Community Standards

The Western Colorado University conduct system is rooted in education. Through programs, conduct meetings, and disciplinary actions, we challenge and support students to take ownership of their decisions and contribute to a positive, responsible, and supportive community.

Students, staff, and faculty are trained to approach conduct conversations in a straightforward, respectful, and positive manner. Honest dialogue, fairness, and objective consideration of all information are essential to the process.

Effective conduct outcomes focus on three goals:

• Helping students understand the decision-making behind their actions.

• Encouraging reflection on how their actions impact others and the broader campus and Gunnison community.

• Guiding students toward better judgment and more responsible actions in the future.

Disciplinary goals include:

• Deliver educational programs that promote responsible, community-minded conduct.

• Set and enforce clear limits to protect the campus community and individual rights.

• Support a positive living and learning environment.

• Teach responsibility and accountability for personal actions.

• Foster self-awareness and positive behavioral change.

• Safeguard the rights of individuals involved in conduct processes.

• Ensure a fair, supportive, and timely meeting process.

• Create learning opportunities for students, staff, and faculty engaged in the conduct process.

A student at Western Colorado University is any individual enrolled full-time or part-time in undergraduate, graduate, Center for Learning & Innovation, Concurrent Enrollment, online, residential, or non-degree courses.

This includes individuals who have registered for and attended classes, are participating in New Student Orientation, or are between academic terms, including holiday and summer breaks.

Individuals who withdraw, are suspended, expelled, or are not currently enrolled are not considered students. Those who fail to register or attend without notifying the University, or who defer enrollment for a term or more, must reapply for admission.

Western Colorado University reserves the right to rescind admission or scholarships, including merit, academic, or athletic awards, based on disciplinary actions at other institutions, legal findings, misrepresentation, or conduct inconsistent with University values or legal standards.

Individuals who meet any of these conditions must notify the University immediately.