Code of Conduct

Introduction
The University of Rhode Island values fair play and the generally recognized high standards associated with wholesome competitive sports. Participation on an intercollegiate team is a privilege and should be treated as such. The Athletics Department and student-athletes are a window to the University. Student-athletes often are in the spotlight; their behavior is subject to scrutiny by their peers, the campus, local and national communities, and the news media. The actions of one student-athlete may reflect positively or negatively on the team, Athletics Department and University. Therefore, student-athletes at the University of Rhode Island are expected to represent themselves, their teams and the University with honesty, integrity and character -- whether academically, athletically or socially.

Violations of Local, State, Federal Laws
Student-athletes are subject to city, state and federal laws. A student-athlete who is charged with violating local ordinances, state statues or federal laws or who is arrested in connection with possible illegal activity may be subject to immediate suspension from team activities pending further investigation.

Policy on Student-Athlete Conduct
Student-athletes are expected to:

  • abide by University, Athletics Department and team policies;

  • follow the NCAA Principle of Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct, and the Atlantic 10 and Colonial Athletic Association codes of conduct;

  • refrain from the consumption or possession of alcohol (regardless of the student's age) or illegal drugs while involved in any team-related activities;

  • refrain from hazing;

  • refrain from inappropriately using an on-line social network;

  • complete their academic coursework in a timely fashion and make progress toward their degree each semester;

  • attend all classes as scheduled and follow University guidelines for excused absences;

  • understand that plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated;

  • communicate with their teammates, coaches, faculty, and other members of the campus community with honesty and timeliness;

  • be respectful of all others and treat people as they would want to be treated; and

  • o assist in promoting positive attitudes among all involved in their program.
Consequences
The consequences for a violation of the Code of Conduct may include, but are not limited to: verbal warning; written reprimand; community service; mandatory behavioral assessment/counseling (including required chemical dependency assessment and/or treatment; anger management training; other counseling as determined by appropriate professionals); immediate suspension from the next regular or postseason competition(s); suspension from the team; reduction, cancellation or non-renewal of athletics scholarship; and dismissal from the team. The University may impose additional sanctions, including probation, suspension from school, or dismissal from the University.

For the purposes of this Code of Conduct, suspension from the team means that student-athletes may not practice, compete or travel with any URI athletics team. Suspended student-athletes may, with the written approval of the coach and the appropriate administrator, attend team meetings and retain privileges to access the athletic training room, academic support services and the weight-training facility.

Process
A written copy of team rules and the URI Student-Athlete Code of Conduct will be provided to each student-athlete at the start of each academic year. These also will be available online, along with links to the NCAA Principle of Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct and Atlantic 10 and Colonial Athletic Association codes of conduct. Student-athletes also will be directed to the University of Rhode Island Student Handbook, which is available online at http://www.uri.edu/judicial/studenthandbook.pdf

It is a student-athlete's responsibility to report to his/her head coach within 24 hours involvement in any violation of law or campus policies. The head coach will immediately inform the Director of Athletics (or designee), who then will inform the appropriate administrators. Self-reporting an incident may help to reduce sanctions.

A student-athlete who is found to be responsible for violations of the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct will, at the first available opportunity, have an in-person meeting with the Director of Athletics (or designee) and his/her head coach. After collecting other information and speaking with appropriate parties, the head coach and Director of Athletics will determine the course of action. The head coach will notify the student-athlete of the consequence at an in-person meeting and will follow up in writing to the student-athlete and Director of Athletics.

A student-athlete may appeal the decision of a disciplinary suspension to the Appeals Committee, a review board comprised of the Faculty Athletics Representative, the Vice President for Student Affairs (or designee), and the Senior Woman Administrator. Such a request must be in writing and must be submitted to the members of the

Appeals Board within (5) days after receipt of the notice of suspension. Based on a review of available information, the Appeals Board may uphold, reverse or modify the suspension.

Violations of policies in the University of Rhode Island Student Handbook for which a student-athlete is found responsible through the university's judicial process are considered to be violations of the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct. The Dean of Students (or his/her designee) will report such violations, including charges and sanctions issued, to the Director of Athletics, who in turn will immediately inform the student-athlete's head coach.

Team or Athletics Department sanctions may be imposed in advance of campus disciplinary actions or criminal proceedings.