Purpose
Because Villanova University is a Catholic Augustinian community of higher education, committed to excellence and distinction in the discovery, dissemination and application of knowledge, the institution presumes that all who voluntarily join our scholarly community do so for this primary purpose. Accordingly, rules and regulation governing conduct among community members are designed with the specific intention of enhancing the academic mission of the University.
Because Villanova University is a particularly unique but voluntary community, it depends on its membership to sacrifice, in some instances, individual preferences for the good of the greater whole. Moreover, it depends on its membership to commit itself to a degree of loyalty, a standard of conduct that not only maintains civility, but adheres to the principle that “mutual love and respect should animate every aspect of University life.” Accordingly, Villanova confidently expects that all students will comport themselves in a manner that promotes the continuance and enhancement of the University's high purpose and its moral and religious traditions.
The Code of Student Conduct exists for three distinct purposes. First, the Code helps to motivate good decision making, create community, and enhance respect for individual differences while emphasizing a commitment to the common good. Secondarily, the Code represents limits, a description of conduct that contradict the purpose and nature of Villanova University. Such conduct violates presumptions of membership, and cannot be tolerated in an academic community. Finally, the Code and its implementation recognizes the basic student composition of the community and the corresponding behavioral dynamic. To this end, the Code's most important purpose is to facilitate personal growth through values education so that members of the student community are made ready to assume public responsibilities beyond the campus and in society. To accomplish these purposes, students who do not uphold the standards of the University, or who violate the provisions of the Code, or who fail to fulfill their obligations as members of this community will be held responsible for their conduct.
The following guidelines have been established as expectations for continued membership in the Villanova community.
Jurisdiction
The Code of Student Conduct applies to all students enrolled at Villanova University, with the exception of students of the Charles Widger School of Law, who are governed by their own policies and procedures. This includes students participating in overseas study or other off-campus academic programs. The University has a vital interest in the character of its students and may regard their conduct as a reflection of a student's character and fitness to be a member of the student body. Accordingly, the Code of Student Conduct applies to conduct that occurs both on and off the Villanova campus, and the University reserves the right to sanction any student or student organization found responsible for violating the Code. Students and student organizations will be afforded the elements of process afforded by the Code. The University may impose sanctions up to and including expulsion, whether or not sanctions are imposed by federal, state, or local authorities.
If a student withdraws or takes a leave of absence from the University with a pending allegation of a violation of the Code of Student Conduct, the University retains jurisdiction and the matter may remain open, at the University's discretion. If the student seeks readmission and is reenrolled following a withdrawal, all open matters may be adjudicated under the Code of Student Conduct. Students on leave remain subject to the provisions of the Code of Student Conduct and all alleged violations committed while on leave may be adjudicated prior to the student’s return to the University.
Scope
The following guidelines have been established as behavioral expectations for continued membership in the Villanova community. The list of prohibited conduct set forth in the following statements is intended to be illustrative only. The list is not intended to be all-inclusive and other misconduct, including without limitation, violations of published University policies, rules or regulations, or criminal or civil statutes, may be actionable under this Code.
The Code and the Special Procedures Governing Proceedings Involving Allegations of Sexual Misconduct set forth in the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy will serve as the University’s grievance procedures under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) for allegations of sexual assault, sexual harassment, or other sexual misconduct against any Villanova student. Where appropriate in this Code, certain accommodations have been noted to facilitate the use of the Code to resolve such complaints of sexual misconduct in a manner consistent with Title IX.
Violations of these regulations may result in the full range of disciplinary sanctions, as set forth in this Code. Items that violate state or federal law, the provisions of this Code, or other policies or regulations published by the University will be confiscated by appropriate University personnel and not returned.