Good afternoon,
On August 15, all students were notified of the Code of Student Life and the Accountability Procedure used to respond to allegations that students have engaged in behavior which may violate campus policies. In observing individuals on campus as residence hall students have moved in, and countless other students have moved to Iowa City, I want to acknowledge the high level of compliance seen on university property. As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, and we resume some in-person activities this semester, it is important to understand the ways in which our behavior off-campus can have an impact on the University of Iowa.
This virus will be impactful on our community, both on and off-campus. While there have been specific expectations in place about student behavior on campus, I wanted to remind you that the Code of Student Life, and the policies therein, extends to areas off-campus where the university has a clear and distinct interest. Since it is possible for the off-campus behavior of community members to impact the University of Iowa, I want to be explicit that the failure to adhere to the expectations in the student agreement will be responded to using the Code of Student Life.
Specifically, individuals found to be engaging in behavior that the university has deemed unsafe, such as gatherings exceeding capacities where individuals are unable to maintain 6 feet of physical distance, gatherings where individuals are not wearing face coverings, and other factors that jeopardize individuals’ health and safety, may result in discipline. Additionally, community members that observe concerns are encouraged to report the concern to the Office of Student Accountability using the webform linked here.
Students are also expected to comply with any quarantine or isolation expectations communicated if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or if they are an official contact of an individual diagnosed with COVID-19. Failure to adhere to these expectations could result in discipline from the university. Please be mindful that other misconduct, such as vandalism or damage caused attempting to minimize your personal exposure to COVID-19, such as reckless use of accessible and automatic doors, may also be subject to discipline. The information in the student agreement is an excellent source of information to keep you healthy and informed about the expectations of the university.
If a student is alleged to have violated any expectations from the student agreement, the student will be given the opportunity to change their behavior to align with campus expectations. In the event that a student is found responsible for misconduct, efforts will be made to be developmental and educational in our approach. Sanctions will vary based upon the facts and circumstances of the violation and will be progressive in manner. Multiple violations of these expectations may potentially be subject to more severe sanctions such as housing contract cancellation, or suspension from the university. Please understand that these allegations are serious and could cause health and safety concerns for members of our campus community.
In discussing the path forward with a variety of faculty and staff, I remain optimistic about our ability to care for members of our community through the actions we engage in. Our involvement and engagement across campus revolves around the Iowa Challenge. I recognize that we have a challenge ahead of us this year, and I remain optimistic that we can move forward in ways that demonstrate the care and respect that embody our unique community.
Sincerely,
Angela Ibrahim-Olin
Pronouns: she | her
Assistant Dean and Director of Student Accountability
203 Iowa Memorial Union
319.335.1527 | f. 319.335.7721
Division of Student Life