University Code of Conduct
The St. Thomas University Code of Conduct describes the standards of daily conduct, rights, and responsibilities of the academic community. With the acceptance of the contract of cooperation by faculty and non-teaching staff or the enrollment of students at STU, all regulations and codes of conduct of the University are accepted, and their contents are shared.
Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policy
St. Thomas University does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, ethnic or national origin, age, marital status, or sexual orientation in the administration of academic and admissions policies, scholarships and financial aid, school-administered activities, programs, or employment practices.
Violations of Law on and off Campus
St. Thomas University takes a firm stand concerning law violations on and off campus to protect our educational mission. Deliberate illegal activity that comes to the attention of STU members will not be tolerated. At STU, each individual is responsible for their behavior.
Policy on Civic and Personal Violations
Concerning the rights of all university community members, St. Thomas University will administer disciplinary action in case of any of the following violations. This list includes, but is not limited to:
Violations related to harm to the community.
These actions include public safety violations and the people’s peace on and off campus. These violations include:
a. The possession or use of dangerous objects.
b. The possession or use of a firearm.
c. The use of flammable materials or incendiary items.
d. Theft or duplication of keys belonging to the university complex.
e. Smoking on University property.
f. Disturbing the ordinary course of classes and all activities conducted by STU.
g. Damaging security equipment.
h. Throwing false alarms.
i. Stealing or borrowing items without the owner’s permission.
Violations related to damaging the integrity of persons.
These violations include all actions that demonstrate a lack of individual responsibility and, in extreme cases, can be dangerous to personal safety:
a. Providing false information.
b. Committing acts of academic dishonesty.
c. Consuming or possessing alcoholic substances.
d. Consuming or possessing any drugs.
Violations involving the dignity, safety, and welfare of others.
These include actions involving harassment, humiliation, cheating, and harming other members of society:
a. Spying on or stalking other people.
b. Photographing or filming other people without permission.
c. Using violent behavior. This violation also includes verbal violence and forcibly restraining another person.
d. Applying psychological pressure, frightening or isolating individuals or groups of people.
Sexual Harassment Policy
Sexual harassment implies unprofessional behavior, verbal or non-verbal, explicit or implicit, which consists of sexual advances, sexual, spoken language, or requests for sexual favors. Sexual harassment occurs in cases in which the behavior is unwelcome. All members of STU’s community are expected to use their time solely for educational and administrative purposes. If an action, whether sexually inspired or not, interferes with these activities at the University in an offensive or perpetually disturbing manner, STU will intervene in the situation promptly.
The following are examples of sexual harassment:
• A discussion or request for information (either directly or indirectly) concerning an individual’s sexual orientation and experiences.
• Unwelcome touching, whistling, leering, insulting, or suggestive comments of a sexual nature.
• Any unwelcome sexual advances.
• The possession/diffusion of sexual material (whether pornographic or material with sexual overtones) on university property.
• Comments or jokes of a sexual nature.
• Using sexual acts as a means of educational or institutional advancement or employment.
It is important to note that as an international University, STU congregates many ethnicities and cultures within its community. Inevitably, misconceptions regarding cultural differences may arise, though STU’s policies must be respected in every case and are decisive for determining misconduct. STU understands cultural differences and will consider these factors while deliberating the case. However, acts such as sexual harassment, regardless of the cultural background of the University Community Member, will not be tolerated in any way. Sexual harassment is not permitted in any form at STU. This policy affects the entire institution and includes every member
of its community, including students, faculty, staff, and administrators. In cases involving sexual harassment, STU will maintain the utmost confidentiality and ensure justice in every case. If found guilty, the community member risks, at a minimum, expulsion or the termination of their contract.
