Student Conduct FAQs

At KPU, you are entitled to learning, studying and working in an environment that is civil, safe and respectful of your rights, well-being and dignity. KPU is committed to creating a community characterized by honesty, civility, inclusion, free inquiry, mutual respect, individual safety and freedom from harassment and discrimination. KPU is concerned with a student’s conduct and actions if they have a negative impact on other students, staff or faculty and the learning, teaching and work environment.

The Student Rights and Responsibilities Office oversees KPU policy ST7 - Student Conduct and policy SR14 - Sexual Violence and Misconduct. Further, our office supports students of concern and facilitates restorative dialogues and conflict mediation. Our office is available for consulting with students, faculty and staff who want to discuss concerns about a student’s conduct, safety or wellbeing.

Who can make a complaint?

Any member of the university community can make a complaint under the student conduct policy – students, staff, and faculty.

What do you do when a complaint is made?

Our office either refers the issue to another support, informally addresses the concern, or formally addresses the concern.

Can I make an anonymous complaint?

The Student Rights and Responsibilities Office requires that you not be anonymous to submit a complaint nor can a complaint be submitted on a behalf of a group. We manage the complaints process with a balanced perspective of a student’s rights and responsibilities.

KPU’s anonymous complaint platform is KPU Listens, a confidential reporting program that allows members of the KPU community to anonymously and confidentially report what they perceive to as cases of workplace misconduct. 

What if I am scared of retaliation?

When our office reaches out to a respondent it is made very clear that any form of retaliation (direct or indirect) against any other person involved in the investigation (complainants, witnesses, staff/faculty/administrators) is strictly prohibited.  If there is any substantiated report of retaliation against any of the people involved in the complaint, respondents may face serious sanctions and/or disciplinary measures including temporary or permanent suspension.  Respondents will have a fair opportunity to explain their account of the incident.

When do I refer to Student Rights and Responsibilities Office?

Any time a student feels their rights are being violated or when the student needs support around their responsibilities as a student. Our office oversees KPU policy ST7- Student Conduct and SR14 -Sexual Violence and Misconduct. Further, our office supports students of concern and facilitates restorative dialogues and conflict mediation.

How do I know if this is classroom management or should be referred to your office?

Some traditional classroom issues include: trouble with late/ absent student, disrupting the class but the student is able to manage their outburst when told to, or in general one time disruptions that don’t violate KPU policy ST 7 - Student Conduct and don’t have a larger impact on the class.

You should refer to our office when policy ST7 - Student Conduct has been violated, when the student is not responding to your request to change their behaviour, or when you’re not sure and you just want to talk out some solution options to a problem you’re having.

How do I distinguish between behaviours of concern and instances of misconduct?

Behaviours can be complex. In general, behaviours of concern and instances of misconduct can have a negative impact on other students, staff, or faculty and/or disrupts the learning, teaching and working environment. Behaviours impact the peaceful and safe use of our KPU community.

Distinguishing between behaviours of concern and instances of misconduct Policy ST7 - Student Conduct and its related procedures outline what is misconduct.  In general, the following is a representative but not exhaustive list of behaviours constituting misconduct:

  • Harming, injuring or threatening any person (by word or action including through electronic means);
  • Endangering or threatening the health, safety or well-being of any individual;
  • Behavior which results in damage, destruction or theft of University property or the property of any University member
  • Forging, misusing or altering any University document or record
  • Impersonating a member of the University community
  • Unauthorized entry or presence in University premises
  • Misuse of University resources, including computing resources

As a Faculty member here at KPU, when should I contact the KFA?

The Kwantlen Faculty Association (KFA) is designated to answer questions, respond to inquiries about the terms of your employment, provide information and updates, and discuss anything that’s on your mind regarding your work at KPU.

What’s the difference between student academic integrity and non-academic student conduct?

Academic integrity

KPU’s policy ST2 - Student Academic Integrity can impact grades and academic standing. The University ascribes to the highest standards of academic integrity. Adhering to these standards of academic integrity means observing the values on which good academic work must be founded - honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility.  Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with these values. These standards of academic integrity require students to not engage in or tolerate academic integrity violations, including falsification, misrepresentation or deception, as such acts violate the fundamental ethical principles of the University community and compromise the worth of work completed by others. For example, cheating and plagiarism fall under academic integrity.

Student Conduct (Non-academic)

KPU’s policy ST7 - Student Conduct relates to student behaviours. The University ascribes to the highest standards of conduct. Adhering to these standards of conduct means observing the values on which an academic community must be founded - respect, safety, civility, inclusiveness, and freedom from harassment and discrimination. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with these values. These standards of conduct require that students obey the law, be aware of and abide by University policies, behave in a safe and civil manner, demonstrate respect for members of the University’s community, and demonstrate respect for the University’s and its community members’ property and resource. For example, physical altercation or fighting, damage to property, theft, harassment, threats (verbal and physical), and discrimination are related to student conduct. 

Can I invite your office to present to our students? How do I have your office speak to my students?

Yes. Contact our office at srr@kpu.ca to find out what presentations we regularly give and we can also customize presentations that match the mandate of our the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office and your curriculum.  

Where can I find out more information about KPU Policies?

KPU Bylaws and Policies are available at kpu.ca/policies.