Jurisdiction extends from the date of the student’s arrival at UCDC through the conclusion of the program term. This Code governs conduct at the UC Washington Center, at UCDC-sponsored events and internship sites, and in connection with UCDC-administered programs and activities. Consistent with PACAOS § 101.00, jurisdiction extends to conduct that occurs off UCDC premises where such conduct adversely affects the health, safety, or security of any member of the UCDC community, or adversely affects the mission or interests of the Center or University of California system.

UCDC reserves the right to take interim action when there is reasonable cause to believe that a student’s continued presence or behavior poses a threat to the health or safety to the orderly operation of the Center or its community members. 

These principles define shared expectations for a healthy, inclusive, and values-aligned culture. The values below are not rules, they are commitments we make to each other as members of the community. They also form the moral foundation of the Code. When behavior falls short of our standards, it is these values that have been disrupted, and it is these values that the conduct process works to restore.

1. Service-Oriented: We commit to delivering timely, reliable, and high-quality support in service of UCDC’s mission. We respond to concerns about community behavior with the same commitment to quality and care that we bring to all our work.
2. Open: We value the open exchange of ideas and learning across differences. The conduct process is a conversation, not a verdict. Every student has the right to be heard.
3. Diverse: We welcome diversity in all its forms and strive to build a community of belonging, representation, and full participation.
4. Just: We uphold fairness, dignity, and equity in our community.
5. Caring: We affirm the dignity, humanity, and well-being of students and colleagues. Students who come through a conduct process are not defined by their worst moments
6. Ethical: We uphold integrity, honesty, and accountability in all aspects of our work. Academic integrity, truthfulness in conduct proceedings, and accountability for one’s impact on the community are direct expressions of this principle.
7. Commemorative: the conduct process honors the community by taking seriously the harm that policy violations cause to it, and by working to repair that harm, not merely punishing those responsible.
    

As a member of the UCDC community, you have the right to:

1. Rest and study in your apartment in an environment conducive to learning.
2. Be present in your apartment and at the UC Washington Center to participate in shared activities.
3. Be informed, in advance, of the expectations that apply to your conduct.
4. Due process if you are alleged to have engaged in a conduct violation, including written notice of the allegations, an opportunity to respond, and a determination based on the preponderance of the evidence.
5. Expect that other residents will behave in a manner that respects your rightful place and safety in the UC Washington Center.
6. Expect other residents to conduct themselves in accordance with the Principles of Community and this Code.
7. Be accompanied by an advisor of your choice (who may be, but need not be, an attorney) at any stage of the conduct process.
   1. Advisors may assist you in preparing for and participating in conduct meetings and hearings; they may not speak on your behalf unless expressly permitted by the Conduct Officer or hearing body.
8. Be informed of campus and community support resources available to you, including counseling, academic support, and, where applicable, Title IX and anti-discrimination resources, regardless of your role in a conduct matter.
9. Have information related to your conduct matter treated with appropriate confidentiality, consistent with University policy, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and applicable law.

As a member of the UCDC community, you have the responsibility to:

1. Behave in a manner that respects other students’ rightful place in the UC Washington Center and the broader UCDC community.
2. Conduct yourself in accordance with the Principles of Community and this Code.
3. Educate yourself on the expectations applying to your conduct.
4. Respond in a timely fashion to an inquiry by UCDC staff concerning your conduct.
5. Be truthful in all communications with Center Officials during any conduct inquiry or proceeding.
6. Take reasonable steps to prevent or report conduct that threatens the health, safety, or well-being of another member of the UCDC community.

Principles Grounding Statement: Our Ethical and Just principles require honesty in all interactions with the University. Dishonesty, whether directed at staff, peers, or external partners, erodes the trust on which this community depends.

1. Other forms of dishonesty including but not limited to fabricating information, bribery, furnishing false information, or reporting a false emergency to the University or to emergency services are prohibited.
    

Principles Grounding Statement: The integrity of University records and documents is essential to the fair and transparent operation of this community.

1. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any University document, record, key, electronic device, or identification is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to the possession, presentation, manufacture, or distribution of false identification.

Principles Grounding Statement: Respect for the property of others is a basic condition of shared living. UCDC’s Caring principle affirms the dignity and well-being of every community member, and that extends to the spaces and belongings we share.

1. Theft of, conversion of, destruction of, or damage to any property of the University, or any property of others while on University premises, or possession of any property when the student had knowledge or reasonably should have had knowledge that it was stolen, is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to unauthorized removal of Center property from common areas, and destroying, damaging, or defacing the property of others.

Principles Grounding Statement: UCDC’s technology infrastructure supports the academic and professional work of every student. Abuse of these systems compromises that work for everyone.

1. Theft or abuse of university computers and other University electronic resources such as computer and electronic communications facilities, systems, and services is prohibited. Abuses include but are not limited to unauthorized entry, use, transfer, or tampering with the communications of others; interference with the work of others and with the operation of computer and electronic communications facilities, systems, and services; and copyright infringement.

Principles Grounding Statement: Shared space requires shared boundaries. Unauthorized access to restricted areas compromises the safety and security of every resident.

1. Unauthorized entry to, possession of, receipt of, or use of any University services, equipment, resources, or properties, including the University’s name, insignia, or seal, is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to misuse or unauthorized possession of room keys, building keys, or access fobs; and unauthorized entry into any secured or restricted space.

Principles Grounding Statement: The UC Washington Center is a shared home. UCDC’s Caring and Service-Oriented principles require that every resident can rest, study, and feel safe in their living space. The policies below protect the conditions that make that possible.

Violation of policies, regulations, or rules governing University-owned, operated, or -leased housing facilities is prohibited. Violations include but are not limited to:

1. Quiet Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 1:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
2. Courtesy Hours: At all times, residents are expected to maintain noise levels that do not interfere with other residents’ ability to sleep, study, or enjoy their living space.
3. Guest Registration: Failure to register guests with Security as required by UCDC guest policies.
4. Guest Escort: Failure to escort guests within the Center at all times. Failure to report behavior of guests in violation of expectations found within this Code.
5. Guest Accountability: Residents are responsible for the conduct of their guests at all times while those guests are present at the Center.
   1. Note: A resident may be held accountable for a guest's violation of this Code or of Center policies, regardless of whether the resident personally participated in the violation. Guests who violate this Code or Center policies may be required to leave the Center immediately and may be prohibited from returning.
6. Animals: Housing an animal in the Center without prior written authorization under applicable disability accommodation policies.
7. Smoking, Vaping, and Tobacco: Smoking, vaping, hookah, and the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems are prohibited inside UCDC and within 25 feet of entrances under the UC Presidential Policy on Smoke and Tobacco-Free Environments.
8. Window Postings: Unapproved window postings visible from the exterior of the building.
9. Solicitation: Unauthorized solicitation within Center facilities.
10. Roommate Agreements: Violations of written agreements with roommates or apartment mates developed under the supervision of Student Services staff.
11. Housing Contract: Violation of the terms of the Housing Contract
12. Sleeping in Common Areas: Sleeping in lounges, study rooms, lobbies, hallways, or other common areas of the Center is prohibited. Common areas must remain accessible to all residents unless otherwise reserved.
13. Wireless Routers: Use of personal wireless routers, network extenders, or other devices that interfere with or modify UCDC’s network infrastructure is prohibited.
14. Prohibited Items: Possession of prohibited items as designated by the Center are not permitted. 
     

Principles Grounding Statement: Every member of this community has the right to feel physically safe. UCDC’s Just and Caring principles are most directly expressed in our commitment to a community free from violence and threats of violence.

1. Physical abuse including but not limited to physical assault, threats of violence, or other conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person is prohibited. Sexual violence (including sexual assault and relationship violence) is defined by the UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment and is addressed under that policy.

Principles Grounding Statement: UCDC’s Open and Diverse principles affirm that every student should be able to participate fully in the life of this community. Harassment undermines that participation by creating conditions that effectively exclude.

1. Harassment, defined as conduct that is so severe and/or pervasive, and objectively offensive, and that so substantially impairs a person’s access to University programs or activities that the person is effectively denied equal access to the University’s resources and opportunities, is prohibited. Harassment based on a protected category is defined by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy. Pursuant to PACAOS §104.90, sanctions may be enhanced for conduct motivated on the basis of protected categories. Sexual harassment is defined by the UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment.

Principles Grounding Statement: Safety and dignity require that every community member can go about their daily life without fear. Repeated, targeted conduct that places another person in reasonable fear is incompatible with the values of this community.

1. Stalking behavior in which a student repeatedly engages in a course of conduct directed at another person and makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for their safety, or the safety of their family, is prohibited. This includes conduct where the threat is reasonably determined by the University to seriously alarm, torment, or terrorize the person, and where the threat serves no legitimate purpose. Stalking of a sex-based nature is defined by the UC SVSH Policy.

Principles Grounding Statement: Belonging in this community is not earned through degradation. UCDC’s Caring and Just principles require that no student’s membership or participation be conditioned on enduring harm.

1. Participation in hazing or any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (individually or in concert with others) against another person, including current, former, or prospective students, regardless of the willingness of the other person to participate, is prohibited when such acts are committed in the course of initiation into, affiliation with, or maintenance of membership in any student group and: (i) cause or create a risk of physical or psychological injury, including personal degradation or disgrace, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the relevant activity; and/or (ii) the person knew or should have known were likely to cause serious bodily injury.

Principles Grounding Statement: The academic, administrative, and civic work of this program depends on the ability of students, staff, and visitors to carry out their responsibilities without interference.

1. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other University activities is prohibited.

Principles Grounding Statement: Shared living requires a shared commitment to conduct that respects the community. Disorderly behavior disrupts the environment that makes learning and rest possible.

1. Disorderly or lewd conduct is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to engaging in noisy, disruptive, or disorderly behavior that interferes with the rights of other community members.

Principles Grounding Statement: UCDC exists within a broader Washington, D.C. neighborhood and civic context. Our Commemorative and Service-Oriented principles require that we be responsible members of our surrounding community.

1. Participation in a disturbance of the peace or unlawful assembly is prohibited.

Principles Grounding Statement: The safety and orderly operation of this community depend on students’ willingness to cooperate with staff acting in their official capacity. This expectation is grounded in our Just and Service-Oriented principles.

1. Failure to identify oneself to, or comply with the directions of, a University official or other public official acting in the performance of their duties while on University property or at official University functions is prohibited. Resisting or obstructing such officials in the performance or attempted performance of their duties is also prohibited. This includes but is not limited to interference with or obstruction of Center Officials in the performance of their duties.

Principles Grounding Statement: UCDC is committed to maintaining an environment that supports the health, safety, and academic success of all students. The use of controlled substances poses risks to individual well-being and to the community. Note: While some substances may be legal under certain state laws, UCDC operates on federally associated property and under federal and D.C. law.

1. Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, use, or sale of, or the attempted manufacture, distribution, dispensing, or sale of controlled substances, identified in federal and state law or regulations, is prohibited.
2. Possession or use of drug-related paraphernalia, including but not limited to pipes, water pipes, bongs, rolling papers containing residue, and similar items, is prohibited.
3. Cannabis in all forms, including marijuana, marijuana edibles, concentrates, and cannabidiol (CBD) products containing more than 0.3% THC, is prohibited in all Center spaces, at UCDC-sponsored events, and at internship sites, regardless of any authorization under District of Columbia law. This prohibition is grounded in federal law and University of California policy.
   1. Note: Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. District of Columbia law permits limited possession for adults 21 and older; however, federal law and University of California policy govern UCDC operations and supersede local authorization.

Principles Grounding Statement: UCDC is a learning community, and responsible decision-making around alcohol is part of living well in shared space. Our Caring principle affirms the well-being of every resident, and our Just principle requires that alcohol-related policies be enforced consistently and equitably.

1. Possession or use of alcohol by a person under 21 years of age.
2. Sale or provision of alcohol to a person under 21 years of age.
3. Consumption of alcohol in the presence of a person under 21 years of age.
4. Possession or use of alcohol in public or common areas of the Center, including hallways, lobbies, courtyards, and shared spaces.
5. Possession or use of common sources of alcohol, including but not limited to kegs, pony kegs, party balls, tap systems, funnels, or similar devices.
6. Facilitating or participating in drinking games or activities intended for the rapid consumption of alcohol, including but not limited to beer pong, flip cup, and similar activities, are prohibited.
7. Violation of any other provision of this Code while under the influence of alcohol is considered an additional violation of this section.

Principles Grounding Statement: The safety of every person in this building is non-negotiable. Explosives and destructive devices have no place in a residential learning community.

1. Possession, use, storage, or manufacture of explosives, firebombs, or other destructive devices is prohibited.

Principles Grounding Statement: Consistent with our commitment to a safe and Caring community, weapons of any kind are prohibited in UCDC facilities.

1. Possession, use, storage, or manufacture of a firearm or other weapon is prohibited. This applies to all UCDC facilities, including residential spaces, common areas, and surrounding grounds.

1. Violation of the conditions contained in the terms of a disciplinary action imposed under this Code or under campus regulations is prohibited.

1. Violation of the conditions contained in a written Notice of Interim Action, including interim suspension or interim exclusion from specified areas, is prohibited.

Principles Grounding Statement: The intellectual work of UCDC’s faculty and instructors deserves protection. Our Ethical principle requires respect for the intellectual property that makes our academic program possible.

1. Selling, preparing, or distributing for any commercial purpose course lecture notes or video or audio recordings of any course unless authorized by the University in advance and explicitly permitted by the course instructor in writing is prohibited. Copying for any commercial purpose handouts, readers, or other course materials provided by an instructor as part of a University of California course unless authorized by the University in advance and explicitly permitted by the instructor or the copyright holder in writing is also prohibited.

Principles Grounding Statement: A community grounded in the principles of being Just and Caring cannot tolerate conduct designed to instill fear. This prohibition exists to protect every member’s fundamental right to feel safe.

1. Conduct where the actor means to communicate a serious expression of intent to terrorize, or acts in reckless disregard of the risk of terrorizing, one or more University students, faculty, or staff is prohibited. “Terrorize” means to cause a reasonable person to fear bodily harm or death, perpetrated by the actor or those acting under the actor’s control. “Reckless disregard” means consciously disregarding a substantial risk. This section applies without regard to whether the conduct is motivated by race, ethnicity, personal animosity, or other reasons, and does not apply to conduct that constitutes the lawful defense of oneself, of another, or of property.

Principles Grounding Statement: Privacy is a condition of dignity, and dignity is central to UCDC’s Caring and Just principles. In a residential setting, respect for others’ private spaces and communications is essential. Note: Washington, D.C. is a one-party consent jurisdiction for audio recording, which differs from California’s two-party consent framework. However, this Code applies the standards set by PACAOS §102.25, which prohibit recording in private locations and of private conversations without consent regardless of local recording laws.

1. The following are prohibited:
   1. Making a video recording, audio recording, taking photographs, or streaming audio/video of any person in a location where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, without that person’s knowledge and express consent.
   2. Looking through a hole or opening, into, or otherwise viewing, by means of any instrumentality, the interior of a private location without the subject’s knowledge and express consent.
   3. Making a video recording, audio recording, or streaming audio/video of private, non-public conversations and/or meetings, without the knowledge and express consent of all recorded parties.

Note: These provisions do not extend to public events or discussions, nor to lawful official law or policy enforcement activities. These provisions may not be utilized to impinge upon the lawful exercise of constitutionally protected rights of freedom of speech or assembly.

1. Conduct violating the UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (SVSH) is prohibited and is addressed under that policy’s investigation and adjudication procedures. UCDC staff will facilitate referrals to the appropriate campus or systemwide office.

1. Conduct violating the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy is prohibited and is addressed under PACAOS Appendix G. This includes discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on any protected category as defined in the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Principles Grounding Statement: A Just community requires that students can report concerns, participate in conduct proceedings, and cooperate with investigations without fear of reprisal. This protection extends beyond discrimination and SVSH contexts to cover the full scope of the conduct process.

1. Retaliation against any person for reporting an alleged violation of this Code, assisting someone with such a report, participating in any manner in an investigation or resolution of a conduct matter, or exercising rights under this Code or PACAOS is prohibited. Retaliation includes but is not limited to threats, intimidation, coercion, harassment, and adverse actions related to a person’s housing, academic standing, or participation in University programs.

Note: Retaliation based on a protected category as defined in the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy is addressed under that policy and PACAOS Appendix G.

Principles Grounding Statement: The physical safety of every person in this facility is a shared responsibility. Fire and building safety violations endanger lives and are treated with corresponding seriousness.

1. Violations of fire and building safety standards are prohibited, including but not limited to: failure to evacuate during a fire alarm or drill; damage, misuse, or tampering with fire safety equipment (including extinguishers, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems); propping fire or security doors; and any conduct that compromises the fire safety or structural integrity of the Center.

1. Violation of any other University policy, campus regulation, or applicable federal, state, or District of Columbia law while on University property or in connection with University activities is prohibited.

Any person may report an alleged violation of this Code to a Center Official. Reports should be submitted as soon as a violation becomes known. The Manager for Student Services will review all reports and determine whether there is reasonable cause to proceed.

If the Conduct Officer determines there is reasonable cause to believe a violation occurred, the student will receive written Notice of Allegations, including a brief statement of the factual basis, the specific sections of the Code allegedly violated, and an explanation of the student’s rights under this Code. 

The Conduct Officer will investigate the allegations. The investigation will include an opportunity for the student to meet with the Conduct Officer, respond to the allegations, and present information. The student may be accompanied by an advisor at any meeting. Investigations shall be concluded generally within 60 to 90 business days of the Notice of Allegations unless good cause requires extension. Good cause includes significant or unforeseen circumstances that impede completion of the process. The student will be notified of any extension in writing. 

The standard of proof for all determinations under this Code is preponderance of the evidence. 

If a student fails to respond or chooses not to participate by the deadlines provided, the Conduct Officer may proceed in the student’s absence and determine appropriate outcomes.

Following investigation, the Conduct Officer will resolve the matter through one of the following pathways consistent with Appendix H:

1. Closure: If the Conduct Officer determines that the student is not responsible or that there is insufficient information to make a determination, the matter will be closed, and the student will be notified accordingly.
2. Alternative Resolution: Where the student accepts responsibility or does not dispute the violation, the Conduct Officer may offer an alternative resolution, which may include educational agreements, mediated dialogue, restorative practices, or other developmental responses. Alternative resolution is not available for conduct that resulted in bodily harm or where the Conduct Officer determines it would be inappropriate given the nature of the violation. Participation in alternative resolution is voluntary. If the student does not accept, the matter proceeds to Administration Resolution.
3. Administrative Resolution: The Conduct Officer will review the facts and information available, determine where a violation occurred, and issue an Administrative Resolution that inclusive the determination and any sanctions. The student will receive written notice of the Administrative Resolution.
4. Formal Hearing: When the Administrative Resolution includes suspension or dismissal, and the student contest the determination of responsibility, the case will proceed to formal hearing. The hearing will be conducted consistent with minimum procedural standards in Appendix H, including:
   1. Written notice of the factual basis, policies allegedly violated, and the time and place of the hearing, no less than 10 business days before the hearing.
   2. The right to be accompanied by an advisor, who may be but need not be an attorney.
   3. The opportunity to present information and respond to the evidence.
   4. A written decision based on the preponderance of the evidence, including findings and the rationale for the determination.
5. Home Campus Coordination: See Below
    

When there is reasonable cause to believe that a student's continued presence or behavior poses a threat to the health or safety of any person, or threatens the orderly operation of the Center, the Director of Student Services may impose interim measures, which may include interim suspension, exclusion from specified areas, or modification of housing arrangements. Students placed on interim measures will receive written notice of what has been imposed and why. The student will have the opportunity for a prompt meeting with the Director of Student Services to review whether the measures are necessary. Measures will be limited to what the situation requires and reviewed as circumstances change.

Students who seek or receive medical attention for their own use of alcohol or drugs will not face conduct action for that use if they complete an appropriate education or support program assigned by the Conduct Officer. This applies once per term. It does not apply when the incident also involves other alleged violations such as physical abuse, hazing, or distribution.

If a student is found responsible for a violation, the Conduct Officer will determine sanctions consistent with PACAOS §104.00 and the sanctioning framework Appendix H. Sanctions will reflect educational purpose of the conduct process, the seriousness of the violation, the student’s conduct history, and any other relevant factors. Sanctions may include, without limitation, written warning, educational assignments, restitution, exclusion from activities/spaces, relocation, probation, or termination of the housing contract. Multiple sanctions may be assigned for a single violation as appropriate. 

When a matter may result in suspension or dismissal, UCDC will coordinate with the student's home campus under PACAOS §104.30 and §104.31. Both UCDC and the home campus must approve any separation sanction before it takes effect. UCDC can remove a student from housing and programming on its own. Separation from the University goes through the home campus. 

Termination requires vacating by the specified date and may result in loss of eligibility to return as a resident or guest. 

Residents may appeal in writing to the Executive Director within ten (10) business days based on (i) new information not available at the time of the original decision that can be shown to have materially affected the outcome, (ii) a procedural error that materially affected the outcome, or (iii) the sanction is disproportionate to the findings. The Executive Director or their designee will review the appeal and issue a written decision. Appeal decisions are final under this Code; nothing herein limits rights under PACAOS or other applicable University policies. Appendix H governs procedures unless another policy applies.

Allegations governed by the UC SVSH or Anti Discrimination policies proceed under those processes; where multiple policies are implicated, procedures may run concurrently after coordination among responsible officials, as permitted by PACAOS §103.00

Student conduct records are educational records under FERPA and University of California policy. Records will be retained consistent with PACAOS and UC records retention schedules.