Section 2: Scope of the honor system

Students at Elon University are provided a copy of the Student Handbook (which includes the honor system and code of conduct) annually in the form of a link on the University website. The honor system section is available on the Student Conduct website and hard copies are available upon request from the Office of Student Conduct. Students are responsible for having read and abiding by all provisions of the honor system.

Elon’s honor code and code of conduct apply to both individual student and organizational behavior:

• Occurring from the time of admission until the actual awarding of a degree (applying to behavior that occurs before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during periods between terms of enrollment unless a student has completed the process of withdrawal from the university);
• In the classroom and at all locations and events on Elon University owned or leased property;
• In locations and at events not occurring on campus, including those involving non-campus individuals and organizations;
• In locations abroad, including involvement with all individuals and organizations; and
• Via email, via text, online or through any other electronic medium.

Be aware that online postings such as blogs, web postings, chats, social networking sites, and social media/applications are in the public sphere and are not private. These postings can result in allegations of conduct violations if evidence of inappropriate behavior is posted electronically. The University does not regularly search for this information but may take action if and when such information is brought to our attention.

The code of conduct applies to guests of community members and hosts may be held accountable for the misconduct of their guests. The code may also be applied to special admission or high school dual enrollment students.

The University retains conduct jurisdiction for any misconduct that occurs while someone is a student. If charged with a violation, a student may not be permitted to register for classes, withdraw from the University, re-enroll (if withdrawn for medical or other reasons), graduate or participate in commencement exercises until there is a final resolution on the case.  All applicable sanctions must be satisfied prior to any continued involvement with the University including the conferring of a degree.

There is no time limit on reporting violations of the code of conduct; however, the longer someone waits to report an offense, the more difficult it becomes for University officials to obtain information and witness statements and to make determinations regarding alleged violations.  Because proceedings for possible violations are to be conducted expeditiously, prompt reporting (within two weeks of the incident) is encouraged. Reports received 6 months or more after an incident will not likely be considered for adjudication except in the case of relationship violence or sexual misconduct. (See Section 4.E. – RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT – for clarification on what is included in these categories.) Students will not be penalized or discriminated against in any way for reporting incidents, but any student who knowingly files a false or malicious complaint may be charged with Fraud/Lying or Retaliation.

Though anonymous complaints are permitted, doing so may limit the University’s ability to investigate and respond to a complaint if the report cannot be validated. Those who are aware of misconduct are encouraged to report it as quickly as possible to the Office of Student Conduct and/or to Campus Safety and Police. (See Section 5 – CODE OF CONDUCT – for information on how to file a complaint.) 

University email is the University’s primary means of communication with students. Students are responsible for all communication delivered to their University email address, delivered to their campus box, or mailed to their permanent residence.

Students facing an alleged violation of the code of conduct can submit a request to withdraw from courses at Elon University, but will not generally be allowed to withdraw from the University until all allegations are resolved.  (See Section 8 – WITHDRAWAL FROM THE UNIVERSITY – for more information on withdrawals.)

Students are responsible for knowing the information, policies and procedures outlined in this document. Elon University reserves the right to make changes to this code as necessary and once those changes are posted online, they are in effect. Students will be notified via campus email of any changes during the academic year but are encouraged to check online [www.elon.edu/e-web/students/handbook/ or www.elon.edu/e-web/students/conduct/] for the updated versions of all policies and procedures.