51·´²îæ»

The Student Code of Conduct applies to all 51·´²îæ» students across Seaver College, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, the Graziadio Business School, the Caruso School of Law, the College of Health Science, and the School of Public Policy, and students participating in International Programs. The Code includes general conduct expectations, standards of conduct, administrative measures, and disciplinary procedures applicable to students across the University. Standards of Conduct that may result in disciplinary action are listed by school on the left menu. International Programs establish supplemental expectations applicable within those specific contexts. Such expectations supplement, but do not replace, the Student Code of Conduct. Please contact us through the "Who We Are" menu if you have any questions or feedback.

I. Introduction

Each student is responsible for knowing and adhering to the University's Student Code of Conduct (Code) and its related policies. While the Code and related policies provide students an effective set of guidelines for personal conduct, international programs may establish additional conduct expectations applicable within a specific context. Such supplements do not replace the primary Student Code of Conduct. The University retains the right to instate additional policies or to modify existing ones as needs may dictate. The most updated Code and related policies can be found online at pepperdine.edu/studentcodeofconduct.

Any questions regarding interpretation of this Code should be referred to the Office of Community Standards. The Code is reviewed every year, and student input is welcome. We gratefully acknowledge the use and adaptation of model codes of student conduct published by peer institutions, the National Association of College and University Attorneys in Student Disciplinary Issues: A Legal Compendium and Student Handbook Policies, and Ed Stoner and John Lowery, "Model Student Code of Conduct."

II. General Conduct Expectations

In keeping with 51·´²îæ» University's Christian mission and its heritage in Churches of Christ, all members of the University community are encouraged to respect the teachings of Jesus and historic, biblical Christianity. It is expected that all students will maintain the highest standards of personal honor, morality, and integrity. Students are also expected to comply with any conduct expectations established in international programs. Such expectations supplement, but do not replace, the Student Code of Conduct. The University reserves the right to refuse admittance to, or dismiss any person who violates these principles.

III. Off-Campus Activities

Off-campus rights and freedoms of students involve the responsibility to display conduct and behavior that reflect favorably on them, the University, and the community. Although the University is not responsible or liable for student off-campus events or behavior, it reserves the right to take disciplinary action in response to off-campus behavior that violates University expectations and policies or adversely affects the University community and/or the pursuit of its objectives. Students living off campus are expected to be a positive influence in their community and follow all applicable laws, ordinances, including but not limited to homeowners’ association regulations.

IV. Reporting Misconduct

Anyone may report a violation of the Student Code of Conduct by contacting the Office of Community Standards at (310) 506-4471 or the Department of Public Safety at (310) 506-4442. Reports may also be made through designated University officials, including International Programs personnel, who will forward the report to the appropriate University office. Normally, the person reporting the violation will be asked to submit a written report. The report should be a brief written statement citing the section of the code allegedly violated and providing a summary of the facts deemed to constitute a violation. Reports should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place. The University reserves the right to take action against an individual for violating the Student Code of Conduct regardless of how much time has passed since the incident.

While participating in international programs, misconduct may also be reported to professional staff and faculty-in-residence. In an emergency, students abroad should first contact local emergency services, International SOS, or International Programs personnel, as appropriate.  

Anonymous reports may be made on the anonymous tip hotline by calling voicemail at (310) 506-7634 or on the LiveSafe app. If you or anyone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911 followed by (310) 506-4441 for emergency assistance.

Information about reporting allegations of sexual misconduct by 51·´²îæ» students, employees, or third parties can be found in the Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Information about reporting allegations of discrimination and harassment against another student can be found in the Discrimination and Harassment Policy.

Allegations of discrimination and harassment, or other non-academic student grievances, against faculty, staff, or any non-student third party should be reported to the dean's office of the student's school. Please see the school's Non-Academic Student Grievance Procedure for more information. 

Retaliation against any individual for reporting alleged misconduct, participating in a University process, providing information, serving as a witness, assisting another individual, or otherwise exercising rights under University policy is prohibited.

Retaliation includes intimidating, threatening, coercing, harassing, discriminating against, or taking adverse action against an individual to interfere with or discourage participation in a University process, or because the individual engaged in protected activity related to a report, complaint, investigation, disciplinary proceeding, or other University process.

Allegations of retaliation should be reported promptly to the Office of Community Standards or other appropriate University official. In an emergency or if there is an immediate safety concern, individuals should call 911, followed by Public Safety at (310) 506-4441 if it is safe to do so. The University reserves the right to address alleged retaliation under the Student Code of Conduct or another applicable University policy.

V. Sources of Information

Information about a student's misconduct may come from a variety of sources, including, but not limited to, reports from faculty, staff, students, departments (e.g., Housing and Residence Life, Department of Public Safety, International Programs), law enforcement agencies, or community members. Other sources of information may include, but are not limited to, electronic communications, photographs, social media, and audio or video recordings.

VI. Social Media Privacy

The University complies with all applicable laws governing social media privacy. Although the law prohibits the University from asking students, prospective students, or student groups to disclose a username or password for accessing personal social media, requesting access to personal social media, or divulging any personal social media to or in the presence of a University employee or representative, the University may lawfully require disclosure, access or view personal social media if necessary to investigate and take disciplinary action against any student, prospective student, or student group utilizing social media in ways that are unlawful, violate the Student Code of Conduct, or pose a threat to the safety of the University community.

VII. Definition of Student

Student refers to a University student, including an applicant for admission; any matriculated undergraduate or graduate student who is enrolled in coursework; has completed the immediately preceding term, is not presently enrolled, and is eligible for re-enrollment; is on an approved educational leave or other approved leave status; is currently serving a suspension, expulsion, or interim restriction; or is awaiting a degree. This includes the period before classes begin, while the student is attending classes, between academic sessions or on leave. This Policy applies even if the student withdraws from school while a disciplinary matter is pending.

VIII. Standards of Evidence

Determinations on whether the Code was violated will be made based on the preponderance of the evidence standard (whether it is more likely than not that the student violated the Code).

IX. Authority and Responsibility for Student Discipline

The University's associate dean of student affairs (hereafter "associate dean") is responsible for the overall coordination and oversight of student discipline for misconduct, including appeals and interim restrictions. The assistant dean for community standards (hereafter "assistant dean") is primarily responsible for the operational details of the disciplinary process. The assistant dean will review all reports of misconduct and may coordinate any follow-up investigation by the Department of Public Safety. If the assistant dean determines that the facts stated in the report, if true, would violate the Student Code of Conduct, the student will be charged with an appropriate violation, and the incident will be heard through either an administrative hearing or a hearing with the Student Disciplinary Committee. References in this Code to the assistant dean include the assistant dean’s authorized designees, including designated administrators serving within other domestic or international programs (IP) when acting within the scope of their assigned responsibilities. 

Students charged with an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct will normally receive written notice through their 51·´²îæ».edu email account. Students are responsible for reviewing and responding to communications sent to their 51·´²îæ».edu email account, including notices regarding allegations, meetings, hearings, deadlines, sanctions, and other disciplinary procedures. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Community Standards with any questions regarding the Student Code of Conduct, disciplinary procedures, or related communications.

If the assistant dean determines that the reported conduct does not constitute a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, no disciplinary action will be taken.

In some circumstances, the assistant dean may issue an Advisory Notice regarding conduct, conditions, or concerns that warrant notice, education, clarification of expectations, or corrective action. This action is an administrative and non-disciplinary measure, is not a sanction, and does not become part of the student’s formal disciplinary record. Failure to address the concerns identified in an Advisory Notice, repeated concerning behavior, or continuation of the underlying conduct may result in disciplinary action if the behavior later rises to the level of a Student Code of Conduct violation.

When appropriate, some University policy violations may be addressed by other disciplinary bodies including, but not limited to, the committees or boards that review academic misconduct.

X. Jurisdiction of the Code of Conduct

 The Student Code of Conduct applies to conduct that occurs on University premises, at University-sponsored activities, within domestic and international programs, and to off-campus conduct that adversely affects the University community and/or the pursuit of its objectives. The assistant dean will decide whether the Code will be applied to conduct occurring off campus, on a case-by-case basis, in their sole discretion.

Disciplinary action is typically not delayed, altered, or precluded on the grounds that civil or criminal charges involving the underlying incident(s) have been filed, or that criminal charges have been dismissed or reduced.

Students participating in 51·´²îæ» International Programs (IP), other domestic programs, and other University-affiliated programs and activities remain subject to this Student Code of Conduct. Certain campuses, programs, and locations may maintain supplemental handbooks, policies, procedures, or program expectations addressing operational, academic, safety, housing, travel, legal, or cultural matters unique to those environments. Such supplemental materials are intended to complement, and not replace, the Student Code of Conduct unless expressly stated otherwise.

Certain academic programs may establish and enforce additional professional, ethical, behavioral, interpersonal, technical, or competency standards necessary to satisfy accreditation requirements, professional licensing expectations, clinical or practicum placement requirements, or other program-specific educational objectives. Such standards supplement, but do not replace, the Student Code of Conduct. Alleged concerns may be reviewed and addressed through the applicable academic program's policies and procedures, which may operate independently of, or in conjunction with, proceedings under the Student Code of Conduct.

XI. Violation of Law and University Discipline

Students are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws. University disciplinary proceedings may be initiated when a student is alleged to have violated a federal, state, local, or foreign law. Such proceedings may occur before, during, or after related civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings and are independent of those processes. Conduct that violates applicable law may also violate University policy and may result in disciplinary action.

XII. Interim Restriction

The associate dean, or designee, may impose an interim restriction on a student at any time after receiving a report. Interim restrictions may be imposed with or without prior notice to the student and may limit or prohibit a student’s access to or participation in specific classes or all classes (including online or remote participation), on-campus housing, designated areas of campus, particular University activities, one or more University campuses, programs, and operations, including International Programs activities, travel, housing, or other international program-related functions. Interim restrictions may be individualized based on the circumstances and may be modified, expanded, or removed as additional information becomes available. Such measures may be imposed: 1) to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the University community or the preservation of University property; or 2) if the student poses a reasonable threat to the safety, welfare, or orderly operation of the University community, or if the student’s continued presence may disrupt or interfere with normal University operations.

An interim restriction is an administrative and non-disciplinary measure and does not replace the regular disciplinary process, which will proceed as set forth in this Policy. Failure to comply with an interim restriction may constitute a separate violation of University policy.

After an interim restriction is imposed, written notice outlining the terms of the restriction and applicable appeal procedures will be provided to the student in person or through the student’s 51·´²îæ».edu email address. Appeals must be submitted in accordance with the instructions provided in the notice.

XIII. No Contact Directives

 The University may issue a No Contact Directive between students when deemed appropriate to support the safety, well-being, or functioning of the educational environment. Requests should be directed to the Office of Community Standards for consideration, unless it is being implemented as supportive measures under the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and Discrimination and Harassment Policy.

A No Contact Directive is an administrative and non-disciplinary measure intended to reduce the likelihood of unwanted, disruptive, retaliatory, intimidating, or harassing interactions. It restricts direct or indirect communication between the parties, including in-person contact, communication through third parties, telephone calls, text messages, electronic communications, and social media interactions.

A No Contact Directive does not prohibit the parties from attending the same class, event, workplace, or other University activity. When appropriate, the University may work with faculty, supervisors, or other administrators to help minimize unnecessary interaction while preserving access to educational or employment opportunities and other activities. The University will consider the circumstances of the parties and the feasibility of implementation when determining whether a No Contact Directive is appropriate and, if so, the scope of any directive issued. No Contact Directives are not typically issued between individuals who live in the same room, suite, or apartment because avoiding contact in shared living spaces may not be reasonably feasible.

No Contact Directives are typically issued mutually and may be issued regardless of whether a formal complaint, disciplinary process, or criminal process is initiated or pending. Issuing a directive does not constitute a finding that a University policy violation occurred.

Failure to comply with a No Contact Directive may result in disciplinary action.

Last Updated: August 10, 2026