»Jurisdiction of the University

Chapman University shall have jurisdiction over student behavior that is prohibited by this Code that occurs on University premises, at University-sponsored events, or other off-campus locations if it interferes with educational programs or activities or adversely affects the University community and/or the pursuit of its objectives as determined by University officials. If an incident of behavior that is prohibited by this Code occurs off campus but is determined to fall under the jurisdiction of the University, it will be handled according to the policies and procedures of the Code.

Students are responsible for their own conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of the degree, even though conduct may occur on or off-campus, before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during breaks between terms of actual enrollment (even if the conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded). The University has continuing jurisdiction over students charged with violating the Code who withdraw from the University while conduct proceedings are still active or pending with regard to that student. 

Students are required to engage in responsible social conduct that reflects positively on Chapman University. Students are required to model good citizenship in any community.

Organizations, clubs, teams, club sports, committees, or similar organized student groups, whether recognized or unrecognized by the University, are subject to standards of conduct as set forth in this Code, similar to those for individual students in the University community. Student groups should be fully cognizant that they may be held accountable through the University’s conduct process for their behavior and the behavior of the members representing them. They should be fully aware of the University policies, including but not limited to the Code and all related policies of Chapman University. Violations of the Code, whether on or off campus, will be addressed. Group members who violate University policies, including the Code may be held individually and jointly responsible, along with their respective student groups. Members and/or groups who knowingly condone, encourage, or require behavior that violates University policies, including the Code may also be held responsible. 

Factors that help determine whether a program, activity, function, social gathering or a student organization event is within the University’s jurisdiction include, but are not limited to:

1. The nature of the event.
2. Number and nature of guests invited to the event.
3. Advertising (verbal, and/or written, or on social media) was created and distributed.
4. The event was announced in a group meeting.
5. The event is listed in the minutes of a group meeting.
6. Money from the group was contributed in any way.
7. Group member(s) collected funds and contributed them in any way.
8. Group officer(s) and/or advisor(s) involvement in planning, promoting, and/or financing the event.
9. Group and/or individual members donated item(s) in any way.
10. A group’s activity could be perceived as an event sponsored by said group.

It is important to note that, while group events may not necessarily be considered as official Chapman University functions, such events may still be reported as having violated the Code. If found to be responsible, sanctions may be applied to the group, or any member thereof. If a group is in doubt as to whether a program, activity, function, or social gathering may be considered an event, members are encouraged to contact Student Affairs.

Recognized Student Groups found responsible for violations of the Code may have the findings and any resulting sanctions publicly disclosed online. Additionally, in accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act of 2024, Student Groups found responsible for hazing violations will have the findings, a general description of the violation, and any resulting sanctions published on Chapman University’s Hazing Prevention website at chapman.edu/hazing. Fraternities, sororities, and other groups that self-disclose harmful behaviors to University officials and eliminate these practices from their programs will have that taken into consideration during the Student Conduct process.