University Regulations

Discipline and Conduct in Non-Academic Areas

By enrolling in Wilfrid Laurier University, the student accepts its policies and regulations and acknowledges the right of the University to take disciplinary action. Such disciplinary action shall be reasonable and commensurate with the seriousness of the violations and in accordance with the principles of this Code and natural justice. The University reserves the right to discipline the student (including but not limited to, termination of its relationships with the student) on an interim (emergency) or permanent basis for conduct which is detrimental to the objects of the University.

Wilfrid Laurier University is properly not concerned with the way students conduct their personal lives, provided their actions do not infringe the rights of others within the University community or the general community comprised of its city neighbours and neighbouring institutions. The University is properly concerned with the behaviour of members of the Laurier community (such as representative teams or delegations) at events off campus either sanctioned by the University or associated with the University. Further, this Code specifically prohibits participation in disturbances such as unlawful street parties, which infringe the rights of the University's neighbours, and adversely affect its relations with the community in which it is situated.

In proper cases, the University may bring disciplinary action against a student notwithstanding and in addition to criminal prosecution or civil action. However, subject to any disciplinary decision and as far as circumstances allow, a student who has been charged or convicted of a criminal offence shall be allowed to pursue his or her studies.

Behaviour of guests on campus and at University events is the responsibility of the students who have invited them.

The offenses in items 1-9 below will normally be channelled to the Judicial Affairs Council, which (under the authority of the Assistant Vice-President: Student Services/Dean of Students) may impose penalties for improper conduct. However, in addition to the penalty which may be imposed by the Judicial Affairs Council, further or additional interim or permanent discipline may be imposed by the University, including, but not limited to, the withholding of grades and transcripts, suspension or expulsion from the University, requiring the payment of damages, or such other penalty as the University deems appropriate.

Although all possible acts of misconduct cannot be identified and the following list is not exhaustive, a student may be disciplined by the University for the following offenses:

1. Unlawful use of alcoholic beverages. Students are required to adhere to the provincial laws and the policies of the University governing the possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages.
2. Violence or abusive conduct of any nature, including but not limited to:
   1. physically abusing another person, threatening or causing any other person to fear physical abuse;
   2. creating a condition which endangers or threatens the health, safety or well-being of others;
   3. assaulting another person sexually or threatening any other person with sexual assault.

3. Violations of the Ontario Human Rights Code, discrimination or harassment of any kind, including, but not limited to, sexual harassment, harassment based on race, religion, colour, gender, age, disability, ethnicity, national origin or sexual orientation.
4. Obstruction or disruption of University activities or services. University activities and services include but are not limited to teaching, research, administration, studying, student events, meetings and public services.
5. Theft, illegal possession, damage and destruction of property, including but not limited to:
   1. knowingly taking, destroying, or damaging premises of the University, or any property not the person's own;
   2. defacing the inside or outside of any building or property of the University;
   3. possession of property appropriated without authorization or possession of property that is not the person's own.

6. Trafficking of drugs. Although the University does not condone the use of drugs, students wishing assistance because of drug use or for any other reason may consult with Counselling Services in absolute confidentiality.
7. Tampering with fire equipment.
8. Stealing of any sort.
9. Storage, possession, or discharge of firearms or explosives, except where allowed by University regulation.

Procedural rules for discipline committees in cases of non-academic misconduct by students and procedural rules for an appeal are available from the University Secretariat.

University Regulations Academic Privileges and Responsibilities

Official electronic version updated on February 4, 2002