The Central Michigan University Seal is displayed outside Warriner Hall, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. (CMLife | Ali
Central Michigan University’s Code of Student Conduct has been revised for the first time in several years. However, most students won’t be able to notice these changes. CMU’s Office of Student Conduct revised the code to match what the university does.
“We match the wording of the new code to match the reality of what we do,” saidThomas Idema Jr., director of the Office of Student Conduct.
Idema said these changes aren’t typically something students would notice. However, he said he has received positive feedback from many major campus organizations affected by the code, including the Residence Hall Association.
“The revised Code of Student Conduct reinforces an approach that Residence Life has been working toward: balancing accountability with education, support and opportunities for student growth,” Nick Sweeton, executive director of Residence Life,said.
The updated code now reflects a more supportive way of dealing with code violations, as it focuses on educational opportunities for students to learn from their actions. Idema said that the code is now much more supportive and includes more education-based provisions. Additionally, he said the disciplinary process could now include a referral to CMU Cares.
The code explains the expectations of students in the CMU community, what their rights and responsibilities are and how the university addresses code violations.
According to the Code of Conduct website, the process to address concerns begins with a report made to the Office of Student Conduct, and from there, the office will reach out to the person to request a meeting. In that meeting, the student will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their perspective, as well as discuss the next steps in the process. If the student does not engage with the communication from the Office of Student Conduct, then the office will make a decision based on the available information.
Idema said that Residence Life is where most of the reports of code violations come from. The main types of concerns that ResLife handles are alcohol and controlled substance violations, noise complaints and violations of community expectations.
“When concerns arise about student behavior, our staff document those concerns and work in partnership with the Office of Student Conduct to ensure they are addressed fairly and consistently,” Sweeton said.
Sweeton said that it is important for students to understand not only what the policy says, but also why it exists and how it affects them. CMU’s Resident Assistants and professorial staff help educate students so they fully understand these expectations. He said they do this by answering questions and discussing what it means to be a responsible resident in the dorms.
“Education about community expectations begins when students move into the residence halls and continues throughout their time living on campus,” Sweeton said.
The Office of Student Conduct welcomes student feedback on the code and any other concerns they may have. Students can share their feedback by emailing studentconduct@cmich.edu.
“We don’t want to sit here and get students in trouble for stuff; we want to get them to graduation,” said Idema.
The new code took effect on Sept. 24 and was sent to CMU studentsre then will be addressed under the previous code
