Academic and Research Misconduct

Members of the Laurier community enjoy the freedom to pursue their intellectual and personal interests without interference, provided that their actions do not limit the rights of other members of the university or the community in which it is situated. The objects of the university are the pursuit of learning through scholarship, teaching, and research within a spirit of free enquiry and expression. The university recognizes academic freedom and the right to peaceful protest, acknowledging that the common good of society depends upon the search for knowledge, and its free expression. To this end, Wilfrid Laurier University requires that students conduct themselves in accordance with the laws of the country, province, region, and municipality as well as the policies of the university. Academic dishonesty, fraud, misconduct and failure to respect the rights of others are all offences under this code.

In the case of allegations of either academic or non-academic offences, the president has delegated to the deans and to the vice-presidents of the university the authority to impose interim or permanent discipline. The deans and vice-presidents will establish committees to hear such allegations, unless the situation requires immediate response. These committees will have appropriate student representation. Nevertheless, any student has the right to be heard by a dean or vice-president alone.

If the impugned conduct is, in the recommendation of the dean or vice-president, deserving of suspension or expulsion, the president shall make the decision. Disciplinary decisions of the deans (including those of the Judicial Affairs Council) and the vice-presidents may be appealed to the president, whose decision shall be final.

Students should refer to disciplinary procedures available from deans' offices and the University Secretariat.

See the WLU Student Code of Conduct and Discipline.