The Office of Community Standards & Student Conduct (CSSC) promotes a safe, respectful, and thriving campus community by upholding the Student Conduct Code through prevention, accountability, and compassionate response. Beyond our work to address concerns of student misconduct and organizational hazing, we also coordinate campus efforts to provide support for students experiencing personal challenges during their time at the University of Washington. In all aspects of our work, we support students with fairness, integrity, and care. We encourage students to learn from their experiences, make informed choices, and contribute positively to our University community.
Additionally, we conduct outreach to students, campus partners, and student organizations to provide them with education on current policies and visions for a healthy and positive university experience. You can click here for a directory of our team members, or contact us at cssc@uw.edu or 206-685-6194.
Our Core Services
We uphold the Student Conduct Code through our three department branches:
Student Conduct Process
- Our office serves as the central reporting hub and lead investigative team for allegations of academic and behavioral misconduct for students, student organizations, athletic teams, and living groups in compliance with State and Federal Regulations. We also serve as a resource for faculty and staff who may have questions about suspected misconduct.
- We also provide process support for student respondents in more complex conduct cases through the Respondent Resource Program, which serves students at the Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma campuses.
- We maintain all records of misconduct proceedings in accordance with the Clery Act, Sam’s Law (H.B. 1751), Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA), WAC 478-121-500, and WAC 478-121-510. To learn more about what a student disciplinary record is, visit our FAQ page.
Student Care Program
- The Student Care Program responds to concerns reported by the campus community for students who need assistance navigating personal, physical, or emotional challenges, with the goal of supporting their well-being and success. Our office also oversees the Student Care Team, an interdisciplinary group of professionals at the University of Washington in Seattle.
- This team supports our Student Care Program by meeting weekly to discuss, assess, and, when necessary, intervene involving cases of students who require coordinated care and support from multiple offices and/or services, require assistance in navigating University of Washington resources, or demonstrate behaviors that exceed the ability of services to provide their normal level of care or intervention.
- This program accomplishes its goals through a centralized reporting process, coordinated efforts of case managers to ensure student support, and connecting students with campus and community resources through our daily work in student and organizational conduct processes.
Hazing Prevention & Response Program
- We take a holistic approach to prevention, including developing and implementing resources for stakeholders that are grounded in current research and best practices. We engage the campus community in an open conversation about hazing awareness and reporting methods.
- Our office receives and investigates allegations of hazing for student groups on the Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma campuses, including fraternities & sororities, athletic teams, and registered student organizations. Our investigation process is rooted in best practices to support impacted parties and to educate and hold accountable organizations and students involved in hazing behavior.
- We facilitate annual hazing prevention training for faculty, staff, and students, and maintain and publish records related to hazing investigations and violations in accordance with RCW 28B.10.906 and the Stop Campus Hazing Act.
Our Values
- Integrity – We strive to facilitate an accessible, fair, and transparent process that ensures student due process rights are upheld. Through our work, we implement these principles thoughtfully, consistently, and with accountability.
- Compassion – We recognize the unique experiences and challenges that students bring. We value their backgrounds and perspectives, and work to honor their experiences while holding them accountable. We approach each student with empathy, dignity, and care, supporting their growth through challenging moments.
- Informed Engagement – We equip students, staff, and faculty with clear information and resources that empower them to engage thoughtfully and reflectively with the conduct process and make better-informed future decisions. We guide students in developing greater self-awareness, personal responsibility, and a sense of purpose and civic engagement.
- Community – We partner with students, faculty, staff, and community members to cultivate a positive learning environment at UW through shared responsibility and collective action. We foster connection between our students and campus resources to support their success, and recognize that a holistic approach to student growth and accountability contributes to the strength and well-being of our campus community and beyond.