquam on changes to student conduct codes

Dear Student,

I hope you are getting unpacked and settled in for the 2009-10 academic year. I know this is a time of transitions, new beginnings and change.

Amidst the excitement, I’d like to take a moment to inform you about a recently adopted change to University of Wisconsin System (UWS) Codes relating to student misconduct. While these changes are not sweeping, it is important for you to know how these changes may impact you as a student. Please review the new codes here. 

You may or may not be aware of UWS 17 and 18, which are rules that cover the conduct of every student in the UW System.

I would like to highlight one of the revisions, relating to off-campus misconduct. Under previous versions of the policy, UW–Madison had the ability to respond to off-campus cases only if the student’s behavior presented a danger to their own health or safety or they committed a serious violation against a fellow student or another member of the university community.

With the revisions to these codes, effective today (Sept. 1), the university will, in some cases, now hold students accountable for serious actions or crimes against the larger community.

In short, this means that students may be charged with misconduct for off-campus behavior when the misconduct is of substantial university interest (regardless of who the victim may be). The Offices of the Dean of Students are committed to working with students and student government to better define substantial university interest.

There are specific criteria that addresses types of misconduct that are now inclusive under university policy on the Student Assistance and Judicial Affairs Web site. Reports of misconduct will continue to be handled on an individual case-by-case basis to determine appropriate disciplinary action.

Should any questions or concerns arise regarding the UWS code changes, please feel free to contact the Offices of the Dean of Students at 608-263-5700 or at dean@odos.wisc.edu. I appreciate your feedback and will address your concerns.

While this message serves as a tool to inform you about these changes, this is also a reminder that I’m hopeful you’ll make responsible and smart decisions during the coming year. I wish you the best of luck!

Lori M. Berquam

Dean of Students