Student conduct

Non-academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, where a student engages in any of the following types of conduct on university property or in connection with a university activity:

• theft, damage or destruction of property
• unauthorized entry or presence on university property
• fraud or impersonation
• disruptive or dangerous behaviours to self or others
• unlawful possession or use of alcohol that violates the university liquor policy
• use or possession of illicit drugs
• other activities that result in criminal charges or conviction or a court judgment

The Student Conduct and Case Resolution Team at the Office of Student Life helps to resolve non-academic misconduct issues by:

• receiving and reviewing reports of non-academic student misconduct
• working with other university departments to determine the best response
• facilitating the informal resolution of conduct matters
• conducting formal investigations of allegations as necessary
• determining or recommending a reasonable outcome after investigation
• working with students engaged in conduct processes to access support resources

Informal resolution is encouraged whenever possible. Approaches for resolving concerns vary and may include respectful and direct communication, education, apologies, and conciliation. If an informal resolution is not possible or appropriate, an investigation process is considered.

When a formal investigation process is initiated, the Office of Student Life follows the processes and procedures that are outlined in the Resolution of Non-Academic Misconduct Allegations policy (AC1300). This process involves engaging with the people involved to collect relevant information for making a decision about whether non-academic misconduct has occurred. In cases where a student is found responsible for non-academic misconduct, the Office of Student Life determines or makes recommendations on appropriate sanctions.

Students involved in an investigation are provided the opportunity to learn more from our office about the process and their options for participation.

Typically, you will have received a letter if our office has reviewed a report about an alleged conduct concern that may involve you. The letter will provide information about the reported concern and the nature of our office’s response under the policy. In some instances, a letter may be an advisement communicating relevant university expectations and policies for your information. In other cases, a letter may contain a meeting request when we believe it is important to discuss the alleged concerns with you, and when further steps may be necessary to successfully resolve them. If you receive a letter and have questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact us.

The Office of Student Life (OSL) facilitates connections between students and support resources to help manage the practical and emotional impacts of participating in a resolution process. A Student Support Coordinator (SSC) can be paired to work with students throughout each step of the process and can assist with making an individualized support plan. Students are also welcome to have family, friends and other individuals provide support throughout a resolution process.

For students looking for additional advice or support related to a student conduct process, the university’s ombudsperson is a resource available to undergraduate and graduate students.

If you would like to report a concern, request a consultation, or learn more about the non-academic misconduct policy, please contact our office by emailing: oslreports@uvic.ca.

If you are reporting a concern, please try to include the following information in your email:

• description of the incident/concern
• date and time of incident
• what action (if any) has happened to-date
• what response you are hoping to see

Our office will review your concerns to determine the appropriate next steps. Our next steps might include requesting more information, suggesting a referral, connecting to resources, or consulting with other offices.

Reporting other concerns:

• violence or threatening behaviour should be immediately reported to the police and Campus Security at 250-721-7599. If the situation is urgent or criminal, immediately call 9-1-1.
• if you choose to report an incident of sexualized violence, reports can be made to the sexualized violence resource office
• discrimination, harassment or human rights concerns can be reported to the Equity and Human Rights Office
• academic misconduct or integrity concerns should be reported in accordance with the Academic Integrity Policy available in the academic calendar
• off campus conduct can be reported to your local police department

The Office of Student Life (OSL) is committed to providing clear, transparent, and procedurally fair processes when resolving allegations under the Non-Academic Misconduct policy.

If a student is found responsible for non-academic misconduct, they have a right to appeal the decision or the sanction applied. Appeal procedures are set out in the policy. During an appeal process, students may work with a Student Support Coordinator and can also connect with the university’s ombudsperson for independent and confidential assistance.

At any stage of a student conduct process, students are welcome to contact the OSL to raise any questions or concerns about the process. Please contact the OSL as soon as possible if you have any questions or concerns you would like to address.