Students
If there is an immediate risk or threat, please contact Campus Security at (808) 689-2911, Student Conduct incident report.
If you believe an incident has occurred that may violate one or more provisions of the Student Conduct Code, please click the button on the left to submit a report.
Students affiliated with a student organization may find more information, education, prevention, and resources regarding hazing and the Stop Hazing Act by clicking the button on the left.
Curious about UH West O`ahu Student Conduct? Check out our short video on the Student Conduct video page, then see how much you know by taking the quiz.
If you’d like to print a hard copy of the Student Conduct guidelines, click the button on the left.
Curious about how the Student Conduct grievance process works? Click the button on the left to explore a brief flowchart overview.
Student FAQs
General Information
We understand the Student Code of Conduct may be an intimidating or an uncomfortable experience especially if you are unfamiliar with the conduct process or don’t know if an incident may be a potential violation under the Student Code of Conduct.
We are here to help! You can speak to our Student Conduct Officer, Trudy Asato, if you have questions about an incident, a notification, or the conduct process at uhwocode@hawaii.edu or (808) 689-2936.
You can contact the Student Conduct Officer/Deputy Student Title IX Coordinator, Trudy Asato at:
Email: uhwocode@hawaii.edu
Telephone: (808) 689-2936.
Located: Student Services Building C room 240.
Yes! “The UH West O’ahu Student Code of Conduct shall apply to conduct that occurs on UH West Oʻahu’s premises, at UH West O’ahu sponsored activities, and to off-campus conduct that adversely affects the UH West O’ahu community and/or the pursuit of its objectives.” The Student Conduct Officer shall decide whether the Student Code of Conduct shall be applied to conduct occurring off campus, on a case by case basis, in his or her sole discretion.”
Students can submit a written incident report to the Student Conduct Office located in Student Services Building C Room 240 or by using the online reporting form.
Visit UH West O`ahu’s Hazing Policy page which outlines the university’s stance on hazing including specify key contact for inquiries, where to report an incident, the methods for policy enforcement, and available resources for those reporting violations.
For more information on hazing, please visit UH West O`ahu Hazing Policy, Promoting a Safe Campus, and Hazing Education and Resources.
Yes, UH West O`ahu maintains a Campus Hazing Transparency Report (CHTR) to disclose incidents of hazing where student organizations have been found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct policy.
The CHTR, established under Section 485(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)), is a disclosure that applies only to student organizations recognized or established by the institution. Findings of hazing entered into the CHTR must remain in the report for five years.
The university updates the CHTR biennially on January 1 and August 1 and posts the updated report on the UH West O`ahu Student Conduct Campus Hazing Transparency Report page.
Additionally, starting in October 2026, any hazing incidents will be included in the UH West O`ahu Annual Security Report (ASR), reflecting data from January 1, 2025. The ASR can be accessed here.
Due to limitations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA; a Federal Law), as well as the UH System Policy, AP 7.022 (also referred to “Procedures Relating to Protection of the Educational Rights and Privacy of Students”), the Student Conduct Office may be unable to share specific information about any student’s educational records, which may or may not include disciplinary action taken against a previously enrolled student.
The Student Code of Conduct explains, in detail, the procedure that each case will follow as stated in Article IV(A)(1-27), representatives, parents, or authorized campus personnel will only be allowed in this meeting at the discretion of the Student Conduct Officer when deemed appropriate. In addition, a FERPA – Consent to Release Educational Record Form must be signed by the Respondent.
If you have questions about the process you may contact the Student Conduct Office at uhwocode@hawaii.edu or (808) 689-2936 for clarification.
Report
UH West Oʻahu urges anyone, whether a member of the UH West Oʻahu community or an outside community member, who observes, experienced, or becomes aware of behaviors which may potentially violated the Student Code of Conduct, to report it immediately.
We encourage you to help us support a positive educational environment that will benefit student success.
Anonymous Reporting: UH West Oʻahu Student Conduct Report Form has an option for anonymous reporting. An anonymous report submitted may limit UH West O’ahu Official’s ability to effectively respond fully to the report. Nonetheless, UH West O`ahu Officials may investigate the information provided in the report and take reasonable action as appropriate.
Yes! UH West O`ahu has an amnesty provision as of January 30, 2024.
You can find the amnesty provision in Article III(D) of the Student Code of Conduct.
UH West Oʻahu urges anyone, whether a member of the UH West Oʻahu community or an outside community member, who observes, experienced, or becomes aware of behavior potentially constituting hazing in violation of this policy, to report it immediately.
Reports should be made as soon as possible to any of the following:
- Submit a Student Conduct Report Form.
- Student Conduct Officer:
- Located: Student Services Second Floor of C Building Room 240.
- Phone: (808) 689-2936
- Email: uhwocode@hawaii.edu.
- Title IX Coordinator:
- Located: A Building Chancellor’s Suite Room 208D
- Phone: (808) 689-2934
- Email: bbaligad@hawaii.ed
- UH West Oʻahu Campus Security:
- Location: F Building Room 202
- Phone: (808) 689-2911
- Email: uhwocsd@hawaii.edu.
Anonymous Reporting: UH West Oʻahu Student Conduct Report Form has an option for anonymous reporting. An anonymous report submitted may limit UH West O’ahu Official’s ability to effectively respond fully to the report. Nonetheless, UH West O`ahu Officials may investigate the information provided in the report and take reasonable action as appropriate.
If you have any concerns regarding your own safety or safety of peers, you can call Campus Security at (808) 689-2911; they are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
More information for hazing-related resources can be found on the UH West O`ahu Hazing Prevention Education & Resources page
Potential Violations
Please read the entire notification carefully! All of our notifications have directions, instructions, and information on next steps (if applicable), along with a summary of the allegations that may have occurred and the potential charges that you may have violated. Also, the notification has a deadline for you as the Respondent to respond.
If you still have questions, please contact the Student Conduct Office at uhwocode@hawaii.edu or (808) 689-2936.
There are 23 prohibited conduct described in Article III(B) of the Student Code of Conduct. Some of the provisions includes hazing, acts of dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, and furnishing false information), disruption of teaching or administration, physical abuse or assaults, threats or threatening behavior, theft, and failure to comply with directions of UH West Oʻahu officials or campus security officers.
The Student Code of Conduct adheres to the Stop Campus Hazing Act (The Stop Campus Hazing Act; Public Law No: 118-173), enacted on December 23, 2024. Students and UH West Oʻahu campus community members to which this policy applies are strongly encouraged to read the Stop Campus Hazing Act in its entirety. The hazing policy is intended to add to, and to work in conjunction with, UH West Oʻahu Student Code of Conduct process.
UH West O`ahu defines hazing from the Stop Campus Hazing Act (Section 485(f)(6)(A) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)) in the Student Code of Conduct as:
“Hazing” an intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with other persons, against a student, regardless of that student’s willingness to participate, that:
a. was committed in connection with an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, an organization (such as a club, society, association, athletic team, fraternity, sorority, or student government); and
b. causes or is likely to contribute to a substantial risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including:
- i. whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
- ii. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
- iii. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
- iv. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
- v. any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
- vi. any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of Local, State, or Federal law; and
- vii. any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of Local, State, or Federal law.”
UH West Oʻahu does not tolerate hazing. Any student organization(s) found responsible for engaging in hazing occurring on or off campus is subject to disciplinary action under the UH West Oʻahu Student Code of Conduct.
(The Stop Campus Hazing Act; Public Law No: 118-173 (Section 485(f)(6)(A) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(Dated 12/23/24)) and University of Hawaii Interim Executive Policy EP 7.208, IV.B.9 (Dated 6/23/25).
The Student Code of Conduct adheres to the Stop Campus Hazing Act (The Stop Campus Hazing Act; Public Law No: 118-173), enacted on December 23, 2024. Students and UH West Oʻahu campus community members to which this policy applies are strongly encouraged to read the Stop Campus Hazing Act in its entirety. The hazing policy is intended to add to, and to work in conjunction with, UH West Oʻahu Student Code of Conduct process.
UH West O`ahu defines hazing and student organization from the Stop Campus Hazing Act (Section 485(f)(6)(A) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)) in the Student Code of Conduct as:
“Student Organization” an organization at an institution of higher education in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.
Student organizations are but not limited to:
- Club
- Society
- Association
- Intramural activities or sports
- Esports/gaming
- Fraternity/sorority
- Band
- Student government
- Honor society in which two or more
Process
Following the receipt of a report alleging hazing, the Student Conduct Officer conducts a fact-finding investigation of the allegations. This process is conducted in accordance with Article A(1-27), “Charges and Student Conduct Officer Meetings.” The following is a shortened summarized version of Article A(1-27), followed by an illustrated slide outlining the entire process:
- The Student Conduct Officer conducts an impartial and reliable preliminary investigation of all allegations to determine whether the allegations have merit or no merit if a policy violation occurred. (flowsheet)
- If it is determined the allegations have no merit a policy violation occurred, the report will be dismissed or resolved administratively.
- If it is determined the allegations have merit that a policy violation occurred, the Respondent (student) receives a notification that summarizes the alleged violations and lists the potential charges. (flowsheet)
- A Student Conduct Officer’s meeting is scheduled, affording the Respondent the opportunity to respond to the allegations and provide their side of the story.
- The Respondent submits a written statement responding to the allegations. The Student Conduct Officer will review and follow up with questions, if applicable.
- If the Student Conduct Officer determines whether “more likely than not” (“preponderance of the evidence”) based on all of the information provided, a policy violation occurred, educational sanctions may be imposed. (flowsheet)
- If the Student Conduct Officer determines whether “more likely than not” a violation did not occur based on the all of the information provided, the case is dismissed. (flowsheet)
- Either parties may file an appeal within 5 business days (excluding Saturday, Sunday, or Holidays), if either parties disagree with the Student Conduct Officer’s decision. (flowsheet)
Following the receipt of a report alleging hazing, the Student Conduct Officer conducts a fact-finding investigation of the allegations. This process is conducted in accordance with Article A(1-27), “Charges and Student Conduct Officer Meetings.” The following is a shortened summarized version of Article A(1-27), followed by an illustrated slide outlining the entire process:
- The Student Conduct Officer conducts an impartial and reliable preliminary investigation of all allegations to determine whether the allegations have merit or no merit if a policy violation occurred. (flowsheet)
- If it is determined the allegations have no merit a policy violation occurred, the report will be dismissed or resolved administratively.
- If it is determined the allegations have merit that a policy violation occurred, the Respondent (student) receives a notification that summarizes the alleged violations and lists the potential charges. (flowsheet)
- A Student Conduct Officer’s meeting is scheduled, affording the Respondent the opportunity to respond to the allegations and provide their side of the story.
- The Respondent submits a written statement responding to the allegations. The Student Conduct Officer will review and follow up with questions, if applicable.
- If the Student Conduct Officer determines whether “more likely than not” (“preponderance of the evidence”) based on all of the information provided, a policy violation occurred, educational sanctions may be imposed. (flowsheet)
- If the Student Conduct Officer determines whether “more likely than not” a violation did not occur based on the all of the information provided, the case is dismissed. (flowsheet)
- Either parties may file an appeal within 5 business days (excluding Saturday, Sunday, or Holidays), if either parties disagree with the Student Conduct Officer’s decision. (flowsheet)
The Student Conduct Officer (SCO) will conduct an impartial and reliable preliminary fact-finding investigation to determine if the allegation(s) have merit, or not; and/or if they can be resolved administratively by the SCO.
The SCO may request a meeting with you, as the Complainant, to gather more information and/or ask clarifying questions regarding the alleged incident. The SCO explains the Student Code of Conduct formal grievance process and available options to resolve this incident.
If there is sufficient information that a policy violation may have occurred the Respondent (student) is notice for a potential violation which includes a summary of the allegations and a list of potential charges under the Student Code of Conduct. The Respondent (student) is required to meet with the SCO to be afford the opportunity respond and provide their side of the story. The SCO determines whether “more likely than not” the Respondent either:
Violated the Student Code of Conduct: If there is sufficient information to formally charged (found responsible) the Respondent sanction(s) imposed. A record of the discipline is placed in the student’s disciplinary file.
No violation of the Student Code of Conduct: If there is insufficient information to formally charged (found not responsible) the Respondent, the case is dismissed and/or administratively resolved.
Educational Opportunity: On the other hand, if there is insufficient information that a policy violation occurred, the report is dismissed and/or administratively resolved. The SCO may consider sending an email to the student (Respondent) requesting a non-mandatory meeting to meet and discuss the issue and remind the student of their responsibility as a UH West O`ahu student. If the request is declined a follow up email will be sent outlining the reporter’s issue, request, and remind them of their responsibility. If the behavior continues, the student may be notice for a potential violation.
Visual Illustration: The Student Code of Conduct Grievance Process.
Yes, informal resolution! If either party request for an alternate form of resolution and the other party agrees. The parties will engage in an informal resolution. If the informal resolution results in mutual satisfaction by both parties the case is closed. If the case is not resolved, it may be forwarded to the Student Conduct Officer for a formal resolution.
Note: Informal resolution is available for cases involving both Sex Discrimination [Article III(B)(4)(a-i)] and Discrimination [Article III(B)(5)] only if a formal complaint has been filed and both parties agree to informally resolve the complaint (AP 1.204 IV(C)(1-6) & AP 1.202 III(C)(3)(a-f)). In addition, Sex Discrimination requires the approval of the Title IX Coordinator.
If you fail to contact the Student Conduct Office (SCO), fail to schedule an appointment, or fail to submit a written statement within five (5) working days (excluding Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays) of the date stated in the written notification, a hold will be placed on your account until you respond to the notification, which may delay registration or other institutional transactions. In such cases, the SCO will proceed with a determination based on the information available at that time. In addition, the Respondent shall be considered to have “waived” his or her right to appeal based on bias only (see Article IV(D)(4)(a-c) for details), and the decision of the SCO will be considered final.
The Student Code of Conduct shall apply to a student’s conduct even if the student (Respondent) withdraws from classes at UH West Oʻahu after a report was submitted or while a disciplinary matter is pending. A hold may be placed on the student’s (Respondent) account that may delay registration and other institutional transaction, until the conduct issues has been resolved.
The same Due Process procedures listed in Article IV(A)(1-27) will be followed to determine an admission decision.
The people who are involved in the Student Conduct Officer Meeting are the Respondent (student) and the Student Conduct Officer.
Representatives, parents or authorized campus personnel will only be allowed in this meeting at the discretion of the SCO when deemed appropriate. In addition, a FERPA release must be signed by the Respondent.
The Complainant and witness(es) are not present at the Student Conduct Officer Meeting. The Student Conduct Officer will meet with the Complainant and/or witness(es) during the preliminary fact-finding investigation to gather information regarding the incident before the Student Conduct Officer Meeting occurs.
The University of Hawai’i–West Oʻahu prohibits and will not tolerate retaliation as defined in the UH System Executive Policy EP 7.205 and the UH West Oʻahu Student Code of Conduct.
Retaliation will be reviewed as a separate offense under the Student Code of Conduct; that is a student can be found responsible for retaliation even if not found responsible for the underlying reported Student Code of Conduct violation.
Yes! As the Respondent or the Complainant, you may appeal the decision reached by the Student Conduct Officer (SCO). You will be provided information regarding the appeal process in the “Responsibility Letter” sent to you along with the link to the online appeal form.
For more information regarding appeals, please refer to Article IV(D)(1-6) in the Student Code of Conduct. (flowsheet)
Responsibility/Sanctions
In cases where a Respondent (student) is found responsible for a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the Student Conduct Officer (SCO) will impose discipline that is consistent with the impact of the offense on the UH West Oʻahu community. Article IV(B)(1-7) lists the possible sanctions a student may receive if they have been found responsible for engaging in prohibited conduct. Examples can be found here. Students should be aware that a record of the discipline is placed in their disciplinary file.
Contact the Student Conduct Officer, we are here to help you! Every sanction has a purpose and most are meant to be educational.
If you don’t understand what is expected of you or if you have questions about your sanction, please don’t hesitate to contact the Student Conduct Office to get clarification.
Failure to complete any of your sanction(s) stated in your “Responsibility Letter” may result in a hold placed on your student account until your sanction(s) are submitted and accepted, which may delay registration or other institutional transactions. You may also receive a notice for a potential violation; “Failure to complete required sanctions.”
Questions?
If you have questions whether a potential violation occurred or if you are unsure on how to proceed in submitting an incident report, come talk with us.