July 10, 2001
University Park, Pa. – In a cooperative effort with the State College borough, Penn State has developed stronger policies and rules regarding off-campus misconduct by students.

The University revisited its off-campus Code of Conduct policy, with input from the Office of Judicial Affairs’s student judiciary and student advisory board, because of recent rioting in downtown State College and other criminal behavior involving Penn State students, in an effort to have students held more accountable.

“Any off-campus student behavior that effects a substantial University interest violates the Code of Conduct and is subject to disciplinary action following standard University procedures,” says Joseph Puzycki, director of judicial affairs.

Student conduct committed off-campus which affects a substantial University interest includes, but is not limited to behavior which:

- Constitutes a criminal offense as defined by the Pennsylvania Crimes Code.  This includes repeat violations of any local, state or federal law committed in the municipality where the University is located;

- Indicates that the student may present a danger or threat to the health or safety of him/herself or others;

- Significantly impinges upon the rights, property or achievements of self or others or significantly breaches the peace and/or causes social disorder; or

- Is detrimental to the educational interests of the University.

In addition, a sample list of off-campus misconduct behaviors and law violations in each of the University’s sanctioning categories – major, moderate and minor – are now included in the policy. The “minor” category, which is new, establishes sanctions for minor repeat off-campus misconduct behaviors and law violations, such as disorderly conduct, retail theft and public drunkenness.

“Expulsion from Penn State can occur for serious criminal activity off-campus, such as rape,” Puzycki says. “Under the code, additional kinds of off-campus crimes can result in temporary or permanent removal from Penn State.”

During the three riots there were 82 students among those arrested by police. Out of that number, 71 students were either expelled from Penn State or have voluntarily left the University. Eight students are still awaiting the outcomes of their University hearings, which will conclude by mid-August. These students are not currently enrolled and their status as students is in limbo until their cases are resolved.

**aen**

Contact:  Amy Neil, Department of Public Information, at (814) 865-7517 or e-mail aen4@psu.edu, Joseph Puzycki, Office of Judicial Affairs, (814) 863-0342 or e-mail jqp1@psu.edu.