Safe & Respectful Community

We believe that the strength of our community lies in the respect and inclusivity shown by its members. It is our expectation that all individuals involved in student organizations will uphold these values, fostering an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and heard. By being respectful members of our community, we can ensure that Kirby Student Center remains a welcoming and supportive space for all.

Kirby Student Center also expects all student groups and their members to abide by all University policies as well as federal, state, and local laws. By adhering to these laws, student organizations not only protect themselves but also contribute to the overall safety, integrity, and reputation of the University. 

Student groups must be fully operated and led by currently registered students. Only currently enrolled, student services fee-paying University of Minnesota Duluth students are eligible to be officers. Groups must have a minimum of one officer in the position of president on their BulldogConnect roster who are active in leading the group.

Registered Student Organizations (RSO) and Campus Life Programs (CLP) shall only operate for the purposes of co-curricular involvement. All student groups registered with Kirby Student Center (KSC) shall not be affiliated with, sponsored by, or tied to any activities or courses that carry academic credit.

Student groups shall have the privilege and responsibility to develop and implement appropriate internal policies and procedures that govern their operations, activities and member conduct. Groups must ensure that all members are informed of such policies and procedures, including the potential consequences for violations. The officers of each group bear the responsibility for development, implementation, administration, and enforcement of such policies and procedures, in accordance with the group’s constitution.

Student organizations and their members must comply with all Kirby Student Center and University policies, including the Board of Regents Student Conduct Code, as well as local, state, and federal laws. In accordance with Sections IX. Jurisdiction and X. The Responsibilities of Dual Membership, the Student Conduct Code applies to students and student groups, in some circumstances, even if the behavior occurred off-campus or online. When individuals are functioning in the capacity of members of a registered student organization, they will be held accountable for their conduct individually and collectively. Violations of the Student Conduct Code, whether by individuals or student groups, will be resolved according to the procedures outlined by the Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution. 

Student groups found to be in violation of Student Organization Handbook policies or other applicable Kirby Student Center or University policies are subject to outcomes through Kirby Student Center, including, but not limited to, restriction of the benefits afforded to registered student organizations and campus life programs, suspension of campus life program status, or suspension of registered student organization status.

Hazing by any member of the University community is expressly prohibited by the University of Minnesota Duluth. Incidents of hazing are taken seriously and will not be tolerated. 

Hazing is defined by the University of Minnesota under the Student Conduct Code as “any behavior or activity that endangers the health or safety of an individual (including, without limitation, an act intended to cause personal degradation or humiliation), for the purpose of initiation in, admission to, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student group or University athletic team, regardless of the individual’s willingness to participate.” 

Hazing does not build group unity and is harmful to all involved. While some activities are clearly understood as hazing, others may be less obviously harmful. It is important to consider that any act that subjects a specific student or group of students to conditions worse than those of current members of the organization may be considered hazing. For resources on how to recognize and prevent hazing you are encouraged to visit stophazing.org/resources/. 

Anyone who witnesses, is involved in, or is otherwise aware of incidents of hazing is encouraged to make a report to the Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution. If you are unsure whether a situation qualifies as hazing you may speak with Kirby Student Center or Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution staff to discuss your concerns. Kirby Student Center staff will listen and take your concerns seriously and will serve as a resource throughout any resulting processes. 

Individuals and student groups found to be in violation of Section IV. Subd. 14 Hazing under the Student Conduct Code will be subject to outcomes as determined by the Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution. Outcomes can include, but are not limited to disciplinary probation, suspension from a team or student organization, or dismissal from the University. Furthermore individuals and student groups who engage in hazing activities may be subject to criminal liability. 

The Stop Campus Hazing Act is a federal law to prevent and address hazing activities at higher education institutions. The Act mandates that all college and university students and organizations be informed about the dangers of hazing and the legal consequences associated with engaging in such behaviors. The University Clery Compliance Office is responsible for ensuring that the University of Minnesota is in compliance with this important law by ensuring the complete and accurate collection of crime data and the distribution of this information to the public. The University of Minnesota Duluth is required to publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report which summarizes hazing findings of any recognized student group found to be in violation of an institution's standard of conduct.

The University of Minnesota Duluth values the safety and well-being of their students and has implemented an alcohol-related emergency protocol. Alcohol overdose can be life threatening, and students are expected to take responsible action to obtain medical assistance for those in need. The following information relates to this protocol:

The Amnesty provisions in the Board of Regents Student Conduct Code align with State of Minnesota Medical Amnesty provisions. Under Section V. Subd. 1., a student is not subject to Student Conduct Code disciplinary outcomes for underage possession and consumption of alcohol if the student contacts a 911 operator to report that the student or another student is in need of medical assistance for an immediate health or safety concern. Furthermore, as described in Section V. Subd. 2, in order to facilitate the reporting of more serious concerns, such as sexual misconduct, the University may offer leniency for violations related to personal drug or alcohol use to those who report such violations and participate in an in-formal problem-solving or grievance process.

Next: Student Organization Classifications>>>