Campus Conduct

Does Richmond have a standard of conduct?
Yes. The University of Richmond considers cultivation of self-discipline to be of primary importance in the educational process and essential to the development of responsible citizens. All students of the University are expected to conduct themselves, both within the University and elsewhere, in such a manner as to be a credit to themselves and to the University of Richmond. As responsible men and women, they are expected also to seek the resolution of all issues through the process of reason. Moreover, they have the responsibility for complying with local, state, and federal laws, and with all published University and college policies and regulations.

In a community of learning, individual or group conduct that is unlawful, that disrupts or interferes with the educational process, that causes destruction of property, or that otherwise infringes upon the rights of other members of the University community or of the University itself, cannot be tolerated. The Standards of Conduct are enforced by the residential life student staff, specific staff members in the student development office, and the University of Richmond police. The university police are well-trained law enforcement officers who are authorized to arrest a student if the circumstances dictate such action. If the student is arrested, he or she will need to resolve the matter in both the on-campus and off-campus settings.

The use of alcoholic beverages on campus must be in compliance with federal, state and local laws as well as University policy. Virginia state law prohibits the purchase, possession or consumption of beer, wine or distilled spirits by persons under 21 years of age. For a number of years, there has been a multi-jurisdictional task force focusing on drug use and distribution in the metropolitan Richmond area. This task force includes members of the University of Richmond police. As a result, the use of an illicit drug by one of our students can result in much more serious consequences because of the involvement of federal, state and city authorities. The possession, sale or use of all illegal drugs, including marijuana and hallucinogens, is prohibited.


Regarding student conduct and alcohol/drug/party policies—when will parents be notified if there is a problem?
Parents are notified of any violation to the University’s drug policy, including but not limited to use, possession, or distribution. With regard to alcohol violations, parents are always notified when a student is transported to an area hospital for alcohol consumption (e.g., alcohol poisoning). The University will also notify parents of a student that has been charged and/or arrested for driving under the influence. Other violations to the alcohol policy (e.g., underage possession or consumption, drunk in public, open container, violation of registered party policies) do not always result in parental notification on a first offense. If a student is involved in subsequent violations of the University’s alcohol policy, parents may be notified as part of the judicial sanctioning process. When a student is placed on Conduct Probation due to a second or third violation of the alcohol policy, parents are notified. Questions regarding policies about smoking, fire safety equipment, hazing, guns, sexual conduct, and theft can be found in the student handbook.