Student Conduct
Colorado Technical University (CTU) fosters an academic community that is committed to the educational and personal growth of every student, the principles of free inquiry and free expression, as well as the safety, security, and respect of each member of the University community. As a result, CTU expects each student to engage in conduct consistent with the behaviors and actions contained in this Student Conduct Policy, the CTU Honor Code (as stated in the CTU Student Handbook), and all other related University policies. CTU does not condone any conduct that violates this Student Conduct Policy or any other related University policies. Through this commitment, CTU reaffirms its pledge to promoting a safe and respectful learning environment for every member of our University community.
A student whose conduct, as exhibited physically in-person, through any electronic or video means, and/or through any other virtual or written means, is regarded as being in conflict with the best interests of the University, or in violation of its policies, is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
To the extent a student is subject to disciplinary sanction under this Student Conduct Policy, CTU reserves the right to prohibit a student’s future enrollment, or to limit a student’s enrollment to a specific campus or online program.
CTU's Student Conduct policy applies to all situations that impact or could reasonably be expected to impact our students, faculty, staff, or University community, including but not limited to actions taken onsite at a University campus, within the University's virtual platforms, and during University-sanctioned in-person events. This also includes non-University-sanctioned events, virtual platforms, social media activities, etc. where the student identifies him/herself or could reasonably be identified to the public as a student of or affiliated with CTU.
Dismissal from CTU may be warranted for any of the following reasons: Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress, failure to abide by the University’s Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy, failure to pay institution fees and/or tuition by applicable deadlines, posing a danger to the health or welfare of students or other members of the CTU community, engaging in fraudulent financial activities, or failure to comply with the policies and procedures of CTU. Any unpaid balance for tuition, fees, and supplies becomes due and payable immediately upon a student’s dismissal from the institution. The institution will also determine if any Title IV funds need to be returned (see Financial Policies Section of the University catalog).
Student organizations, including their members and officers, may be held collectively and/or individually responsible for violations of the Student Conduct Policy and/or other University policies.
Prospective students and University visitors and guests are also expected to comply with all University policies (including the Student Conduct Policy) and are subject to corrective action for violations of these policies. Prospective students may be prohibited from enrolling at CTU or limited to enrollment at a specific campus or online program as a result of violating University policies.
All reported violations of the Student Conduct Policy will be investigated as appropriate. Interim measures may be imposed during the investigation to ensure the safety and well-being of the University community, including students, staff, and faculty. The University reserves the right to suspend any member of the University community or to take any other interim measures the University deems appropriate pending the outcome of the investigation. Such interim measures can include, but are not limited to, removing an individual from campus or campus-related events, issuing a “no contact” order, and/or modifying course schedules.
All students, prospective students, and University visitors and guests are expected to respect the rights of others and are held responsible for complying with all federal, state, and local laws, and for conducting themselves in a manner consistent with the best interests of the University. Conduct that is not consistent with the best interests of the University includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Academic or administrative dishonesty, such as knowingly furnishing false information to the University;
2. Engaging in conduct that violates the University’s Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy;
3. Engaging in conduct that violates the University’s Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy;
4. Engaging in conduct that violates the University’s Technology Use Policy;
5. Forgery, alteration, misuse, or mutilation of University documents, records, identifications, educational material, and/or University property;
6. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or any other authorized activities on University premises;
7. Physical or verbal abuse of any student, faculty, staff, or member of the University community, as well as conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any such person;
8. Theft of or damage to property of the University or using, or attempting to use, University property in a manner inconsistent with its designed purpose;
9. Unauthorized entry to, use of, or occupation of University facilities and resources;
10. Intentional and unauthorized interference with right of access to University facilities, freedom of movement or speech of any person on campus;
11. Disorderly, lewd, unwelcome sexual advances, unwanted requests for favors of a sexual nature, physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature, and indecent or obscene conduct or expression (including conduct that falls under the University's Sexual Misconduct - Sexual Harassment Policy, but was dismissed under that policy or did not meet that policy's definitions);
12. Possession, use, or distribution of any drug made illegal as a matter of federal, state, or local law or alcohol on campus or during any student activities regardless of the location;
13. The possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs made illegal as a matter of federal, state, or local law, or the misuse or being impaired by prescribed drugs, while on duty in any healthcare facility, school, institution or other work location as a representative of the nursing program is prohibited;
14. Violation of a federal, state, or local ordinance including, but not limited to, those covering alcoholic beverages, narcotics, dangerous drugs, gambling, weapons, sex offenses, arson, or public health;
15. Rioting or aiding, abetting, encouraging, or participating in a riot or inciting a riot;
16. Failure to comply with the verbal or written directions of any University officials acting in the performance of their duties and in the scope of their employment including, but not limited to, those covering safety and public health;
17. Aiding, abetting, or inciting others in committing any act of misconduct set forth in any of these enumerated prohibited behaviors;
18. Conviction of a crime of a nature which adversely affects or is detrimental to the University community and/or the pursuit of its educational objectives or creates a risk to the safety and security of the University community. Upon filing of charges in criminal court involving such a crime, the student may be temporarily suspended or withdrawn pending disposition of the charges in criminal court;
19. Proven plagiarism or falsification of authenticity is a serious matter of significant ethical and legal concern. Students are informed that if it is ever proven that there was significant misrepresentation or misattribution of material presented, any degrees or credit awarded by the University based on the material will be revoked.
20. Lack of academic achievement and/or suspension;
21. Unauthorized solicitation of students, faculty or staff on campus or online for any product or service;
22. Other behavior or actions that might constitute a threat to the University Community (i.e., weapons possession, alcohol or drug abuse, endangerment of safety and/or public health, etc.) as determined by appropriate university authorities.
23. Breach of information security processes (including but not limited to using another’s password or sharing his/her password) with a University technology resource or system platform or at a clinical/internship/externship system.
24. All information (including but not limited to patient or other proprietary information) gained from clinical sites or other internship/externship sites is deemed to be confidential. Sharing of this information in any form (repeating to another individual, posting on social media sites, etc.) is a breach of confidentiality and unprofessional conduct.
Student Conduct Committee
Inappropriate conduct, based on the requirements noted above, will not be tolerated and may be a cause for dismissal from the University. Students violating the Student Conduct Policy may be brought to the institution's Student Conduct Committee for possible recommendation of dismissal from the institution. The Student Conduct Committee is made up of the Provost/Chief Academic Officer (or their designee) and other committee members representing various areas within the University.
Any charge, accusation, or allegation which is presented against a student, may subject a student to disciplinary action. The charge, accusation, or allegation must be submitted in writing via staff or faculty (excepting emergency situations mentioned in the examples below) with pertinent details sent promptly to the Student Conduct Committee through the Provost/Chief Academic Officer (or their designee). Note that the Student Conduct Committee does not supersede the role of other CTU officials. For example:
1. Faculty have the right to remove a student from a class when a faculty member determines the student's actions are interfering with the classroom learning environment.
2. The University President has full power and authority to enforce rules and regulations to govern student conduct and to take emergency measures to protect the health and safety of students and employees.
3. Every student is subject to federal, state, and local law. The conviction of a student for any criminal offense involving conduct which is inconsistent with the University's mission or presents a risk to the safety or security of the campus community shall be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal. The sanction and duration of the sanction will be determined via recommendation to the Provost Office by the Student Conduct Committee and based on the degree of severity of the offense.
Sanctions
Sanctions can be enforced by the University Provost/Chief Academic Officer (or their designee), and the Student Conduct Committee, via oversight of the Provost Office. Sanctions can take several forms, including the following:
1. Official Reprimand – An oral statement and warning by an appropriate CTU official to cease the inappropriate behavior or act. This oral statement will articulate the consequences if the infraction is repeated. A copy of the reprimand will reside in the student's file.
2. Official Written Notice – A written censure citing that the student has violated a specific tenet of the Student Conduct Policy, the nature of the violation, and the determination that a repeat occurrence during the remaining time of the student's degree studies may/will lead to immediate suspension or dismissal. A student may be issued a first written warning, a second written warning, and/or a final written warning. A copy of the official written notice will reside in the student's file.
3. Suspension – The student is not allowed to participate in any aspect of the institution and is banned from the institution for the length of time of the suspension. During this time, the student is barred from the University, campus and/or online community, respectively. A copy of the official letter of suspension will reside in the student's file.
4. Dismissal – The student or prospective student is permanently removed from all connections and associations with the institution with the inability to return to the University in a future enrollment. A copy of the official letter of dismissal will reside in the student's file. The University President and/or Provost/Chief Academic Officer (or their designee) have the authority to dismiss a student from the institution based on investigation, findings, and recommendations from officials or the Student Conduct Committee.
Dismissal
CTU reserves the right to dismiss a student for any of the following: Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress, failure to pay school fees and/or tuition by applicable deadlines, engaging in fraudulent financial activities, disruptive behavior, posing a danger to the health or welfare of students or other members of the community, or failure to comply with the policies and procedures of the institution. Students dismissed during a term will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine the appropriate application of assignment and final grades for the course(s) based on the circumstances and date(s) of event(s) that led to the dismissal. Any unpaid balance for tuition, fees and supplies becomes due and payable immediately upon a student's dismissal. CTU will determine any Title IV funds to be returned in accordance with federal guidelines.
Appeals
Students have the right to appeal conduct dismissals when imposed by the President, Provost/Chief Academic Officer (or their designee).
CTU is committed to, and will maintain necessary avenues for students to file a formal appeal should they meet the necessary requirements as outlined in these proceedings.
1. A student may appeal a University decision in writing by completing the Conduct Dismissal Appeal form located on the Virtual Campus Resource page and submitting it to the Office of the Ombudsman (StudentGrievance@coloradotech.edu) within five (5) business days of receiving notice of the dismissal decision.
2. Within three (3) business days, the Office of the Ombudsman will confirm receipt of the appeal and begin a thorough review of the claim and supporting evidence to be considered. The role of the Ombudsman's Office is to ensure compliant and consistent treatment occurred during the committee sanctioning process.
3. Once the student has provided all the necessary appeal evidence and/or documentation, the Office of the Ombudsman will request a meeting with the Student Conduct Committee to present the details of the appeal.
4. Upon hearing the case, a formal vote will be taken by the Student Conduct Committee; with the results sent to the President or Provost/Chief Academic Officer (or their designee) for a final review and determination.
5. The University President or Provost/Chief Academic Officer (or their designee) will send the final determination in writing to the Student Conduct Committee Secretary, which will contain the findings, reasoning, and conclusion of the appeal review. The Secretary will document and send the formal review letter to the student and copy the appropriate CTU Departments for documentation purposes within five (5) business days of initiating the appeal investigation.
6. All University determinations of appeals will be kept as a permanent record in the student's file.
Reinstatement
Students approved to return to the University upon completion of the appeals process may be reinstated under the following conditions:
1. The student is required to return by re-applying via Re-entry Admissions. Upon doing so, requirement documentation including but not limited to financial aid and academic (e.g., Satisfactory Academic Progress) documentation must be completed.
2. A re-entering student must also adhere to the program plan determined at the time of re-entry.
Returning students must also follow any and all specified conditions as recommended by the Student Conduct Committee and approved by the University Provost/Chief Academic Officer (or their designee). Specified conditions may include but are not limited to the ability to attend a specific campus and/or ceasing contact with specific individuals.
Colorado Technical University (CTU) fosters an academic community that is committed to the educational and personal growth of every student, the principles of free inquiry and free expression, as well as the safety, security, and respect of each member of the University community. As a result, CTU expects each student to engage in conduct consistent with the behaviors and actions contained in this Student Conduct Policy, the CTU Honor Code (as stated in the CTU Student Handbook), and all other related University policies. CTU does not condone any conduct that violates this Student Conduct Policy or any other related University policies. Through this commitment, CTU reaffirms its pledge to promoting a safe and respectful learning environment for every member of our University community.
A student whose conduct, as exhibited physically in-person, through any electronic or video means, and/or through any other virtual or written means, is regarded as being in conflict with the best interests of the University, or in violation of its policies, is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
CTU reserves the right to prohibit a student’s future enrollment, or to limit a student’s enrollment to a specific campus or online program.
CTU's Student Conduct policy applies to all situations that impact or could reasonably be expected to impact our students, faculty, staff, or University community, including but not limited to actions taken onsite at a University campus, within the University's virtual platforms, and during University-sanctioned in-person events. This also includes non-University-sanctioned events, virtual platforms, social media activities, etc. where the student identifies him/herself or could reasonably be identified to the public as a student of or affiliated with CTU.
Dismissal from CTU may be warranted for any of the following reasons: Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress, failure to abide by the University’s Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy, failure to pay institution fees and/or tuition by applicable deadlines, posing a danger to the health or welfare of students or other members of the CTU community, engaging in fraudulent financial activities, or failure to comply with the policies and procedures of CTU. Any unpaid balance for tuition, fees, and supplies becomes due and payable immediately upon a student’s dismissal from the institution. The institution will also determine if any Title IV funds need to be returned (see Financial Policies Section of the University catalog).
Student organizations, including their members and officers, may be held collectively and/or individually responsible for violations of the Student Conduct Policy and/or other University policies.
Prospective students and University visitors and guests are also expected to comply with all University policies (including the Student Conduct Policy) and are subject to corrective action for violations of these policies. Prospective students may be prohibited from enrolling at CTU or limited to enrollment at a specific campus or online program as a result of violating University policies.
All reported violations of the Student Conduct Policy will be investigated as appropriate. Interim measures may be imposed during the investigation to ensure the safety and well-being of the University community, including students, staff, and faculty. The University reserves the right to suspend any member of the University community or to take any other interim measures the University deems appropriate pending the outcome of the investigation. Such interim measures can include, but are not limited to, removing an individual from campus or campus-related events, issuing a “no contact” order, and/or modifying course schedules.
All students, prospective students, and University visitors and guests are expected to respect the rights of others and are held responsible for complying with all federal, state, and local laws, and for conducting themselves in a manner consistent with the best interests of the University. Conduct that is not consistent with the best interests of the University includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Academic or administrative dishonesty, such as knowingly furnishing false information to the University;
2. Engaging in conduct that violates the University’s Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy;
3. Engaging in conduct that violates the University’s Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy;
4. Engaging in conduct that violates the University’s Technology Use Policy;
5. Forgery, alteration, misuse, or mutilation of University documents, records, identifications, educational material, and/or University property;
6. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or any other authorized activities on University premises;
7. Physical or verbal abuse of any student, faculty, staff, or member of the University community, as well as conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any such person;
8. Theft of or damage to property of the University or using, or attempting to use, University property in a manner inconsistent with its designed purpose;
9. Unauthorized entry to, use of, or occupation of University facilities and resources;
10. Intentional and unauthorized interference with right of access to University facilities, freedom of movement or speech of any person on campus;
11. Disorderly, lewd, unwelcome sexual advances, unwanted requests for favors of a sexual nature, physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature, and indecent or obscene conduct or expression;
12. Possession, use, or distribution of any drug made illegal as a matter of federal, state, or local law or alcohol on campus or during any student activities regardless of the location;
13. The possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs made illegal as a matter of federal, state, or local law, or the misuse or being impaired by prescribed drugs, while on duty in any healthcare facility, school, institution or other work location as a representative of the nursing program is prohibited;
14. Violation of a federal, state, or local ordinance including, but not limited to, those covering alcoholic beverages, narcotics, dangerous drugs, gambling, weapons, sex offenses, arson, or public health;
15. Rioting or aiding, abetting, encouraging, or participating in a riot or inciting a riot;
16. Failure to comply with the verbal or written directions of any University officials acting in the performance of their duties and in the scope of their employment including, but not limited to, those covering safety and public health;
17. Aiding, abetting, or inciting others in committing any act of misconduct set forth in any of these enumerated prohibited behaviors;
18. Conviction of a crime of a nature which adversely affects or is detrimental to the University community and/or the pursuit of its educational objectives or creates a risk to the safety and security of the University community. Upon filing of charges in criminal court involving such a crime, the student may be temporarily suspended or withdrawn pending disposition of the charges in criminal court;
19. Proven plagiarism or falsification of authenticity is a serious matter of significant ethical and legal concern. Students are informed that if it is ever proven that there was significant misrepresentation or misattribution of material presented, any degrees or credit awarded by the University based on the material will be revoked.
20. Lack of academic achievement and/or suspension;
21. Unauthorized solicitation of students, faculty or staff on campus or online for any product or service;
22. Other behavior or actions that might constitute a threat to the University Community (i.e., weapons possession, alcohol or drug abuse, endangerment of safety and/or public health, etc.) as determined by appropriate university authorities.
23. Breach of information security processes (including but not limited to using another’s password or sharing his/her password) with a University technology resource or system platform or at a clinical/internship/externship system.
24. All information (including but not limited to patient or other proprietary information) gained from clinical sites or other internship/externship sites is deemed to be confidential. Sharing of this information in any form (repeating to another individual, posting on social media sites, etc.) is a breach of confidentiality and unprofessional conduct.
Student Conduct Committee
Inappropriate conduct, based on the requirements noted above, will not be tolerated and may be a cause for dismissal from the University. Students violating the Student Conduct Policy may be brought to the institution's Student Conduct Committee for possible recommendation of dismissal from the institution. The Student Conduct Committee is made up of the Provost/Chief Academic Officer (or his/her designee) and other committee members representing various areas within the University.
Any charge, accusation, or allegation which is presented against a student, may subject a student to disciplinary action. The charge, accusation, or allegation must be submitted in writing via staff or faculty (excepting emergency situations mentioned in the examples below) with pertinent details sent promptly to the Student Conduct Committee through the Provost/Chief Academic Officer (or his/her designee). Note that the Student Conduct Committee does not supersede the role of other CTU officials. For example:
1. Faculty have the right to remove a student from a class when a faculty member determines the student's actions are interfering with the classroom learning environment.
2. The University President has full power and authority to enforce rules and regulations to govern student conduct and to take emergency measures to protect the health and safety of students and employees.
3. Every student is subject to federal, state, and local law. The conviction of a student for any criminal offense involving conduct which is inconsistent with the University's mission or presents a risk to the safety or security of the campus community shall be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal. The sanction and duration of the sanction will be determined via recommendation to the Provost Office by the Student Conduct Committee and based on the degree of severity of the offense.
Sanctions
Sanctions can be enforced by the University Provost/Chief Academic Officer (or his/her designee), and the Student Conduct Committee, via oversight of the Provost Office. Sanctions can take several forms, including the following:
1. Official Reprimand – An oral statement and warning by an appropriate CTU official to cease the inappropriate behavior or act. This oral statement will articulate the consequences if the infraction is repeated. A copy of the reprimand will reside in the student's file.
2. Official Written Notice – A written censure citing that the student has violated a specific tenet of the Student Conduct Policy, the nature of the violation, and the determination that a repeat occurrence during the remaining time of the student's degree studies may/will lead to immediate suspension or dismissal. A student may be issued a first written warning, a second written warning, and/or a final written warning. A copy of the official written notice will reside in the student's file.
3. Suspension – The student is not allowed to participate in any aspect of the institution and is banned from the institution for the length of time of the suspension. During this time, the student is barred from the University, campus and/or online community, respectively. A copy of the official letter of suspension will reside in the student's file.
4. Dismissal – The student or prospective student is permanently removed from all connections and associations with the institution with the inability to return to the University in a future enrollment. A copy of the official letter of dismissal will reside in the student's file. The University President and/or Provost/Chief Academic Officer (or his/her designee) have the authority to dismiss a student from the institution based on investigation, findings, and recommendations from officials or the Student Conduct Committee.
Dismissal
CTU reserves the right to dismiss a student for any of the following: Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress, failure to pay school fees and/or tuition by applicable deadlines, engaging in fraudulent financial activities, disruptive behavior, posing a danger to the health or welfare of students or other members of the community, or failure to comply with the policies and procedures of the institution. Students dismissed during a term will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine the appropriate application of assignment and final grades for the course(s) based on the circumstances and date(s) of event(s) that led to the dismissal. Any unpaid balance for tuition, fees and supplies becomes due and payable immediately upon a student's dismissal. CTU will determine any Title IV funds to be returned in accordance with federal guidelines.
Appeals
Students have the right to appeal conduct dismissals when imposed by the President, Provost/Chief Academic Officer (or his/her designee).
CTU is committed to, and will maintain necessary avenues for students to file a formal appeal should they meet the necessary requirements as outlined in these proceedings.
1. A student may appeal a University decision in writing by completing the Conduct Dismissal Appeal form located on the Virtual Campus Resource page and submitting it to the Office of the Ombudsman (StudentGrievance@coloradotech.edu) within five (5) business days of receiving notice of the dismissal decision. Within three (3) business days, the Ombudsman's Office will confirm receipt of the appeal and begin a thorough review of the claim and supporting evidence to be reinstated. The role of the Ombudsman's Office is to ensure compliant and consistent treatment occurred during the committee sanctioning process.
2. Once the student has provided all the necessary appeal evidence and/or documentation, the Office of the Ombudsman will request a meeting with the Student Conduct Committee to present the details of the appeal to the voting members.
3. Upon hearing the case, a formal vote will be cast by each member; the results of which will be sent to the President or Provost/Chief Academic Officer (or his/her designee) for a final review and determination.
4. The University President or Provost/Chief Academic Officer (or his/her designee) will send the final determination in writing to the Student Conduct Committee Secretary, which will contain the findings, reasoning, and conclusion of the appeal review. The Secretary will document and send the formal review letter to the student and copy the appropriate CTU Departments for documentation purposes.
5. All University determinations of appeals will be kept as a permanent record in the student's file.
Reinstatement
Students approved to return to the University upon completion of the appeals process may be reinstated under the following conditions:
1. The student is required to return by re-applying via Re-entry Admissions. Upon doing so, requirement documentation including but not limited to financial aid and academic (e.g., Satisfactory Academic Progress) documentation must be completed.
2. A re-entering student must also adhere to the program plan determined at the time of re-entry.
Returning students must also follow any and all specified conditions as recommended by the Student Conduct Committee and approved by the University Provost/Chief Academic Officer (or his/her designee). Specified conditions may include but are not limited to the ability to attend a specific campus and/or ceasing contact with specific individuals.