Student Conduct

When asked by a visitor what rules he had implemented to encourage responsible student behavior, Robert E. Lee, then President of Washington College, replied,

"We have but one rule here, and it is that every student must be a gentleman."

Today, the men and women of Washington and Lee University still hold each other accountable to Lee's expectations for honorable behavior, character and integrity. The ethos of honor is the foundation for the University's conduct system.

Six bodies govern student conduct at Washington and Lee University:

The Student Executive Committee manages The Honor System and hears cases of breaches of trust such as lying, cheating and stealing.

The Student-Faculty Hearing Board hears allegations of prohibited discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or hazing by individual students and non-Greek organizations.

The Student Judicial Council hears allegations of other types of student misconduct (e.g. incidents involving alcohol, vandalism, disruptive behaviour, etc.) 

The Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council govern fraternity and sorority life, respectively. This includes cases of hazing by Greek organizations.

The Student Affairs Committee, overseen by elected faculty, is responsible for reviewing issues affecting student life, for recommending changes in University policy on non-curricular student matters to the faculty, and for overseeing student life including the maintenance and review of Standards for Student Organizations.

All students should be aware of their rights and responsibilities as outlined in The Student Handbook. Information regarding the University's policies related to substance abuse is available through the University Initiatives on Alcohol and Other Drugs. Students should also be aware of resources available to them including the Honor Advocate Program and the CAIR Resource Program (Confidential and Impartial Resolution Resources).

Students or organizations wishing to appeal decisions may appeal to the University Board of Appeals.

Support is available to students in a nufmber of ways as they move through the conduct process. Honor Advocates are aware of avenues for support. Assistance is also available from anyone within the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, the Associate Dean for Student Services at the Law School for law students, or within W&L’s Counseling Services. Students involved in a matter with the SFHB may choose to seek support through a Confidential and Impartial Resolution Resource (CAIR). You are encouraged to discuss your situation with family or a small group of friends but please be aware that all conduct processes are considered confidential so, in relying on a small group of friends, be sure those from whom you seek support are aware of the need to protect confidentiality. This is to protect your interests as well as to remain consistent with W&L's policies and processes. Seeking support is something that is offered confidentially to students, within the limits of the law.

For more information about student conduct systems, contact Brandon Dotson, Associate Dean of Students.