Student Conduct

Over time, the approach that institutions of higher education have taken toward students has changed, as educators have learned more about students’ needs. Student conduct systems at many colleges and universities, including Lewis & Clark College, have also evolved. Thirty or more years ago, most college campuses had living accommodations and conduct systems which reflected a philosophy of in loco parentis, or the idea that faculty and staff members should take the place of parents in students’ lives. Students were perceived as minors who needed to be controlled by parental figures. The role of the staff was primarily to enforce rules.

Clearly, the role of the College has changed. Students at Lewis & Clark College and at other institutions are regarded as adults and citizens of the community as a whole. The functions of staff members have also expanded. Residence hall staff, including Resident Assistants, are present in the residence halls to facilitate community development, advise and counsel, provide programs and activities, and above all to educate. Reflecting this shift in philosophy, residence halls are places where students participate actively in the life of the community, rather than simply places where they go to eat and sleep.

Behavior within the residence halls, and on campus in general, is not as clearly regulated by rules as it once was. Shifting societal values and other factors have influenced our expectations of students. The main premise of our current student conduct system is that we expect students to take responsibility for their behavior and, additionally, to hold their peers accountable. It has been demonstrated that the more students participate in their community, the more likely they will be to uphold college policies and maintain a positive community environment. The student conduct process is how we address behavior which has a negative impact on the campus community. The Code of Conduct helps us to identify those negative impacts.

Please utilize the links on this page to access in-depth information about the College's student conduct system and important resources.