MC Student Code of Conduct updates: what’s different?

By Bri Mendoza \ Sept. 29, 2026

Maryville College updated its Student Code of Conduct Aug. 4, adding new policies and revising existing ones, creating a more comprehensive document outlining student responsibilities, rights and the conduct process.

The revised Code of Conduct organizes the College’s policies into 10 sections covering definitions, jurisdiction, student rights, conduct procedures, sanctions, interim administrative actions and disciplinary records.

Alex McCullough (‘19), director of community standards and associate director of residence life, who oversees student conduct at Maryville College, said the previous code was outdated and did not address several situations that are covered by conduct codes at other colleges.

McCullough said that the previous code contained about 19 conduct codes, and some of the policies and procedures that were being used by the college had never been formally included.

Conduct information was also spread across the college website and student handbook rather than being contained in one comprehensive document.

The revision also gave the college an opportunity to review how the conduct process works, including the types of meetings held, how those meetings are conducted and what rights students have throughout the process. 

The updated Code includes a definitions section explaining terms students may encounter during the conduct process, including “preponderance of evidence,” “amnesty,” “Good Samaritan,” “retaliation” and “developmental sanctions.”

The Code also specifically outlines student rights during the conduct process. Students have the right to a written notice of alleged violations, an adviser, an initial meeting, a fair and impartial process, access to evidence used during a hearing, a presumption of non-responsibility and the opportunity to appeal a decision.

“My biggest thing is making sure students, when they enter that process, know that I want them to know everything about it so that they feel really comfortable and that they understand what their rights are,” McCullough said.

The revised Code contains 24 categories of prohibited conduct, including several new or expanded policies.

One new policy addresses invasion of privacy. The Code prohibits recording someone without their knowledge or consent in a location where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, including showers, locker rooms and restrooms. It also prohibits storing, sharing or distributing such recordings.

The Code also includes a specific retaliation policy prohibiting intimidation, threats, coercion or discrimination against someone for reporting an incident, participating in a conduct process or exercising their rights under the Code.

Policies concerning alcohol and cannabis have also been expanded. The alcohol policy addresses underage possession and consumption, drinking games and related paraphernalia, as well as where and under what circumstances students 21 and older may possess and consume alcohol.

The cannabis policy specifically addresses products including Delta-8, Delta-9, Delta-10, THCa and THCp, as well as edibles, vape products, oil, tinctures and concentrates. 

Another major addition is the Good Samaritan and Amnesty policy, which is designed to encourage students to seek emergency assistance when another student is experiencing an alcohol or drug-related medical emergency.

Under the policy, students who proactively seek assistance, remain with the person needing help and cooperate with college or emergency officials can qualify for amnesty from conduct charges under the circumstances outlined in the Code.

McCullough said students may hesitate to call for help if they fear facing disciplinary consequences themselves.

“We never want there to be the option or the thought of, ‘Do I call for help or not?’” McCullough said. “It should always be, ‘I’ll call for help.’”

The updated Code also addresses personal transportation, including electric scooters and electric bicycles. Motorized vehicles and transportation devices generally cannot be operated on sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, lawns, courtyards or other areas primarily intended for pedestrians. 

McCullough said the policy was influenced by complaints from students who reported scooters being ridden quickly on sidewalks and causing safety concerns. 

“It wasn’t just that we decided, ‘I don’t like scooters, so now they’re not going to be there,’” McCullough said. “A lot of it was shaped around student feedback.”

The Code also clarifies the college’s jurisdiction over conduct that occurs away from campus. The College may address off-campus conduct that adversely affects the College or involves threats to the health or safety of members of the college community, among other circumstances.

Students were involved in the revision process through the Student Conduct Board, according to McCullough. He said the board, which has nearly 20 members, served as a sounding board throughout the 12 to 18-month revision process.

McCullough also worked with Jaden Greenlee (‘28), the chief justice of the Student Government Association, to review policies and procedures and work with consultant Betsy Smith from ICS.

Student feedback was especially important in developing the person transportation policy, McCullough said.

McCullough said he wants that feedback to continue after the revised Code has been implemented. Students involved in the conduct process will eventually receive surveys asking whether they felt supported, understood their rights and understood the process.  

The revised Code states that students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the Student Code of Conduct and the Residence Hall Policies & Procedures each year. McCullough urges students to read the Code and ask questions if they are unsure about a policy.

“I think not enough students know that it is their responsibility to understand what the policies and procedures of the College are,” McCullough said.

The updated Code describes the conduct process as educational, with sanctions intended in part to educate students, promote personal and professional development and protect campus community.

“Following these policy procedures is what it means to be a Scot,” McCullough said.