Code of Student Conduct, Policies, Regulations, & Reports

Academic Misconduct and Student Conduct Guidelines

Montana State University expects students to maintain acceptable standards of behavior on campus and in the community and to manifest a serious purpose by maintaining satisfactory scholastic standing in their coursework. Students who show persistent unwillingness or inability to comply with these requirements will not be permitted to continue his or her affiliation with the University.

A complete statement of the guidelines and procedures concerning academic integrity and student conduct is contained in the Code of Student Conduct. Additional prohibited student conduct is set forth in the Discrimination and Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking and Retaliation Policy and related Procedures. 

The following identifies the responsibilities of all MSU students as defined by the Code of Student Conduct. The entire Code of Student Conduct can be found at www.montana.edu/knowyourcode/. For information regarding protected class discrimination and harassment, please see the policy and procedure referenced above. 

Student Responsibilities

Academic Expectations

Students must:

  1. Be prompt and regular in attending classes;
  2. Be well prepared for classes;
  3. Submit required assignments in a timely manner;
  4. Take exams when scheduled, unless rescheduled under section 200.20, or per an approved accommodation through the Office of Disability Services;
  5. Not be disruptive or act in a way that detracts from the learning experience;
  6. Make and keep appointments when necessary to meet with the instructor or other University personnel;
  7. Meet any additional course and behavioral standards as defined by the instructor and listed in the course syllabus;
  8. Respond to communications from instructors and University personnel in a timely way;
  9. Be responsible for the honest completion and representation of their work, the appropriate citation of sources, and the respect and recognition of others' academic endeavors; and
  10. University email is the University’s primary means of communication with students. Students are responsible for all communications delivered to their designated University email address.

A student officially representing the University in athletic events, government, performance, research presentation, or in similar official capacities, is entitled to the rescheduling of exams or important assignments due to required absences. Students are expected to provide course instructors with official notification of scheduled activity(ies) from the sponsoring department (such as Athletics, academic department, Office of Student Engagement, etc.) as early as possible, preferably at least ten days in advance of the event.

Students participating in official University activities should not expect any special accommodation for attendance at regularly scheduled practice sessions or meetings (i.e., the routine activities required for performance, athletic pursuits, etc.). Students and instructors are encouraged to work with the Testing Services to assist with any accommodations if alternate testing possibilities cannot be arranged readily within the program or department.

Assistance

Students should seek assistance from the instructor and from the appropriate University support services (e.g., tutors, study skills counseling, career development, etc.), if the need for such services arises.

Evaluation

Students should follow fair and appropriate procedures when evaluating their courses and instructors. Factors such as race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation or preference, age, national origin, disability, marital status, political beliefs, veteran status or personal relationships may not be considered.

Academic Honesty

The integrity of the academic process requires that credit be given where credit is due. Accordingly, it is academic misconduct to present the ideas or works of another as one's own work, or to permit another to present one's work without customary and proper acknowledgment of authorship. Students may collaborate with other students only as expressly permitted by the instructor. Students are responsible for the honest completion and representation of their work, the appropriate citation of sources and the respect and recognition of others' academic endeavors.

The Office of the Dean of Students reviews the MSU Code of Student Conduct and Grievance Procedures for Students annually. As changes occur in the organizational, operational, educational, and legal environments, the guide is revised.