“Villanova University is a Catholic Augustinian community of higher education, committed to excellence and distinction in the discovery, dissemination and application of knowledge”1. The institution presumes that all who voluntarily join its scholarly community do so for this primary purpose. Accordingly, rules and regulation governing conduct among community members are designed with the specific intention of enhancing the academic mission of the University.
Since Villanova University is a particularly unique but voluntary community, it depends on its membership to sacrifice, in some instances, individual preferences for the good of the greater whole. Moreover, it depends on its membership to commit itself to a degree of loyalty, a standard of behavior that not only maintains public order but adheres to the principle that “mutual love and respect should animate every aspect of University life.” Accordingly, Villanova confidently expects that all students will comport themselves in a manner that promotes the continuance and enhancement of the University's high purpose and its moral and religious traditions.
To motivate good behavior and define those actions which violate presumptions of this membership, the University created the Code of Student Conduct. The Code covers guidelines on a variety of topics, including disciplinary sanctions. Full text of the Code can be accessed on our website: https://studenthandbook.villanova.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/toc_page/code-of-student-conduct.pdf?1566489736%20.
In addition, the following is the University’s policy concerning language used in both written and oral communications:
All written and oral communications of administrators, faculty, staff, and students should be consistent with the University’s belief that all persons are sacred. Language used on campus should respect the dignity and inherent worth of every individual regardless of age, ethnic or racial identification, gender, mental or physical ability, religious persuasion, sexual orientation, and social class. To be encouraged is language which does not perpetuate stereotypes or unfairly characterize any individuals on the basis of group identification.
If the University has reason to believe that students may have conducted themselves inappropriately, the Dean (or designee) will follow the respective University and/or College policy.