Code of Conduct

The BKU University (BKU) Code of Conduct establishes standards of behavior that promote a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment for all members of our community. All students, faculty, staff, administrators, and visitors are expected to adhere to this Code of Conduct at all times while on campus, participating in BKU-sponsored activities, or representing BKU in any capacity.

BKU is committed to the following core values:

• Respect: Treating all individuals with dignity and courtesy
• Integrity: Upholding honesty and ethical behavior in all actions
• Excellence: Pursuing the highest standards in academic and professional endeavors
• Responsibility: Taking accountability for one's actions and decisions
• Diversity and Inclusion: Embracing and celebrating differences among all community members
• Collaboration: Working together to achieve common goals

BKU maintains the highest standards of academic integrity. All students are expected to engage in honest academic work. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:

• Plagiarism: Using another person's words, ideas, or work without proper attribution
• Cheating: Using unauthorized materials, information, or assistance on examinations or assignments
• Fabrication: Falsifying data, citations, or other information in academic work
• Unauthorized Collaboration: Working with others when individual work is required
• Multiple Submissions: Submitting the same work for credit in multiple courses without permission
• Facilitating Academic Dishonesty: Helping others engage in academic misconduct

Violations of academic integrity will result in disciplinary action, which may include failure of the assignment, failure of the course, suspension, or expulsion from BKU.

All community members are expected to:

• Treat others with respect, courtesy, and professionalism
• Attend classes regularly and arrive on time
• Complete assignments and meet deadlines as specified by instructors
• Participate constructively in class discussions and activities
• Use campus facilities and resources responsibly
• Comply with institutional policies, procedures, and regulations
• Follow instructions from officials and faculty members
• Maintain appropriate attire consistent with the campus dress code

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action:

Students in programs with clinical, internship, or field experience components must:

• Maintain professional behavior at all times
• Respect patient/client confidentiality and privacy
• Follow all site-specific policies and procedures
• Represent BKU positively in all external settings
• Comply with professional standards and ethical codes of the respective field
• Report any concerns or incidents to appropriate supervisors immediately

Students participating in online courses or using digital platforms must:

• Communicate respectfully in all online forums and interactions
• Protect their login credentials and not share access with others
• Use appropriate language and avoid inflammatory or offensive content
• Respect intellectual property and copyright laws
• Refrain from cyberbullying, harassment, or threatening behavior
• Report any technical issues or concerns to appropriate personnel

Any community member who witnesses or experiences a violation of this Code of Conduct is encouraged to report it promptly. Reports can be made to:

• Faculty members or academic advisors
• Department chairs or program directors
• Dean of Students office
• Campus security
• Human Resources (for employment-related matters)

Reports can be made anonymously, though providing contact information may facilitate investigation and resolution. BKU prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports a violation in good faith.

When a violation is reported, BKU will:

• 1.Conduct a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation
• 2.Notify the accused individual of the allegations
• 3.Provide both parties an opportunity to present information
• 4.Maintain confidentiality to the extent possible
• 5.Apply appropriate interim measures if necessary to protect the community
• 6.Reach a determination based on a preponderance of evidence
• 7.Impose sanctions if a violation is substantiated

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in one or more of the following sanctions:

• Warning: Official notice that behavior must improve
• Probation: Continued enrollment with conditions and restrictions
• Loss of Privileges: Restriction from certain activities or facilities
• Educational Sanctions: Required counseling, workshops, or community service
• Restitution: Compensation for damages or losses
• Suspension: Temporary separation from the institution
• Expulsion: Permanent separation from the institution
• Transcript Notation: Recording of disciplinary action on academic record

Sanctions are determined based on the severity of the violation, prior conduct history, and other relevant factors.

Students who receive disciplinary sanctions have the right to appeal the decision. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 10 business days of receiving notice of the sanction. Grounds for appeal include:

• Procedural irregularities that affected the outcome
• New evidence that was not available during the original investigation
• Sanctions that are disproportionate to the violation

Appeals will be reviewed by the Student Affairs Committee or designee, whose decision is final.

In cases where there is an immediate threat to the health, safety, or welfare of the campus community, BKU may impose interim measures pending the outcome of an investigation. These measures may include temporary suspension, no-contact orders, or restrictions from campus facilities.

BKU encourages students to seek help in emergency situations. Students who report emergencies or seek assistance for themselves or others in need will not typically face disciplinary action for minor policy violations (such as alcohol use) that come to light as a result of the report. The safety and well-being of our community members is our primary concern.

This Code of Conduct is reviewed and updated periodically to ensure it reflects current best practices and legal requirements. All community members are expected to familiarize themselves with the most current version, which is available on the website and in the Student Handbook.

By enrolling at BKU or accepting employment with the institution, all community members acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion or termination of employment.