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Philosophy and Purpose

Philosophy and Purpose:

Texas Christian University (TCU) is an institution dedicated to developing ethical leaders and responsible, global citizens. To accomplish this mission, the University endeavors to foster a campus environment:

  1. Conducive to academic inquiry;
  2. To promote a climate of mutual respect;
  3. To nurture open dialogue that stimulates learning and understanding;
  4. To encourage individual well-being and personal development; and
  5. To advocate for the application of ethical decision-making in the daily life of TCU

The University is also committed to protecting the campus community from the influence of those who do not embody these values in their conduct. At TCU, students are expected to fulfill certain responsibilities and obligations and to uphold and abide by certain standards of conduct, including academic performance and social behavior consistent with the mission, philosophy, and core values of TCU. Therefore, the TCU community exists on the basis of shared values and principles.

Student conduct is not considered in isolation within the University community, but is an integral part of the education process. Thus, academic and many forms of non-academic conduct are appropriate areas of regulation and interest by the University community. The guiding principle of the University’s regulation of student conduct is cultivating the responsible exercise of student freedoms, rights, and privileges. Students are granted the greatest degree of self-determination possible while requiring students to take full responsibility for their conduct and the consequences of their actions.

This Code of Student Conduct (Code) outlines student behaviors specifically prohibited at TCU, but it is not exhaustive. Any conduct that substantially undermines or interferes with the University’s mission, vision, or core values may be considered inappropriate and prohibited. Members of the TCU community must be committed to personal and academic integrity, respect, honesty, responsibility, compassion, and recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of all persons. TCU does not tolerate behavior that contradicts these values. All students are expected to know and abide by this Code, and to engage in responsible social conduct that reflects credit upon the TCU community and which models good citizenship to the broader local community.

Because TCU is an institution of learning, this Code has education and correction as its primary objectives, but may be punitive when deemed necessary. However, it does not serve as a substitute for the law. The conduct process is intended to articulate the limits of acceptable behavior and to give those students found in violation of the Code an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to live in community. Outcomes are intended to challenge students’ moral and ethical decision-making, and to help them bring their behavior in accord with TCU community expectations and repair the harm caused by the misconduct. When a student is unable to conform their behavior to community expectations, the conduct process may determine that the student should no longer share in the privilege of participating in the TCU community.

Code of Student Conduct Learning Objectives:

  1. To maintain and strengthen the ethical climate of TCU by fostering and empowering student self-discipline, integrity, and moral development.
  2. To create a collaborative conduct process to help students understand the perspectives of others; the consequences of, and harm caused by, their actions; and the importance of living in community.
  3. To ensure equitable consistency while creating an environment of caring confrontation and educational dialogue regarding student conduct.
  4. To provide a forum for students to share their concerns, experiences, and personal narrative.
  5. To guide student self-reflection and critical analysis to develop greater situational understanding and community consideration
  6. To help students accept responsibility for, and confront the consequences of, their actions. To provide students with educational opportunities for personal growth and constructive behavior change.