Design Studies Institute is a community of learners that exists on the basis of shared values and principles. All Design Studies Institute community members are expected to uphold and abide by certain standards of conduct that form the basis of the Code of Conduct. The philosophy and approach to conduct is educational, focusing on learning through individual growth and personal responsibility.
For the purpose of applying the Code of Conduct, an individual is considered governed by this policy when an offer of admission has been extended. Therefore, if an individual violates the Code of Conduct before a course begins, Design Studies Institute reserves the right to apply the Code of Conduct to that behavior. If an alumni is still an active member of the community and participating in post-program programming, Design Studies Institute also reserves the right to apply the Code of Conduct to active alumni behavior. Additionally, a student who has permanently withdrawn or completed a program may still be held accountable to the Code of Conduct for behavior that occurred before the withdrawal or program completion, even if the information was not brought to the Design Studies Institute’s attention before the withdrawal or completion occurred.
The Code of Conduct may also apply to behavior that occurs online, via email, MyInstitute, Slack, Zoom, or by other electronic means. Although Design Studies Institute does not routinely search for policy violations online, if electronically shared information comes to Design Studies Institute ’s attention, that information may be evaluated as to whether it violates the Code of Conduct and/or warrants further investigation.
Visitors are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct while on property owned, leased, rented, or operated by Design Studies Institute or at Design Studies Institute -sponsored or -affiliated programs and events, both in person and online. As a Design Studies Institute student, if your activities result in violations of law, you are responsible for your actions and any consequences imposed by authorities outside of Design Studies Institute. When student behavior violates the law and the Code of Conduct simultaneously, Design Studies Institute reserves the right to invoke the conduct process independent of, and in addition to, any action by civil or governmental agencies.
Students who do not support the academic and ethical goals of Design Studies Institute for themselves and other students may be subject to sanctions and penalties, up to and including dismissal. In general, the Design Studies Institute will attempt to resolve a situation without dismissal. Verbal warnings and written warnings may precede this final and most serious of actions. Where Design Studies Institute deems the integrity, safety or well-being of students, faculty, staff, visitors, and other guests is in danger then dismissal may be applied at Design Studies Institute’s discretion at any point in the process.
The Code of Conduct articulates behaviors that are prohibited or unacceptable because they do not align with the value of respect central to our community.
Prohibited behaviors include:
- Bullying: Repeated and/or severe behavior that is likely to intimidate or intentionally harm or control another person physically or emotionally, and which is not protected by freedom of expression. This includes behavior that may occur online (also known as cyberbullying), in person, by telephone, mail, or any other action, device, or method.
- Hazing: Method of initiation into or conduct of any student organization or group, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person.
- Stalking: Stalking is repetitive acts and/or communications targeted at an individual that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others, or to experience substantial emotional distress. Stalking may include repeatedly following, harassing, threatening, or intimidating another by telephone, mail, electronic communication, or any other action, device, or method. Incidents where stalking may be sex-based are subject to the definitions and procedures outlined in Sexual Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy.
- Physical Harm: Intentionally or recklessly (by action or inaction) causing physical harm or endangering the health or safety of any person or group of people.
- Threatening Behaviors: Written, verbal, or physical conduct that causes a reasonable expectation of injury to the health or safety of any person or damage to any property.
- Hindering Freedom of Expression or Movement: Hindering freedom of expression or of movement of any person or group of people.
- Disruptive Behavior: Verbal, written, or physical actions that cause a disruption to the orderly operation of Design Studies Institute, other institutions or communities, or the lives of any person or group. This includes, but is not limited to, obstruction of teaching, administration, Design Studies Institute events and activities, and interference with student staff, law enforcement, or emergency personnel.
- Hazardous Materials: Possessing, using, or distributing explosives (including fireworks and ammunition), guns (including air, BB, paintball, facsimile weapons, and pellet guns), or other weapons or dangerous objects such as arrows, axes, machetes, nunchucks, throwing stars, or knives, including the storage of any item covered under this section in a vehicle parked on property owned, leased, rented, or operated by Design Studies Institute.
- Hazardous Behavior: Intentionally or recklessly engaging in behavior that may endanger the health, well-being, or safety of any person or group of people. This includes, but is not limited to, violating public health guidelines, dangerous pranks, tampering with electrical equipment, hanging out of, or climbing from, to, or on windows, balconies, roofs, etc.
- Inappropriate Public Conduct: Deliberately and publicly exposing one's intimate body parts, urinating, or defecating in public, or engaging in public sexual activity. This includes, but is not limited to, sexual activity in any campus area and/or online.
- Interfering With the Rights of Others: Interfering with the rights of others to enter, use, or leave any facility, service, or activity to which they have been accorded access.
- Retaliation: Any intentional adverse action taken against an individual who is participating, attempting to participate, or is perceived to be participating in some way in the conduct process including, but not limited to, by making a report or participating in an investigation. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, verbal or implied threats, physical or psychological abuse, intimidation, harassment (verbal or written), or any other action intended to create a hostile environment for the intended target of the retaliation. In addition, isolation may constitute retaliation under this policy if the target of the isolation is deprived of an educational opportunity or benefit as a result of that isolation.
- Copyright Infringement: Downloading, sharing, using, or misusing copyrighted materials, including, but not limited to, Design Studies Institute or organizational names and images, without authorization. This includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized distribution or public posting of an instructor's original assignments or course materials.
- Destruction or Damage: Destruction, damage, or defacing of Design Studies Institute property or the individual property of another, regardless of intention.
- Unauthorized Possession of Property: Knowingly maintaining possession of property belonging to another person or entity without authorization or permission from the owner. This includes Design Studies Institute-owned furniture or equipment.
- Unauthorized Use of Credentials: Possessing or using an account, access code, or credentials assigned to another.
- Unauthorized Entry: Trespassing or making unauthorized entry into buildings, rooms, or property, both in person and in the online environment.
- Gambling: Gambling for money or other valuables on property owned, leased, rented, or operated by Design Studies Institute or at Design Studies Institute -sponsored or -affiliated programs and events or building except as part of an authorized fundraising activity. Regardless of location, any gambling not permitted by law is a violation of this policy.
- Failure to Comply: Failing to comply with reasonable requests of Design Studies Institute staff or of public health officials, law enforcement, or emergency personnel.
- Failure to Evacuate: Failing to exit immediately any building when an alarm has been activated or as directed by Design Studies Institute or emergency personnel.
- Tampering With Safety Equipment: Tampering with, obstructing, displacing, or damaging of any fire or safety equipment including, but not limited to, alarms, alarm protectors, fire safety devices (such as smoke detectors, sprinklers, or carbon monoxide detectors), fire extinguishers, security cameras, emergency-exit signage, red window safety tabs, card-access devices, or any door locking mechanism.
- Violation of Law: Any behavior that violates local laws that is not otherwise a violation of Design Studies Institute policy.
