After an update to the policy on Student Nonacademic Disciplinary policy that went into effect September 1, students’ off-campus offenses are now punishable by the University of Wisconsin in addition to law enforcement. 
 
The update was made in response to complaints from residents who live near the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee campus that students were disruptive and their actions should be the University’s responsibility. The new policy update doubled the number of actions deemed as violations, now listing 16 specific punishable offenses.
 
The new policy states that a student is punishable by the University for illegal activity “regardless of the existence of any criminal proceedings.”

The policy also allows the University to punish students for things that do not directly “[impair] the university's ability to fulfill its teaching, research, or public service missions.”

Mary Beth Mackin, Dean of Student Life and First Year Experience at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, said the new policy specifically lists violations previously not included, such as sexual assault, hazing, and misuse of university computers. If a student is charged with an extreme enough action, Mackin said they could face expulsion.
 
"Expulsion is obviously not the first action the university would take," Mackin said. "We want students to learn from their mistakes and help them with the big picture."


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