Policy 4.2: Student Conduct and Eligibility for Participation 

I. Policy Statement

The UW School of Nursing (SoN) upholds the highest standards of ethics, integrity, accountability, and professionalism. Students are governed by the UW Student Conduct Code (WAC 478-121) and SGP Chapter 209 and SGP Chapter 210, which establish prohibited conduct, due-process rights, and procedures. Nursing students must additionally meet professional conduct standards required by state regulation and clinical partners.

Expectations apply in all academic, research, clinical, community, and off-campus contexts connected to the University. Maintaining eligibility for participation in coursework, clinical/practicum, and SoN-sponsored activities requires adherence to conduct expectations, academic standing (UW School of Nursing Policy 1.1: Academic Performance & Progress), and compliance/onboarding requirements (UW School of Nursing Policy 3.2: Clinical Compliance & Onboarding).

II. Process

A. Student Conduct

1. Standards of Conduct

• Academic and behavioral misconduct are defined by SGP 209 and WAC 478-121. Academic misconduct includes cheating, falsification, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, and unauthorized recording. Behavioral misconduct includes abuse of others, harassment or bullying, alcohol and drug violations, theft, disruption, and failure to comply. These are reported to CSSC.
• Unsafe practice and unprofessional behavior are not categories of misconduct under SGP 209. They are addressed through clinical evaluation under UW School of Nursing Policy 3.3: Clinical Evaluation, removal from a placement under UW School of Nursing Policy 3.1: Clinical Placement Standards, Compliance, and Expectations, and essential qualifications and behaviors under UW School of Nursing Policy 4.1: Essential Qualifications and Behaviors.
• If a single incident involves misconduct and unprofessional behavior, faculty report the misconduct to CSSC and address the clinical performance under UW School of Nursing Policy 3.3. Faculty who are unsure which pathway applies may consult the SoN Conduct Officer at sonconduct@uw.edu or the ADAA at sonadaa@uw.edu. Consultation does not replace a required report.
• Unauthorized assistance, including AI content generators, constitutes academic misconduct when not expressly permitted. Expectations for the responsible use of AI and other digital tools are outlined in UW School of Nursing Policy 4.4: Professional Communication & Technology Standards.

2. Reporting Suspected Misconduct

• Emergency situations (imminent threats to health, safety, or security):
  • Call 911 and/or UW Police (206-685-8973) immediately.
  • Once stabilized, notify the SoN Conduct Officer(s) at sonconduct@uw.edu to ensure follow-up with CSSC occurs and to coordinate any necessary participation restrictions and student support.
• Non-emergency situations:
  • Reports of academic or behavioral misconduct that do not involve discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct must be submitted to the UW Community Standards & Student Conduct (CSSC) office using University reporting portals.
  • Reports of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct are made to the University’s Civil Rights Compliance Office (CRC) under Executive Order 81. Community Standards and Student Conduct (CSSC) is made aware of such reports. A report made to either office will be routed to the other as appropriate, so a student does not need to determine which office is correct before reporting. The School of Nursing Conduct Officer (sonconduct@uw.edu) may be consulted but holds no formal role in the handling of these reports.
  • Retaliation against a person who makes a report, or who participates in a resolution process, is prohibited under Executive Order No. 81 and the Student Conduct Code.
  • Students who have experienced sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking may contact a University confidential advocate before deciding whether to make a report. Contact LiveWell Confidential Advocacy or SafeCampus.
  • Faculty, staff, or students may also consult the SoN Conduct Officer(s) at sonconduct@uw.edu prior to reporting for guidance on whether a referral is indicated and what evidence will be most appropriate to include in the report. Consultation does not satisfy an employee’s obligation under Executive Order No. 81 to report discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct to the Civil Rights Compliance Office.

3. Jurisdiction

The University may adjudicate conduct that occurs off-campus when it involves University-sponsored programs/activities or affects the community.

4. Procedures (SGP 209 & 210)

CSSC conducts fact-finding and issues an Initial Order determining responsibility under a preponderance standard. If responsible, sanctions are assigned. Grading during proceedings:

• Instructors may assign an ‘X’ grade if proceedings are pending.
• If Initial Order finds the student responsible, faculty may issue a grade based on that finding.
• The student may request an administrative review (appeal) by submitting the request in writing within 21 days of the date of service of the initial order.
• If, after review, the student is found not responsible, faculty must reinstate the original grade. A grade already submitted to the Registrar may be changed through the Registrar’s Change of Grade process.

B. Eligibility for Participation (Courses, Clinical, Practicum)

• Academic Standing: Students must remain in good standing per UW School of Nursing Policy 1.1.
• Compliance: Students must meet all requirements per UW School of Nursing Policy 3.2.
• Professional Standards: Essential Qualifications & Behaviors per UW School of Nursing Policy 4.1.
• Safety: When credible concerns are raised regarding safety, the Program Coordinating Committee may determine whether temporary adjustments to participation are appropriate. Removal from a clinical placement is governed by UW School of Nursing Policy 3.1. Adjustments are consistent with University interim measures (SGP 209) and WAC 246-840-519 and -531.
• Decisions: Participation restrictions and progression impacts are determined by the Program Coordinating Committee in consultation with the ADAA, SoN Conduct Officer, and clinical partners, aligned with University/state requirements.

C. Student Support

The SoN prioritizes early communication, advising, and access to resources (e.g., academic support, DRS accommodations). When appropriate, remediation and development plans may be offered consistent with professional standards and safety.

III. Roles & Responsibilities Summary

Last updated: September 2026