Standards of Conduct

Standard of Conduct#1: Act with professional, academic, and personal integrity.

Consistent with this principle is conduct in accord with the academic honesty policy of the University, other University policies that foster a human community of justice, respect, and concern, and the code of ethics of your foreseen profession. This principle challenges you to shape a personal code of positive values, to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle, and to discover and embrace the responsibilities of your freedom, intelligence, and intrinsic worth.

Inconsistent with this principle are all forms of dishonesty, excuse-making, failure to take responsibility for your behavior, infidelity or disloyalty in personal relationships and violations of the code of ethics of your foreseen profession.

Violations

Violations of Standard of Conduct #1 include, but are not limited to:

• Violation of Standard #1.1. Failure to Comply: Interfering or failing to comply with the directives of University officials acting in performance of their duties. 
• Violation of Standard #1.2. False Information: Intentionally furnishing false information to any member of the University.
• Violation of Standard #1.3. False Report: Intentionally, negligently, or recklessly making a false report of misconduct that results in the unneeded utilization of University resources.
• Violation of Standard #1.4. False Identification: Using, possessing, or providing a driver’s license or other identification with facts inconsistent with information maintained by the University is a violation of the student standards of conduct.
• Violation of Standard #1.5. Fleeing Student: Students who are at the scene of an incident where there is concern for students’ safety or where conduct violations may have occurred are expected to remain at the scene of the incident until they are released by responding University staff.
• Violation of Standard #1.6. Violating Outcomes: Violating the terms of any disciplinary outcome imposed in accordance with Creighton Community Standards.
• Violation of Standard #1.7. Forgery and Fraud: Forging, altering, or using any University document or any instrument of identification without proper authorization. The University prohibits and does not tolerate illegal, dishonest or fraudulent conduct of any nature.

Standard of Conduct #2: Respect and Promote the Dignity of all Persons.

Consistent with this principle is growing in understanding of different cultures and groups, resolving conflicts fairly, appreciating differences, and seeking truths and values essential to human life and community. This principle challenges you to refrain from actions that threaten or discourage the freedom, personal safety, and respect that all individuals deserve.

Inconsistent with this principle are actions that compromise or demean the intrinsic worth of individuals or groups. All forms of racism, sexism, pornography, lewd behavior, harassment, intimidation, taunting, insult, physical harm, and discrimination are inconsistent with this principle.

Violations

Violations of Standard of Conduct #2 include, but are not limited to:

• Violation of Standard #2.1. Intoxication: Any alcohol or drug-related behavior that adversely affects or strains a person’s life in regard to: physical health; feelings of self-esteem; personal or family relationships; the campus community and its members; educational and occupational goals; or standing in regard to local, state or federal laws. Students regardless of age are held accountable to this policy if they come to the attention of University officials.
• Violation of Standard #2.2. Harassment: Any form of harassment or discrimination is a violation of human dignity. The University strongly condemns any such harassment or discrimination. Whether verbal or physical, conduct of this sort violates another person’s rights and can create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment. Harassment can include bullying, stalking, slurs, comments, rumors, jokes, innuendoes, cartoons, pranks, and other verbal or physical conduct and any other conduct or behavior deemed inappropriate by Creighton University. Allegations of harassment that are not acts of discriminatory harassment will be investigated according to the Behavioral Misconduct Procedures.
  - Bullying: Being bullied or harassed means that someone is subjected to deliberate behavior which is hurtful, threatening or frightening and this behavior may be an isolated incident or repeated over time. Any behavior, which sets out to cause other people pain or unhappiness, may be regarded as bullying.
  - Bullying is not in the intention (e.g., just joking around) but in the perception of the behavior against another party.
  - Bullying or harassment can take many forms, and without limiting its forms may include:
  - Physical Bullying – any intentional and unwelcome use of physical contact or deliberate property damage. It includes fighting, pushing, interfering with another’s property by stealing, hiding, damaging or destroying.
  - Verbal Bullying – use of language to threaten or hurt. This includes name-calling, offensive language, putting people down, back stabbing, and making degrading comments about another’s family, religious, social or racial background.
  - Exclusion Bullying – leaving someone out on purpose to cause feelings of non-acceptance. It includes spreading malicious rumors, writing on posters/walls/books etc.
  - Extortion Bullying - use of threat or power to obtain favor or goods, e.g. bullying others to provide food, money, or schoolwork.
  - Gesture Bullying – use of non-verbal signals to cause intimidation or fear.
  - Electronic Bullying – use of language or images to threaten and hurt by electronic means. (SMS text, emails, web sites, etc.) (See Fair, Responsible, and Acceptable Use for Electronic Resources).
  - Psychological Bullying – spreading rumors, excluding, stalking, dirty looks, hiding or damaging possessions.
  - Any other conduct that is intimidating, unwelcome or uninvited (e.g. “Just Joking” which can cause discomfort to others).
• Violation of Standard #2.3. Harm to Others: Intentionally or recklessly causing harm by any means to any person. This includes, but is not limited to, physical or verbal actions that can be reasonably determined by the University to have caused physical or emotional harm to another person.
• Violation of Standard #2.4. Apprehension of Harm: Intentionally or recklessly causing the reasonable apprehension of physical or emotional harm to any person, including oneself.
• Violation of Standard #2.5. Threat to Safety: Intentionally or recklessly threatening campus safety by making or indicating a threat (whether true or false) of fire, bombing, shooting, or other means of violence perpetrated upon the campus community and/or its individual members.
• Violation of Standard #2.6. Hazing: Any action taken or situation created, whether on or off campus, intended to produce or which may foreseeably produce unusual or unnecessary mental or physical discomfort or pain, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule or risk of physical, mental or emotional harm or injury. Hazing also includes any action or situation which is intended to be or which may foreseeably be morally, physically, emotionally or mentally degrading to any individual, or which unnecessarily exposes any individual to any risk of physical, mental or emotional harm, injury or distress beyond the risks encountered in ordinary daily life, or which is intended to intimidate or has the effect of intimidating any individual to unwillingly or reluctantly engage in any activity, or which unreasonably interferes with scholastic activities or pursuits of any individual. The express or implied consent of the victim is not a defense to hazing. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is also not allowed.
• Violation of Standard #2.7. Failure to promote and respect the dignity of all persons: Actions that compromise or demean the intrinsic worth of individuals or groups. Actions by any person which do not reflect such respect for others are damaging to each member of the community and hence damaging to the Creighton community. Each member of the community should be free from interference, intimidation or disparagement in the work place, the classroom and the social, recreational and residential environment.
• Violation of Standard #2.8. Unauthorized Recording/Surveillance: Capturing or recording audio, video, or photographic images of an individual in a location or under circumstances, in which that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, including, but not limited to, shower/locker rooms, residence hall rooms, and restrooms, is prohibited. Also prohibited is the storing, sharing, and/or other distribution of such unauthorized surveillance/photography (no matter whether directly or indirectly obtained) by any means, electronic or non-electronic.

Standard of Conduct #3: Respect the policies and procedures of the Creighton University community and the rights of its members both on and off campus, as well as the just laws of the civic community and the rights of its members.

Consistent with this principle is the affirmative support for equal rights and opportunities for all members of the Creighton University community, realizing that you are a member of a larger community, understanding societal issues, and being a responsible participant in the civic and Creighton community. Inconsistent with this principle are actions that are illegal and that violate another person’s right to move about freely and securely, to live and learn in a community where members are secure in their property and person, to express themselves appropriately, and to enjoy privacy.

Violations

Violations of Standard of Conduct #3 include, but are not limited to:

ALCOHOL

• Violation of Standard #3.1. Unlawful Possession of Alcohol: The unlawful possession of alcohol is prohibited. Students under the age of 21 are strictly prohibited from possessing alcohol. Possession is not only defined by the ownership of the alcohol, but also by having or controlling the alcohol; or by allowing alcohol to be possessed in a space over which one has control.
• Violation of Standard #3.2. Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol: The unlawful consumption of alcohol is prohibited. Students under the age of 21 are strictly prohibited from consuming alcohol.
• Violation of Standard #3.3. Irresponsible Alcohol Use: Students living in the residence halls and student organizations shall not possess irresponsible amounts of alcohol, nor should they provide irresponsible amounts of alcohol to members, residents, or guests of legal drinking age. Alcohol is only to be used in a responsible manner by individuals over the age of 21. Large amounts of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the residence halls and at events a reasonable outsider would associate with student organizations. This includes, but is not limited to: kegs, handles of liquor, and boxed wine(s), along with beer that contain 7% or more alcohol percentage by 3/6 volume. Games, behaviors, or devices that promote the rapid consumption of alcohol are similarly prohibited.
• Violation of Standard #3.4. Procurement of Alcohol: No person shall sell, give away, exchange, deliver, or permit the sale, gifting, or procurement of any alcohol to any person under the age of 21. The consumption of alcoholic beverages by residents and guests within apartment spaces is permitted only if all residents and/or guests of the suite or apartment are of legal drinking age.
• Violation of Standard #3.5. Misrepresentation of Age: Misrepresenting one’s age to obtain, or attempt to obtain, alcohol when under the age of 21.
• Violation of Standard #3.6. Hosting Alcohol Use in the Residence Halls: Hosting, sponsoring, or allowing an activity or event in the residence halls involving the use of alcoholic beverages by anyone under the legal drinking age.
• Violation of Standard #3.7. Alcoholic Paraphernalia: Displaying, keeping, or collecting alcoholic beverage containers, or paraphernalia, as decorations, trophies, or means to promote the consumption of alcohol.

DRUGS

• Violation of Standard #3.8. Selling/Distributing Illegal Drugs: In accordance with federal, state, and local laws, the illegal cultivation, sale, distribution or transfer of any drug, narcotic, or hallucinogenic substance is strictly prohibited. Additionally, the intent to deliver, sell, distribute, cultivate, or transfer illegal drugs is strictly prohibited.
• Violation of Standard #3.9. Unlawful possession of drugs: In accordance with federal as well as state and local laws, the illegal possession of drugs is strictly prohibited. Possession is not only defined by the ownership of the drugs, but also by having or controlling the drugs, or by allowing drugs to be possessed in a space over which one has control. Possession also includes prescription medication that is not kept in a prescription container with identifiable information or is not prescribed to the person in possession. 
• Violation of Standard #3.10. Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia: The possession of drug paraphernalia is strictly prohibited on Creighton’s campus. This includes but is not limited to grinders, one-hitters, scales found in conjunction with illegal drugs, bongs (self-made or fabricated), rolling papers, and vape pens used for illegal use. 
• Violation of Standard #3.11. Unlawful use of drugs: In accordance with federal as well as state and local laws, the illegal use of drugs is strictly prohibited.
• Violation of Standard #3.12. Use of drug paraphernalia: The use of drug paraphernalia is strictly prohibited on Creighton’s campus. This includes but is not limited to grinders, one-hitters, scales found in conjunction with illegal drugs, bongs (self-made or fabricated), rolling papers, and vape pens used for illegal use.  
• Violation of Standard #3.13. Use and possession of mind-altering substances: It is a violation to use or possess mind-altering substances that are intended to create a hallucinogenic effect. 

COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Violation of Standard #3.14. Violations of published or other existing University rules: Violating published or otherwise existing University rules, regulations, or policies including but not limited to provisions of this Handbook, other University publications and residence hall rules and regulations.
• Violation of Standard #3.15. Violation of the Law: Committing any unlawful or criminal act that violates city, state, or federal law.
• Violation of Standard #3.16. Fair, Responsible, and Acceptable Use Policy for Electronic Resources: Using University electronic resources in the violation of city, state, federal, or international laws, rules, regulations, rulings; or to otherwise violate any University rules or policies.
• Violation of Standard #3.17. Possession of Stolen Property: Knowingly taking or maintaining possession of stolen property.
• Violation of Standard #3.18. Theft: Intentional and/or unauthorized taking of University property or the personal property of others, including goods, services and other valuables.
• Violation of Standard #3.19. Solicitation: Soliciting or offering funds or favors to obtain or furnish unauthorized information, materials, goods, or services.
• Violation of Standard #3.20. Unlawful Gambling: Gambling for money or other things of value on campus or at University-sponsored activities is prohibited except as permitted by law.
• Violation of Standard #3.21. Prohibited Consensual Sexual Conduct: Any sexual activity which is not in accordance with the Judeo-Christian values of Creighton University and the specific doctrinal teachings of the Roman Catholic Church is prohibited. Sexual conduct offenses can include the following: - Any actions deemed in direct defiance of the doctrinal teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. - Consensual Sexual Intercourse - Consensual Sexual Contact - Co-habitation – evidence that a resident student has allowed another person permission to live in his or her on-campus housing without the written consent of the Department of Residential Life.

SAFETY

• Violation of Standard #3.22. Telephone Misuse: Phone calls or recorded messages that threaten, harass, or otherwise bother any person are not allowed. Illegally tampering with voice mail boxes/cable wire will result in serious disciplinary action. Those making prank calls of any nature may be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited, to the loss of telephone service.
• Violation of Standard #3.23. Misuse of Keys: Unauthorized possession, use, or fabrication of University keys.
• Violation of Standard #3.24. Possession of Perceived Weapons: The possession of objects perceived to inflict harm (i.e. toy guns, etc.). 
• Violation of Standard #3.25. Use of Perceived Weapons: The use of objects perceived to inflict harm (i.e. toy guns, etc.).
• Violation of Standard #3.26. Open Flame: Because of the significant risk of fire and the inability to contain scents to a given room, anything with an open flame is prohibited in the residence halls and apartments. This includes flammable and/or excessively fragrant materials such as candles (whether lit or unlit), incense, and potpourri pots. No open flames may be used in the residence halls, including cigarettes, lighters, pipes, etc.
• Violation of Standard #3.27. Explosives: The use, possession, or manufacturing of fireworks, explosives, or any other substances designed to cause injury to others, damage property, or interfere with University activities.
• Violation of Standard #3.28. Disregard for Safety of Self or Others: Intentionally or recklessly damaging or misusing security or fire safety equipment, or failure to follow safety directives from the University, including the failure to abide by safety directives from University officials during fire alarms, safety drills, and civil defense alarms in university buildings and university property. This also includes throwing, dropping, or causing any object to fall from building.
• Violation of Standard #3.29. Unauthorized Entry: Trespass or unauthorized entry into any building, space, or facility.

Standard of Conduct #4: Support the personal, professional, academic, and vocational development of the members of the Creighton University community.

Consistent with this principle are actions that are compassionate and considerate of the needs and well-being of others and that encourage the development of our moral, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, personal, and vocational abilities. Inconsistent with this principle are actions that are insensitive, inhospitable, spiteful, or which unjustly or arbitrarily inhibit another’s ability to securely pursue goals in accord with the development of their abilities.

All members of the Creighton University community are obligated to promote actions consistent with these principles, and to confront, challenge, and respond to actions that are inconsistent with this code.

Violations

Violations of Standard of Conduct #4 include, but are not limited to:

• Violation of Standard #4.1. Allowing violations to occur: Knowingly, freely, or negligently allowing violations of University rules and regulations to take place. This includes behavior that aids, attempts, assists, promotes, condones, encourages, requires, conceals, or facilitates any act prohibited by this handbook. Allowing, permitting, or providing an opportunity for a guest to violate University policy is also prohibited.
• Violation of Standard #4.2. Presence of Alcohol: Students under the age of 21 shall not be in the presence of alcohol in the residence halls.
• Violation of Standard #4.3. Presence of Drugs: Knowledgeable association/presence in an environment where illegal substances are being used constitutes grounds for disciplinary action.
• Violation of Standard #4.4. Weapons: Using, possessing, or storing any weapon on University property. A weapon is defined as any object or substance designed to inflict a wound, cause injury to, or incapacitate another individual. This includes, but is not limited to: all firearms; BB, potato and pellet guns; knives (with blades three and one-half inches or more in length); or other weapons or dangerous objects such as arrows, axes, machetes, nunchucks, throwing stars.
• Violation of Standard #4.5. Arson: Intentionally setting and/or fueling a fire.
• Violation of Standard #4.6. Property Damage: Attempting to or negligently destroying, defacing, or damaging the property of others. This includes, but is not limited to, vehicles, signs, and other property.  This includes the projection or dropping of any object or material which results in destruction, defacement, or damage to property.
• Violation of Standard #4.7. Freedom of Expression: Intentionally or substantially interfering with others’ freedom of expression.
• Violation of Standard #4.8. University Activities: Intentionally or recklessly interfering with University-sponsored activities.
• Violation of Standard #4.9. Tobacco Use: Tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, electronic nicotine delivery systems, etc.), is prohibited in all areas of campus (including residence halls) at Creighton University. Smoking or use of other tobacco products by students under the age of 21 is prohibited in all areas of campus (including residence halls) at Creighton University and off campus.  
• Violation of Standard #4.10. Unlawful Possession of Tobacco: Possession of tobacco products, tobacco paraphernalia, and any product intended to deliver nicotine is prohibited for students under the age of 21 and on campus at Creighton University. This includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, hookah products, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, and Juuls. 
• Violation of Standard #4.11. Domestic Animal Policy: For health and safety reasons, cats, dogs, birds, and other animals are prohibited in residence hall rooms and apartments. The two allowable exceptions are fish in small aquariums (under 10 gallons) and animals belonging to those that have a documented disability through the Office of Student Accessibility Services. No animals will be allowed to remain in the hall when the halls are closed. Students violating the Domestic Animal policy will be charged for any removal and/or cleaning costs incurred because of their animal. Animals in the hall belonging to students who do not follow Residential Life and University agreements for their animal will be referred through the behavioral misconduct process.
• Violation of Standard #4.12. Unsanitary Conditions: Failure to sanitarily maintain one’s self or the physical environment of the Creighton University campus including, but not limited to: a lack of personal hygiene, failure to properly clean a living space, littering, or improperly disposing of garbage.
• Violation of Standard #4.13. Residence Hall Guest and Visitation Policy (see Guide to Living on Campus) – violation of the policies associated with residence hall hours and guest visitation.
• Violation of Standard #4.14. Noise: Causing, exhibiting, or encouraging noisy or disruptive behavior which interferes with the personal or academic pursuits of others.
• Violation of Standard #4.15. Disorderly or Disruptive Conduct: Engaging in behavior that disrupts the well-being, educational climate, health, and/or safety of the campus and surrounding communities. This could include, but is not limited to, disorderly, lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct; excessive or prolonged noise; and/or interfering with any normal function of a university-sponsored activity on or off the campus.  

Any student who engages in any act of behavioral misconduct is subject to University disciplinary action, as set forth in Behavioral Misconduct Procedures section of the Handbook (except when there is evidence that a student is in violation of the Harassment, Discrimination, Sexual and Relationship Misconduct 2.1.25.) These violations outline specific actions which negatively impact the University community, and for which students are subject to disciplinary action. All violations above are also prohibited off campus and may result in action by the University if the individual’s or community’s safety and/or educational opportunities are jeopardized.

By voluntary entrance into the Creighton University community, the student assumes obligations of performance and behavior, both on and off campus, reasonably imposed by the institution. These obligations are in addition to those imposed on all citizens by the civil and criminal law. Withdrawal of a student from the University does not suspend, terminate or otherwise affect the prerogative of the University to at any time initiate, resume, or continue any disciplinary action or proceedings against a student for actions or events which occurred prior to the withdrawal.

The standards and procedures set forth are those the University normally applies to disciplinary matters. The University reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and wellbeing of the campus and community. This includes the right to suspend or expel, or request the withdrawal of a student at any time, with or without specific charge or hearing subject only to the student’s right to request the Provost to review the academic or academic-related disciplinary matters, and the student’s right to request the Vice Provost for Student Life to review behavioral disciplinary matters, as the case may be.