(501) STUDENT-ATHLETES: CODE OF CONDUCT

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Updated 7/19

STUDENT-ATHLETES:  CODE OF CONDUCT
I. INTRODUCTION
Student athletic programs are a longstanding and integral part of the University of Kansas (KU). Membership on an athletic team at the University of Kansas is considered a privilege. In order to maintain that membership, student-athletes are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship, honesty, integrity, and respect for others, as well as abide by all University and Kansas Athletics policies, team rules, the rules and policies of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Big 12 Conference, in addition to state and federal laws. Student-athletes at the University of Kansas at all times are expected to be:II. GOVERNING AUTHORITIES
Standards of ethical conduct for student-athletes are established and enforced by:

1. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Student-athletes are subject to the rules and regulations of the NCAA. All such rules and regulations are found in the NCAA Manual, available online at www.ncaa.org.

2. Big 12 Conference
The University and Kansas Athletics fully endorse the policies of the Big 12 Conference as they relate to student-athlete conduct, conference championship play and the intraconference transfer of student-athletes. Big 12 rules may be found online at www.big12sports.com.

3. The University of Kansas
Student-athletes are subject to University regulations, as published in the University of Kansas Student Handbook. This can be found online at www.ku.edu. Violations of the University’s Student Code of Conduct are under the jurisdiction of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs. Sanctions that may be imposed for University violations include the following: warning, restitution, fine, disciplinary probation, campus/community service, suspension, or expulsion. When appropriate, more than one sanction may be imposed. Any student-athlete in violation of University rules or knowing of violations should notify his/her Head Coach who will report the matter to the Sport Supervisor and the Director of Athletics.

4. Kansas Athletics
Student-athletes must abide by all rules and guidelines set forth by Kansas Athletics, team rules established by each individual sport’s Head Coach, as well as the Jayhawk Honor Code which will summarize key provisions of this Student-Athlete Code of Conduct. Student-athletes are encouraged to obtain clarification regarding any Kansas Athletics, University, Conference or NCAA rules from a member of their coaching staff or the Compliance Office. In addition to the rules above, general Kansas Athletics conduct policies are set forth below.

III. STUDENT-ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT: PERSONAL CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Student-athletes accepted into the University of Kansas athletics program are extended the privilege of participating in intercollegiate athletics. This privilege in no way constitutes a right to participate. In return for the privilege of participating in the intercollegiate athletics program, student-athletes must be willing to accept personal responsibility for their behavior. Accordingly, student-athletes are expected to:

  • Abide by all government laws, University regulations, team rules and Kansas Athletics’ rules as set forth in this Student-Athlete Code of Conduct;
  • Immediately report to the Associate Athletics Director/Compliance, the Director of Athletics, or the Faculty Athletic Representative any violations of NCAA rules;
  • Immediately report to the Head Coach any violations of local, state or federal laws or university regulations;
  • Obey all residence hall policies and regulations;
  • Refrain from and be intolerant of physical abuse, harassment, and intimidation; and
  • Demonstrate responsible citizenship and good sportsmanship.
1. Academic Responsibilities
Each student-athlete is expected to:
  • Attend all classes, be prepared, participate at the level expected of all students, and complete all academic assignments.
  • Communicate to the appropriate parties (e.g., instructors) in a timely manner when an academic/athletic conflict occurs.
  • Consult with athletic academic counselors and attend study halls and tutoring sessions, as directed.
  • Accept personal responsibility for maintaining academic eligibility by carrying the academic load necessary to make satisfactory progress toward a degree.
  • Adhere to the University’s policies regarding academic integrity and honesty.
2. Athletic Responsibilities
Student-athletes are expected to:
  • Attend all organized practices, unless officially excused.
  • Take proper care of equipment.
  • Treat your teammates, officials, and your opponents with dignity, respect, and good sportsmanship.
  • Follow all training programs prescribed by medical and coaching staffs.
  • Participate in Kansas Athletics’ sponsored educational programs, which may include but are not limited to counseling, drug testing, drug education, nutrition and alcohol education.
3. Sportsmanlike Conduct
Pursuant to Big 12 rules, unacceptable student-athlete behavior includes, but is not limited to, the following:
  • Physically or verbally abusing officials, coaches, opponents or spectators;
  • Engaging in any comment, whether critical or not, of game officials or the officiating of any contest.
  • Negative comments about Conference personnel, another institution, its student-athletes or its personnel;
  • Using obscene or otherwise inappropriate language or gestures;
  • Making public statements which are derogatory, controversial, or outside Kansas Athletics’ media policy.

The University and Kansas Athletics investigate all incidents of unsportsmanlike conduct and may discipline the student-athlete accordingly.

4. Alcohol
Student-athletes are responsible for following all federal, state, local, University, and Kansas Athletics’ laws and guidelines pertaining to alcohol use. In addition, student-athletes are prohibited from:

  • Possessing alcohol in University housing.
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol.
  • Purchasing alcohol while under the age (21 years) required by the Kansas state law.
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages when officially representing the University for athletic competition (including travel time), community and public service events, and appearances.
  • Drinking alcohol at events sponsored by Kansas Athletics, whether on or off campus.
  • Providing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21, including prospective student-athletes making official and/or unofficial visits to the University.
5. Tobacco
In accordance with NCAA bylaws, the use of tobacco products is prohibited by all game personnel (e.g. student-athletes, coaches, trainers, managers, and game officials) in all sports during practice and competition. In addition, smoking and chewing tobacco are not permitted in athletics facilities.6. Possession and Use of Fake Identification Cards
Knowingly using or furnishing false information to others in the form of a false or fake ID card violates University policies as well as state and local laws.

7. Illegal Drugs & Drug Testing
The use of illegal and/or “performance enhancing” drugs is totally inconsistent with the purpose of intercollegiate athletics and creates a danger to the health and safety of student-athletes and their teammates. Kansas Athletics will not tolerate the use of these products.

Kansas Athletics has a Drug Awareness and Testing Policy available in this Handbook. All student-athletes are required to participate in the drug testing program and shall be subject to the sanctions outlined in the policy and in team rules for any violations

8. Counseling and Psychological Services
The following agencies are available on the Lawrence campus:

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Watkins Health Center 864-2277
  • Psychological Clinic, 315 Fraser Hall, 864-4121
  • Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center, 400 Kansas Union, 864-3552
9. Sexual Harassment, including Sexual Violence
The University of Kansas is committed to providing an environment that will foster respect among all members of the University community. Sexual harassment violates the trust and respect that is essential for providing a positive educational environment.Sexual harassment is defined by the University as:
“behavior, including physical contact, advances, and comments in person, through an intermediary, and/or via phone, text message, email, social media, or other electronic medium, that is unwelcome; based on sex or gender stereotypes; and is so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with a person’s academic performance, employment or equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from University programs or activities or by creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or educational environment. Sexual Harassment may include but is not limited to:

  1. unwelcome efforts to develop a romantic or sexual relationship;
  2. unwelcome commentary about an individual’s body or sexual activities;
  3. threatening to engage in the commission of an unwelcome sexual act with another person;
  4. stalking or cyber stalking;
  5. engaging in indecent exposure; voyeurism, or other invasion of personal privacy;
  6. unwelcome physical touching or closeness;
  7. unwelcome jokes or teasing of a sexual nature or based upon gender or sex stereotypes; and
  8. sexual violence, as defined below.

Title IX and University Policy prohibit gender-based harassment, which may include acts of verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex or sex-stereotyping, even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature.”

In addition, sexual harassment may occur when there is a power difference between the persons involved, as when a faculty member or coach exploits his or her relationship with students or subordinates.

Should a student-athlete feel that he/she has been sexually harassed or has witnessed sexual harassment, the student athlete should immediately notify his/her Head Coach or Kansas Athletics’ Senior Woman Administrator or may initiate a complaint of harassment with the University’s Office of Civil Rights & Title IX at https://civilrights.ku.edu/ or calling at (785) 864-6414, or by mailing to their office at Dole Human Development Center, 1082, 1000 Sunnyside Ave., Lawrence, Kansas, 66045.

Sexual violence is defined by the University as:
“any physical act which is sexual in nature that is committed by force or without the full and informed consent of all persons involved. Sexual violence may include but is not limited to rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual exploitation. Sexual violence can occur between strangers or acquaintances, including people involved in an intimate or sexual relationship. Sexual violence can be committed by men or by women, and it can occur between people of the same or different sex.” Sexual violence is a form of harassment and student-athletes who have witnessed or been a victim of sexual violence should follow the reporting requirements listed in the paragraph above.

Assistance Related to Sexual Harassment
Student-athletes may initiate a complaint of sexual harassment by contacting the University’s Office of Civil Rights & Title IX at https://civilrights.ku.edu/or calling at (785) 864-6414, or by mailing to their office at Dole Human Development Center, 1082, 1000 Sunnyside Ave., Lawrence, Kansas, 66045. Complaints may also be filed with the KU Title IX Coordinator at (785) 864-3650 or with the Office of Civil Rights (Region VII in the Department of Education at (816) 426-7277 or http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/complaints/index.html.

Complainants are encouraged to file their complaints within one calendar year of the most recent occurrence. All incidents should be carefully documented, including dates, specific behaviors, and their effects.

Retaliation against persons who file sexual harassment complaints is prohibited. Complainants who seek assistance should not be subjected to retaliation of any kind. Retaliation can result in disciplinary action.

Any student-athlete who may need assistance with issues related to rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment or any other form of sexual violence should contact the Senior Woman Administrator. She will assist the student-athlete in obtaining necessary care and follow up treatments to any incidents.

The following agencies also are available for all University students:

  • Sexual Assault Services Coordinators
  • (Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center) – 864-3552
  • Counseling and Psychological Services
  • (Watkins Student Health Center) – 864-2277
  • Ga Da Gi Safe Center
  • Rape Victim Survivor Service – 843-8985
  • 24 hour hotline – 841-2345
  • KU Public Safety Office – 911 or 864-5900
  • Office of Civil Rights & Title IX – 864-6414
  • Lawrence Police Department – 911
  • Lawrence Memorial Hospital – 749-6162
Lewd or Lascivious Behavior
Lewd or lascivious behavior is defined by Kansas Athletics as the touching of the genitals, buttocks, or female breasts with the intent of achieving sexual arousal or gratification, or the intentional exposing of one’s private parts in public in such a manner that the act is seen or likely to be seen by casual observers. This behavior can include posing for photographs, calendars or magazines, or public dancing. Behavior of this type is a violation of this policy.10. Harassment and Discrimination
The University of Kansas does not condone harassment or discrimination directed toward any person or group within its community. Harassment may include sexual (as described above), racial, or ethnic harassment. Harassment includes actions that intimidate, humiliate or demean a person or groups or that may undermine their sense of security or self-esteem. Harassment may encompass a wide variety of verbal, physical, and visual behaviors and may be sexual or non-sexual in nature. Discrimination or retaliation on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, age, or status as a veteran is also prohibited. Persons who experience harassment or discrimination are encouraged to carefully document all incidents, noting dates, specific conduct or behavior, and any witnesses. If the behavior constitutes a threat of bodily injury, a complaint of criminal conduct should be made to the police or campus public safety officers.

Student-athletes who believe they have been subjected to or witness to harassment or discrimination should contact the Director of Athletics or the Senior Woman Administrator. Alternatively, they may contact the University’s Office of Civil Rights & Title IX at https://civilrights.ku.edu/ or calling at (785) 864-6414, or by mailing to their office at Dole Human Development Center, 1082, 1000 Sunnyside Ave., Lawrence, Kansas, 66045.

Retaliation against persons who file harassment or discrimination complaints is a violation of the law and University and Kansas Athletics’ policies. Complainants who seek assistance should not be subjected to retaliation of any kind. Retaliation can result in disciplinary action.

11. Physical Assault/Abuse
Kansas Athletics will not tolerate any physical assault/abuse, such as fights started by or involving student-athletes. These acts degrade Kansas Athletics, the campus community, and society in general. While Kansas Athletics and the University cannot control all factors in society that lead to physical assault/abuse, Kansas Athletics and the University strive to create an environment that is free of violence.

12. Hazing
Hazing is defined in the University Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, as “An offense against a person …when a student “Engages in hazing of another person for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or continuation of membership in any organization operating under the sanction of the University. Hazing includes, but is not limited to, any action, activity or situation which recklessly, negligently or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health, welfare or safety of a person, creates excessive fatigue, sleep deprivation, mental or physical discomfort, exposes a person to extreme embarrassment or ridicule, involves personal servitude, destroys or removes public or private property, or implicitly or explicitly interferes with the academic requirements or responsibilities of a student. It is presumed that hazing is a forced activity regardless of the apparent willingness of an individual to participate in the activity. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is not neutral; both are violations of this rule.’”

(The term “hazing” does not include an action sponsored by an institution of higher education which requires any athletic practice, conditioning or completion of curricular activity.)

Penalties in cases of individual violators are outlined in the KU Student Handbook. Organizations found to be encouraging or authorizing hazing may be subject to suspension or termination of activities, as well as any penalties pursuant to the penal law.

The University has established a hazing reporting form that can be found at the following link: https://www2.ku.edu/~vpssdata/cgi-bin/forms/hazingreport/index.shtml

13.  Property Theft or Damage
Kansas Athletics will not tolerate theft or damage to any property, including the property of Kansas Athletics, the University or to the property of any of its members or visitors. Further, Kansas Athletics will not tolerate those who know of stolen property and fail to disclose it to the proper authorities.

14. Consenting Relationships
Kansas Athletics policies on consenting relationships address situations in which two persons have an apparently voluntary romantic, intimate, or sexual relationship, but where a power difference exists because of their roles.  Examples can include relationships between student-athletes and Kansas Athletics staff or between student-athletes and student employees. A student-athlete must notify his/her coach of any relationship between the student-athlete and a staff member.

A voluntary, intimate, romantic or sexual relationship between a student employee of Kansas Athletics and a student-athlete is not prohibited. However, any student employee of Kansas Athletics must report any consenting relationship he or she may have with a student-athlete to the employee’s immediate supervisor to ensure that the student employee is not in a position where a conflict of interest may exist.

15. Social Media Platforms
Kansas Athletics recognizes that student-athletes are using social media platforms in positive ways to connect with and interact with other individuals. Student-athletes are expected to use social media platforms in an appropriate manner, as determined by each head coach. Examples of inappropriate uses include:

  • using KU symbols or logos;
  • releasing information about team injuries;
  • photos or discussion of alcohol or drug use; or
  • inappropriate or profane language.

Any information placed on any social media platform is a reflection of the student-athlete and his/her team, Kansas Athletics and the University of Kansas. Please post responsibly.

16. Gambling and Bribery
The NCAA and Kansas Athletics have established specific guidelines concerning involvement in gambling and bribery at the intercollegiate sports level.  Examples of prohibited activities include the following:

  • No wagers on any professional or college sports event, even those that don’t involve your college (i.e., March Madness or Super Bowl).
  • No sports “pools,” even those run by friends.
  • No internet gambling on sports events (i.e., social media, Fantasy League, or on-line sports books).
  • No sports wagering using toll-free or 900 numbers.
  • No exchange of information about your team with anyone who gambles. Do not disclose information about injuries, new plays, team morale, discipline problems, or any other personal, sensitive, or competitive team information related to athletics at the University of Kansas to anyone.
In addition, student-athletes are responsible for the following:
  • Reporting to the Head Coach or the Compliance Office any offers of gifts, money or favors in exchange for supplying team information or for attempting to alter the outcome of any contest (i.e. point shaving);
  • Maintaining a clear understanding of what constitutes gambling and bribery activities and reporting any suspected infractions; and
  • Contacting a coach or other Kansas Athletics personnel when questions occur concerning appropriate release of team information.

Disciplinary action for violations of NCAA regulations concerning gambling can include ineligibility for further intercollegiate competition and/or non-renewal of athletic grants-in-aid.

17. Agents
Student-athletes are required to disclose any contacts with any athlete agents to the Compliance Office.

Kansas Athletics has an athlete agent policy, available at www.kuathletics.com.

Prior to any meeting or contact with an athlete agent, the student-athlete must have the permission of his or her head coach and the approval of the Compliance Office. The Compliance Office shall determine if the agent is properly registered with Kansas Athletics and with the state of Kansas.  The head coach, at his/her discretion, may determine contact times.

18. Dress Code
Head Coaches will set dress code standards and may also specify what constitutes appropriate dress while the student-athletes are representing the University.

19. Other Violations
Situations may occasionally arise in which a student-athlete has engaged in an action that, while not resulting in a charged violation of local, state or federal laws or has not been addressed in Team Rules or this Code of Conduct policy, is nevertheless sufficiently serious to make disciplinary action by Kansas Athletics appropriate.

IV. STUDENT-ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT: SANCTIONS AND APPEALS PROCESS

1. Sanctions
Sanctions for a student-athlete violating the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct can include, but are not limited, to the following:

  • warning;
  • probation;
  • suspension, as determined by the Head Coach;*
  • required participation in counseling or assistance programs; or
  • non-renewal of athletic grant-in-aid. **
*Suspension can include all benefits incidental to athletics participation, such as use of the weight room, academic support services, and/or complimentary admissions.
** Failure to abide by the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct or team rules and regulations may be grounds for non-renewal, reduction, or cancellation of athletic financial aid. Sanctions involving reduction or termination of athletically related financial aid during the period of the award will be imposed pursuant to the relevant NCAA procedure. Student-athletes will be given written notice of the proposed decision.  Any appeal of the cancellation or termination of an athletic grant-in-aid will be handled pursuant to the University financial aid appeals process.Sanctions for team violations can include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • team probation;
  • cancellation of contests; and/or
  • cancellation of season.

When appropriate, more than one sanction may be imposed.

The level of discipline is at the discretion of the Head Coach in consultation with the Sport Supervisor. The sanction may be imposed as soon as the Head Coach notifies the student-athlete of the violation, gives the student-athlete a chance to explain what happened, and determines that a sanction is justified after consideration of the student-athlete’s statement.

Failure to abide by the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct or team rules and regulations may be grounds for non-renewal, reduction, or cancellation of athletic financial aid. Sanctions involving reduction or termination of athletically related financial aid during the period of the award will be imposed pursuant to the relevant NCAA procedure. Student-athletes will be given written notice of the proposed decision.  Any appeal of the cancellation or termination of an athletics grant-in-aid will be handled pursuant to the University financial aid appeals process.

2. Appellate Process
A student-athlete who is subject to season-long suspension, dismissal from the team, or whose athletic grant-in-aid would be affected may request an appeal from these sanctions.  Student-athletes have five business days after receipt of written notification of a disciplinary sanction listed above in which to notify the Athletics Director, in writing, of their request to appeal the decision. Any appeal of the cancellation or termination of an athletics grant-in-aid will be handled pursuant to the University financial aid appeals process.

Appeals of any disciplinary actions subject to this section will be conducted within 30 days of receipt of the student-athlete’s written request to appeal. The appeal will be heard by a three-person committee (Athletic Appeals Panel) appointed by the Athletics Director and consisting of two senior Athletics administrators and a faculty member currently serving on the Athletics’ Advisory Committee On Intercollegiate Athletics (not the Faculty Athletics Representative). The senior Administrators must not be a Sport Supervisor for the student-athlete’s team. The process will not be adversarial. Student-athletes may appeal in person and be accompanied by an advisor. Such advisor may only advise the student-athlete and will not be allowed to otherwise participate in the appeal hearing. If the student-athlete wants to submit materials in support of the appeal, such materials must be submitted to the Athletic Appeals Panel at least 24 hours before the appeal hearing. Alternatively, in lieu of a personal appearance, a student-athlete may present matters in writing for consideration on appeal. In the event the student-athlete requests, in writing, a more expedited appeal, the Athletic Appeals Panel is authorized to take such action as is reasonable to accommodate such a request. The Athletics Appeals Panel, in consultation with the Athletics Director, shall render a decision on the appeal. Decisions of this Panel shall be deemed final and not subject to further appeals.

3. Repeat Violations
Repeated or continued violations of this Student-Athlete Code of Conduct may result in more substantial penalties. This policy recognizes that repeat violations may reflect adversely on the student-athlete’s sport, Kansas Athletics, and the University.

KANSAS ATHLETICS JAYHAWK HONOR CODE
As a member of a University of Kansas intercollegiate athletic team, you are a representative of your team and your university. Representing the University of Kansas as a student-athlete is a privilege that comes with responsibilities. While some of the responsibilities are outlined below, the complete Student-Athlete Code of Conduct can be found online here:
  1. I will abide by all federal, state and local laws and ordinances, university regulations as well as NCAA, Kansas Athletics, Big 12, and team rules and regulations.
  2. I represent Kansas Athletics, my team and KU; therefore, I will conduct myself in a responsible and respectful manner at all times.
  3. I will participate in the student-athlete development program and student-athlete support services as directed by my coaches and the Director of Athletics.
  4. I will exhibit sportsmanship at all times and will encourage my teammates to do the same. I will make a        positive contribution to my team in both attitude and behavior.
  5. I will respect all student-athletes and members of the athletic department regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, gender, creed, age sexual orientation, or disability status. I will not place any student-athlete, especially freshmen, in a subordinate status or participate in any activity that could be viewed as harassment or hazing.
  6. I will not put the University of Kansas, my team, or myself at risk by the irresponsible use of tobacco, alcohol, fake IDs, and/or illegal drugs, and will not engage in gambling on any athletic activity.
  7. When I am a host for recruits, I will not encourage the recruit to use tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs or to engage in sexual-related activities during the recruiting visit.
  8. I will abide by the Kansas Athletics Drug Awareness and Testing Policy.
  9. I will not participate in academic misconduct, including but not limited to, cheating on an exam or assignment, plagiarism (submitting work not my own), collusion, forging a university official’s signature, or falsifying official records.
  10. I will use social media responsibly. I will not post photos, videos, or comments showing the personal use of alcohol, tobacco, and/or drugs or anything of a sexual nature. I will not use inappropriate or offensive language on social media. I will not comment with threats of violence, bully others, or make derogatory comments regarding race, gender or other legally protected characteristics. I understand that any information placed on any social media site is a reflection of me, my team, Kansas Athletics and the University of Kansas.