Student Conduct Philosophy
As part of Student Development, the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards aspires to guide, equip, and empower students toward the pursuit of their life calling. We desire for our students to be in the most advantageous situations to thrive during their college experience. Toward those ends, the Office of Student Conduct helps to create a conducive living and learning environment by upholding the values and standards of the IWU community and encourages students to act with character and integrity in all areas.
Moreover, just as God does not anticipate perfection of us, we do not expect perfection of our students. In the event that students are found to be in violation of University policies, the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards handles each case individually and at the lowest level of accountability necessary. It is our hope that students learn through their time at IWU to hold themselves personally accountable, as well as help to hold their peers accountable. In the event that these forms of accountability go unutilized, or the offense is severe enough that peer accountability is not effective or appropriate, the conduct process will be initiated.
The Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards serves individuals by creating educational space for discussion and reflection and has the fundamental task of engaging students in difficult conversations. The process provides an opportunity to discuss with students their goals (relationally, educationally, professionally, and spiritually), to explore how their values impact their actions, and to examine how their decisions and actions effect both themselves and others.
The primary goal of the conduct process is the growth of the student, not the penalty. As a result, since each student is an individual with unique needs, and at different growth stages, it is possible that cases involving similar violations may result in differing outcomes, sanctions, and/or assignments.
Finally, because we recognize the vital and influential role parents often play in the lives of students, students are encouraged to communicate openly with their parents throughout involvement in the conduct process. Should a parent find their student engaged in the conduct process and have questions the student cannot answer, or desire more information, please contact the Office of Student Conduct to discuss the completion of a FERPA Release form.
