Code of Conduct

The University is committed to complying with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Admission to the University is open to anyone in good standing with the University, and qualified according to published admissions standards and resource limitations.

A student has the responsibility to be fully acquainted with and comply with all published University of Houston – Clear Lake and UH System policies, procedures, expectations, and guidelines. This includes respecting the rights and property of others, including other students, the faculty, the staff, and the administration.

A student has the responsibility to recognize that student actions reflect upon the individuals involved and upon the entire university community. If a student violates any university policy, procedure, expectation or guideline, the student will be subject to due process of university policy regardless of any civil or criminal actions that may be pending as a result of the same action.

The University reserves the right, through due process, to issue a warning, probation, and/or one or more sanctions, as well as to suspend and/or dismiss (expel) any student for conduct or behavior that is harmful to members of the university community or damaging to the educational interests of the university.

Access to Higher Education. The University must make publications, which denote academic and behavioral standards required of all who register at this institution, available to all students.

Freedom from Discrimination. The University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national or ethnic origin, age (40+), disability, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation (collectively referred to as a “Protected Class”).

Freedom of Speech, Expression, and Association. The rights of free speech, expression, and association, as defined by the Constitution of the United States and developed by statutory laws and judicial decisions, are guaranteed to every member of the University community. The University is committed to fostering a learning environment where free inquiry and expression are encouraged. The University expects that persons engaging in expressive activities will demonstrate civility, concern for the safety of persons and property, respect for university activities, respect for those who may disagree with their message, and comply with university policies and applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Rights of Due Process. Each student subject to disciplinary action arising from alleged violations of University policies (including the Student Code of Conduct), expectations, or regulations shall be assured procedural due process. Students have the right to elect to participate in a disciplinary conference or a hearing facilitated by the University Hearing Board. The accused student (the “Respondent”) shall be assumed innocent until found responsible. The “Preponderance of the evidence” is the standard of review in the student discipline process which evaluates whether it is more likely than not that the student did violate a Student Code of Conduct provision and/or University policy. In all proceedings, the student shall be guaranteed substantive and procedural due process.

Rights of Privacy.  A student has the right to personal privacy except as otherwise provided by law. This privacy will be observed by students and university officials alike. For additional information surrounding student privacy, review the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Participation in Decision-Making. Students have the right to have their views considered at appropriate levels of decision-making processes within the university community.

Participation in Policy Development. University policy guarantees the right of students to participate in the initiation and development of university policy through established shared governance processes.

Student Organizations. The University recognizes the right of students to form organizations not forbidden by federal or state laws, or university policy. Student organizations must be registered and approved through the established procedures outlined by the Office of Student Involvement & Leadership.

Student Publications. Student publications (print and digital) may deal with issues of interest and importance to the university community. At the same time, the editorial freedom of student editors and managers entails corollary responsibilities to be governed by the canons of responsible journalism, such as the avoidance of libel, indecency, undocumented allegations, attacks on personal integrity, and the techniques of harassment and innuendo.