WKU EEAS Student Code of Conduct

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The following are student standards of conduct that provide a framework for personal and ethical decision-making as it relates to learning responsibly within Western Kentucky University’s Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences (EEAS). The purpose of this code of conduct is to help shape expectations about student behavior by reducing the risk of student endangerment.

EEAS places a particular emphasis on applied and experiential learning, a mantra strongly supported by WKU. These intensive applied experiential education experiences are provided by EEAS with guidance and oversight from faculty experts and trained scientific professionals. Some examples include (but are not limited to) cave and karst exploration, surface geological surveying, and storm chasing. Though students may want to engage in these types of experiences on their own personal time, it is the expectation of EEAS that those who do will practice appropriate safety protocols, and will adhere to all applicable laws and regulations while doing so. Such personal endeavors shall never take precedence over the academic priorities of EEAS and WKU, such as attending classes and successful fulfillment of course and program obligations with the highest regard for quality and time management.

EEAS does not condone personal activities that encourage illegal, dangerous, and otherwise irresponsible decision-making or risky behavior. Any enrolled WKU student residing in EEAS who chooses to put themselves in unsafe or illegal circumstances does so at their own risk and shall not imply their personal activities are endorsed by EEAS or any entity affiliated with WKU.

EEAS only supports student experiences when they are officially sanctioned as part of well-planned, (affiliated) faculty-led, safety-guided, and university-approved experiences in all departmental programs and research units.

 

Accountability

EEAS prioritizes student safety and success. Students who break the code of conduct and thereby, the code of expectations and values of EEAS, may face immediate consequences related to extracurricular activities beyond standard classroom expectations, as well as the resources that support those activities. These consequences could include (but are not limited to) access to leadership positions in registered student organizations, EEAS ambassador positions, and access to internal funding to support travel.

If a student is unsure if a desired unsponsored EEAS or personal activity falls within the stated code of conduct, that student shall consult with the Department Chair prior to the engaged activity.