Policies and Guidelines
The community of trust created by Washington and Lee's student-run Honor System is one of the hallmarks of student life. W&L students hold each other accountable for honorable behavior, character and integrity, actively participating in the governance of student conduct.
Below are five bodies that adjudicate student conduct issues:
- The student Executive Committee manages The Honor System and hears cases of breaches of trust such as lying, cheating and stealing.
- The Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Board hears allegations of prohibited discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation.
- The Student Judicial Council hears allegations of other types of student misconduct (e.g. incidents involving alcohol, vandalism, disruptive behavior, etc.)
- The Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council govern fraternity and sorority life, respectively. This includes cases of hazing by Greek organizations.
All students should be aware of their rights and responsibilities as outlined in the Student Handbook. Information regarding the University's policies related to substance abuse is available through the University Initiatives on Alcohol and Other Drugs.
Students or organizations wishing to appeal decisions may appeal to the University Board of Appeals.
Support is available to students in a number of ways as they move through the conduct process. Hearing Advisors are aware of avenues for support. Assistance is also available from anyone within the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the Law School for law students, or within W&L's Counseling Services. Seeking support is something that is offered confidentially to students, within the limits of the law.
For more information about student conduct systems, contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.