Guide to JHU - Student Policies

Student Policies
Academic Ethics
The University expects its students to have academic ethics of the highest order. The undergraduates of the Johns Hopkins University established a code of ethics in 1975 that governs student conduct in all academic activities. Violations of the academic ethics code include plagiarism, misrepresentation of work or submission of falsified work, and falsification of an advisor’s, instructor’s, or other approval signatures.

Violations of the ethics code may be addressed directly by the faculty member responsible for the course in which the violation occurred or be referred by the faculty to the Undergraduate Academic Ethics Board, which is composed of students and faculty. The Ethics Board administers the ethics code, receives reports of suspected violations, and appoints hearing panels. Sanctions for violations of the academic ethics code may range from a warning through expulsion from the University.

Specifics on the ethics process are available in the Undergraduate Academic Manual.

Student Conduct
Members of the university community have the responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the law and respects the rights of others. The Student Conduct Code outlines the standards of behavior established by the University for undergraduates.

The conduct code is enforceable until the undergraduate degree is conferred on commencement day. The code governs behavior that occurs on or off university property. It is enforceable throughout the entire matriculation period, regardless of whether classes are in session or the student is enrolled in classes.

The university may institute action on a disciplinary matter when the interests of the university community are at stake. Some acts of misconduct also may constitute violations of criminal law. The university’s policy is to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities. The university reserves the right to institute disciplinary action whether or not the offense results or may result in action by a civil or criminal court.

The conduct system is coordinated by the Office of the Dean of Student Life. The Associate Dean of Students, Dorothy Sheppard, manages the complaints of major code violations regardless of where they occur and of any violations that do not occur in university housing. The Director of Residential Life, or her designee, manages complaints of minor violations that occur in university housing. Conduct violations may be resolved by administrative resolution, administrative hearing, Student Conduct Board hearing, or, when appropriate, mediation. Sanctions for violations of the conduct code may range from a warning through expulsion from the university.

Specifics on the conduct system are available in the Community Standards and Policies book distributed to all undergraduates by the Dean of Student Life’s office.

University Alcohol and Drug Policy for Students
The university, in keeping with its basic mission, recognizes that its primary response to issues of alcohol and drug abuse must be through educational programs, as well as through intervention and treatment efforts.

In addition to providing appropriate educational programs throughout the year, each division of the university includes such programs as part of its orientation for students. The university further recognizes that alcoholism and drug addiction are illnesses that are not easily resolvable by personal effort and may require professional assistance and/or treatment. Participation in such programs may be required of a student as a "condition of continued enrollment." The university will adhere to strict policies of confidentiality for all participants in drug/alcohol abuse rehabilitation programs as described in university and federal regulations covering student health records.

Maryland and the District of Columbia laws prohibit the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21. The possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs as defined by federal, state and local statues is prohibited.

Students are expected to obey the law. Individuals who violate the law, in addition to being subject to criminal penalties, may be subject to university disciplinary measures. The university will not excuse acts of misconduct committed by students whose judgment is impaired due to alcohol or drug abuse.

Confidentiality: A note for parents
Parents frequently wonder why they do not hear more from the university about the experience and progress of their daughter or son. It is a fundamental educational aim of the university to support and encourage students’ maturity and independence by helping them to assume responsibility for their own lives. At the same time, students are encouraged to communicate directly with their parents about issues of mutual concern.

Under statutes which govern student privacy rights, the university has the authority to contact parents of dependent students about any matter and parents of all students in life or death emergencies. The Dean of Student Life and other student affairs staff use professional discretion in deciding when parental notification is essential or beneficial to the student’s welfare.

Whenever possible, staff talk with the student about his/her thoughts, feelings, and wishes regarding parental notification. The benefits and drawbacks of notification are discussed, and staff weigh input from the student. If the staff feels that notification should occur, the student is encouraged to make the call him/herself and staff assist the student in talking with his or her parents.

In general, the Dean and student affairs staff notify parents when they have knowledge of circumstances adversely affecting a student, which include:

	Hospitalization for life-threatening or other serious illness, including illnesses that would require multiple-day stays, when the hospital does not notify parents;
	Hospital visits for alcohol poisoning;
	Misconduct that is likely to result in loss of housing, suspension, expulsion, or loss of the privilege of participation in commencement ceremonies;
	Alcohol/drug use combined with acts of violence toward self or others or significant abuse of self or others;
	Alcohol/drug use that results in city police action;
	Arrest;
	Serious mental health issues.

In some instances, we need parents to travel to Baltimore to assist in resolving challenges, especially medical and mental health issues. We expect that parents will respond affirmatively, as such requests are not made without thorough consideration and compelling need.

We aim to work in partnership with parents to support students in need, to educate students about protecting their own well-being and respecting the rights of others, and to respond appropriately to misconduct and law-breaking. A first step in building this partnership is to let your student know when, how, and why you want to be informed by him or her of significant life events – and by providing your definition of "significant." Talk, too, about how you envision yourself responding and give your daughter or son a chance to identify the types of response s/he would find helpful.

It is our experience that students are most afraid of disappointing and/or worrying their parents and are secondarily concerned about incurring parental anger or unwanted interventions. Students facing troubles often are startled to discover that their parents don’t want to be spared; they frequently are surprised – and immensely relieved – by the love and support expressed by most parents in time of need