Colorado State University expects students and recognized student organizations to maintain standards of personal integrity in harmony with educational goals; to be responsible for their actions; to observe national, state, local laws and University policy; and to respect the rights, privileges, and property of other people.
A college education is a voluntary association with a community of scholars to explore new ideas, examine ourselves, make new friends, and develop ideals. A university environment is a place where faculty, students and organizations can freely exchange ideas and concepts in an atmosphere of civil debate and dialogue on contemporary issues.
Colorado State University considers this freedom of expression and inquiry essential to student and organizational education and development. All University members may engage in discussion; exchange thought and opinion; and speak, write, or print freely on any subject in accordance with Federal or State constitutions. This broad principle is the cornerstone of education in a democracy. Colorado State University values and respects diversity including political, philosophical and cultural viewpoints.
To protect these privileges and opportunities, the student and organization is responsible for upholding standards reasonably imposed by Colorado State University including, but not limited to academic integrity, personal honesty, tolerance, respect for diversity, civility, freedom from violence, and lifestyles free of alcohol and drug abuse.
The student and organization conduct process is a learning experience which can yield growth, behavioral changes, and personal understanding of one’s responsibilities and privileges. This process balances the needs and rights of students and organizations with the needs and expectations of the University and larger community. It supports Colorado State University values and community standards with a continuum of responses from disciplinary sanction or restriction to education, counseling and restorative justice.
Students and organizations are treated with care, fairness, tolerance and respect. The needs of the complainant, the respondent, and the community at large are equally important.
By formulating a general code of conduct, the University affirms student and organizational freedoms coupled with full responsibility for individual action including consequences of such action. Students and organizations are members of both the academic community and the larger society, retaining the rights, protection, guarantees, and responsibilities held by all citizens. Students and organizations are also responsible to know and obey the laws of the United States, the State of Colorado, and local governments. Therefore, a student and organization members may be subject to prosecution by law enforcement agencies whether the University initiates disciplinary proceedings or not.
The University Student Conduct Code defines University intervention or disciplinary action related to the behavior of both individual students and Student Organizations. Policies and procedures specific to student organizations are noted in each section.
The Colorado State University General Catalog summarizes a variety of University Policies and Guiding Principles, including the Commitment to Diversity, Freedom of Expression and Inquiry, Freedom from Personal Abuse, Sexual Harassment Policy and Student Rights.
Non-Discrimination Policy Statement:
Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. The University complies with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, related Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and all civil rights laws of the State of Colorado. Accordingly, equal opportunity of employment and admission shall be extended to all persons. The University shall promote equal opportunity and treatment in employment through a positive and continuing affirmative action program for ethnic minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.