Does campus disciplinary authority extend to pandemic‐related conduct issues?

Abstract

Although there are exceptions, most institutions’ published disciplinary rules and processes focus only on conduct that occurs on campus or at institution‐related off‐campus events. But the COVID‐19 pandemic has created some challenges regarding institutional jurisdiction for off‐campus conduct. Seeking to reduce the likelihood of COVID‐19 transmission, institutions have set rules and expectations about student behavior in their daily lives even off‐campus and even beyond institution‐related activities. Some legal challenges have arisen regarding pandemic‐related conduct and discipline.