Office of Ethics & Student Conflict Resolution
About Us
To understand your rights and responsibilities as a student at Miami University,
please read the Student Code of Conduct . As a student, you will be held to
these standards.
The Office of Ethics and Student Conflict Resolution’s primary purpose is
to safeguard the learning environment of Miami University by upholding its
standards for student conduct. It is our belief that the process of student
discipline is consistent with the fundamental values and objectives of our
community. Further, our conduct philosophy and system are a positive force
in helping Miami achieve its educational mission as well as helping students
achieve their educational goals.
The Miami University Student Code of Conduct is rooted in the philosophy of
educational discipline. The judicial process is a learning experience that
begins with 1) understanding community expectations; 2) being confronted for
behaviors not in keeping with these expectations; 3) the formal adjudication
of alleged violations and, 4) the delivery and completion of sanctions as warranted.
Our office seeks to provide an educational atmosphere through which the values
and standards of Miami can be reinforced, students can learn to think critically
and ethically about their decisions, and conflict can be resolved in an amicable
and constructive manner. However, when a student or student organization is
assessed to be a danger to the university community or reputation of the university,
or when a repetition of misconduct is likely to occur, the student or student
organization will be treated the same as one who has failed academically and
may be separated from the university.
Miami’s judicial process provides due process protections and not only meets but exceeds due process protections required by law. Miami University provides:
- An established code of conduct that details the expectations for student conduct;
- Written notice of charges when students are accused of violating Miami University's policies;
- A procedural interview during which charges, evidence, rights and options are discussed with students or student organizations accused of misconduct;
- A hearing for a further exploration of the facts and circumstances of the case in the event that the accused denies the charge;
- An established standard of proof: preponderance of evidence;
- An opportunity to appeal if the sanction of suspension or dismissal is warranted.