All members of Oregon Forensics must adhere to University of Oregon’s Student Code of Conduct prepared by the Office of the Dean of Students. Students in forensics should read the document available on the Dean of Students website (https://uodos.uoregon.edu/).

Students in Oregon Forensics must also adhere to the expectations and requirements described in this Forensics Student Code of Conduct.

Download: 2015-2016 Student Code of Conduct.

The essence of the Forensics Student Code of Conduct is captured by affirming three simple questions:

1) Does it treat everyone with respect?

2) Is it good for my team?

3) Is it good for me as a scholar?

We can trace the birth of Oregon Forensics to the first day of the university in 1876. Every member of Oregon Forensics benefits from the legacy of the generations of students that have participated in forensics while at Oregon and each current generation must work to leave their own positive legacy.

Student Code of Conduct: Expectations and Requirements

1. Respect toward all others at all times. Team members represent the University of Oregon as an institution and every member of the university community. Every member of Oregon Forensics must treat others with dignity and respect, including other members of the team, students and educators from other programs, hotel and host university staff, ticket agents, waiters and service staff, in short, every person encountered while representing Oregon Forensics.

Oregon Forensics does not tolerate discrimination of any kind, including discrimination against persons because of their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sex, gender identification, religion, ability, age, or political views. Students must help create a climate in which all students feel welcome and enjoy a learning experience free of discrimination. One purpose of Oregon Forensics is to prepare citizens able to engage with other people in respectful and productive ways and we expect students to be committed to learning how to appropriately communicate across differences and behave toward others.

The UO is committed to providing an environment free of all forms sexual harassment, including sexual assault, domestic and dating violence and gender-based stalking. If you (or someone you know) has experienced or experiences gender-based violence (intimate partner violence, attempted or completed sexual assault, harassment, coercion, stalking, etc.), know that you are not alone. UO has staff members trained to support survivors in navigating campus life, accessing health and counseling services, providing academic and housing accommodations, helping with legal protective orders, and more.

All UO employees, including Oregon Forensics faculty and staff, are required reporters meaning that if you tell them about a situation, they may have to report the information to the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity. Though Oregon Forensics staff must report, you will still have options about how your case will be handled, including whether or not you wish to pursue a formal complaint. Our goal is to make sure you are aware of the range of options and resources available. To speak to someone confidentially, you can call 541-346-SAFE, UO’s 24- hour hotline, to be connected to a confidential counselor to discuss your options. You can also visit the SAFE website at safe.uoregon.edu.

 

2. Good of the team. University of Oregon Forensics is a “team first” program. Students are expected to support the team and behave in ways that strengthen the team. Any student whose actions, statements, or decisions significantly undermine the quality of the experience for others on the team, brings disrepute to the program, complicates relations with other programs, vendors, or administrators, or threatens the reputation of the team may be asked to leave the program. This assessment is made by the DOF after consultation with the Associate Director and the Forensics Coordinator and the student in question.

 

3. Academic progress. Every student participating in Oregon Forensics is expected to suspend participation until their academic performance meets expectations. With only limited exceptions, students are expected to maintain a GPA over 3.00 to travel and compete.

 

4. Consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs is prohibited. Like many other student-funded programs, Oregon Forensics prohibits any consumption of alcohol by students while traveling to and from or competing at tournaments regardless of age. Students simply cannot drink at tournaments, without exception. The use or possession of illegal drugs is not permitted during any Forensics-sponsored event.

 

5. Work to improve. Competitive success is not a requirement to participate in Oregon Forensics but students are expected to work to improve and to contribute to the efforts of others to improve. Students should schedule regular meetings with instructors, use the squad room to practice, and devote some time most weeks to practice.

 

6. Lodging. At the instruction of the Office of the Dean of Students, students at tournaments are divided into rooms for men and women. Students are expected treat their rooms with respect. Students will always have access to a safe and secure hotel room and will never be asked to share a room with faculty, staff, or hired judges. Students should not invite persons who are not members of Oregon Forensics into their rooms without the knowledge and approval of a member of the forensics faculty or staff.

 

7. Due process. Participants can expect they will be treated fairly and their perspective heard and considered in the event of proposed disciplinary action. In a typical situation, a student believed to have violated the Forensics Student Code of Conduct will be informed of an alleged violation by a member of the Oregon Forensics Faculty and Staff. Immediate action as required will be taken but in general the student must cease the offending behavior as a condition of continued participation and travel.

 

In signing this document, I acknowledge that I have read and understood its contents and I acknowledge that I have been given the opportunity to seek clarification of its meaning. By signing this document, I agree to abide by the expectations and requirements it describes.