Student Handbook

Policy number: 12.1

Policy section: Student Affairs

Revised Date: January 2, 2019

1. Policy Statement

The SMU Student Handbook (“the Handbook”) is a guide for students on the services available at the University. It includes information regarding students’ rights and responsibilities as members of the University community. The Handbook includes the Student Code of Conduct, the University Conduct Review Process, the Honor Code, and additional information/expectations the University needs to communicate to students. Students are held accountable for adhering to the rules and regulations outlined in the Handbook both on and off campus. The most updated version of the Handbook is available online.

2. Purpose

The purpose of the Handbook is to provide rules and regulations that govern student life at the University. The information provided and the regulations and policies outlined in the Handbook and Codes of Conduct are not intended to be all-inclusive and do not constitute a contract.

3. Applicability

All students are expected to comply with rules and regulations outlined in the Handbook as well as any additional departmental requirements The Code of Conduct applies to student behavior both on and off the campus of Southern Methodist University, including travel on University-sanctioned trips. Students traveling on University-sanctioned trips are representing Southern Methodist University and are expected to make responsible decisions regarding behavior so that they maintain appropriate standards of conduct at all times.

4. Revisions

The Handbook is revised each year to reflect policy changes in the Student Code of Conduct, the Honor Code, and the SMU Conduct Review Process. The process of revision of the Student Code of Conduct, the Honor Code, and the Conduct Review Process is the responsibility of the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, working in conjunction with the Student Senate, the University Conduct Council, the Honor Council, and the Provost’s Office, with final approval by the University President. The University reserves the right at any time to add to, modify, or revoke any of the regulations and policies contained in the Handbook and Codes without notice.

5. Student Code of Conduct and the Honor Code

Responsibility for the Student Code of Conduct and the Honor Code rests initially in the Student Senate, with final approval by the University President, in consultation with the Vice President for Student Affairs. The Student Code of Conduct and the Honor Code are subject to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Southern Methodist University as well as any and all resolutions, policies, and regulations of the University. In the event of conflict between the Student Code of Conduct and/or the Honor Code, and said Articles, Bylaws, resolutions, policies, and regulations of the University, the University Articles, Bylaws, resolutions, policy, and/or regulation in question shall be controlling.

Revised: January 2, 2019

Adopted: March 17, 2003

The official University Policy Manual is housed in the Office of the University Secretary. The University Secretary is responsible for maintaining new and updated policies and for maintaining this website. Should the official University Policy Manual conflict with any internal policies, procedures, departmental administrative rules, or guidelines, that may be contained in manuals provided by schools, departments, or divisions within the University, the official University Policy Manual controls.