The University of Wisconsin System added protections for students to its proposed student code of conduct regulations after student leaders with the statewide student association, the United Council of UW Students (UC) objected to earlier versions. The UW System is proposing amendments to the administrative code governing student conduct on and off campus to allow university officials to penalize students for off campus, non-academic discretions.

After more than a year of grassroots campaigning and advocacy from UC, the policy now also includes more protections for students’ due process rights.   The changes in Chapters 17 and 18 of the code of conduct, which will be voted on Friday by the Board of Regents would allow students to have an advising attorney to speak publicly on their behalf in cases of suspension or expulsion, allow students to appeal punishment to the Board of Regents and have cases heard by a committee rather than a hearing examiner. University affairs director Mike Moscicke said the United Council of UW Students was worried that the code would be used to punish students for trivial violations but he said the changes address the group’s concerns. If the Board of Regents approves the measure it will be sent to the Legislature.
 
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