Breaking the code could cost you

Though many changes to the Portland State Student Code of Conduct were simply in grammar to increase clarity, a new section assesses a fee when students are found responsible for violating the code.

The intent of the fee is to cover expenses such as accessing records, the cost of certified mail, if needed, and follow-up sanctions, according to Natalie Webb, interim assistant dean of students and senior conduct officer.

This change will most likely have the biggest impact on students, Webb said.

The lowest-level fee begins at $10 for the first offense and increased for each subsequent infraction. There is no ceiling on high-level fees, Webb said.

Another significant change in the code includes splitting the definition of sexual misconduct from sexual assault.
Previously, sexual assault seemed to be downplayed by calling it sexual misconduct, Webb said.

“The concern always has to be the health and safety of the community,” Webb said, regarding violent crimes against another person.

Additionally, academic negligence is now divided into two categories. One is academic dishonesty, such as intentional plagiarism, and the other is academic negligence, such as a simple case of not citing sources properly, according to Webb.

“If a student copies and pastes an entire paper, suspension is more likely than if they just misused one sentence from their text book,” Webb said.

Under the new code, a student who is negligent might not be dishonest. The intention is to make a more accurate reflection of code violations in student records, Webb said.

Many sanctions are educational, and suspension and expulsion are possible, though the Dean of Students Office doesn’t have a grid, Webb said.

The Student Code of Conduct was reviewed because it must be reviewed every three years. However, that rule itself was revised, and a review will occur every five years or as needed, moving forward.

The changes in the code were a collaborative process that included a committee of three students, two faculty and six staff members who reviewed the code by reading every word. Domanic Thomas, assistant director of Student Activities and Leadership Programs, chaired the committee that met biweekly from November 2008 until March 2009 to make any necessary changes.

The length of the code was reduced by six pages and took effect the first day of classes in fall term, Sept. 28.