When the new school year gets under way in a few short weeks, the student code of conduct will have some new language, following actions taken Thursday, Sept. 11, by the Board of Trustees of the University of Oregon.

During their first regular meeting, trustees discussed and adopted two sets of updates to the code, one that has been vetted by the University Senate and will become permanent changes, and another recommended by university leadership that will be temporary changes while the full consultative process occurs.

Included in the permanent changes are expanding the jurisdiction of the code, changing the definition of “sexual misconduct” to require that consent be explicit and changing the standard of proof in all cases of sexual misconduct to a preponderance of evidence.

At the request of interim UO President Scott Coltrane, the board approved the deletion of language in the code that excluded breaks between terms or times when a student is not registered from the deadline for completing a conduct case. The change ensures that sexual misconduct cases can continue during term breaks and even if the student does not register for a subsequent term so that all cases are resolved within 60 days, as required by Federal regulations.

Additionally, language was revised to require all cases be resolved through administrative conference, include the right to an appeal in all cases and reduce the number of days an accused student has to respond to conduct charges to seven days from 14 days.

“We are asking the board to make temporary changes in order to align our policies with our practices and to ensure that we conform to the best practices in all cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, as suggested by The First Report of the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault,” Coltrane said. “We want to ensure that there is equity in how all cases are treated under the code.”

The revisions to the code can be viewed here.

In other action, the board established a presidential review policy and a presidential factors committee. Combined, these actions will assess and define the presidency in terms of performance and annual goals.

The board also:

• Adopted an internal audit charter and an audit plan for this fiscal year;
• Approved new operating procedures and guidelines;
• Approved treasury transactions relating to investments;
• Approved the terms of a lease with the UO Foundation that ultimately results in a transfer of ownership to the University of 1600 Millrace Drive; and
• Approved a lease of 11,500 square feet on the ground floor of a new Portland building to house the Oregon Executive MBA program. The program will move from its current location in the 200 Market Building in downtown Portland. The additional space will provide room for the product design and sports product management programs in addition to OEMBA. The new building will be on NW Naito Parkway between NW Couch and NW Davis streets, adjacent to the White Stag building.

―By Tobin J. Klinger, Senior Director of Public Affairs Communications