Misconduct Policies

Student Non-Academic Disciplinary Procedures (UWS Chapter 17)

This chapter of the Universities of Wisconsin (UWS) administrative code defines the most severe forms of misconduct, hearing and appeal procedures and the officers responsible for making the process work. The conduct process provides an opportunity for a student to be heard and ensures the accused student has some rights.

Read Full UWS Chapter 17 Policy

Conduct on University Lands (UWS Chapter 18)

UWS Chapter 18 defines restricted behaviors on university lands or at campus sponsored events. It applies to students, employees and even guests. These policies are enforced using the procedures defined in Chapter 17. University Police officers may also issue citations for violations of these policies just as they would state law.

Read Full UWS Chapter 18 Policy

Alcohol & Controlled Substance

When the use of alcohol or other drugs causes disorder, danger or damage, or involves an infraction of the law, disciplinary action will be taken, which may include required community service, loss of University housing and/or suspension. Students are responsible for their actions whether they are under the influence of a substance or not.

Read Alcohol and Controlled Substance Policy

Student Housing Policies

The Office of Housing & Residential Education maintains policies designed to make living on campus a pleasurable and safe experience. Student residents agreed to these terms as part of their housing contact. Guests of all students are also expected to abide by these policies or their host will be held accountable.

Review Housing Policies

Policy 136

The Universities of Wisconsin policy requires disclosure of the following prior to being granted permission to live in university housing or before participating in university-sponsored study abroad programs:

• Any prior felony pleas or convictions in which the student was treated as an adult during the proceeding; and
• Non-academic postsecondary disciplinary violations that resulted in expulsion, dismissal or suspension.

Understand Policy 136 Process

Copyright Information

UW-Green Bay is obligated to enforce or comply with a variety of state and federal laws. This includes complying with a number of federal laws designed to protect electronic copyrighted material. Specifically these laws prohibit everyone from engaging in peer to peer (P2P) file sharing of copyrighted music, movies or software. For a summary of potential civil and criminal liabilities for violating these federal laws, please see below.

Such acts are also a violation of UWS policy 17.09 (10). When the university receives such notices, we are required to cooperate with such investigations, which could lead organizations such as the RIAA or the MPAA, along with their teams of lawyers to you.

How to Avoid Copyright Violation

Some tips are posted on the Information Technology website to help you better secure you computer or look for programs that could be sharing files without your knowledge. We encourage you to read through this information and check your computer. If you need assistance, please contact the IT Service Center located in the Instructional Services building. 

More Copyrights Info

What Happens If You Violate Copyright Policy

Violations of copyright laws are also a violation of university policy. Here is a summary of what will happen to you should the university determine you were engaging in this behavior:

• Loss of campus network access for 7 to 45 days
• Submit a signed Computing Behavioral Agreement to the Dean of Students Office
• Bring the device to one of the IT Help Centers for a review
• Additional sanctions may be added depending on the policy violation

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Dean of Students Office at 920-465-2152, or for technical questions, one of the Help Centers (920-465-5163 or 920-465-2309).

Summary of Civil & Criminal Penalties for Violation of Federal Copyright Laws

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.

Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or "statutory" damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For "willful" infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys' fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.

Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.

For more information, please see the website of the U.S. Copyright Office, especially their FAQ section.

Amnesty Policy

This policy prohibits acts of relationship violence and sexual harassment on university property, at university events and where off-campus conduct affects a member of the university community. This policy applies to all students, employees, affiliates and guests. We are committed to educating our community and to promptly and effectively responding to and redressing conduct that violates this policy. 

This policy provides the UW-Green Bay community with information and resources to identify, report and respond to relationship violence and sexual harassment including, sexual assault, gender-based stalking, and dating and domestic violence.

Consent

Consent as defined by Wisconsin Statute 940.225 as words or overt actions by a person who is competent to give informed consent. It indicates a freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact. A person is unable to give consent if the person is incapacitated because of drugs or alcohol, disabled physically or intellectually or unconscious.

Importance of Consent

Dating Violence

Violence committed in a “dating relationship,” which is defined by Wisconsin Statute 813.12 as a romantic or intimate social relationship between two adult individuals. “Dating relationship” does not include a casual relationship or an ordinary fraternization between two individuals in a business, educational or social context. A review shall determine if a dating relationship existed by considering the length of the relationship, the type of the relationship, and the frequency of the interaction between the adult individuals involved in the relationship.

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence as defined by Wisconsin Statute 813.12 means any of the following engaged in 1) by an adult family member or adult household member against another adult family member or adult household member, 2) by an adult caregiver against an adult who is under the caregiver’s care, 3) by an adult against his or her adult former spouse, 4) by an adult against an adult with whom the individual has or had a dating relationship or 5) by an adult against an adult with whom the person has a child in common:

• Intentional infliction of physical pain, physical injury or illness.
• Intentional impairment of physical condition.
• Sexual Assault
• Stalking
• Damage to property
• A threat to engage in the conduct listed above.

Note: This law applies to roommates, regardless of gender or dating relationship. 

Sexual Assault

Sexual contact or sexual intercourse with another person without the consent of that person. Sexual assault is a crime as defined by Wisconsin Statute 940.225. This may include, but is not limited to any of the following:

• Whoever has sexual contact or intercourse with a person without the consent of that person.
• Whoever has sexual contact or sexual intercourse in any of the following ways:
  • With person who the individual knows is unconscious.
  • With a person who is under the influence of an intoxicant to a degree which renders that person incapable of giving consent if the individual has actual knowledge that the person is incapable of giving consent and the individual has the purpose to have sexual contact or sexual intercourse with the person while the person is incapable of giving consent.
  • With another person without consent of that person and causes pregnancy or great bodily harm to that person.
  • With a person without consent of that person and causes injury, illness, disease or impairment of a sexual or reproductive organ, or mental anguish requiring psychiatric care for the victim.
  • With a person without consent of that person by use or threat of force or violence.
  • With a person without consent of that person by use or threat of use of a dangerous weapon or any article used or fashioned in a manner to lead the victim to reasonably believe it to be a dangerous weapon.
  • Is aided or abetted by one or more other persons and has sexual contact or sexual intercourse with a person without consent of that person.

Stalking

As defined by Wisconsin Statute 940.32 is intentionally engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person under the same circumstances to suffer serious emotional distress or to fear bodily injury to or the death of himself or herself or a member of his or her family or household. This may include, but is not limited to any of the following:

• Maintaining a visual or physical proximity to the victim.
• Approaching or confronting the victim.
• Appearing at the victim’s workplace or contacting the victim’s employer or coworkers.
• Appearing at the victim’s home or contacting the victim’s neighbors.
• Entering property owned, leased, or occupied by the victim.
• Contacting the victim by telephone or causing the victim’s telephone or any other person’s telephone to ring repeatedly or continuously, regardless of whether a conversation ensues.
• Photographing, videotaping, audiotaping, or, through any other electronic means, monitoring or recording the activities of the victim. This subdivision applies regardless of where the act occurs.
• Sending material by any means to the victim or, for the purpose of obtaining information about, disseminating information about, or communicating with the victim, to a member of the victim’s family or household or an employer, coworker or friend of the victim.
• Placing an object on or delivering an object to property owned, leased or occupied by the victim.
• Delivering an object to a member of the victim’s family or household or an employer, coworker or friend of the victim or placing an object on, or delivering an object to, property owned, leased or occupied by such a person with the intent that the object be delivered to the victim.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a common form of academic misconduct and occurs when you present someone else’s work or ideas as your own without proper citation or acknowledgment. To avoid plagiarism, always give credit to the author by citing your sources correctly, whether you are using direct quotes, paraphrasing, or summarizing their work. Familiarize yourself with the appropriate citation style (e.g. APA, MLA) and utilize reference management tools to help you keep track of your sources. 

Find Tools & Resources

Cheating

Cheating during exams, quizzes or assignments is another form of academic misconduct. To avoid this, make sure to thoroughly understand the guidelines and expectations set by your instructors. Prepare for exams and assignments well in advance, so you have sufficient time to study and complete the work independently. Avoid seeking or giving unauthorized assistance, such as using hidden notes, electronic devices, or communicating with others during exams or assignments unless explicitly permitted by the instructor.

Forgery

Forgery and falsification involve inventing or altering data, information or citations. To avoid these practices, ensure that you accurately represent your findings, results and sources. Do not forge data or manipulate results to fit your desired outcome. Honesty and integrity should guide your academic work.

Generative Artificial Intelligence

The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in academic coursework is governed by campus policy and can vary by instructor and course. Please reference your course syllabus to determine if AI is allowed in each course offering.   

See the UW-Green Bay AI Policy & Guidelines

Unauthorized Collaboration

Unauthorized collaboration is another common form of academic misconduct. While group work is often encouraged, it is important to distinguish between collaboration and copying someone else’s work. If you are working on a group project, clearly define the boundaries of collaboration, and ensure that each member contributes their fair share. When working independently, be cautious about discussing or sharing your work with others, as it may cross the line into unauthorized collaboration.

In addition to understanding what constitutes academic misconduct, it is vital to utilize available resources to enhance your skills and knowledge. Utilizing services like workshops, writing tutors, academic coaching, and other academic support services will help you develop proper research, writing, and study skills. These resources can teach you effective citation techniques, critical thinking, time management, and help you avoid unintentional violations of academic integrity.

Lastly, always remember the importance of personal responsibility and ethics in your academic journey. Act with integrity, take pride in your own work and respect the intellectual property of others. When in doubt, consult your instructors or academic advisors for guidance on ethical dilemmas you may encounter.

By adhering to the principles of academic integrity and avoiding academic misconduct, you not only maintain your personal integrity but also contribute to a fair and honest learning environment that benefits the entire UW-Green Bay community.

Student’s Due Process Rights

When a student is accused of academic misconduct, they are entitled to due process rights to ensure a fair and unbiased resolution to the allegations. These rights include:

1. A conference with the instructor or investigating officer, to hear the basis for the misconduct claim and have the opportunity to respond.
2. A written decision informing the student of the decision regarding the charges.
3. The right to appeal the decision, either the finding of responsibility, the sanction assigned or both

Following a conference with the student, if the instructor still believes misconduct occurred, the following sanctions may be assigned:

• An oral reprimand
• A written reprimand presented only to the student
• An assignment to repeat the work, to be graded on its merits
• A lower or failing grade on the particular assignment or test
• A lower or failing grade in the course
• Removal of the student from the course in progress
• A written reprimand to be included in the student’s disciplinary file

Should the incident in question be a repeat offense, and/or be so egregious, the matter is referred to an investigating officer from the Dean of Students office. Under these circumstances, the following sanctions may also be applied to the student:

• Disciplinary probation
• Suspension from the Universities of Wisconsin
• Expulsion from the Universities of Wisconsin

If a student receives a written report, they will have the right to a hearing before the academic misconduct hearing committee to contest the determination that academic misconduct occurred, the choice of disciplinary sanction or both. If the student desires a hearing, they must file a written request with the student affairs officer within 10 days of receiving the sanction.

Hearing Rights

If the student requests there be a hearing before the academic misconduct hearing committee, the hearing shall allow the student the following rights:

• The student has the right to question witnesses, present evidence and their own witnesses, be heard on their own behalf and be accompanied by an advisor of their choice.
• The hearing committee shall make a record of the hearing. The record shall include a verbatim audio or video recording of the testimony, and a file of the evidence offered. Any party to the hearing may obtain copies of the record.
• The hearing committee shall prepare written findings of fact and a written statement of its decision.
• The decision of the hearing committee shall be served to the student and shall become final within 10 days of receiving it.
• In cases where the committee’s decision is to suspend or expel the student, the student has the right to appeal the decision to the Chancellor.