III. Misconduct Defined

As used in this document, the term misconduct refers to personal behavior on or off campus that (1) interferes with Baylor's pursuit of its educational and Christian objectives, (2) fails to exhibit a regard for the rights of others, (3) shows disrespect for the safety of persons and property, and/or (4) violates, or attempts to violate, University rules, regulations, and policies or violates, or attempts to violate, local, state, federal, or international laws.

The following examples of misconduct are not inclusive but are intended to give a student an idea of the types of behavior that may result in disciplinary action.

1. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, public service, or other activity or function of the University.
2. Interference with, failure to cooperate or comply with, or failure to provide identification to any Baylor administrator, faculty member, or staff person.
3. Threats, physical abuse, or harassment directed toward a member of the Baylor faculty, staff, or student body or toward a visitor to the campus.
4. Drunkenness or disorderly behavior.
5. Lewd or indecent behavior.
6. Cohabitation. Baylor defines cohabitation as a male and female living together who are not married to each other.
7. Expression that is inappropriate in the setting of Baylor University and in opposition to the Christian ideals it strives to uphold.
8. Promotion, use or possession, or being under the influence of an alcoholic beverage on campus or at a University-related activity. A "university related activity" is any activity sponsored by the University or by any organization recognized by the University. The degree to which an organization is responsible for the activity of its members is not necessarily dependent upon the number of members engaging in the activity, but depends upon whether the activity is related to the organization as described in University's Process for Student Organization Violations.
9. Unlawful manufacture, possession, use, sale, transfer, or purchase of a controlled substance or another dangerous drug such as a controlled substance analogue (designer drug) or drug paraphernalia. Any type of hookah or bong is prohibited on the campus.
10. Intentionally taking, damaging, or destroying property; or attempting to take, damage, or destroy property without the effective consent of the owner.
11. Use or possession of firearms, explosives, fireworks, missiles, or weapons on campus without the approval of the Vice President for Student Life. (Students should refer to the Texas Penal Code section 46.01 for definitions of weapons.) Baylor acknowledges that under Texas law, a student who holds a valid concealed handgun license may store a concealed firearm in a locked, privately owned or leased motor vehicle parked on a street or driveway or in a Baylor parking lot or parking garage.
12.  Unauthorized entry, or attempted entry, into or occupation of University facilities.
13. Falsification, alteration, fabrication, or misuse of a University or government form, document, record, or identification card.
14. Participation in student organizations not approved by the University.
15. Contemptuous or disrespectful behavior.
16. Lying.
17. Failure to follow established University rules, regulations, and policies.
18. Unlawfully conducting, organizing, or participating in an activity involving a game of chance, including but not limited to, casino or sports wagering.
19. Hazing (any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off the campus by one person alone or acting with others that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization) or any action taken or situation created, which is intended to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule, or suffering. Prohibited actions and situations include calisthenics; paddling; causing excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; unapproved quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips, or other such activities; causing a person to wear apparel publicly that is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts or morally degrading or humiliating games or activities; and late work sessions and other activities not consistent with the rules, regulations, and policies of Baylor University.
20. Sexual misconduct as defined in the University's Sexual Conduct Policy.
21. Tampering or playing with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, exit lights, emergency lights, or other life safety equipment; tampering with or pulling under false pretenses a fire alarm; or propping stairwell fire doors open or disabling locking mechanisms on exit doors. Fines may be assessed for the misuse of fire or other life safety equipment.
22. Recording or causing to be recorded the voice of a member of the University's governing board, an administrator, faculty or staff member, or other student without having first obtained the recorded person's expressed, written permission.
23. Possession of pornographic material (printed or electronic) on Baylor property or accessing pornographic material through the University's server.
24. Participating in the Baylor Homecoming Parade without University authorization, disrupting parade activities, or failing to comply with parade marshalls appointed by the University.

Modified: 6-11-12; 7-12-13; 8-15-14