UK Code of Student Conduct Applies to Student Behavior Regarding COVID-19
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 10, 2020) — The University of Kentucky Code of Student Conduct is designed to promote a safe environment for the UK community.
As such, this semester, components of the code related to physical safety and health will be enforced in alignment with guidelines designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
As in previous semesters, the Code of Student Conduct will be enforced this fall for students who live both on and off campus. Over the weekend, several parties at houses and apartments nearby campus were reported. City and university officials are working together to coordinate an appropriate response; that information is being provided to the university to ensure compliance with UK’s Student Code of Conduct.
If someone creates a condition where they have harmed someone else, such as hosting a large gathering that does not following state and local guidance, Code of Student Conduct 6. L. Harm and Threat of Harm and/or 6. AA. Violations of Law or other UK Policies apply.
“We trust that our students are going to return to campus committed to keeping each other safe as they pursue their academic and personal goals,” said interim Dean of Students Trisha Clement-Montgomery. “The code exists to protect our community, and we hope that students are mindful of our shared expectations both while they are on and off of our campus.”
Student Government President Courtney Wheeler said the code is clear when it comes to the health and safety of her fellow students — it applies equally to those who live in residence halls and those who live in off-campus housing.
“We all need to do our part to protect and respect each other by avoiding large gatherings where physical distancing and masks are not being enforced,” Wheeler said. “Students want to see one another and experience college life again, but we know we have to be safe and smart. If we don’t follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC, the state and the campus, we may find ourselves taking steps backward instead of forward.”
Wheeler noted the investments UK has recently made to facilitate healthy gatherings, such as a hammock garden near White Hall Classroom Building, placement of semi-permanent tents throughout campus, and additional outdoor furniture, safely spaced and regularly sanitized, in alignment with CDC guidelines.
Additionally, student organizations can organize CDC-compliant events with assistance from UK through the event management system.
UK officials are working closely with Lexington Police and city officials to help enforce the Student Code of Conduct, sharing information daily and meeting weekly to discuss issues of concern.
It’s all part of what UK officials describe as efforts to “make it as easy as possible to be safe.”
Wheeler said she has faith in her fellow students to remain in compliance with the code.
“At the end of the day, we have to care about others,” Wheeler said. “I don’t wear my mask for me. I wear it to protect my friends and to move us forward as a community in ending this pandemic. I encourage my fellow students to do the same. Let’s be smart and take care of one another.”
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.